Lent is a best time for my Transfiguration/Change

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 9:2-10*

*First Reading -  Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18*

*Second Reading - Rom 8:31b-34*

*Lent is a best time for my Transfiguration/Change*

*1) Transfiguration or change is the main theme of Lent*

We start lent with this theme. 

All our spiritual exercises and other bodily penance is geared to only one aspect in life - that is conversion, change or transfiguration.

If so what would be the way to have a genuine change and transfiguration. 

Today's Gospel will give us some ideas. 

*2) Some of the Important things which are highlighted in the transfiguration scene*

*A) Transfiguration took place while Jesus was praying*

*While Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became dazzling white*

Important to note that, transfiguration took place while he was praying. 

So prayer has to power to bring a change

Prayer is a weapon for change 

Prayer is an instrument through which we can bring change. 

Lent is a special time of prayer. We can use this instrument to bring a great change in our lives 

*B) The place of Prayer*

Gospel says they went up to a mountain to pray 

In Christian tradition there is a close connection between God and mountain. 

It becomes a place of Gods appearance and God's presence 

God appeared Mosses at mount Sinai and gave 10 commandments

Prophet Elijah and the Mount Carmel where the great sacrifice took place and prophets of Baal were destroyed

Sermon on the Mount by Jesus one of the important teachings of Jesus comes from mountain

Jesus died on mount Calvary.

Transfiguration took place in mount Tabor 

So place of prayer the mount is very important in our life 

In our life, the church, holy places, pilgrim centers, shrines are the important places of mountains where we can pray 

Pray earnestly in mount to have a real transfiguration or change in life 

*C) Change has the power to bring down the heaven*

In the transfiguration scene we have the appearance of Mosses and Elijah. 

Their coming down to the mountain or their appearance in the mountain is equal to the heavenly scene in the mountain

So we can say that transfiguration brought down the heaven 

And Peter experienced this heavenly experience and he didn't want to come out of it. 

Change in my life will ultimately result in bringing heaven first of all in my own life then in my family and in surroundings. 

So change is very powerful to bring even the heaven into this world.

*D) The Voice from Heaven - You are my beloved Son*

When this voice was heard? Not before transfiguration, but after the transfiguration.

Point to be noted : After transfiguration and having heavenly experience the great divine voice is heard 

In our life too, only after  a genuine change or conversion will help us to have heavenly experience, in which we will be able to hear this great voice from God

Who does not want to be called as beloved son or daughter of God? Every one wants. 

So here is a way for it 

So are u ready for the transfiguration or change or conversion in your life? 

Think about it 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What more am I doing than others?

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Second Week: Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 5:43-48*

*First Reading - Dt 26:16-19*

*What more am I doing than others?*

*1) One of the important questions during Lent*

In today's Gospel we have this particular question

This question is asked by Jesus and it is directly addressed to us individually

Since it touches to our life, personally we need to answer this question in a right spirit

*2) Ordinary things are done by even by the gentiles*

Loving those who love you 

Sharing your bread with the one who will give back in return. Even beggars  can do this 

Greeting only those who greet you. 

These are the ordinary things which can be done by anyone, even by an ignorant person 

*3) Lent is a time to do more than others*

The season of Lent gives us set of things which we can do or which we are supposed to do

Prayer, fasting, penance, almsgiving, are the common things which are highlighted in  beginning of Lent

But the question is am I restricting myself to only these things? 

What more can I do than others to make this lent fruitful and holy 

*4) Lent is a time to do more things and not merely commanded things*

Doing more things is the real and genuine spirit of the Lent

During Lent we have right disposition to do more things. So it may be helpful to enhance the quality of our spiritual life

*5) What more can I do?*

Will it be possible for me to get reconciled with who I am funding very difficult?

Will I be able to forgive the one whom I really find difficult?

Will I be able to pray for those who do harm for me? 

Will I be able to show my other cheek when they slap on the one cheek? 

Will I be able to humble myself in most difficult situation? 

Will I be able to remain sincere to my conscience? 

*6) Christian life is doing more than others*

Life of Jesus makes this very clear. 

One good example would be washing of the feet and forgiving His enemies from the Cross

Without following this principle *doing more than others* my life has no value in the kingdom of heaven. 

*7) What more am I doing in my life than others?*

Do I have anything to fill under this headings? 

So far in lent what more I have done than ordinary things?

We become special and extraordinary only when we do special and extraordinary things 

So think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus equates the killing principle of ancestors to the Anger - Why?

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Second Week: Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 5:20-26*

*First Reading - Ez 18:21-28*

*Jesus equates the killing principle of ancestors to the Anger - Why?*

*1) There is a shift from killing to Anger* 

*You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.*

But Jesus says *whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment*

So we see there is a shift from killing to getting angry

*2) Killing and Getting angry*

As we know killing is a grave offence and for which punishment is must 

Such persons should be liable for judgement and punishment. There is no doubt about it 

But comparing to killing, anger seems to be having lesser gravity. That is what we think. But according to Jesus, anger is as equal as killing. 

If so we need to reflect seriously why anger is so severe and equal to killing. 

*3) Anger is the root cause of all evil*

It is believed that every evil act has its foundation in anger 

The moment a person gets angry all the problems and troubles begin 

In fact every dispute begins with anger and then it continues to the greater evil acts 

*4) Anger gradually turns into revenge*

The growing of the anger turns into revenge

When the anger becomes so severe and deep it turns into the emotion of anger and finally it comes out in different forms 

So one needs to be very careful about the anger 

*5) Different stages of Anger*

The Gospel of the day shows us the different stages of anger

At the first level anger results in insulting the other 

At the second level it results in calling another person *Fool*

Thirdly anger makes all your charity works useless and fails to yield any fruit 

Fourthly anger makes the another person to go to the court and situation becomes worse 

Fifthly anger reaches you to the judge and then you are handed over to the guard 

Sixthly, anger ultimately makes you to land in the prision and you become a slave 

Seventh : Anger makes you to pay heavy fine and you lose all your savings for nothing. 

So this is the ugly face of the anger. So unless one is careful anger will result in losing everything

*6) Anger is the deadliest face of evil*

Anger is deadliest, because it causes in losing everything

Due to anger one loses the Peace of mind, 

It results in losing good reputation, friends, happiness, some times even the job, family, relationship, concern for one another, sacrifice, humility, forgiveness, and finally it takes away everything

*7) Anger is equal to killing*

Anger finally ends up killing no only the human beings but it also kills evey values

So anger leaves nothing in life. So it is dangerous in our life. 

That is why Jesus equates anger with killing 

Anger kills everything in life. So anger is more dangerous than killing 

*8) Anger kills slowly where as killing is one act*

In killing the action takes place at once. 

In anger killing takes place slowly, which is very painful and a severe kind of torture. 

So anger becomes most deadliest thing in life than anything else.

