The problem of I and Judas

Gospel Thoughts*

*Holy Week: Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 26:14-25*

*First Reading - Is 50:4-9a*

*The problem of I and Judas*

*1) What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?*

From the above expression of Judas it is very clear that the whole focus of Judas was Self

In other words he was suffering from *I* problem 

In every work Judas calculated what I will get. So even in betraying Jesus, Judas calculated what he would get 

*2) Judas' focus was only self and not the other*

Judas all the time calculated what is the benefit for him. 

Judas never thought or calculated in what was his work will benefit the other 

The *Other* was not there in the life of Judas. The only thing which ruled the life of Judas was the self, selfishness, self gain and greed for money

*3) What he got, could not use it for himself*

In his business relationship, he got 30 silver coins for handing over to Jesus 

He might have felt happy when he received 30 silver coins. But that 30 silver coins he could not use in any way 

After having received 30 silver coins he could keep with him only for few minutes or hours 

Finally he had to throw that money and come back empty handed

Whatever Judas go through the unjust ways, or selfish ways, could not use it in any way. That is the tragedy of Judas' life 

*4) What will I get is a dangerous position in life*

Too much emphasizing on this particular issue, that is *what will I get* is a dangerous thing, 

Because such an position does not allow you to sit quiet 

Such an position always forces you to use unjust ways 

Such and position makes you to violate all the rules and regulations and makes the person desperate to achieve the things 

Such was the position of Judas and finally ended up in committing suicide 

So too much emphasis of *what will I get* finally destroys once own life

*5) What will I get position contrary to the mission of Jesus*

A follower of Jesus can't have this position in any point of time in his/her ministry

One can't serve Jesus with selfless love with *What will I get* position 

In the position there is no mission, service, care, concern and sacrifice 

*What will I get* is the most selfish and self centred position 

*6) What will I get position makes our life useless and worthless*

Human life can't be imagined in *What will I get position*

The foundation of the very life of human being rests in service and not in selfishness 

The foundation of our life should be *What others will get* and not *what I will get*

*7) Jesus always thought what others will get*

Jesus was a other centred person 

Jesus thought what will happen to others if I don't on the cross 

Jesus thought what others will get, if I don't accept the cross and death on the cross

Jesus thought what others will get, if I don't help the needy, cure of the sick, and accept the sinners 

Jesus thought what will happen to the lepers, sick, and the rejected people if I don't touch and heal them 

Jesus' approach was completely different than that of Judas

*8) Which path do I follow?*

The path of Judas  - what will I get - dangerous path, destructive path and unjust path 

The path of Jesus - just path, other centred path, a path which is filled with others wellbeing, love, sacrifice, care, concern, justice, etc 

Which is my path?

Think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Once the Satan enters, one can't stay with Jesus

Gospel Thoughts*

*Holy Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 13:21-33, 36-38*

*First Reading - Is 49:1-6*

*Once the Satan enters, one can't stay with Jesus*

*1) Judas and the Morsel*

Morsel is a piece of bread which was given by Jesus to Judas 

From the Gospel it is clear that taking of Morsel, was an opportunity for the Satan to enter into the life of Judas 

Jesus Says that *After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him*

*2) Why Did Jesus gave the Morsel to Judas*

It is an official confirmation by Jesus that Satan is very active and it works in Judas now on words

Jesus says *Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.*

So all the disciples wanted to know who would do this terrible work

So in order to indicate Jesus gives this morsel to Judas.

The purpose of Jesus giving morsel to Judas is only to make known to the other disciples about the betrayal 

Whether other disciples understood or not is not clear. From the Gospel it appears that, the other disciples did not understand the meaning the gesture of Jesus giving morsel to Judas

 

*3) After taking Morsel Judas left at once*

After taking morsel immediately the Satan became very active in Judas

Once the Satan becomes active, Judas could not stay with Jesus or in front of Jesus 

That is one of the reasons why Judas left immediately. Once a person gives entry to Satan, one can't stand in front of Jesus 

*4) And it was night*

When Judas left with Satan it took him into darkness 

The physical darkness which was around also an indication that the life of Judas was filled only with Darkness

From now on words, Judas will participate only in the works of darkness 

So leaving into the darkness, is an official invitation by Judas to darkness into his life and a permission to control his life by darkness 

*5) Satan can lead only into darkness inorder to destroy*

The Satan which took Judas into darkness finally does a great blunder in betraying his own Divine Master 

This blunder leads Judas to committ suicide and to destroy his own life 

So finally Satan who led Judas into darkness, destroys his life, leading him to commit suicide. 

