The pitiable condition of the Man From the Tomb

Gospel Thoughts

*Fourth Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 5:1-20*

*First Reading - Heb 11:32-40*

*The pitiable condition of the Man From the Tomb*

*1) A man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit*

*Man from the tomb* is a frightening expression. We never hear such expression and we are frightened about to hear such expression.

As we know tomb is a scary place for all the living beings. 

Specially when it comes to the human beings, tomb symbolizes the end of our life

Death and tomb has close connection with each other 

So *man from the tomb* is a terrible expression

*2) Inside Scene of the Tomb*

Usually we don't want to see the inside of the tomb

Because it is full of foul smell, rotten things, scary scene, and lifeless bones are found 

Such horrible scene no body wants to see it and people avoid seeing such things

*3) Situation of the Man from the Tomb*

First of all this man was possessed with an evil spirit, which made to live in the tombs. Finally this led him to become the *man from the Tomb*

As the tomb symbolizes the death, this man was practically dead to many things 

He was dead to good things, divine realities, Gods grace, spiritual life, human life, decent life, and to the respectful living 

Tomb is also a place of foul smell. Like wise the *man from the tomb* was stinking in many areas 

His body was stinking, his mind was stinking, his soul was stinking, his approach, attitude, behavior, and his words were stinking 

His whole life along with various aspects were stinking 

Tomb also symbolises the rotten things. This man from tomb was rotten in many ways. 

His mind, heart, normal way of life was completely rotten 

Tomb is a scary place: the man from tomb appeared to be very scary

Because he was bound in chains, no one was able to restrain him, he was so powerful that he broke all the chains, day night stayed in the tomb, crying with loud vice and bruising himself with stones.

Such a scene would appear as scary to any one 

*4) The unclean spirit or sin led the man into tomb* 

It is very clear that the unclean spirit led the man into tombs and finally made him to live in the tomb

So the final destination of the evil spirit or sin is the tomb

And tomb symbolizes the death, destruction, end and lifeless thing and terrible smell 

This is the destination of the sin and evil spirit

*5) This unclean spirit had terrible and uncontrollable strength*

He could break the chain 

He could live in the tombs 

He could cry loud and bruise himself with stone 

This shows the uncontrollable strength

There are some areas even in our life which have some traits of this unclean spirit 

The unclean spirit of anger gives us uncontrollable strength

The unclean spirit of gossip has tremendous power to spread the lies 

The unclean spirit of revenge is terribly powerful when it wants to take revenge

The unclean spirit of jealousy gives us tremendous power to fight against the good person 

The unclean spirit of narrow mentality for language, culture, rite, region, mannerism gives us tremendous strength to fight for these useless things 

All these fights initiated by the unclean spirit finally leads us to the Tomb. Therefore we need to be careful 

*6) Mad man lives in the tomb*

A man with mentally not sound will live in the tombs

In other words a mad man is found in the tombs

Sin or evil spirit finally takes away our spiritual mental balance and we become mentally not sound people to do our normal spiritual activities. 

So we need to be very careful 

*7)  Which are the unclean spirits in me make me to live in tombs*

Following are the various tombs 

Anger, revenge, greed, pride, gossip, etc 

Be careful about these tombs which destroy our life

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Beware of the symptoms of an unclean Spirit in my Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Fourth Week : Sunday

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:21-28*

*First Reading - Dt 18:15-20*

*Second Reading : 1 Cor 7:32-35*

*Beware of the symptoms of an unclean Spirit in my Life*

*1) The Unclean spirit makes a person to cry/Shout with loud voice*

This something abnormal : *What have you to do with us*

It shows the refusal to relate with Jesus/God

Unclean spirit is an obstacle to relate with God

One can't relate with the person who shouts or cries with loud voice 

Basically a loud cry or shouting with loud voice becomes an obstacle to relate with the other

The attitude of crying or shouting shows a kind of fear, insecurity, inferior complex, lack of confidence, guilt feeling, etc from the part who shouts 

The very attitude of shouting also shows that person has done something wrong and inorder to hide his/her fault or to prove that his/her view point is right, the person shouts 

Normally some people have an impression that one who is able to shout with loud voice he/she is right 

But the very fact one shouts it shows some kind of deficiency in the one who shouts 

By shouting with loud voice the unclean spirit is showing its unwillingness to relate with Jesus or shows its inability to relate with Jesus 

The shouting of the unclean spirit also shows the fear, anxiety, some wring doing  and guilt feeling of the unclean spirit 

The shouting of the unclean spirit shows its helplessness and desperate situation

*2) The shouting and the attitude of unclean spirit in our life*

The unclean spirit of anger, makes us to shout at others 

The unclean spirit of revenge, makes us to yell at others 

The unclean spirit of gossip, makes us to shout loudly in spoiling the name of another person 

The unclean spirit of pride makes us shout loudly to show ones power over another 

The unclean spirit of jealousy makes us to shout loudly in spoiling their good deeds. 

*3) Secondly the unclean spirit sees other as destroyer, Threat, and danger*

*Have you come to destroy us?*

*The other is a Hell - Jean Paul Sartre*

For the unclean spirit the other/Jesus appears to be an destroyer, threat and Hell. 

One who does good and sees good in others will never be able to see the other as destroyer, threat, and hell 

A person who does evil things to others, because he/she thinks that the other is a threat, other is a destroyer, and other is hell 

So once approach to others will tell us, whether we are in possession of the unclean spirit or not 

The presence of unclean spirit makes us to see the other as destroyer, threat, and hell. 

What about my relationship with others? 

Do I take them as obstacles to my path? 

Do I try to eliminate them in some way or the other 

Do I have these symptoms of unclean spirit in my life?*

*4) The unclean spirit knows the fact but does not want to accept it*

The unclean spirit says - *I know who you are—the Holy One of God!*

In fact this is the reality and the truth 

The unclean spirit knows the truth, but at the same time it twists the spirit of the truth 

It says *Have u come to destroy us*

Trying to malign the spirit of the truth, by adding to it some malicious things.

He is the Holy one of God, but came to destroy us - the subtle way of distorting the truth 

In our life it may take in the following ways 

He is good leader but he does not work, he is a lazzy 

He appears to be very sober, but he/she is a very dangerous person 

He is good man, but does not support me in any way 

He takes leadership, but for his own selfish motives 

These are the symptoms of this unclean spirit, even after knowing the truth unwilling to accept it in the right spirit 

*5) The unclean spirit convulsed him*

This is the attempt of the unclean spirit to make the person completely incapable of doing anything 

The convulsions to make the person to fear, or to create anxiety and tension 

The convulsions to make the person to behave in an abnormal way, to show its power 

The convulsions also an attempt by the unclean spirit, without me you can do nothing 

Going out from a place or from a situation or from a relationship, by creating a scene of convulsions, shows that the person is not happy either with the place, or mission, or with the persons 

The attempt of the unclean spirit to bring the convulsions shows that there is no growth what so ever. It shows the terrible feeling and situation of the unclean spirit

Do I create the scenes of convulsions in my life, relationships, Family, work place, in neighborhood, society and in the parish. 