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Lent is the time to knock the door of ones heart/Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Second Week: Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 7:7-12*

*First Reading - Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25*

*Lent is the time to knock the door of ones heart/Life*

*One who knocks, the door will be opened*

*1) Importance of the Door and opening the Door*

Door is an important instrument, which either safeguards something or it closes the entry into something

Since door gives entry into something, it has a special significance and meaning when it is applied to the spiritual realm

So spiritually opening up of the door becomes very important, because it gives entry into something holy and divine sphere

*2) The arrival of the bridegroom, opening of the door and closing of the door*

We have a beautiful parable of 10 virgins. Five wise and five foolish 

Wise virgins were ready when the bridegroom came, and they entered along with the bridegroom to the wedding feast. Then the door was closed 

Once it was closed the other foolish virgins could not enter into the wedding feast, since the door was closed. 

So we know how important the aspect of door and its function in our lives 

*3) Life is with Door*

Our life can be considered as building which has beautiful doors 

In order to enter into the different aspects of life we need to enter through the doors 

Unless we go through these doors we can't enter into our life

*4) Lent is a time to open the door of our life*

There are two aspects in our life. The spiritual aspect and the bodily (Flesh) aspect. 

Between these two aspects there is a door which guards our spiritual life 

Since lent is a time to enter into this spiritual or deeper self we need to open the door which is connecting the spiritual sphere 

For this we need to knock the door. 

*5) How to knock the Door*

We need to follow the certain aspects while knocking the door. 

We need the following knocks for the door to be opened

Use the knock of humility, 

Use the knock of forgiveness

Use the knock of love 

Use the knock of simplicity

Use the knock of prayer 

Use the knock of generosity

Use the knock of sacrifice

Use the knock of faithfulness

Use the knock of repentance

Use the knock of genuineness

Use the knock of trust and hope

Use the knock of smile 

Use the knock of adjustability

Use the knock of courage 

All these knocks on the door will definitely help to open it and to enter into a special sphere of life.

*6) The effect of the Door being opened*

When the door gets opened through various above knocks we will be benefited in multiple ways 

We will receive the multiple blessings of the Lord 

We will receive the everlasting mercy of the Lord 

We will experience the unconditional Love of the Lord 

We will be eligible for the ever lasting life

We will witness the heavenly peace and divine experience

We will see the beauty and depth of our spiritual life 

These are the various benefits when the door opens for us 

*7) What about my life?*

Am I in a position to knock the door with above mentioned things? At least few of them in my life 

Or am I tightening the door still more, through my evil ways, making it impossible to open, thus not allowing myself to the greater spiritual benefits from the Lord 

What can I do to open the door of my life, door of my heart, door of my mind, doors of my eyes, ears and tongue? 

Unless we open it we can not enter or receive anything

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

This generation is an evil generation - Do I belong to this generation

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Second Week:Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:29-32*

*First Reading - Jon 3:1-10*

*This generation is an evil generation - Do I belong to this generation*

*1) The concept of This generation*

*This generation* is applicable to all the time of History. 

It was not only applicable to those people who were living during the time of Jesus 

Even people those who are living today and also in the future do come under this category. 

If so what type of generation come under evil generation. 

The Gospel of the day gives us clear clue in this regard 

*2) Symptoms of Evil Generation*

*Those who refused to see the reality*

Truth is very evident. In spite of that there were people who refused to see and accept the truth. Such people belong to the evil generation

Jesus was the truth, Jesus was the great reality, Jesus was the great sign. People knew about it. But they didn't accept the truth. So they belong to evil generation

 *Those who are proud*

It is clear that those people who were proud, those people acted as if they knew everything, those people who failed to humble themselves before the great reality - Jesus - belong to this evil generation

*Those who refused to repent*

The people of Nineveh repented from their evil deeds, and they were not called as evil generation but people who repented 

Queen of South was humble enough to acknowledge and accept the great wisdom of King Solomon

But there was greater than prophet Johna and Solomon, but people refused to accept Jesus teaching and to repent from their evil ways. That is why they belong to this evil generation

*Those whose faith only depends on signs*

Those people who came to Jesus were demanding for a sign. 

In fact their faith was depending  only on sign and not on the reality 

So those people who have faith only in signs and not on reality itself belong to this evil generation

*Those who refuse to accept the mercy of God*

The very fact those who refuse to repent and accept their weaknesses refuse the mercy of God or close their life to the mercy of God. Such people belong to this evil generation

*3) The present day concept of evil generation*

The following people belong to this evil generation

Those people who take revenge

Those people who divide and destroy the peaceful atmosphere

Those who promote hatred, injustice, violence, falsehood belong to this evil generation

Those who misuse the power and authority belong to this evil generation

Those who involve themselves in gossip and spoiling the good name of others belong to this evil generation

Those who are greedy for power, money, authority, position belong to this evil generation

Those who try to destroy the truth and promote falsehood belong to this evil  generation

Those who oppress poor and marginalised people belong to this evil generation

Those who mislead the people from truth belong to this evil generation

*4) Do I belong to this evil generation*

If any of the above symptoms are found in my life, then my life belongs to this evil generation

So it is better to check to verify whether these things rule my life or not? 

Lent is a special time for all of us evaluate our own life and to get rid of the symptoms of evil generation. 

*5) Various ways to get rid this evil generation*

The sacrament of reconciliation

The atmosphere of prayer, fasting and almsgiving

Trying to change our own life by repenting our sinful life 

Forgiving one another and trying to live in Harmony and peace 

*Just think about this*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Our life is like a Rain and Snow

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mathew 6:7-15*

*First Reading - Is 55:10-11*

*Our life is like a Rain and Snow*

*1) Rain and Snow falls from the Heavens/Sky*

*Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down*

Something which comes from heaven is holy and pure. 

In fact snow is the symbol of purity and Water is the instrument which purifies everything

*2) The Function of the Rain and Snow*

It waters the earth 

It makes the land furtile 

It helps the farmers for cultivation 

Finally it makes the earth and the plants to produce the fruit 

*3) It is necessary that the rain and snow falls on the furtile land*

In order to produce the fruit, the rain and snow has to fall into the furtile land 

If it falls on the rock or any other hard surface, or into the drainage it will not be able to produce any fruit. 

So the place where it falls is also equally important

*4) Life is like a snow and rain*

The reasons are the following

First of all like rain and snow life also comes from heaven. It is a gratuitous gift of God 

The origin of the life is not this material world but the heaven and God himself 

Secondly like rain water and snow, life comes with its purity to all the human beings 

God does not give a life which is less pure or less holy. 

He gives us a life which pure and holy 

Thirdly like the rain water and the snow do not return without producing any fruit, life can't return with out producing the fruit which is proper to its nature

God has sent us with a purpose and that purpose has to be fulfilled. 

*5) Rain water and Snow falls to make the land furtile, like wise life too*

The above process tells us clearly the purpose of our life 

Like the rain water and snow is destined to make the land furtile, the purpose of our very life coming into this world to make this world, a furtile land of peace and happiness, holiness and love 

The question is am I able to make this earth a furtile land of peace and happiness? 

If not then the purpose of my life is not fulfilled, and life can't return to the Lord, without achieving this goal 

*6) Our Father prayer shows the Purpose of our life*

Along with the purpose of  our life, the Lords prayer also shows us the various ways through which we can make this earth a fruitful place of peace and happiness 

First of all acknowledge the greatness and authority of Our creator Lord 

Secondly to realise that the Lord name is holy and powerful, so not to misuse it 

Thirdly to pray and to work for the establishment of Gods kingdom here on this earth *thy kingdom come*

Fourthly, to co-operate with the will of God *thy will be done*

To be away from greed *Give us this day our daily bread*

Forgiveness is the oil of our life *forgive us our trespasses*

Careful about Satan and his temptations *Don't lead us into temptations and deliver us from evil*

Implementing these above great things in our life we can make this earth a fruitful land of peace and happiness

*7) What can I do?*

What can I do to make my life just like a pure water and immaculate snow? 