So Satan can only destroy ones life and nothing else 

*6) Satan is quick in doing its work*

It took only few hours to destroy his life completely. 

From the moment the Satan entered it starts to work immediately and within no time it destroyed the life of Judas 

So Satan does not need much time to destroy ones life 

Once one gives entry into Satan in ones life, that is the beginning of end of ones life. 

So we need to be careful about it 

*7) Judas and Satan*

Judas was with Jesus still was controlled by Satan 

Being with Jesus Judas allowed himself to be controlled by Satan, that is the tragedy.

We need to be careful because,  because any time Satan can control us. 

Let's be careful not to give chance to Satan 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Cost of the Oil and Generosity of the Woman

Gospel Thoughts*

*Holy Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 12:1-11*

*First Reading - Is 42:1-7*

*The Cost of the Oil and Generosity of the Woman*

*1) The Cost of the Oil*

According to the Gospel it said the cost of the Oil is *three hundred days’ wages*

If we calculate per day if the wage around 600 it would be like 600x300=1,80,000

So the total cost of the oil is so high, which at times we fail to observe 

*2) What does this costly oil symbioses?*

Rs 1,80,000 is not a joke. It is the  worth of One years work. So costly 

Mary offering this such s costly oil, Shows how generous she is. She does not mind offering such a oil to anointing the feet of Jesus 

Mary's attitude of this cost is seen in line with Love. Genuine Love calculates no cost of the things, when one wants to give to the beloved 

Judas calculated the cost of the Oil in terms of Money value. There the value of Love is not Found 

In Judas one can see only greed for money, but in Mary one can see only Love and genuine Love

*3) The Amount of Oil*

The Gospel says *Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard*

It is one liter. In fact to anoint the feet one does not need one liter of Oil. It is enough to have little of it. But offering one litre of oil by Mary also shows her generous Heart 

*4) The Oil is one of the best things which was available for Mary*

We can conclude that to offer such a oil would be the best available option for Mary

First of all it is very costly 

Secondly it is made out of special herbs

Thirdly it had special fragrance.

Because of this characteristics, this oil appears to be the best available option for Mary 

*5)Will I be able to offer best things to God?*

From this episode one thing is very clear that, Mary offered the best thing to Jesus. There isn't any doubt about it

She is an inspiration to all of us, in offering something to God. Give to God that which you consider best and dear to you. God will be pleased with it

Am I ready to offer the best things in my life to God?

*6) The Oil in my life*

What would be the Alabaster oil will represent in my life? 

Alabaster oil is something which can't be calculated in terms of money but seen in terms of Love. If so the following things can be considered as Alabaster oil in my life 

Service

Forgiveness

Humility

Simplicity

Holiness, 

Love

Care and concern 

Generosity

Goodwill, 

Sharing 

Wellbeing of one another 

All these will represent the Alabaster oil in my life 

If so how do they work in my life?

Am I ready to offer them?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I ready to untie the Donkey/Colt?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Holy Week: Palm Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39*

*First Reading - Is 50:4-7*

*Second Reading - Phil 2:6-11*

*Am I ready to untie the Donkey/Colt?*

*1) Palm Sunday and untying of the Donkey/Colt*

Palm Sunday has a special reference to Jesus entry into Jerusalem

Jesus enters Jerusalem, by riding a donkey/colt. In other words Jesus sits on the donkey/colt and enters into Jerusalem

Since Jesus needed this donkey/colt for His entry into Jerusalem, He asks His disciples to go to a certain place, untie the donkey and to bring it 

The disciples did as Jesus said. They went and untied the donkey and brought it for Jesus 

*2) Untying of the Donkey is important*

The donkey could not move because it was tied with a rope. 

Once it was untied, it was able to move wherever it was directed 

So untying of the donkey becomes an important aspect, in bringing the donkey 

*3) Today we need to find this donkey in our Life*

The same Jesus who needed the donkey 2000 years ago to enter into Jerusalem, today also needs the donkey. 

In other words today Jesus asks me and you to find this donkey in our life and to untie it to give to Jesus 

Am I ready to find out this donkey and to untie it for Jesus?