*6) The call to become a genuine prophet - and the unclean spirit*

 

The main theme of today's liturgy is to become a genuine prophet 

A call to become a prophet - in this mission and journey we need to be very careful not to yield the the temptations of unclean spirit

The above attitudes of unclean spirit are the obstacles to become a genuine prophet

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

When the evening comes, there arises the need of crossing over to the other side

Gospel Thoughts

*Third Week : Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 4:35-41*

*First Reading - Heb 11:1-2, 8-19*

*When the evening comes, there arises the need of crossing over to the other side*

*On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: "Let us cross to the other side"*

*1) Jesus tells His disciples to cross over to the other side, when evening drew near*

Coming of evening is a reality. 

When evening comes, it is an indication of the greater darkness which will follow within in no time. 

In the darkness one can't do anything. So there is a need of crossing to the other side where it is safe 

The darkness also creates a kind of anxiety and fear. So usually people don't want to remain in darkness. 

*2) Darkness need to see beyond the physical level*

In the context of the Gospel, the biblical writer refers to the physical darkness which will follow when the sun sets 

We are familiar with the physical darkness, and we know the anxiety, fear and problems which are attached to the physical darkness

But we need to see this darkness in our spiritual life too, which gives us a powerful message to our life. 

*3) Coming of evenings in our day to day life*

Coming of the evenings in our life is also a reality. 

Coming of the evening in our life is an indication, of greater crisis, problem, or tough situation in our life 

All of us experience such kind of evenings in our life 

In such a situation it is necessary to cross over to the other side for our own protection

*4) Meaning of the other Side*

Other side could be understood as the place we are able to prepare ourselves to face the challenge or the crisis or the problem

*Other side* will also give us some kind of confidence of hope to face our challenges 

*Other side* appears to be a safer place to face all kinds of darkness in ones life 

*Other side* also will help us to have a new beginning to our life 

*5) The various situations which can be compared to the evenings of life*

A person who cought up in bad habits like drinks, drugs, too much  attachment wordly things - these are a kind of evenings of life. When these come into our life, there is a need of crossing over to the other side 

Other examples could be the following

When we lose the interest for prayer and engrossed too much in worldly things 

 

When we are too much greedy for things, and desire for bodily pleasures 

When we think that we are always right, the self-righteous attitude 

When we are arrogant, fail to forgive another, desire to take revenge, and fail to extend a helping hand to the needy. 

These evenings are the indications of greater darkness which will enter in our lives 

Before the darkness comes into our life, we need to  cross over to the other side.

*6) Am I ready to cross over to the other side*

There is no other alternative than crossing over to the other side when there is evening in our life. 

Crossing over to the other side will help us to save ourselves from greater darkness. 

Only we need to recognize when the evening comes and need to  cross over immediately 

So am I prepared myself to recognize the coming of evening in my life and cross over to the other side. 

Some are not able to recognize the coming of evening in their life. Such persons will face greater darkness in their lives 

So we need to be very careful about the coming of evenings in our lives

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Is my life like a tree with branches or without Branches

Gospel Thoughts

*Third Week : Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 4:26-34*

*First Reading - Heb 10:32-39*

*Is my life like a tree with branches or without Branches*

*1) Mustard tree with Large branches*

In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus makes a mention of the mustard tree with Large branches. 

This large branches were used by the birds of the air to dwell in its shade or to build nests in the branches 

So branches of the tree have a wonderful mission towards the nature. 

*2) Branch never says no to any creatures*

The branch is always keeps its branches open for either for the birds or to the other creatures to dwell in it 

The nature of the banch is always to extend support in different ways, may be giving shade, or helping the birds to build their nests, etc 

The open branches are the sign of warm welcome and it is the sign of the generosity of the tree. 

*3)Tree without a branch*

Imagine a tree without branches. 

First of all hardly we find trees with out any beaches 

Every tree for that matter has one or the other Branch

In fact branch gives the beauty to the tree and through the branches the tree becomes very attractive. 

In this context a tree without any branch becomes useless, because it can not give any shade, it can't give any shelter to the birds, and such trees are not attractive and not able to produce any fruit. 

*4) Tree with thorny branches* 

There are also trees with full of thorns. Such trees produce the branches, which are full of thorns 

If the branches are filled with the thorns, no bird can enter and make its nests

If the tree is surrounded with thorny branches no one can go near the tree and take rest under it. 

The very appearance of the thorny look makes people not to go near to   it, because of the danger involved in it 

Normally the thorny look of the branches is a scary look, which creates a kind of fear factor in our lives. 

*5) Life is like a tree with branches*

A tree with branches always appears good and it produces much fruit. 

We should make our life like a good tree with fruitful branches to yield much fruits. 

*6) The possible branches of our life*

Our life should have the following branches to produce much fruit. 

The tree of life with the branch of forgiveness

The tree of life with the branches of love, generosity, humility, compassion, gratitude, sacrifice, sincerity, trust, faithfulness, concern, care, service etc 

Life with these above branches will attract many people towards us and they learn many good things from it 

Life with these above branches will help us to live our life with Holiness and with Kingdom values 

*7) The Thorny branches of our life*

The following could be considered as the thorny branches of our life

Pride, arrogance, gossip, revenge, greed, selfishness, non cooperation, anger, etc 

These are equal to thorny branches which make our life miserable

*8) What are the branches of my life?*

This is a very important question to reflect about our own life 

Do I have the branches which are useful for me and for others? 

Or Do I have those thorny branches which creates a scary look and fear in others? 

*Think about this*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Lamp on Lamp Stand : Life on What stand?

Gospel Thoughts

*Third Week : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 4:21-25*

*First Reading - Heb 10:19-25*

*Lamp on Lamp Stand : Life on What stand?*

*1) Light on the Lamp Stand*

This is a beautiful image, which communicates a powerful message 

Lamp on the lamp stand first of all captures the attention of those who are around it 

Lamp on the lamp stand, can spread its light to vast area

Light on the lamp stand increases the dignity of the light 

Light on the lamp stand creates a beautiful and happy feeling and it changes the mood of the situation. 

*2) Importance of the stand*

If there no stand for the lamp then the brightness of the light becomes very less

Without the lamp stand the light can't spread its brightness to the vast area

With out the lamp stand, it loses its definitive place to keep it and anybody can change its place from position to another 

Without lamp stand the lamp becomes a moving thing, without having its own dignity. 

*3) Life is a burning Lamp*

God has created our life in such a way that it can be compared to a burning lamp 

Like burning lamp, life gives light, life is full of attractions, life is beautiful, life is colourful, life shows many things, life creates energy, life gives happiness, life conquers the darkness and its forces 

So burning lamp and life is closely connected with each other. 

*4) Where I have kept my burning life?*

Like that burning lamp needs the lamp stand, burning life or our life too needs the stands to spread its light. If then where is and what are my *life stands*? 

Like wise lamp stand we need life stand on which our life shines 

*Various stands could the following*

Life on the truth stand 

Life on the Humility stand 

Life on the justice stand 

Life on the smile stand 

Life on the hardwork stand 

Life on the sincerity stand 

Life on the simplicity stand 

Life on the forgiveness stand 

Life on the sacrifice stand 

Life on the generosity stand 

Life on the service stand 

Life on the relationship stand 

Life on the love stand 

The above mentioned stands are very powerful and most suitable stands for the life to spread its fragrance and beauty to others 

*5) Light under the bushel basket*

This light goes off immediately. It is not able to burn for very long time 

Secondly it can't spread its light to everyone, since the basket covers lits light. 