What can I do to make my life, to produce fruit like that of water and snow which falls to the ground 

What can I do in order to make my life to create a fruitful land, like that of water and snow which make the land furtile. 

Think about it.

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of the Key and the Kingdom of Heaven

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 16:13-19*

*First Reading - 1 Pt 5:1-4*

*Feast of the Chair of St Peter*

*Importance of the Key and the Kingdom of Heaven*

*1) Key is an important instrument*

We know the importance of the Key. 

When something is locked, it can't be opened unless we have the proper key. 

This instrument plays a very important role in our life. 

Usually today *Key* is used in everything and most of our modern things do have a lock. So there is a greater need of the key in order to deal with these things

*2)*Key is like a treasure*

It is a treasure because, it can open the way/door to the treasure

It is a treasure, because, key is valuable thing in our lives. 

Key is the symbol richness. Because key is shows that there is some hidden treasure. 

*3) Key is also the Symbol of Responsibility*

If some one gets key means it is the Symbol of responsibility

Only those who are in responsible position will be able to get the Key 

The New Parish Priest takes the Charge of the Parish by receiving the Key of the Tabernacle

So key Shows that there is a greater responsibility involved in it*

*4) Peter Received the Key of the Kingdom of Heaven*

Jesus gave him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven 

This first of is the symbol of responsibility

Secondly it also indicates the authority of Peter. Only those who are in authority will be able to handle to key 

Thirdly key is also refers to the Leadership of Peter. By giving keys Jesus proclaims that Peter is the Future leader of the Church 

*5) Key is the Symbol of Trust and confidence*

Only trustworthy people will get the Keys and they will be handle in the right way. 

If some one gives keys means we are trusted by them and they have confidence in me. 

So key plays a very important role in our lives 

*6) One can't misuse the keys in ones life*

Jesus condemns the misuse of the Keys. 

*Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.* Luke 11:52

One can't receive keys and keep quiet. He has the responsibility of doing great works 

*7) Like Peter we too are given Keys*

The key of Baptism, which open the door to Christian life and to all other sacraments 

The key of reconciliation, it opens our door of life to the mercy of God

The key of generosity, which opens God's salvation to us 

The key of simplicity, sincerity, humility, truthfulness, forgiveness, opens our life to Holiness

The key of Prayer open our very being to experience the divine power in us 

We have so many spiritual keys which make us great persons in the sight of God. 

*8) What do I do with the Keys*

Like those Lawyers who neither allowed others to enter nor they entered. Do I belong to this category?

Have I forgotten that I too am given so many spiritual keys to make my life fruitful and meaningful?

What are the ways through which I use the God given Keys in my life? 

*9) Key is small, but Lock is big*

Small key can open a big Lock and also the greater treasures 

Small key is very powerful and it can work wonders 

Do I consider the beauty of small key and big Lock?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why the Spirit drove Jesus into the Wilderness/Desert?

Gospel Thoughts*

*First Week : Lent: Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:12-15*

*First Reading - Gn 9:8-15*

*Second Reading : 1 Pt 3:18-22*

*Why the Spirit drove Jesus into the Wilderness/Desert?*

*1) First of all to Pray*

In the life of Jesus, desert has a special place. It has special reference to the aspect of prayer 

*And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.* Mark 1:35

*But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and prayed* Luke 5:16 

Jesus also called His disciples to come to a deserted place *

*And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while* Mark 6:31.  

So it is clear that deserted place has a special significance to prayer. 

*2) Secondly to face the temptations of the Satan*

The Gospel clearly says that Satan with all its creativity was trying to tempt Jesus 

So for 40 days and 40 nights as Jesus prayed, Satan was continuously tempting Jesus through various ways. 

So wilderness became a place of facing terrible temptations as Jesus was praying intently

*3) Thirdly there were also beasts and wild animals in the wilderness*

Beasts and wild animals are the dangerous animals 

One can't play with the animals. One has to be very careful about them 

So wilderness shown along with the wild animals and beasts show us the gravity of the situation 

The temptations of the Satan's are like wild animals. They are dangerous and fatal. If one is not careful the there will be greater calamity in life 

*4) The Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness to give the foretaste of Cross and His mission*

The wilderness experience is like a Cross experience. 

In a way it was a foretaste of Jesus' mission in the later days 

The Challenges that Jesus had to face in the wilderness will be similar and greater in His public ministry and also towards the end of His mission 

He will have to continue His mission among the wild animals and beasts (Pilot, Herod, Jewish officials etc)

So it gives us a foretaste of His mission, passion and death.

*5) Christian life is similar to desert experience*

Christian life is not a easy way of life. It is very challenging and demanding 

If Jesus had to go through this way, it is equally important that we also should go through this way of life 

God has not created us for a easy way of life but He has created us to face great challenges and win oven this world through the way of the Cross.

So Christian life involves terrible temptations of the Satan, life in the midst of wild animals and beasts (evil things, wordly things, pleasure, people those who are doing lots of evil things, persecutions, hurdles to live and spread our faith)

So Christian and Christian faith today is just like Jesus in the midst of wild animals, beasts and Satan the tempter 

*6) Jesus was driven by the Spirit after the Baptism*

This baptism is very important in the life of Jesus and for us to 

Baptism strengthened the relationship of the Father and Son 

It really manifested the identity of Jesus 

More over the Spirit came and dwelt in Jesus. 

So Jesus was full of power. This power and spirit is very important to face the wilderness. 

So after having received the power of the Spirit Jesus goes into the wilderness to face the challenges. 

So sufficient preparation is made to face the challenges

*7) Our Baptism and our life*

We too receive the baptism before the enter into the Wilderness. 

This baptism is the real strength for us to face the trails and temptations in the wilderness

So we are sufficiently given the spirit in the Baptism to face the challenges of the wilderness.

So God does not send us without giving us the proper measures to face the challenges the wilderness of our life

*8) The Angels in the Wilderness*

In the midst of wilderness *the angels ministered to him.*

The presence of Angels shows us the providence of God in the wilderness experience. 

God does not abandoned His children, especially at the time of wilderness experience. 

God intervenes in our life through His angels and protects us from all harm 

*9) Wilderness challenges and the power of prayer*

First of all there were many challenges and temptations in the wilderness. 

Situation was very dangerous in the wilderness. 

The only thing that saved Jesus was Prayer and Fasting 

These two powerful spiritual tools made Him to win  all the challenges of the Satan 

Prayer can win anything  in any situation. 

*10) Wilderness a place of Prayer also equally powerful to encounter powerful temptations*

Wilderness a place of prayer which Jesus wanted to experience, becomes a more powerful place of temptations and challenges

Where ever there is genuine holiness, Satan also becomes more active and creative 

So during this 40 days of wilderness - Lent - Satan and its temptations will become more powerful to take away from the grace of God. 

Be careful about this traitor and cheater 

May you have a wonderful wilderness experience during this lent.