*4) The Aspects of Donkey in our lives*

Humility, generosity, forgiveness, simplicity, love, care, concern, service, sacrifice, are some of the aspects which takes the place of Donkey

As Jesus travelled on the donkey to enter into Jerusalem, the same Jesus wants to travel through the above values to the Jerusalem of my life 

My inner self is the Jerusalem, to which Jesus wants to enter and the values kingdom values which are mentioned above are the donkeys through which Jesus wants to enter into my inner life 

*5) Untying of the Donkey in my life*

As the donkey was tied With a rope to the pole, which made the donkey impossible to move, the untying of it was very much necessary

Like wise the above values are at times tied with the ropes of anger, selfishness, jealousy, hatred, revengeful attitudes, gossips, misunderstanding etc. 

So untying of the kingdom values ( Donkey) from these deadly ropes is very important to give this donkey to Jesus 

Am I ready to untie the donkey in my life and give it to Jesus?

*6)Only I can untie the Donkey in my life*

Others can not unite the donkey which I have tied with many things 

Only I can untie the donkey and can be set free to be used by Jesus 

Will I co-operate for this holy task? 

 

*7) Jesus can't use others donkey to entre into the Jerusalem of my life*

To enter into the Jerusalem of my life, He needs a donkey, which is special to me 

Jesus doesn't want to use some one else' donkey to enter into my life/Jerusalem

So only through the special donkey He can enter into my life. 

So am I ready for this? 

*Happy Palm Sunday and A Fruitful Holy Week*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What are we going to do?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fifth Week: Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 11:45-56*

*First Reading - Ez 37:21-28*

*What are we going to do?*

*1) One of the important Questions in Life*

*What are we going to do?* is one of the important questions which comes in today's Gospel

The Jews and the authorities of Jewish people asked this Question, in connection with the issues of Jesus 

When we apply this question to our own life, what answers shall we get is the important thing to be noted today, as we read today's bible reading 

*2) In the Gospel Passage variety of people do variety of things*

*A) Jews who came to see Mary*: Some of these Jews believe in Jesus after seeing the miracles and extraordinary things in Jesus 

*B) Other Jews* : Some of the Jews who had come to see Mary saw Jesus' miracles and went and informed about the same to Jewish authority

The intention of the information may be, because they were jealous about Jesus 

May be they wanted to gain a milage from Jewish authority

May be they wanted to trap Jesus 

*C) Chief priest and Pharisees* : They were fully troubled at the miracles and wonders of Jesus because many were following Jesus 

So they convened the Sanhedrin to plot a plan to tackle Jesus and to control His ministry

*D) Caiaphas*: He was the chief priest. So he had the authority to say something when something to decide in the Sanhedrin.

People use to value his words, since he is a chief priest 

So he made a prophecy about the mission of Jesus 

*Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation*

*E) Jesus*: Jesus could no longer walk in the public. So He went into the desert area of Ephraim and spent time with His disciples

*F) People who came for Passover*

They discussed with each other about the arrival of Jesus to Jerusalem

Some of them also looked for Jesus in order to catch Him and to give the news about His whereabouts to the Jewish authority

*3) Lent : What are we going to do?*

This question has a special relevance during the time of Lent 

Let's ask this question personally to us *What am I going to do?*

*What  I have done so Far?*

*What am I going to do in the future?*

*4) Who is the Model for us?* 

I the above mentioned group of people who did different things, in their relationship with Jesus, who can be my model? 

Who can be the model to answer this question What am I going to do here and now?

*5) Life depends on this question*

The existence of our life depends on this particular question

The answer to this question and also the action required to follow this question in the practical level, will decide our future

So therefore, it is not an easy question to answer, it involves greater things of ones life 

Am I able to answer this question, with right intention and determination?

It is a question of life, which has long lasting effects on our life

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Many Good works Vs one Blasphemy

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fifth Week: Friday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 10:31-42*

*First Reading - Jer 20:10-13*

*Many Good works Vs one Blasphemy*

*1) Jesus Speaks about many Good works in Today's Gospel*

Jesus boldly says that *I have shown you many good works from my Father.*

This shows that Jesus has done lots of Good works in His public ministry

His Good works include all areas of the ministry. Preaching, healing, consoling, forgiving, loving, saving and elevating human beings from the slavery of Satan 

All the Works and miracles of Jesus are the witness for Jesus' many works 

*2) Jesus accused of one issue of Blasphemy*

Jews found fault with one issue that is the issue of blasphemy

For Jews blasphemy becomes a great issue. 