*6) Life under the bushel basket or under the bed*

If we are not careful life can simply go under the bushel basket or under the bed

Such a life spreads only darkness, negativity and hopelessness. 

These are some of the Bushel baskets which cover the burning  light of life.

The bushel basket of Pride

The bushel basket of arrogance

The bushel basket of revenge, 

The bushel basket of hatred 

The bushel baskets of gossip, anger, jealousy, indifference, prejudice, greed for money, power and for things, cheating etc 

The moment these bushel baskets enter into our life, it automatically affects the burning light of life and finally takes off the burning light of ones life. 

*7) Where is my burning light of Life?*

Have I kept it on the lamp stand to spread its beautiful light? 

Or have I hidden it under the bushel basket or under the bed? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Mystery of the Seeds fell on the Rich Soil - 30% 60% and 100%

Gospel Thoughts

*Third Week : Wednesay*

*GOSPEL - Mk 4:1-20*

*First Reading - Heb 10:11-18*

*The  Mystery of the Seeds fell on the Rich Soil*

*1) Seeds fell on 4 different places*

The parable of the sower makes it very clear that sown  seeds fell into different places 

Some fell on the path ways, others on the rocky ground, still other seeds fell on the thorny bushes and also on the good and rich soil. 

These four different places also give four different results irrespective of the quality of the seeds. 

*2) All seeds fell on the rich Soil - Good or Bad?*

Usually the sower sows the good seeds, when he begins his work 

Even then one can't guarantee that all the seeds which were sown   by the sower were completely good 

As our experience says that at least there may be a small percentage of the seeds, which were not good, also were found among the good seeds, which also fell in different places 

This makes us clear that all the seeds which fell in the good and rich soil were not completely 100% pure and perfect 

There might have been a small percentage of the seeds which were not good, but still fell on the good and rich soil

*3) Bad seeds on the good and rich soil*

Even the soil was very good and fertile, it could not make any difference in the life of bad seed. 

The bad seed either didn't sprout or it died with out having any change

So bad seed even if it falls on the good and rich soil can make no difference

 

*4) Good seed  on the good soil - But out come is different - Why?*

All the good seeds on the good soil, came up and they started to yield the fruit 

The Gospel makes it very clear that, all the good seed produced fruits in different levels 

Some produced 30% and others 60% and still other seed 100%

So this is the real mystery. All good seeds, fell on good and rich soil, still out come was different. Why?

*5) Variety is the law of the Nature*

The simplest answer to this difference may be, the beauty of variety

The variety makes the whole story of the parable of the sower beautiful and communicates a powerful message 

The message is, variety is the law of the nature and it is not only found in the plants but also very much applicable to the human being 

So unity is not the uniformity, but the real unity is found in diversity

*6) Every one is unique and different*

The very fact that the good seeds on the good and rich soil produced, different levels of fruit, it shows the uniqueness and speciality of each and every seed. 

Evey seed has its own existence and speciality. One needs to respect this uniqueness and speciality

*7) Jesus never said the seed which produced 100% fruit was better than other seed*

Its very clear that, good seed which fell on the good and rich soil produced fruit in 30, 60 and in 100 fold. With this explanation the parable ends 

There is no evaluation on which is better seed among this seed. 

All seeds which produced fruit in different level were considered to be good and best seeds. 

This is something special and unique in the parable 

*8) All can't produced 100% result in everything*

Only few seeds produced 100% result. 

One can't expect all the seeds to produce 100% result in everything. 

This is impossible. So different levels are the part of the system itself 

*9) 30% 60% and 100% is the law of Human life*

30, 60, 100% is very much applicable to human life 

This perticular ratio explains the variety in human life 

All good people can't be 100% in every aspect or in every area of life 

One person may be 100% in one area, 60% in another area and 30% in third area. This is quite common 

So all of us have some areas which produce 100% results, other areas 60% results and still other areas 30% results. 

So one person is not better than another person. 

All are unique and special in the sight of God 

All three areas are very much necessary 30, 60 and 100. So this is the beauty of Human life. 

So I have no reason to consider myself better than others. All are unique and special in their own way 

*10) 30, 60 and 100 is a deep insight  - think about it*

This ratio is not a simple equation. It is the equation of life 

It is the equation which makes us to think the beauty and variety of  life 

This equation is the foundation to remove all kinds of inequality, superiority and inferiority complex

This equation teaches a powerful lesson to our life and makes us feel that all are important and unique and special 

*Think about this*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

One needs to work for real freedom

Gospel Thoughts*

*Third Week : Tuesday*

*Republic Day*

*GOSPEL - John 8: 31- 42*

*First Reading - 1 Tim 2:1-8*

*One needs to work for freedom*

*1) Republic day - A call to reflect about our tree freedom*

Today as we celebrate the Republic day the concept of freedom is very much highlighted in today's Gospel reading. 

At two levels we need to reflect about this freedom.

First as the free citizens of our country. In fact we have this freedom. Let's thank God for the same 

Secondly at the personal level, or at the spiritual level. Am I really free to excercise my freedom at the spiritual level 

*2) Real freedom comes only with the Struggle*

This is the fact of experience. Freedom does not come freely. One has to fight for it and only then one is able to experience the true freedom 

If so even at the spiritual level, in order to experience this freedom we need to fight for it. 

Fight for freedom at the spiritual level is not an easy task. It is very difficult and challenging task. 

*3) Sin is our enemy*

Sin is one of the powerful enemies, which pushes the human beings into the slavery of sin 

Since the influence of sin is very much found in our life, unless one is careful one can't escape from the slavery of sin 

Sin makes us slave and we are not able to do, what we are supposed to do

*4) One needs continuous fight to free oneself from the slavery of Sin*

Fight against the slavery of sin must be continuous. 

It is very difficult to say that we are fully free from the influence of Sin 

Continuous struggle or fight against the slavery of sin will help us to liberate ourselves from the clutches of Sin 

Let's us fight continuously to realise this beautiful inner freedom

*5) Freedom is a very beautiful concept*

Everyone knows what is freedom and everybody loves the real and true freedom 

Freedom makes our life more spontaneous and more productive 

Freedom gives the real identity to the person and dignity to his/her personally

*6) How do I understand the true freedom?*

According to Jesus, true freedom is the freedom where one is free from the influence of sin 

True freedom makes us to create a family atmosphere with deep relationship

True freedom helps us to understand what is the real truth 

Do I understand freedom in the above mentioned thing? What is the real meaning of freedom in my life? 

*7) Without Freedom we are nothing*

Without freedom we lose our self identity. Then we belong nowhere 

Without freedom we can do nothing. We need to surrender to the things which come on our lives. Since we don't have freedom, we can't control these things 

*8) True freedom leads us to the genuine truth*

True inner freedom gives us the special strength and courage. 

Does my freedom leads me to the ultimate truth? 

Does my freedom help me to know what is good and what is bad? 

How far my freedom is effected because of the sins?