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus saw the Tax Collector but not the Taxes/Money

Gospel Thoughts*

*Saturday after Ash Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 5:27-32*

*First Reading - Is 58:9b-14*

*Jesus saw the Tax Collector but not the Taxes/Money*

*1) Jesus Saw the Tax Collector*

The Gospel begins with this sentence *Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi*

The seeing of Jesus about the tax collector is very important because, there were things around the Tax collector, but Jesus didn't see the things, but He saw the person - the Tax collector

*2) What is the significance of the Tax Collector*

During the time of Jesus, tax collectors were considered to be the great sinners 

Here when Jesus sees the tax collector Levi, this gesture of Jesus is not limited only to Levi 

The tax collector Levi represents the whole sinful race, who needs the mercy of the Lord 

So the tax collector has a deep meaning than the peripheral meaning. 

*3) Seeing of the Tax Collector within me*

As Jesus saw the tax collector at the tax office, I need to see a tax collector within me 

As we know that the tax collectors were considered as sinners, there is a sinful self - a tax collector with in me, which I need to find out 

*4) Lent is a time to find out this tax collector within me*

Lent is a special season to find out this tax collector who is hiding me 

When Jesus met the tax collector, he simply followed Jesus and got converted to a new life 

During lent it is very important that we search this tax collector who is hiding within me and to bring him before the Lord, so that the real conversion takes place 

*5) Why Jesus saw the tax collector and not the money*

Who concern of Jesus was the person and not the things

Jesus saw the tax collector because His heart and Mind was for the tax collectors and sinners

Jesus saw the tax collectors because He loved them and not the things of this world 

*For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also*  - Matthew 6:21. Jesus' treasure was the sinners. So His heart was for the tax collector and not for things 

*6) Who/What do I see?*

Jesus saw the tax collector with a greater purpose 

Where do I see? Or what do I see in my day today life? 

Some see the money and go behind it 

Some see the things and desire for it 

Others see, beauty, external glory, pomp, power and achievements

Still others see their self as, so important, powerful, influential, mightier, all knowing, and indispensable

Depends on ones aptitude one will develop his/her out look towards people and the things 

*7) Where do I see the tax collector?*

Do I have the tendency to see the tax collector only in others?

Am I able to see a tax collector in my own life? 

How many tax collectors you can see in your own life? 

*8) Sacrament of Reconciliation is the tool to treat the Tax collector*

Through the sacrament of reconciliation one can bring this tax collector to the presence of Jesus 

In other words through the sacrament of reconciliation Jesus encounters this tax collector in our life and asks him to follow Jesus 

Levi the Tax collector followed Jesus and he became Mathew the Evangelist

That is the power of Jesus' seeing and following Him.

*9) The Challenge between the Tax collector and the Things/Money*

Spiritual things calls us to see the tax collector in and around us and also within us 

The world tempts to see the things/money at the tax booth leaving the tax collector. 

So there is constant struggle to see the tax collector and the taxes/money 

How can I face this challenge during this Lent? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The genuine and real fast which is demanded of us during Lent

Gospel Thoughts*

*Friday after Ash Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Is 58:1-9a*

*First Reading - Mt 9:14-15*

*The genuine and real fast which is demanded of us during Lent*

*1) Our Understanding of Fast/Fasting*

Normally we understand fasting means abstaining from the food. In orther words giving up those items which are very dear to us.

At times our understanding of fasting only limited to the area of food and drinks 

Since this is our understanding many people give up the favourite food and special eatable items in order to keep up the spirit of lent 

But the question is does fasting is only limited to the area of food, drinks and eatable things? 

Isaiah gives us a beautiful explanation of the real meaning of fasting 

*2) The various aspects which are involved in the real or genuine fasting*

*A) releasing those bound unjustly*

First of all in this category I need to include myself 

Am I unjustly bound by something in my life? 

Some of us unjustly bound by anger, jealousy, pride, selfishness and various other evil things 

The genuine spirit of Lent and fasting must help me to release myself from these unjust things 

The process of relieving myself from these things involves a real and genuine fast 

*B) Untying the thongs of the yoke*

At times Yoke is a symbol of slavery. 

Lenten fast involves in untying the various thongs of the yoke

Some of us have been made slave by the yoke of drinks, drugs, internet, uncontrolled desire for food/fast food, and addiction to various other things 

So Lenten fast should help me to untying myself from the thongs of these yokes.

*C) Setting free the oppressed*

Oppression reduces a human being into the level of animal. 

Oppressor considers the oppressed as the slave 

Giving freedom from the oppression should be the real spirit of the Lenten fasting 

Either I myself is oppressed by various crisis, or the other is oppressed by various problems. 

Lack for confidence, love, support, acceptance, may make a person to feel oppressed. 

*D) Sharing your bread with the hungry*

Anything can be postponed. But not the hunger 

There is question of postponing the hunger. It has to be met quickly

Fasting has to do a lot with sharing with the bread. 

One is unable to eat the food of five people. But five can share the food of one person. This is the beauty of sharing the bread. 

*E) Sheltering the oppressed and the homeless*

Give shelter to *Love* in your life. At times love becomes homeless in my life 

Give shelter to *generosity* in your life 

Give shelter to *Peace* in your life 

Give shelter to *humility, forgiveness, sacrifice, purity, care, concern* in your life. 

Give shelter to *your neighbour* by having a good and cordial relationship. 

These are some of the important values which may disappear from our *home - so called our life* and may become homeless.

So lent is the time to give shelter to these homeless values in my life.

*F) Clothing the naked when you see them*

Cloth your nakedness of stinginess by the garment of generosity

Cloth your nakedness of gossip by the garment of good words 

Cloth your nakedness of wordly pleasures, pomp and glory by the garment of simplicity of life

Cloth your nakedness of greed by the garment of sharing and giving 

This process leads to the real spirit of fasting 

*G) Not turning your back on your own*

Don't turn your back to your own voice of the conscience

Don't turn your back to your own feelings of, guilt, feelings of sorry

Don't turn your back to your own shortcomings, mistakes, problems, crisis, and so on 

So Isaiah gives us a real meaning of the spirit of fasting 

This fast can be seen in my own life or also seen in reference to my neighbour

Am I ready to undergo such fast instead of mere giving up some little food. 

Think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Best offer of the Lent : Life and prosperity, death and doom

Gospel Thoughts*

*Thursday after Ash Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 9:22-25*

*First Reading - Dt 30:15-20*

*Best offer of the Lent : Life and prosperity, death and doom*

*1) God's Great offer to the mankind*

In the first reading of today from the book of Deuteronomy shows us the best offer of God to us 

Life and prosperity or death and doom 

Here nothing is forced upon the human beings. Rather it comes as an offer to us. We are free to choose whatever we wish 

*2) Lent begins with this great offer*

It is wonderful to begin the lent with this offer.

All of us by nature would like to choose life and prosperity than death and doom. 

No one wants to choose death and doom. 