Claiming oneself as God and equating oneself with God will result in blasphemy

Blasphemy is only one thing for which Jesus was accused of 

*3) Jews wanted to stone Jesus to kill Him*

Jews were very angry with Jesus because of the issue of blasphemy

So they wanted to kill Jesus by stoning him 

This is the conclusion of the Jews and Jewish leaders to stone Jesus to death 

*4) Many Good works and one issue of blasphemy*

This is the irony of the whole issue 

Jesus had done lots of good works. Jews never mentioned about those things 

They highlighted only one issue and wanted to kill Jesus 

This is the standard of this world

Unfortunately, whatever good work is done by the person is forgotten within no time. 

Finally one is accused for the one little thing which some times may go wrong 

*5) Is it justifiable to corner all good works and to accuse for one issue*

How far is it justifiable to condemn a man who does lots of Good works but happens to commit a small mistake? 

How far is it justifiable to forget all the good things of the person and to accuse for one small little thing? 

Destroying the life of the person, reputation, and good name for one small little thing forgetting all the good deeds of the person is not at all justifiable

*6) The allegation of blasphemy was not proved against Jesus*

Here the mob works. No one has the patience to verify the allegations whether they are right or wrong

The mob deciding to kill some one for just a unproved allegations, is totally wrong and it is a serious offense against the mob itself 

Moreover mob has no authority to kill some one even if the allegations are right 

*7) The culture of false accusation and mob reaction*

These are the two things which play a very important role in today's society

At times the culture of false accusation is becoming very common today. 

The mob getting into action to destroy something and at times  some one based on the false allegations are also happening 

Same things happened during the time of Jesus. Today also it is happening 

Where do I stand? 

Jews and mob who considers one false allegation is more powerful than all other good works 

Or do I challenge asking to which of the Good works do you kill me

*Where do I stand?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

God proposed the plan and Waited for Mary's "Yes"

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fifth Week: Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Luke 1:26-38*

*First Reading - Is 7:10-14, 8:10*

*Second Reading -Heb 10:4-10*

*God proposed the plan and Waited for Mary's "Yes"*

*1) God's Beautiful plan for Mary*

The whole episode of today's Gospel clearly shows us the best plan of God, to a simple Girl of Galilee

The plan was to become the Mother of God's Son. 

This could be the highest offer which could be offered to a simple yet Holy girl of Galilee. 

That's why this is a very special and beautiful plan of God to Mary

*2) The execution of the Plan*

God sends Angel Gabriel to execute the plan. 

So first the Angel comes to Mary and tells her about God's conception of Mary 

*Hail, Full of Grace, the Lord is with You* This is what God thinks of Mary

Secondly the Angel communicates the purpose for which the Angel had come *Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.*

This is the plan of God to Mary 

Thirdly the Angel clarifies the Doubt of Mary 

Mary had a doubt, how this will happen without getting married to Joseph. So she expressed her doubt. 

Then we see that the Angel is clarifying her doubts and gives the way through which she will conceive 

Finally we see that Mary says *Yes* to the plan of God. 

This is how the plan gets executed in the Life of Mary 

*3) In the plan we see no force*

First of all God had a beautiful plan for Mary, but it didn't have force from God's side in any way 

Things are explained clearly  by the Angel. There is no ambiguity in the plan 

Thirdly the Angel did not say to Mary to say *Yes* to the Lord. The Angel only communicated the plan of God 

So no force what so ever either from God or the Angel

*4) Angel waited until Mary said Yes*

Even though the Angel got negetive answer from Mary, the angel didn't depart from her 

From the part of the Angel, Gabriel tried to explain and communicated the greatness of the plan 

It was a beautiful approach by the angel to convince Mary 

Then ultimately, Angel waited for the Answer of Mary 

The Angel departed only after getting the answer from Mary

*5) God, prepares a plan, explains it and waits for our response*

This procedure is very clear in the life of mother Mary

The same also true with our life. 

If so what would the God's beautiful plan for my life? 

Has it come to me or have I realised it through the Angels like my parents, elders, teachers, situations, failures, challenges, crisis, etc 

Like Angel Gabriel there are various people, situations and events through which comes God's beautiful plan for my life

*6) What Would be God's plan for me?*

First of all do I feel that the way of life, which I have chosen is in line with the God's beautiful plan for my life? 