Think about it 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The power and importance of speaking the New Languages

Gospel Thoughts*

*Third Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 16:15-18*

Conversion of St Paul 

*First Reading - Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22*

*The power and importance of speaking the New Languages*

*1) Those who believe in Jesus will speak new languages*

This is the promise of Jesus that those who believe in Jesus will have the special power of speaking the new languages. 

The very fact one who believes in Jesus, puts on Jesus or follows Jesus very closely 

If so, he/she is able to speak the language, which Jesus himself spoke during His ministry. 

If then what is the languages those were spoken by Jesus? 

*2) The various languages of Jesus*

*A) The languages of Love*

From the beginning of His ministry Jesus spoke this language. He not only spoke this language He did follow this language in everything. Therefore He even said love your enemies and loved His enemies. That is the power of the language of Love. 

*B) The language of forgiveness*

One of powerful languages of Jesus, even today which speaks very loudly among the Christians. *Lord forgive them they do not know what they are doing* The power of the language of forgiveness

*C) The language of Humility*

Jesus spoke this language very powerfully and loudly. His language of humility culminates in washing of the feet of His disciples and dying on the Cross. 

*D) The language of sacrifice*

His birth itself spoke this language and His death spoke very loudly this language. 

*E) The language of Service*

This language is at the centre of Jesus' Mission. He spoke and practiced this language wherever He went 

*F) The language of Truth*

This language Jesus spoke very boldly and encouraged every one to speak through their lives 

*G) The language of Justice, equality and Sharing*

*H) The language of courage, team spirit, Holiness, Simplicity, sincerity, concern for others*

These were the various powerful languages which were spoken by Jesus when He did His ministry

*3) New languages in our lives*

Since Jesus spoke these languages and when He says, one who believes in Jesus, will be able to speak new languages. 

What a beautiful languages are these to speak, in the context of building the Kingdom of God. 

Unless one makes a special efforts one may not able to speak and communicate the message of the Kingdom of God

*4) Without language one can't communicate* 

When a person is unable to speak a language which is necessary in a place, he/she becomes a great failure 

Like wise when a person is able to speak the above language, he/she can not communicate the message of the Kingdom of God, and they become a great failures in building the Kingdom of God. 

Therefore language is very important to communicate the ideas and to build the Kingdom of God. 

*5) Am I able to speak the above languages?* 

We are all the followers of Christ. But are we able to speak the above languages of Jesus 

Which are the languages I am able to speak fluently? 

Which are the languages I am still finding difficult or impossible to speak? 

Does these new languages make any sense in our lives?

Which is my favourite language? 

Am I able to learn some new language for the effective ministry in building the Kingdom of God. 

*Think about this*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The need of leaving the Fishing net, in order to follow Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Third Week : Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:14-20*

*First Reading - Jon 3:1-5, 10*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 7:29-31*

*The need of leaving the Fishing net, in order to follow Jesus*

*1) Fishing net was one of the important things, which was left by all four disciples*

In the Gospel, we find that, when Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, they were busy with their fishing nets 

Among the many things which were left by these disciples, net appears to be one of  important things. 

Leaving the net was very necessary and the first disciples were ready to leave their nets 

If so what is the speciality of the net? Why it was very necessary for the disciples to leave the net?

*2) First of all net is instrument, which is used for trapping*

The very nature of the net is to trap the fish 

Trapping is something which is done in a secrete way. 

Trapping always something which speaks in a negative way. Trapping is not something which is very positive 

Trapping is some kind of cheating and it works in a hidden way 

*3) Once something is caught in net, can't escape*

When something gets into the net, it can't escape very easily. 

The fish which is caught in the net, in no way is able to escape 

So net is a terrible thing for the fish, when it gets caught with the net. 

*4) Net risks life*

The life of fish, which is cought  in net, becomes  fatal. 

The ultimate end of the fish, which is cought in net is death itself 

So the net will bring the terrible end for the fish and the life is gone.

*5) Net is a dangerous thing*

So in its negative understanding net appears to be a dangerous thing

One can't play with the net, since its nature is very tricky and problematic

Because of the above mentioned things, the disciples could not take the net along with them, when they were about to follow Jesus, but they left the net and followed Jesus 

*6) Sin works like a net in our life*

The people of Nineveh, were cought in the net of sin and they were not able to come out it 

The situation became worse and they were about to be destroyed because of their sin 

The power of the net of sin is so terrible it destroys everything in ones life and life itself 

*7) To escape from the net one needs the help of others*

One can't save oneself, when one gets cought with the net 

The more we try to escape from the net, the worse the situation becomes 

Finally some one else has to help us to come out from this net 

God sent prophet Johna to render His helping hand to Ninevites to come out the the net of Sin 

They cooperated with the Prophet and Finally they were able to come out of it. 

*8) Which are the nets I am cought in?*

Am I free from the sinful nets or am I cought up in those terrible nets? 

The net of pride 

The net of anger 

The net of revenge 

The net of greed 

The net of jealousy 

The net of gossip

The net of self-righteousness

The net of un-forgiveness

The net of negativity and criticism 

*9) Am I ready to leave these nets?*

The disciples of Jesus left these nets and they were successful

The people of Nineveh left their net of sin  they were saved 

Today like the disciples and the people of Nineveh, we need to leave the nets to follow Jesus. 

Am I ready. Think about it. 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Out of His mind - How to understand it?

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 3:20-21*

*First Reading - Heb 9:2-3, 11-14*

*Out of His mind - How to understand it?*

*1)  Out of mind - popular understanding*

A person who does the things other than the normal way, is usually called as the who is out of his/her mind

This phrase also applies to the person who is not mentally sound.

Positively we can also apply this phrase to a person who does things out of the normal way, peculiar way, unexpected way, most creative way, unimaginable way etc 

*2) In the Context it refers to Jesus - Why?*

First of all it is directly addressed to Jesus by his own relatives 

The relatives may be those people who were coming from Nazareth, since he was native of Nazareth. 

When His native people or relatives had come in search of Him, He was out of Nazareth for so many days 

Apart from this, when those people who come from Nazareth, saw Jesus, their native person who was performing great miracles they could not believe and also could not digest 

They also came to know that Jesus is the real Messiah, which once again was a difficult truth to accept Him 

So the easiest way to degrade or to disagree with the person is to defame His name saying *He is out of His mind*

*3) Out of His mind is also used to target a person*

This phrase is also used to criticize or degrade the persons achievement. 

Specially when a person who appears to be  a rival in our way, and when He/She gets more popularity than us, this is the phrase which is commonly uses to target the person and also to take the revenge 

So when this phrase was used to target Jesus, it is clear that it was used to degrade, disagree, and to lesson His popularity, which Jesus was gaining because of His healing and effective mission

*4) Out of His mind also refers to - Out of the Way things were done*

The mission of Jesus was carried always in a way, which was not a ordinary or normal way

In other words the mission of Jesus demands the *Out of the Way/Mind* to accomplish its goal 

We need to go out of the Box, or out of the normal way or out our normal mind set, in order to accomplish the mission of the Lord. 

Taking this position and doing the mission of the Lord may appear to others exactly as *he/she is out of his/her mind* behaviour. 