If so what are the ways which are available for us to choose life and prosperity

*3) Various ways to choose life and prosperity*

*The commandments of the Lord* : by following the commandments of the Lord, automatically we choose life and prosperity

*Cross* Taking up ones Cross and following Jesus daily will make us to choose life and prosperity

*Life* : Living or spending ones life for Jesus or for building the kingdom of God will help us to choose life and prosperity

*Martyrdom* Loosing ones life for Jesus will make a person to choose life and prosperity

*4) Lent gives special ways to choose life and prosperity*

*Prayer* : Prayer gives a automatic entry into the aspect of life and prosperity

*Fasting* Fasting has tremendous power to help us in the process of choosing life and prosperity

*Almsgiving* This is an practical way through which we gain life and prosperity

Lenten spirit gives special significance to these above things 

*5) Life and prosperity in my life*

The moment I foster the values like, service, sacrifice, generosity, humility, truth, forgiveness, love, care, concern helping hand, and taking care of one another will help us to choose life and prosperity

*6) The shades of death and doom in my life*

Anger, jealousy, pride, arrogance, selfishness, self righteousness, revenge, greed, desire for wordly things, pleasures of this world will make a person to choose death and doom

*7) What is my Choice?*

As Lenten season gives us the opportunity to choose, what is my choice? 

Nothing works automatically. One needs to work for it 

If so what will I choose? 

Life and prosperity or death and doom? 

Its not enough to have desire, but necessary to work for it

Will I be ready?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I ready to tear my heart? Tear your hearts and not your garments

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ash Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 6:1-6, 16-18*

*First Reading - Jl 2:12-18*

*Second Reading - 2 Cor 5:20-6:2*

*Tear your hearts and not your garments*

*1) Significance of tearing something*

Tearing is one of the important things which we use in our day today life. 

By tearing one can separate one thing from another 

By tearing one can divine a particular things and make it two or more 

By tearing we can pull out a particular thing which is no more needed

By tearing we put apart the same thing into two or more units 

*2) Tearing of the heart*

Prophet Joel uses this expression as we begin the lent 

Heart is a very important organ of the body and centre of all feeling 

Heart is the symbol of love and it is the center of Feeling of the Love 

*3) Why we have to tear the heart? 

As we know that the heart is the centre of emotions and feeling 

So one needs to tear from the heart all those emotions and feelings which do not help us to grow in our spiritual life 

So this is the reason why we have to tear our heart and not the Garments 

*4) Various things to tear from the Heart*

As we begin the lent there are many things to tear from the heart. Some of them may be following 

We need to tear from our heart the feelings of hatred, jealousy, revengeful attitude and selfishness 

We need to tear from our heart the feelings of gossip, unforgiveness, pride, greed, anger, and self-righteousness

We need to tear from our hearts the desire for money, power, sensual pleasures, wordly things, pomp and glory 

We need to tear from our hearts the attitude of arrogance, cunningness, cheating, and hypocrisy

These are the various things that we need to tear from our hearts 

*5) Tearing is a painful process*

Tearing is not easy. It is a very painful process. So it needs lots of efforts and determination

Some times we need to use so much of force to tear a particular thing. 

Some times tearing leaves a permanent mark and it is not easy to hide it 

Even then we have to use this technique in tearing so many things in our day today life 

So even in our spiritual life the same logic is used and we need to take care in tearing the bad things from our hearts inorder to purify our life 

*6) Jesus gives us Three important things to tear our hearts*

*Prayer* - Lent gives special significance to prayer and this technique of prayer can be used to tear unholy things from our hearts. 

This is a very powerful technique

*Fasting* Another powerful technique to tear the unnecessary and useless things from our heart. 

This technique has very good effect in bringing the desired results

*Almsgiving* - This is very practical and challenging technique to tear or to pullout  all the unholy things from our hearts 

By using these three techniques one can definitely tear ones hearts from all unholy things and make it pure and holy 

*7) Lent begins with tearing the heart*

If lent begins with this gesture means we can understand the gravity and importance of this - tearing of the heart 

Lent can't be made fruitful unless we tear our hearts from unholy things 

So let us begin this holy season of Lent by tearing our own hearts and making it pure and holy 

*Wish you a fruitful and  effective Season of Lent/Grace*

*Wish you a grace filled Ash Wednesday*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Do I fail to see what I am supposed to see?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Sixth Week : Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 8:14-21*

*First Reading - Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10*

*Do I fail to see what I am supposed to see?*

*Jesus says "Do you have eyes, and fail to see?*

*1) The disciples of  failed to see the reality*

The disciples of Jesus failed to see the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. 

In spite of Jesus' warning they are not able to see the various ways of the hypocritical life of the Pharisees

That is why Jesus questions them saying *You have eyes but you fail to see?*

*2) To see hypocrisy one not only needs the eye sight, but needs insight*

The disciples were seeing only from their physical eyesight, which was not powerful to identify the hypocrisy of the Pharisees 

To identify such hypocrisy one needs deep insight, only then one is able to see such things 

The lack of insight may lead to may problems which may be at times very fatal. That's why one needs to development the insight along with eyesight 

*3) To see the yeast of the Pharisees one needs deep insight*

Jesus makes a mention of the yeast of the Pharisees

Yeast works in an hidden and silent way 

Yeast makes the things bigger than the actual reality 

Yeast works from within and gets mixed one with the flour 

So *yeast of the Pharisees* refers to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. 

Just like yeast which makes the flour to come up (Show off) the Pharisees project themselves as holy and good people, even though they are not 

So one needs to be careful about the yeast of the Pharisees and to see that one needs special insight, which the disciples didn't have 

*4) Disciples saw only the loaves of bread and eating material*

Their whole attention was on the loaves of bread rather than anything else 

That is why when Jesus was speaking some serious things, they were thinking about the bread and scarcity of bread 

So the disciples were over worried about bread and physical hunger 

As long as one concentrates only on bread, he/she will be unable to see the greater realities of life

So insight in needed to see the greater realities of life other than the bread  

*5) Am I able to see the greater realities of the Kingdom of God*

  

The greater realities of the Kingdom of God are the following 

Forgiveness

Unconditional Love

Service

Humility

Washing of the feet 

Generosity

Faithfulness

Purity of thoughts and deeds

The above kingdom values I must see first of in my own life and then in my neighbours life 

If I am able witness these things in my life and in others life then my life will be a successful one 

*6) What do I see today in my life?*

A meaningful life 

A kind of alertness in my life to face all kinds of evil things 

Do I see a kind of watchfulness in my life to defeat the snares of the devil 

Do I see a merciful heart in me to see the misery of my neighbour?

*7) What type of eyes do I have?*

Eyes of love 

Eyes of forgiveness

Eyes of service 

Eyes of humility

Eyes of gratitude

Eyes of healing 

Eyes of generosity

Eyes of faithfulness

Or 

Eyes of revenge, anger, selfishness, hypocrisy, greed, jealousy, etc.

Think About it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Argument leads nowhere, but Dialogue wins

Gospel Thoughts*

*Sixth Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 8:11-13*

*First Reading - Gn 4:1-15, 25*

*Argument leads nowhere, but Dialogue wins*

*1) The Pharisees came to argue with Jesus*

The first line of the Gospel clearly tells us that, the Pharisees came to argue with Jesus.