If I am not comfortable with it, what has gone wrong with it? 

What can I do more to implement God's beautiful plan for my life?

God still waits for my *Yes* to His plan. What is my response 

*7) It is not one plan for whole life*

It was not one single plan for Mary's whole life 

The first plan brought with it a series of God's plan to her life 

Some were wonderful, some were challenging and other were too difficult. But Mary accepted  all the plans of God for her life 

Our life too has too many plans designed by God

Am I able to accept all these God's plan to my life? 

Each day brings a new and beautiful plan of God to my life 

What's my response? 

Think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Sin makes us slave?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fifth Week: Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 8:31-42*

*First Reading - Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95*

*Why Sin makes us slave?*

*1) Sin breaks the genuine relationship*

When the sin enters, the genuine relationship gets affected. 

It breaks the original and genuine relationship and it creates another type of relationship, in which the person is not very free. So sin makes us slaves

Adam lost his original relationship with God and finally he became the slave of the Sin 

*2) It creates a negative feelings*

The moment one commits the sin, the person becomes anxious, fear comes in, a kind of guilt conscience makes a person to lose his/her peace of Mind 

So finally the sin makes a person to become the slave of anxiety, fear and hopelessness

*3) Sin never creates happiness in any one*

Sin in any context does not create happiness and peace of Mind 

All types of sins ultimately will result in some kind of damage and it makes us slave to some kind material things 

*4) Sin is always identified with Satan*

Satan is the Father of lies and sin is the trump card of Satan 

That's why sin is identified with Satan and Satan comes only to makes us slaves of sin and finally to destroy us 

So sin is never considered as something good or that which creates happiness

*5) Only with "Yes" sin makes us slave*

Without our consent, sin can't make us slave 

All those who have become slaves of sin, have given consent to sin, without resisting to its demand 

Jesus said no to Satan and sin, he didn't not become a slave 

Judas said yes to sin in the form of betrayal and he became slave to the sin and died 

*6)Am I a slave of the Sin?*

All of us are the slaves of Sin 

But what about me? 

Am l a slave of my beauty? 

Am I a slave of my anger, jealousy, pride and arrogance? 

Am I a slave of money, power, authority, pride and wealth? 

Am I a slave of my knowledge, intelligence, skills, talents, courage, smartness, etc 

What type of slavery of sin is effecting me? 

*7 Lent time*

Its a time to free ourselves from the clutches of the slavery of Sin 

With special efforts and the spirit of Lenten season we can free ourselves from the slavery of Sin, with the Grace of God

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Who are You? - Speciality of this Question

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fifth Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 8:21-30*

*First Reading - Nm 21:4-9*

*Who are You? - Speciality of this Question*

*1) Who are You?*

We have this one of the Fundamental questions of our life in today's Gospel

This particular question has varieties implications when it is asked 

First of all this question can be asked with intention of knowing some one and about their personality

In such sense this question helps us to know more about others 

*2) Who are You? - Implication of this question and the Pharisees*

From the tone and the context of the question, the intention of the Pharisees is very clear 

That is: They don't want to know about Jesus. It is a wilful negligence from their part 

Secondly, since they didn't want to know about Jesus, they didn't know about anything about Him 

Usually we ask this question to a stranger when we don't know anything about Him 

For the Pharisees Jesus had become a stranger, or they wanted to keep him as a stranger 

*3) Pilot and the Question - Who are you?*

Pilot also had indirectly had asked this question to Jesus 

*Are you the King of Jews?* This question also refers to the Question who are you? 

In fact in many ways pilot asked this question to Jesus, but unfortunately he could not find an answer to this question, because he was interested in his Power and not in the identity of Jesus 

Those people who ask this question for their selfish purpose will never be able to get an answer

*4) Paul - Who are you Lord?*

In the Acts of the Apostles Paul asks the same question to Jesus

But here there is one difference, the difference is the Word *Lord*

This particular word gives us an impression that Paul with sincere heart and mind wanted to Know who Jesus is 

So here Jesus directly says that *I am Jesus whom you are persecuting*

With this answer finally Paul began to know who Jesus is and He became a champion of the answer to the Question *Who are you Lord?*

So when there is a sincere heart definitely one can come to know who Jesus is 

*5) My Life and Who are you Question*

What about in my Life? Have I asked this question when it comes to my relationship with Jesus?