*5) Out of His/Her mind is a normal way for doing the mission of the Lord*

In order to practice the values of Jesus, one must put on the nature of *out of ones mind* attitude 

Some examples would be 

Forgiving ones enemies

 

Praying for those who do evil and persecute us 

Scarifying ones life for others 

Allowing others to become great and practicing the virtue of Humility

According to the Worldly standards, a person who is sound in his/her mind can't practice these values 

For the world who practices these values are out of their minds. This is the logic of out of ones mind for the sake of Jesus

*6) Christians are called to pratice *Out of ones mind attitude in doing the mission of the Lord*

We are the followers of Jesus 

In fact Jesus practised the attitude of *out of His mind* when He forgave His enemies from the Cross, when He washed the feet of His disciples, when He touched the lepers and when He ate with the sinners 

So we are called upon to put on the attitude of *out of ones mind* attitude in order to pratice the values of the Kingdom of Heaven

*7) Am I ready to take up this challenge - out of ones mind?*

One can't become a real disciple of Jesus by following the standards of the world. 

Following Jesus way is, something which is different from normal way, which is out of the box, and which goes beyond the normal borders of the world. 

Unless we go out of this box of the standards of the world we can not become the genuine disciples of Jesus 

So the practicing the values of Jesus demands the attitude of *out of ones mind* 

So am I ready to go out of my mind in order to proclaim Christ through my life itself? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Judas' name always follows with a special reference : Who betrayed Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 3:13-19*

*First Reading - Heb 8:6-13*

*Judas' name always follows with a special reference : Who betrayed Jesus*

*1) Except Judas' name, all other names appear in a positive note*

All the names of the apostles are given in the list 

There are 12 Apostles of Jesus and all the 12 names are found in the list 

There is a major difference between the name of Judas and other apostles. 

All the 11 names appear in a normal way without having any negative tone attached to the name 

But the name of Judas appear in a negative tone : Judas Iscariot one who betrayed Jesus

*2) Why Judas' name has this nagative aspect?*

First of all it shows something very bad might have happened in the life of Judas. 

As we gather from the Gospel accounts, Judas is the one who betrayed Jesus and this appears to be a very serious crime from the part of Judas. 

So Judas is always referred as the one who betrayed Jesus

*3) Peter denied, Judas betrayed - What is the difference*

Peter also had denied Jesus three times.

Even then Peter was never referred as the one who denied Jesus. 

Peters name does not have this negative tone like that of Judas. 

No boday calls *Peter one who denied Jesus*. Such a thing is not found. 

But the name of Judas, always follows *one who betrayed Jesus*

Reason for the difference is very simple :

Peter realised His mistake and looked at Jesus for the mercy, and finally he changed his life 

Judas also realised his mistake, but didn't ask for God's mercy and finally destroyed his own life 

The betrayal ended in self destruction

The denial ended in changing ones life and offering ones life for Jesus. 

That is the difference between Peter and Judas

*4) Evil deeds will never be forgotten for centuries*

A blunder which was committed by Judas has a terrible consequences. 

First of all it was a terrible act from the side of Judas. Being the close apostle of Jesus he betrayed, which is terrible

Secondly, even after 2000 years of this incident, the evil deed of Judas is not forgotten. It is still fresh and the entire world knows about it 

Thirdly, the reference to this evil deed will continue as long as this world continues. It can not be undone 

Fourthly, the evil deed is attached to the name itself *Judas one who betrayed Jesus* This is something terrible and no body wants to be called in this perticular way 

Fifthly, the very moment one who hears the name of Judas, always the negative feelings come our mind because of this evil deeds 

After Simon Peter, there have been millions of people who have been named after Peter. But there are badly any one who is named as *Judas Iscariot* because of the evil attached to it. 

*5) Once the name spoils, it is difficult to reverse it back to its original glory*

No one will be able to bring it back the original meaning and glory of the name of Judas

Since Judas had ended his life with the evil act, there is no possibility of setting it right. 

So once the life ends with negative or evil act, it can't be erased from the life, and name of the person. 

So we need to be careful about the same. 

*6) What attachment my name will have?*

We have few examples like this 

Hitler the dictator

Pilot who washed His hands 

King Nero identified with fire. *Nero burning ROM*

Mother Theresa the living saint 

Ignatius of Loyola, the soldier of Christ 

St Antony the wonder worker 

 These are few examples for the evil and good deeds done by the people 

*7) What is my identity?*

Let's take the example of the name X

X a genuine person

X a sincere person 

X a useful person 

X a generous person 

X a lovable person 

X a needy person 

X a humble person 

*Or will they address me*

X a useless person 

X a revengeful person 

X the traitor

X the cheater 

X a dangerous person 

*Think about that*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus needs my boat for His mission : Am I ready to give?

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 3: 7-12*

*First Reading - Heb 7:25-8:6*

*Jesus needs my boat for His mission : Am I ready to give?*

*1) Jesus requests a boat for His mission*

Jesus as soon as He reached to the shore of the sea, there was a great multitude of people, who had gathered, either to hear Him, or to get healed from their sicknesses. 

So Jesus decides to reach out them by using a different method. 

To get into the boat, which will be anchored in the sea. So that everyone can see Him and know what exactly He will be doing for those people. 

So Jesus requests His disciples a boat to be kept ready for the same purpose. 

*2) The speciality of preaching from the boat in the sea*

First of all everyone can see Jesus and Jesus is also able to see all the people, since people can't get into the water and go backside  of Jesus

Secondly, no one can disturb Jesus while preaching from the boat in the sea. 

Thirdly, it becomes a beautiful scenery to have water and little waves, which really attracts the people 

Fourthly it becomes a new and creative way of preaching, which will easily capture the attention of the people 

Fifthly, it also needs a lot of alertness, since boat will sake as the waves will hit the boat. Needs to maintain a balance while preaching from the boat. 

Sixthly, It is rather difficult to preach from the boat, if there is only one person. Preaching from the boat, requires at least few persons to assist Jesus. So preaching from the boat, highlights the idea of team spirit. 

Seventhly, Jesus is also making use of the various instruments and facilities to make His preaching more effective and creative. Boat was one of the powerful instruments of the time of Jesus, just like media and internet today. 

Eight point would be, Jesus can very well maintain the distance, until His preaching gets over. Or else people may rush towards Him, which may become difficult situation to handle the crowd.

*3) Preaching from the boat become very powerful* 

In the passage it appears that, the preaching from the boat became very powerful. 

Because, people from many places had come and they practically remained to listen to Jesus 

Majority of the people wanted to touch Him, because of His powerful preaching and healing 

Even the evil spirits came to realise the identity of Jesus, as He was preaching from the boat 

The preaching from the boat, cured many, and many others realised who Jesus is and His divine power. 

*4) Jesus needs my Boat today*

As He requested His disciples to keep the boat ready for His mission, today the same Jesus requests me and You to keep my boat ready for His mission 

If so what type of Boat I have, to offer to Jesus? 

The following can be some of the boats which we can offer to Jesus for His mission 

My life - a beautiful boat 

My talents, skills, creative ways 

My knowledge, my wisdom, my courage, my humility, my generosity, my cooperation, my readiness, my leadership capacities, my goodwill, my adjustments, etc 

There are varieties of boats are found in my life

But the question is am I ready to offer them for Jesus for His mission? 