In argument, one does not listen to the other, rather one want to prove that he/she is right 

Argument is an one sided approach, which does not take into consideration the opinion of the other party 

So the Pharisees wanted to prove that they are better, good and their view is right than Jesus 

*2) The intention of the argument is to test Jesus*

This is also clear from the Gospel *The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him*

So ultimately, the argument is not to gain some knowledge or to get enlightened with some greater truths, rather it is to test Jesus authenticity and capacity 

An argument which is geared towards another, in order to test, or to humiliate or to show another's weakness, does not produce any good results to any one 

So in this sense having an argument would be waste and it will create an uneasy feeling which may cause further damage for the good relationship

*3) The argument yielded no fruit for the Pharisees*

Pharisees came with a intention of getting a sign from Jesus

The sign which they demanded to test Jesus and to prove that Pharisees are right 

For this they began to argue with Jesus. But their argument led them nowhere

Finally they didn't succeed in getting any sign from Jesus 

So unnecessary  arguments and arguments with selfish motives or with a hidden hooks will not help in an way 

So one should be careful about it. 

*4) The habit of arguing unnecessarily  everyone*

The intention of the Pharisees to argue with Jesus to test Jesus, which appears to be very silly and unnecessary from their part

So it not only irritated Jesus but also made Him feel very sad about it. That's why *He sighed from the depth of his spirit*

Unnecessary arguments is useless and it only exposes the ignorance of the person

*5) No sign was given to the Pharisees*

This shows useless argument will benefit in no way 

The end result is not only *Zero*  but in increases the misunderstanding between two parties. 

Finally Jesus left them with heavy heart, which shows that there wasn't anything good came out from the arguing mentality.

*6) Those who went with open mind, were able to change their life*

We have many examples to prove this point 

Nicodemus approached Jesus with an open mind. Finally he became a powerful disciple of Jesus 

Matthew the Tax Collector, Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, many lepers, sick people came with an open mind, and they benefitted a lot in their lives 

*7) Arguing mentality closes ones mind to learn anything new*

The Pharisees came with an closed mind and heart, that's why they came to test and argue with Jesus 

From this incident they learnt nothing, rather they lost a beautiful opportunity to learn something new from a wise man 

*8) What type of mentality do I posses?* 

Is my mindset unnecessarily arguing one? 

Is my mindset with an attitude of testing everyone? 

Is my mindset depends only on signs and not on faith or belief? 

Is my mindset is to irritate my neighbour for silly thing? 

Is my mindset is to argue for everything and to prove that I am always right and the other is always wrong? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

If You wish, you can make me clean - is a great prayer

Gospel Thoughts*

*Sixth Week : Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:40-45*

*First Reading - Lv 13:1-2, 44-46*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 10:31-11:1*

*If You wish, you can make me clean - is a great prayer*

*1) If you wish, you can make me clean*

This is a great prayer from the leper, because the leper surrenders himself completely to the will of God 

This is a great prayer, because in it there is lot of trust, faith, humility is found from the part of the leper 

This is a great prayer because, the leper is ready to accept any response from Jesus. 

This is a great prayer because, ultimately the leper believes that healing is primarily God's work and it is a great gift of God. Ultimately Healing has to come from God, we can do nothing 

*2) This prayer is similar to the Prayer of Jesus in the Gethsemane*

Jesus said *Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. - Luke 22:42*

Leper said *If you wish, you can make me clean.* Mark 1:41

Both these prayers similar and we must wonder that a leper can pray like Jesus 

In this prayer the spiritual depth of the leper is seen and he becomes an model for all of us 

*3) Leper had garve need, but was able to accept the will of God*

Curing from the leprosy was a genuine need for the leper 

Since this was first and urgent need, even then the Leper didn't demand from Jesus, for the cure. 

Even in this grave necessity, the Leper makes a gentle request to Jesus *If you wish you can make me clean*

This shows the gentleness and humility even in the midst of grave health problem of the leper 

*4) The prayer of the Leper was answered with a miracle*

All genuine and sincere prayers addressed to Jesus were met with wonderful results 

Even this simple and sincere prayer was answered with a great miracle 

Jesus cures the Leper and the person was given the gift of good heath 

So all these genuine prayers were answered by Jesus 

*5) Am I able to pray like the Leper*

The very fact that the prayer was answered by Jesus shows that the prayer of the leper was sincere and genuine

If so the leper becomes an model for the pray with sincere heart 

So the question is Am I able to pray like the leper? 

*6) The hurdles to pray like the leper*

We need to indentify various hurdles which we encounter to pray like the leper 

Some time we may lack the humility like that of the leper 

Some time we may demand from God, instead of making a genuine request 

Some time we may find fault with God, for giving us various problems and challenges. But the leper never complained about his leprosy

If so what are my challenges or problems in making a genuine prayer?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Possible things Vs Impossible things

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 8:1-10*

*First Reading - Gn 3:9-24*

*Possible things Vs Impossible things*

*1) Two opinions are highlighted in today's Gospel reading*

The feeding of the Four thousand, clear shows us the two types of thought patterns

On the one side there a opinion  of impossible things. 

On the other side there is also a person who always of the opinion *Things are possible*

*2) Disciples impossible mentality*

*His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?*

The impossibility of being in a deserted place, which makes them things to become possible

The impossibility of a place of getting the place at that moment 

The impossibility of getting enough food for their satisfaction

*Can any one get* impossibility of no one can do anything at that moment 

So the disciples had series of impossible things which made them to proceed with any possible things 

*3) Disciples saw only impossible things*

It is very clear that the disciples saw only impossible things 

In seeing the impossible things they completely forgot in looking into possible things 

The moment one starts with negative things, all positive and possible things become impossible things 

*4) Jesus' Possible approach* 

The approach of Jesus was completely different from that of the disciples

Jesus goes with a possible approach. This positive approach changes the whole situation and it has tremendous capacity to make the things to happen 

*5) The possible approach starts with available things*

Jesus' possible approach  starts with the seven available loaves of bread and few available fish 

So possible things always starts with little available things 

It starts from small things and great things happen 

*6) The possible approach starts within the heart of Jesus*

The origin of the possible approach had its beginning in the heart of Jesus 

*My heart is moved with pity for the crowd,* This approach becomes a very powerful approach, which makes impossible things possible

Something which starts from the heart, becomes genuine and it starts from a very deep and sincere desire

Such things become very powerful and finally even the impossible things become possible

That is the beauty of something which starts in the heart 

*7) Possible approach leads to great miracle*

The possible approach of Jesus led to a great miracle

The miracle of multiplication of loaves and fish took place 

The miracle of feeding 4000 men happened because of the possible approach

The miracle of extra food of 12 baskets remained because of the possible approach

The miracle of great unity, surprise, the realization of the miraculous power of Jesus became very evident because of the possible approach

*8) Possible approach leads to growth*

This is the fact. Finally possible approach leads to great growth 

It changes the whole situation and builds our self confidence

*9) What is my approach*

Possible approach or impossible approach?

Possible approach will change your life and also others life 

Impossible approach will not help in any ways to anyone 

Possible approach in life will witness great miracles and growth 

Possible approach needs great courage and organising skills. 

*Will I take a possible approach?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Syndrome of the deafness and muteness

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:31-37*

*First Reading - 1 Gn 3:1-8*

*The Syndrome of the deafness and muteness*

*1) The person who was brought to Jesus was deaf and dumb*

Since he was deaf, he could not hear anything 

Since he was dumb he could not communicate anything or He was not able to speak 

Now we can imagine the misery of the person who suffers from deafness and dumbness in life. 