Have I asked this question with intention of knowing more about Jesus?

Have I asked this question as if I don't know anything about Jesus or like a stranger?

Or have I asked this question like that of Pharisees who wilfully didn't want to know Jesus?

*6) Who are You question in our day today life?*

In our day today life we use this question to so many people

Some times we ask this question when we don't know anything about others. Such questions are acceptable

At times people do ask to others to Humiliate them, to insult them and to belittle them 

In such situations the Question *Who are You?* becomes very important and very dangerous too 

It is also true that when we are unable to recognize Jesus in others, when we fail to see the humanity in others, when we close our eyes to see the pain and sufferings of another we ask this question

*7) What is the significance of this question in my Life?*

What is the tone of this question in my life? 

What is the intention of this question in my life? 

What is the colour and  purpose if this question in my life? 

Is there a aspect of pride, arrogance, revengeful attitude, belittling attitude, insult is involved in this question? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Going to Jesus For Blessing or for condemnation

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Fifth Week: Monday*

*GOSPEL - John 8:1-11*

*First Reading - Dan 13:41-62*

*Going to Jesus For Blessing or for condemnation*

*1) We go to Jesus only to ask blessing and His Mercy*

Why do we go to Jesus? 

The simple answer to this question would be, to ask His blessings, to plead for His mercy, to seek His guidance and to Know is will for us 

This is the most common answers that we get for the above questions

*2) There are many people who had gone to Jesus to ask His Blessings*

Zachhaeus is the one who went to Jesus to experience His mercy. And he experienced it in a deeper way 

Jairus is another person who went to Jesus for seeking the life for her daughter. And Jesus restored his daughter to life 

The royal official went to Jesus to ask a favour. And he was blessed with the favour 

The Syrophoenician woman came to ask a favour, and Jesus blessed her with the favour 

Those who came for asking the blessing, none of them went back empty handed.

*3) The Scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus asking for a condemnation*

They didn't come to Jesus to ask a blessing or to ask a favour either for themselves or for others 

They came to Jesus to accuse the woman and to condemn her to death

So they were demanding Jesus to  condemn the woman for stoning 

So they were asking a condemnation or a punishment for the woman 

*4) Jesus does not hear the prayer for condemnation*

The voice of the scribes and Pharisees were not heard by Jesus 

He didn't yield to their condemnation, for which they were asking 

He didn't do any favour to scribes and Pharisees, who were asking for a condemnation

In fact God does not listen the prayer for condemning another, prayer for taking revenge, prayer for destruction, and prayer for death for some one 

*5) Those who asked for condemnation lost everything*

The scribes and Pharisees lost everything

First of all they wanted to stone the woman, but they could not do it. They lost this battle

Secondly they wanted to trap Jesus. They also lost this battle 

Thirdly, their true colur was exposed by Jesus. So their sins were seen on the ground, as Jesus wrote on the Ground 

All the scribes and Pharisees were humiliated at the challenge of Jesus. Because their sins were exposed 

So they lost everything who came to Jesus for asking for condemning the woman to death 

*6) What about my life?*

For what purpose do I go to know? 

Do I go for asking blessing, for deeper faith experience, and to learn from Jesus?

Do I go to Jesus asking for a punishment or curse to my neighbour?

What is the intention of my going to Jesus?

Reflect about it 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

I am troubled now' - Jesus. Am I troubled?

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Fifth Week: Sunday

*GOSPEL - Jn 12:20-33*

*First Reading - Jer 31:31-34*

*SECOND READING - Heb 5:7-9*

*'I am troubled now' - Jesus. Am I troubled?*

*1) I am Troubled now*

One of the most important thought in today's Gospel. 

At times we are surprised to see these words which are coming from Jesus 

Normally people don't like to hear these words from Jesus

If so how to understand these words of Jesus?

*2) Why Jesus was troubled?*

The reasons are very clear 

Jesus is explaining the nature of His suffering and death. 

The cruel death on the Cross, which He has to undergo in order to save the entire human race. 

So by thinking of this terrible scene Jesus was troubled

The facing of the crucifixion is not so easy. So by thinking it, Jesus was troubled. 