*5) What types of boats I have?*

In the above points there are several boats which can be used as a boat by Jesus 

If so, what are the concrete ways or which are the boats I have which can be used by Jesus? 

Have I lost my boat? 

Am I in a position to say that I have my strong boat to offer to Jesus for His mission?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Come forward : Christian Spirituality is coming forward and not going backward

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 3:1-6*

*First Reading - Heb 7:1-3,15-17*

*Come forward : Christian Spirituality is coming forward and not going backward*

*1) Coming forward is a sign of growth*

In today's Gospel Jesus uses this perticular expression *Come forward* 

This becomes the beginning point of the miracle and also of the healing 

Coming forward is always a sign for growth and an indication that something good and beautiful will take place

*2) Coming forward is a challenge*

Coming forward is not an easy task. It is a really a challenging task 

Even to the man who appears in the Gospel, who had an withered hand, had to face a great challenge to come forward 

The Pharisees who were waiting to find fault with Jesus, were also targeting this man, who will take courage to come forward to receive a healing from Jesus 

Coming forward will also risk his life, since the Pharisees were already making a plan to eliminate Jesus 

So coming forward was really a great challenge for the withered man. 

*3) Coming forward worked a great miracle in his life*

The man who came forward, at the command of Jesus, finally witnesses a great miracle in his life 

Jesus cures his withered hand and the hand  was restored. This happened only because he was able to come forward and experience the healing power of Jesus. 

So coming forward always works a great miracle in ones life. 

*4) Coming forward is a sign of courage*

In the Gospel it shows the great courage of two people 

First of all of Jesus: He commands the man to come forward, inspite of the danger involved from the Pharisees. 

Secondly it also shows the courage of the withered man, who made a bold decision to come forward inspite of the opposition from the Pharisees. 

Courage is the another name for coming forward. 

*5) Coming forward also involves a great risk*

Risk because, one will venture unknown things 

Risk because, no one is sure of the end results 

Risk because, one will have to face many challenges in the process of coming forward 

*6) Coming forward is also indicates a chance of place and perspective*

One can not remain in a same place or situation to witnesses a great change

One has to move upwards to realise the great change and good 

The very fact one is able to *come forward* is able to change and adapt himself for the better exposure 

Coming forward from  ones perspectives, narrow thinking, ghetto mentality, jealousy, criticising attitude, prejudices, finding fault with everything is very much necessary to happen a miracle in our life 

*7) Come forward is a invitation to all*

This invitation, which was offered by Jesus to the withered man was also extended to the Pharisees who came to find fault with Jesus 

Withered man *came forward* so he was able to witness the miracle. 

Pharisees and others refused to come forward, rather they went backward, as a result they started to conspire a plot against Jesus, which ultimately made to lose the great miracle in thier life 

*8) Come forward is a continuous process, for better life*

Coming forward is not a one time work. It is a continuous process, which takes long years of life to realise its goals 

Coming forward gives a new hope, new life, new perspective, new vision,  new orientation, new insight and new openings 

Such a variety in life, through the process of coming forward completely changes ones life and makes it better 

*Come forward* which is a beautiful phrase can be applied to every sphere on ones life 

 

*9) Am I ready to come forward*

Come forward to change from my old ways of life 

Come forward to forgive, to share, to serve, to smile, to take risks, to take the responsibility, to love, to adjust etc 

What is my response? 

How do I look at this beautiful words *Come Forward*

Do they make any sense to me?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Feeding the Hungry will never become a unlawful activity at any moment of time

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 2:23-28*

*First Reading - Heb 6:10-20*

*Feeding the Hungry will never become a unlawful activity at any moment of time*

*1) Feeding the Hungry  never a unlawful activity at any moment in History*

Feeding of the hungry is considered as one of the noblest tasks of human activity. 

It is one of holiest tasks because the nature of the activity. Only those people who have a heart and mind that of Jesus can do such a great activity. 

So it is one of the great tasks. 

*2) Sabbath, unlawful activity and feeding the Hungry*

In today's Gospel all these three issues appear 

One group speaks about the unlawful things on the Sabbath day 

Another group tries to see the meaning of Sabbath from the preview of the rules and regulations

Jesus is trying to give a new and more practical meaning for the Sabbath, by highlighting what exactly we need to do on the Sabbath day to make really holy and meaningful.

Sabbath is not merely restricted to few rules and regulations. The real and genuine meaning of Sabbath goes beyond the spirit the laws and regulations

*3) Even the Holiest place is used for feeding the Hungry*

King David and his companions ate the bread from the Holy place which was reserved only for the priest. 

Since feeding the hungry takes a primary place in the ministry of Jesus, this becomes one of the important things of holiness itself. 

So Holy place is used for one of the holiest things. 

*4) Feeding the Hungry is the Holiest of all activities* 

In the final judgement scene, in the Gospel of Matthew, the issue is about the treatment about the poor and hungry 

Jesus blesses and rewards those who were very faithful in feeding the hungry and helping the poor. 

Feeding of the hungry will definitely produces a positive effect, which helps a person to grow in his spirituality.

*5) The real spirit of Sabbath is to feed*

On this perticular day we are spiritually fed 

For Christians sabbath is a Sunday, the Day of the Lord. On this day we are fed with the spiritual food - the body and blood of Jesus 

Jesus Himself offers His body and blood to all the faithful in the Eucharist. So Jesus offers Himself to the Hungry humanity to be fed by His own body and blood

*6) Rejecting to feed the Hungry on the Sabbath day is unlawful*

The very fact a person rejects a hungry person to help or to feed, the real purpose of the Sabbath is defeated

Rejecting another needy person on the Sabbath day is the most unlawful thing than anything else. 

So we must do what is good, beneficial and that which promotes the unity and brotherhood. That is the real spirit of Sabbath.

*7) Fasting is not for God, it is for us*

Fasting on the Sabbath is not to make God more Holy. Rather it is for us to become more holy 

So a deed, which contributes to the growth of the  holiness of the person, such a deed will never become a unlawful deed. 

That is why good deeds are always right and such things can be done on Sabbath day 

*Let's us observe the Sabbath by doing lots of good deeds and not merely regulating ourselves to the set of rules and regulations.*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Who is my bridegroom today? Where is He?

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 2:18-22*

*First Reading - Heb 5:1-10*

*Who is my bridegroom today? Where is He?*

*1) The Speciality of the bridegroom*

The presence of the bridegroom creates a different feeling 

A feeling of happiness

A feeling of joy

A feeling of cheerfulness 

A feeling of festivity 

A feeling of  colourfulness

In a way the bridegroom has the power to create a different atmosphere, which all of us feel at home 

*2) Jesus is the bridegroom*

In the Gospel Jesus is referred as the bridegroom

So the presence of Jesus with us will create a wonderful feeling in us. 

All the above mentioned feelings will be very active, when the bridegroom, Jesus with us.

*3) Today the various forms of the presence of the Bridegroom*

The presence of the bridegroom in our life may be through the following ways 

*Forgiveness* is one of the most effective forms of the presence of the bridegroom

*Repentance,* is another form of the presence of the bridegroom

*Humility* is another powerful way of the presence of the Bridegroom

*Love, sacrifice, Cross, service, generosity, sincerity, trust, truthfulness, faithfulness* are the other ways of the presence of the bridegroom in our life. 