It is really a challenge to face life in such a situation

*2) Speech and hear are the two important faculties of Human being*

Among many other God's gift, the gift of speech and the gift of hearing capacity are two important and valuable things 

They are God's gift. Nothing in this world can help us to regain those gift, if they are once lost completely

Life becomes impossible and so miserable without these things in our life 

*3) Today's tragedy : Not able to hear, even though there is capacity to hear and not able to speak, in spite of the gift of tongue*

All of us have the capacity to hear and to speak. In spite of these gifts in many situations we become deaf and dumb, when it comes doing the mission of the Lord 

Today many people have become deaf to the cry of the poor, marginalized, sick, farmers, and specially to the cry of the poor. 

The deaf syndrome is very dangerous for our growth. 

There is also speech syndrome, which makes people unable to speak for truth 

Today this culture is growing very powerfully, and people are made speechless, when it comes to truth, justice, equality, and fighting for ones fundamental right

Many people are frightened about many things. So the speech syndrome becomes very powerful in their lives and they don't dare to speak the truth

*4) The syndrome of muteness and dumbness in my Life*

All of us suffer from this syndrome. 

When it comes to speak for truth and justice many suffer from the speech syndrome. 

The same with the syndrome of Dumbness

This syndrome makes u unable to hear any cry for help, justice and truth 

If so am I suffering from these syndromes?

What is the gravity of these syndromes in my life?

*5) Jesus is the cure to these syndromes*

When Jesus layed His hand on the person he was able to regain all the capacities and he was able to speak and hear 

So Jesus became the solutions for his syndromes 

So for all those who suffer from these syndromes, Jesus is the real source of healing 

*6) The man allowed Himself to be brought to Jesus*

Finally the man allowed himself to be carried by the group of people, to be brought to Jesus 

Thus he was free from all the syndromes. 

If he had not allowed himself to be brought by the people to Jesus, nothing would have happened

So allowing oneself to be guided by the other is very important

*7) By Himself the deaf and dumb man can do nothing*

Someone's help is very much necessary. In the Gospel it is the crowd which helps the person 

If I am suffering from these syndromes, I need to get help from others to come to Jesus, for a healing 

If I have these syndromes, will I allow others to help me, in overcoming these syndromes. 

Am I ready to tackle my syndromes of deafness and muteness?

*8) What are the  areas belong to this, syndrome in my life?*

List them and try to overcome from these syndromes

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus gave the best Wine

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - John 2:1-11*

*First Reading - Is 66:10-14*

*Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes*

*Jesus gave the best Wine*

*1) The Quality of the Wine*

From the Gospel narration it is very clear that, the water which was turned into wine, becomes the good and best quality of wine.

The quality of this wine was far superior than the wine which was already served to the wedding guests 

Even the steward was surprised to have such a high quality wine in the wedding function

In fact it appears that this was the first time that the wedding witnessed such a high quality wine. 

So this is the speciality of this wine

*2) Wine in the Wedding at cana has a special significance*

First of this wine is not an ordinary wine because its quality was marvelous

Secondly this wine was not prepared out of grapes, but out of ordinary water, which turns out to be the best wine

Thirdly this wine comes in the context of a miracle and Jesus performs the first miracle to turn the water into wine. So ultimately this wine comes from Jesus 

Fourthly the need of this wine was very special. It was a do or die situation at wedding of Cana. It is a question of the dignity of s marriage and this wine is not used only for the sake of entertainment or for celebration. 

So this wine become so special in the wedding at Cana and also in the life and mission of Jesus 

*3) When God gives He gives the best thing*

The example of wine is one instance to show the way how God gives

When God gives He always gives the best things to human beings. 

All the things which we receive from God being to super quality and not to the inferior quality 

We have many examples to prove this in our life. Some of them could be following 

The gift of our life, which belongs to a superior quality than any life in this universe. We have been created in the image and likeness of God. 

All our senses and their powers. We have nothing in this world to compare to this. One simple example the eye sight - what a great miracle of God to us

Our mind and thinking capacity, creative power - one of the best things among the many other things which were given by God to us 

Like wise we can take anything this world, they belong to the best quality, when it comes from God

In fact there is no inferior quality in God's gift.

*4) Mother Mary is one of the Best gifts of God to the entire Human Kind*

Today as we celebrate the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, it is very clear that Mary is the greatest God's gift to the entire human Kind 

There is no greater gifts other than Mary  in the form of a Mother who is so much concerned about Her children in the World 

All the miracles which happen in Lourdes through her intercession belong to the superior quality, because at times no medical field will be able to solve these problems

All the miracles which happen in Lourdes are much higher than the cure of any medical treatment 

This shows not only Our Mother is a best gift of God to us, but even the miracles which happen through her intercession belong to a higher and best quality  - this proves once again God always gives us the best things in our life

*5) God intervenes in the Human History through the best ways*

First of God intervened through His own beloved Son Jesus 

Today God still intervenes through various ways. One among them is the apparitions of our Blessed Mother

These apparitions of Mary are the God's best ways to communicate His message to the entire world 

The message of Love

The message of reconciliation

The message of universal brotherhood

The message of service 

These are the best messages and apparitions are the best ways to communicate His messages 

*6) All Sacraments are the best ways of imparting God's grace to us*

Sacraments are the channels of God's grace

God's Grace is one of the beautiful gifts which a man can ever desire and can experience in his/her life.

When God gives He gives the best one. Thats the logic of God.

*7) When I give - what logic I follow?*

Will I be able to follow the logic of God? 

Giving the best thing to others 

Or do I follow the other ways - that is 

Whatever is not good, whatever is not necessary for me, whatever is not in good Condition to use I give to others? 

*Or do I give at all? Is a big question*

*Happy feast of Our Lady of Lourdes*

May our Mother intercede for all of us

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Where is Evil? - The source and origin of Evil

Gospel Thoughts

*Fifth Week : Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:14-23*

*First Reading - Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17*

*Where is Evil? - The source and origin of Evil*

*1) There is so much evil in the World today*

This is one of the common expressions which we hear every day. 

In fact there is lot of evil in the world today and all agree with this 

If so, we need to ask a question, from where does this evil come from? Where is its source? How it works? 

These questions will help us to understand to am certain extent the working of the evil in and around us

*2) Where ever there is human beings there is evil*

In the book of Genesis we find along with the Adam and Eve there is also the problem of evil is found 

Evil comes in the context of the presence of the human being and evil has something to do with the human beings 

Where ever there is no human being the problem of evil also no found and the problem of evil is not very active 

In this way we see a close connection between Human beings and the evil 

*3) The source of evil is within and not from outside* 

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus makes it clear that, the evil comes from within the human being 

Evil is not existing somewhere in the out side. In other words the evil so called which exists outside the human being has no power to act 

So evil becomes active within the human being and it takes different forms 

*4) Heart and Mind becomes the centre of Evil things*

Heart and Mind exists within the human beings 

At times they become the channels to carry out the evil deeds 

From the Heart and Mind comes the following evil deeds *From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly*

So it is very clear that evil comes from within. All these above evil deeds have their origin either in the Heart or in the Mind. 