*4) Is the bridegroom with me still?*

When we analyse the various forms of the presence of the bridegroom, the important question is where is my bridegroom? 

Is He still present in my life? 

Am I allowing myself to participate in the joyfulness of the presence of the bridegroom, by forgiving, repenting and loving? 

What is the condition of the bridegroom in my life? 

*5) Am I able to recognize the absence of the bridegroom in my life?* 

The Gospel says, *days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,*

If so there are certain situations in our lives where we have allowed ourselves, to take away the presence of the bridegroom from our lives 

In such a situation are we able to recognize the absence of the presence of the bridegroom? 

Do I still hold to the position that bridegroom is still present in my life, when He is really absent? 

This is a big challenge for all of us face in our lives  

*6) Fasting is necessary to bring back the presence of the bridegroom in our lives*

The Gospel also speaks about the fasting which is necessary

The fasting is necessary to bring back the presence of the bridegroom in our lives 

Only when we realise the absence of the bridegroom in our lives, we will be motivated to fast, in order to bring back the presence of the bridegroom

So it is very important for us to evaluate everyday, about the presence of the bridegroom in our lives 

Always try to live in the presence of the bridegroom. That is the best way of living the Christian life

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Where my Jesus is staying Today?

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Sunday*

*GOSPEL - John 1:35-42* 

*First Reading - 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20*

*Where my Jesus is staying Today?*

*1) Jesus' invitation to “Come, and you will see.”*

Two of the disciples who were following Jesus, were invited by Jesus to come and experience the place of where Jesus was staying 

Both of these disciples followed Jesus, and they found out where Jesus was staying 

They not only found out the place of Jesus' staying, but they also stayed with Him for a day.

*2) Some great revelation takes place where Jesus was staying*

In the Whole episode Jesus does not tell who He is. 

He only gave an invitation to those two disciples, and they came and stayed with Him 

But on the next day, one of the disciples, whose name was Andrew, goes and tells his brother - Simon that they found the Messiah

This was a great revelation that the disciples have - Jesus is the Messiah

*3) The great revelation - Jesus is the Messiah*

The disciples come to this revelation that Jesus is the Messiah

This revelation and the staying place of Jesus has a close connection. In other words they came to this revelation from the place where Jesus was staying

*4) Staying with Jesus reveals the greater truths*

Mere staying with Jesus, gave a new experience to the disciples

That experience made them to realise that Jesus is the great Messiah. 

So ultimately staying with Jesus reveals the great truths of the Kingdom of God. 

*5) To stay with Jesus we need to find out where Jesus is staying*

For those two disciples it was easy to find out where Jesus was staying, since Jesus himself showed the place 

What about us today? Where my Jesus is staying? How to find out where Jesus is staying? Is it possible to find out? 

*6) Possible means of finding the place of Jesus' stay*

Like those two disciples who followed Jesus to find out the place of stay, today we can follow these divine realities to find out the place of Jesus' stay. 

The scriptures are the great, instruments to find out where the place of Jesus' stay is. Follow the scriptures and you will find Jesus' place of stay 

Follow the sacraments and they will show you the place of Jesus' stay 

Follows the wisdom of the elders, wise men and divine experience of the saints, and they will lead to the place where Jesus' stays 

Follow your own conscience and its inner divine voice. Ultimately it will lead you to the place where Jesus is staying 

*7) Ultimately where is my Jesus is staying*

Some possible places 

Jesus is everywhere and in every person 

Am I able to recognize Jesus in these places? 

At all the Holy Places 

In the tabernacle

In my house - altar of my house 

In the needy, poor, marginalized, exploited, hungry, imprisoned, etc 

One thing is to identify the places of Jesus' stay - another thing is to stay with Him 

Am I ready to accept this Challenge?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The power of the Sight of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Saturday*

*Feast of St Joseph Vaz*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:14-20*

*First Reading - Is 52:7-10 or 1Cor 1:18-25*

*The power of the Sight of Jesus*

*1) Sight is the First thing that becomes active in meeting another*

Sight is very important for all of us. Without sight we can do nothing 

The first thing, that becomes active and creative is the sight when we meet another person 

Sight is that which makes the communication so powerful. 

A communication without the sight, is no communication at all. 

*2) Sight captures the attention*

Sight creates the eye contact 

Eye contact is very necessary to capture the attention. 

Eye contact also speaks about the courage and confidence of the person 

*3) Jesus Saw the Disciples*

The word *Jesus saw* comes twice in today's Gospel. 

First when He calls Simon and Andrew, secondly when He called James and John

In both instances it was Jesus who sees the disciples. 

This sight is not an ordinary sight. It was a very powerful sight.

*4) The power of the sight of Jesus*

The sight was so powerful that the first two disciples Simon and Andrew stopped their work of Fishing, left everything and followed Jesus 

when He saw James and John, they left everything, including their father and followed Jesus 

So the reaction and response to the sight of Jesus shows us the power of the sight of Jesus. 

*5) The Speciality of the Sight of Jesus*

The powerful sight of Jesus includes many other things. Accordingly we can say that the sight of Jesus included the following things 

Merciful Sight 

Lovable sight 

Forgiving sight 

Encouraging sight 

Pitiable sight 

Accompanying sight 

Serving sight 

Vision filled sight 

Sacrificing sight 

Humble sight

Challenging sight

Accepting sight 

So all these aspects were found in the sight of Jesus 

*6) What is the speciality of my sight?*

How do I see a person and the reality 

Does my sight is powerful, so as to influence and move people towards something

Do people get attracted to my sight? 

Does my sight involve in giving or receiving? 

How can I make my sight a divine sight? 

Sight is the reflection of our personality. Pay attention to it. 

Eyes and sight is the special attraction of the face and the person. 

Think about it

*God bless you and your family. Praying  you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Sin is a terrible paralysis, which makes us unable to move

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 2:1-12*

*First Reading - Heb 4:1-5, 11*

*Sin is a terrible paralysis, which makes us unable to move*

*1) The Paralytic was brought to Jesus*

The Gospel gives us an account, about a paralytic man.

This paralytic was brought to Jesus by few of his friends and he was lowered through the roof, where Jesus was. 

The Gospel does not tell the cause of his paralysis. But as we go through the event, we come to know, apart from the physical reasons, there was also a spiritual cause, which made the man paralytic.

*2) Jesus first words : Your sins are Forgiven*

As soon as the paralytic was brought to Jesus for healing Jesus says *Child, your sins are forgiven*

This makes us to conclude that sins are also one of the main causes for his paralysis 

So sin makes a person paralysed and such a person is unable to move. 

*3) After forgiving the sins, the man is able to walk*

As soon as Jesus forgives his sins, he is able to get up and walk 

Jesus says *I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home. He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone* 

This shows that the man was able to walk when he was forgiven and sin does not allow the person to walk

 

*4) If sin also causes paralysis, it also affects me*

All of us commit sins. Since we are all weak human human beings we fall 

But we need to remember that sin is a type paralysis, which affects us very much 

Therefore all of us should be careful not to entertain sin so that we can save ourselves from great paralysis. 