*5) Evil chooses the Heart and Mind of Human being*

It is very clear that evil chooses the heart and mind of human being to its activity 

By itself evil can do nothing. But when its works through the heart and mind of human beings it can have very deadly effect. So one should be very careful 

In fact the evil chose first the heart and mind of Eve, and it worked it evil deeds through her. 

Even today the evil is taking the human heart and mind for its evil deeds. 

*6) My heart and Mind is not free from evil influence*

The same evil which deceived Adam and Eve, who tried to tempt Jesus, but could not succeed, is still very active to enter into our hearts and minds. 

Unless we give the permission the evil is unable to enter into our hearts and minds 

So it looks for all the time and in all the situations to take control of our hearts and minds  

*7) Once it starts working through our heart and mind, it takes dangerous turn*

The evil which starts working through the hearts and minds of human being takes most deadliest turn which destroys not only the person but also effects the others too 

So one should be very careful in dealing with evil and never to give our hearts and minds to its evil deeds. 

*8) What about my heart and mind?*

Are they centres of good things - like generosity, kindness, forgiveness

Or are they places where the bad or evil things like hatred, revenge, gossip etc.

Think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Washing of the Hands and Washing of the heart and Mind

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:1-13*

*First Reading - Gn 1:20-2:4a*

*Washing of the Hands and Washing of the heart and Mind*

*1) The issue of the Washing of the Hands*

For all Jews washing of the hands was one of the important traditional customs which they observed meticulously

They considered this custom is coming from their elders and breaking such customs would be a insult to the elders 

So almost all the Jews would wash their hands before they eat or after they return from the market 

*2) Washing of the Hands is a sign of cleanliness*

From the perspective of cleanliness, washing of hands is an important thing 

It also necessary from the point of hygien 

So there is nothing wrong in washing of the hands 

*3) For Jews washing of the hands remained only at external level*

For them it was a ritual remained only at the external level

They didn't see any deep meaning in it. In fact seeing a deeper meaning in it they used this ritual to trap Jesus and His disciples

So for Jews it became an opportunity to trap Jesus and to find fault with Jesus. 

*4) Jesus uses this ritual for deeper meaning*

Jesus takes this ritual and speaks about the cleanliness of the heart 

As Jews see the need and necessity of washing of the hands, Jesus sees still deeper into the issue, which demands the washing of the heart, mind and our whole inner self 

For Jews washing of the heart, mind and inner self does not make any sense. But for Jesus washing of the heart and mind and inner self more important than the washing of the hands 

*5) Washing of the hand and Washing of the heart -Mind*

Washing of the hands is very easy but washing of the heart and mind is not easy 

Washing of the hands deals with external cleanliness, but washing of mind and heart deals about spiritual cleanliness

Washing of the hand can be done with the water, but washing of the heart and mind can be done only through the spiritual things like, sacrament of reconciliation, repentance, conversion etc

Washing of the hands can be done by others. But washing of the mind and heart can be done only the the self and not by others 

Washing of the hands will not change the person, but washing of the heart and mind will totally change the person for better 

Washing of the hands needs no courage, but washing of the heart and mind needs a tremendous courage and goodwill 

*6) Washing of the Heart and mind*

Mind is a place of thoughts. 

We have variety of thoughts I'm our minds 

Washing of the minds will help us to retain the good thoughts and to avoid the bad thoughts 

Avoiding bad thoughts is not easy. The the process of washing the mind will help us to clean up all the dirt from our minds 

Like wise heart is the center of feeling and emotions

 

Since heart is centre of all the good as well as evil feelings, washing of the heart is necessary. 

Only then we can purify ourselves and have good feelings which leads us to become good persons 

*7) Christian spirituality belongs to washing of the heart and mind and not of hands*

There is no much place for washing of the hands in Christian spirituality. 

Christian spirituality demands the washing of the heart and mind in order to lead a holy life 

Washing of the heart and mind makes a person holy and to become a genuine  follower of Christ. 

*9) Where do I stand?*

Am I immersed in washing of the hands, which are not necessary at all? Or having very less significance

Or am I seriously involved in washing of my heart and mind everyday to keep it clean and holy 

The Lenten season which we are going begin shortly calls us to wash our hearts and minds and not the hands. 

*Am I ready?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The need, necessity and beauty of Crossing to the other side

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 6:53-56*

*First Reading - Gn 1:1-19*

*The need, necessity and beauty of Crossing to the other side*

*1) The days Gospel starts with Crossing to the other side*

Jesus and disciples crossed the other side of the sea, through the help of a boat

After crossing the sea, they got down from the boat and they witnessed variety of things there 

The Gospel tells us that the other side of the sea was Gennesaret. 

There were so many things which happened in the region of Genneasret

*A) First of all people recognised Jesus and His disciples*

Recognising Jesus is an important aspect of our life 

At times we fail to recognise Jesus in our life. In this context, crossing to the other side in order to recognise Jesus becomes very important

*B) Bringing of sick people for healing*

As soon as they recognised Jesus they brought all their sick people for healing 

In fact Jesus healed all of them from their infirmity

So other side of the sea becomes a important place of healing. So this also highlights the importance of crossing to the other side

*C) Touching of Jesus*

On the other side of the sea many people got and opportunity to touch Jesus 

Getting a chance to touch Jesus is the greatest privilege of life 

Those sick people got this beautiful chance of touching Jesus and all those who touched Jesus were healed. 

Something great and spectacular happened on the other side of the sea. 

*D) Jesus was found always on move* 

When Jesus reached the  other side of sea, He didn't simply sit. 

He went from place to place, from town to the villages and even to the market place 

Other side of the sea Jesus is always active and on move

The other side of the sea is meant for working and serving and not to sit idle.

*E) Other side of the sea became a place of miracles* 

So many such people were brought and all of them were healed 

So it became a place of miracles and healing 

*F) It became a place of divine encounter*

The other side of the sea became a place of divine encounter

Many people were able to have this encounter and it became a place of divine experience

*2) Where is my Gennesaret?*

Having reflected the importance of the other side of the sea, that is Gennesaret, where is this place in my life? 

What does this place symbolizes in my life? 

Do I feel the need to coming to this place?

Have I realised the beauty of this place? 

*3) Am I making any efforts to cross over to the other side?*

We have realised the need of crossing over to the other side 

If so where I am right now? Am I still on the sea or not yet started to cross over at all? 

What are the ways I am using to cross over to the other side?

*4) To cross over to the other side we need a boat*

Where is my boat to cross over to the other side? 

What types of boats I have in order to cross to the other side? 

Following could be some boats 

Humility, love, service, care, concern, forgiveness, sharing, sacrifice, justice, etc 

Am I ready to use these boats to cross over to the other side?

*5) With out crossing nothing happens*

The Gospel clearly shows that all beautiful things happened after crossing to the other side 

Without that nothing happened 

If so crossing is must for the miracles to take place 

Cross over from revenge to forgiveness

Cross over from pride to humility

Cross over from falsehood to truth 

Cross over from greed to generosity

Cross over from rigidity to broad mind 

Cross over to gossip to good news 

Cross over from non cooperation to cooperation

Cross over from hatred to love 

Cross Over from ------- to  ---- 

Fill the above gap

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*