*5) The nature of the paralysis of Sin*

When we comit sins it affects us and we are paralysed. This paralysis can be explained in the following way 

Sin, paralysis our Love 

Sin, paralysis our Forgiveness

Sin paralysis our humility

Sin paralysis our sincerity

Sin paralysis our courage 

Sin paralysis our hope

Sin paralysis our spirit of being truthful 

Sin paralysis our trust, confidence, cooperation, belongingness, belief, and all the divine values and virtues 

*6) Which sin is paralysing me today?*

We need to think about it

Pride, anger, jealousy, revenge, selfishness, greed for wealth, money, power, pleasure, worldly things

Which of these sins are paralysing me? 

*7) Jesus is the Healer of all types of paralysis*

The paralytic was brought to Jesus by four men 

There are many things which bring us to Jesus, who heals our paralysis 

For example, confessions, prayers, celebration of the sacraments, service, reading of the scriptures are some of the powerful things, which practically carry us, along with our mat to Jesus 

When we are with Jesus, all types of paralysis are healed by Jesus 

The question is *Do I allow myself to be carried along with the mat, to Jesus?*

Think about this 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The power of the Stretched Hand of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:40-45*

*First Reading - Heb 3:7-14*

*The power of the Stretched Hand of Jesus*

*1) The meaning of the stretched or raised Hand*

The raised hand of God is the Symbol of  blessing or protection

There are many instances in the bible to prove this fact 

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever - Ps 136:12 

“O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm - Ps  32:17

Though  I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me - 138:7.

*2) Jesus stretched His hand towards the Leper*

Before Jesus touched the leper He stretched out his hand. 

This gesture of Jesus could be understood as blessing the leper 

When Jesus raises His Hand it is only to bless and protect the people. So it is very clear that it Jesus blessed the leper 

*3) The Touch of Jesus*

The touch of Jesus was very powerful. It was not an ordinary touch, rather it was a divine touch, which cure the leper

The touch of Jesus became a medium to pass the divine power into the life of the leper, which ultimately cured the Leper. 

*4) Divine touch is very powerful* 

When we see the life of the leper, we see that divine touch is very powerful 

Wherever Jesus went, and whomever He touched, the divine power went out of Him, which cured many. 

So that is the power of the divine touch.

 

*5) Raising of the Hand should only to bless others*

The primary purpose of the hand and the raising of the hand is only to bless and help 

Jesus through His hands either blessed, or helped someone or protected someone. 

So the purpose of our hands is very clear. It is to bless and protect others 

*6) How do I use my hands?*

Hands are the greatest gift of God to us. With hands we do a lot of things. 

Our parents and elders give God's blessings through thier hands. So it is very important to know the value of the hand, which brings us the blessing of the Lord.

How do I use my hands? Have I realised that even my hands have lot the capacity to transmit God's power

How do I value my hand? 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus came out of the Synagogue, and performed many miracles

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:29-39*

*First Reading - Heb 2:14-18*

*Jesus came out of the Synagogue, and performed many miracles*

*1) The relationship between synagogue and the miracles of Jesus*

Synagogue is a place of prayer and it is a holy place 

Before He performed the miracle of Healing the mother in law of  Peter, He was in synagogue

He had gone to the synagogue to pray and to preach the good news 

So for Jesus synagogue becomes a place, where one prays and prepares himself for the further mission. 

*2) Jesus goes to Peter's House, directly from the Synagogue*

The Gospel clearly says, *On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.*

So filled with the power of prayer, Jesus directly goes to the house of Simon and heals his mother in law, who was suffering from the fever. 

So there is a close connection between the place of prayer,  power of prayer and the miracle of healing 

Ultimately it is very evident, Jesus performed all the miracles with power of Prayer 

*3) Next day - Jesus begins the day with prayer* 

*Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.*

After having spent a quality time in prayer, early in the morning, Jesus began His ministry

So prayer becomes the foundation for all types of ministry

*4) Jesus performs all the miracles after He prayed* 

There are many examples in the Bible, to show that, Jesus prayed before He could perform the miracles 

For example : Feeding of the 5000 people,  

Raising of Lazarus etc 

Prayer was a powerful weapon of Jesus, to perform the miracle. 

*5) What about My Life?* 

Do I seek God's Help, before I ask anything from the Lord

Do I believe in the power of Prayer? 

How does the prayer work in my Life? 

Anything that has to start in my life, do I start the same, after deep prayer experience?

*6) Coming out of the Church, what happens to us?*

Jesus came out of synagogue, and performed great miracles 

Likewise when we come out of the Church, what is my reaction? 

After coming out of the church having deep spiritual experience, what is my reactions? 

Church life and my  life outside outside the church has any similarities? 

Am I able to live my faith in the practicle level 

Think about it

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Helplessness and inability of the Unclean Spirit

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:21-28*

*First Reading - Heb 2:5-12*

*The Helplessness and inability of the Unclean Spirit*

*1) The Man in the Synagogue*

The scripture says that there was a man in the synagogue, with an unclean spirit

Synagogue is a Holy place, where the spiritual activities would take place and people respected the place for its connection with the divine 

The Unclean Sprit could not prevent the man from coming to this synagogue 

So we see a kind of inability of the unclean spirit in preventing the man from coming to the holy place - the synagogue.

*2) It is unable to talk*

There is a lot of difference between talking and crying aloud 

The unclean spirit is seen crying aloud and not taking 

Taking with someone shows a normal relationship, exchange of the ideas and respect for each other 

Crying aloud always in the context of fear, anxiety, helplessness, and in utter desperation

So the unclean sprit is unable to create a feeling of happiness, rather it creates a feeling of fear, anxiety and chaos. 

*3) Unable to stand before Jesus*

The moment the unclean spirit recognised the power of Jesus it could not stay in the synagogue

It sees Jesus as the destroyer of the unclean spirit *Have you come to destroy us?*

It wishes not to have any contact with the Jesus *What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?*

It recognises Jesus as the Holy one of God, but shows its inability the quit its wicked ways .

*4) Unclean spirit tries even at the Last moment to accomplish its work*

When Jesus ordered the unclean spirit to be Quiet! and  to Come out of him!” even then it tries its wicked ways to harm the person 

It convulsed the man and made a loud cry before it could go out

The convulsion and the loud cry is the final attempt in desperation to harm the person 

But once again we see the utter helplessness and the inability of the unclean spirit in doing anything. 

*5) The presence of Jesus makes a difference*

The unclean spirit appears to be silent till the entry of Jesus 

Once Jesus comes into the scene the unclean spirit becomes helpless and unable to do anything 

The presence of Jesus in this context makes a big difference and the unclean spirit is chased away from the presence of Jesus 

*6) Jesus in my Life and the Unclean Spirit*

As long as the presence of Jesus is found in my life, no unclean or evil spirit will be able to take control of my life 

So remaining in the presence of Jesus is the real weapon to fight against the unclean spirits and to live our life without fear and anxiety.

*7) Various ways through which Jesus' presence is felt in life*

Reading of the Word of God 

Prayer and meditation

Service to the needy 

Practicing the Gospel values like, forgiveness, humility, penance, generosity etc

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*