*3) Getting troubled is the central aspect of Christian spirituality*

Jesus gives the example of the grain of wheat

The process of the grain of wheat, if it wants to produce the fruit is very painful 

Once the grain falls to the ground, it has to lose its original form 

The grain gets decayed in the mud and it loses its outer cover, it breaks itself, then dies for its original form 

If the grain is ready to go through this process, only then it can produce the fruit 

The seed which goes through this process produces abundant fruit 

But if the grain were to think the process of falling to the mud, getting decayed there, breaking itself into two, the seed of grain definitely will get troubled

So getting troubled is the process of yielding the abundant fruit 

*4) Jesus' Life was similar to that of the Grain of wheat*

The process is similar in the life of Jesus and in the life of a grain 

So by thinking the process of the challenge Jesus was troubled 

*5) Jesus was troubled, but he faced the trouble, didn't give up*

From the Gospel its very clear that Jesus was really troubled

But the same Jesus says to us *I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.*

So he doesn't ask the Father   to remove the trouble from His life 

But in and through the trouble He asks Father to glorify the Son 

Through the Crucifixion, finally, by facing the trouble Jesus glorified the Father and Father glorified the Son

*6) One can't become genuine disciple without getting Troubled*

When Peter wanted to follow Jesus, he was troubled to make a choice

Zaccheaus was troubled when he wanted to Follow Jesus 

Mary Magdalene was troubled when she wept at the feet of Jesus 

Thomas was troubled when Jesus called him to put his finger into His side 

Peter was troubled When Jesus asked three times *Do u Love me?*

Paul was troubled when Jesus said to him that you are persecuting Jesus of Nazareth

All the saints were troubled to make a choice to follow Jesus 

Mother Theresa was troubled when there was a *Call within the Call*

There is no person without getting troubled became saint

*7) The times are troubled*

As Jesus was troubled the entire world is troubled today, in proclaiming the values of Jesus 

Today people are troubled, faith is troubled, life is troubled, daily bread is troubled, health is troubled, freedom is troubled, and in a way everything is troubled 

Everything in the World is troubled today, because of COVID19. This is fact

*8 Am I Troubled or Still comfortable?*

Am I troubled in any way or still I am comfortable? 

Lent is a time to get troubled about our life and ways through which we are going to proclaim the crucified Christ to the entire World

Unless we get into the trouble one can not proclaim Christ in his life 

When it comes to our faith, the values of Christ, our mission, building the Kingdom of God, one can't do it without getting troubled 

So Jesus' trouble is a real starting point for a genuine inspiration to build the kingdom of God

If So am I ready to get troubled in my Life? 

Am I frightened to get troubled for the sake of Christ?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The arrest by Jesus is more important than the arrest by guards

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 7:40-53*

*First Reading - Jer 11:18-20*

*The arrest by Jesus is more important than the arrest by guards*

*1) Guards were sent to arrest Jesus*

The guards were sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. 

They were primarily sent in order to arrest Jesus and to be brought before them 

So the guards reached the place where Jesus was preaching and they encountered a large gathering, listening to Jesus 

*2) The guards who came to arrest, happen to listen to Him*

The guards could not arrest Jesus as soon as they came. The reasons are very clear 

First of all a large crowd of people were listening to Jesus 

Since Jesus was also involved in His ministry of preaching, the guards could not go directly and catch Jesus 

They had to wait for the crowd to disperse. In the mean time they had to listen what Jesus was speaking about 

*3) The preaching of Jesus changes the mission of Guards*

As the guards were listening to Jesus, there was a unique experience which the guards encountered 

They came to realise what exactly Jesus is doing and how is goes about His ministry

As a result guards did not find any reasons to arrest Jesus. Therefore instead of arresting they simply went back without arresting Him 

*4) Guards became the powerful apostles of Jesus*

As soon as they went back, they communicated the reason of not arresting Jesus 

They spoke frankly without hiding anything. They said *Never before has anyone spoken like this man*

In the above words we see the following things 

The courage of the guards to speak boldly about the mission of Jesus 

The divine experience they underwent after listening to Jesus 

The realisation that Jesus is the True Messiah

The genuine attitude of the guards. They didn't manipulate anything. They spoke truth as it is 

*5) Only the listening makes a difference*

The main point which brought about change in the lives of the guards is the *listening*

Since they listened Jesus they came to know the Truth

The chief priests and the Pharisees were not ready to listen, therefore they didn't realise what was the Truth and the worth of Jesus 

Even Nicodemus makes a mention of the importance of listening. He says  *Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?*

In both - Nicodemus and in guards the change is there only because they listened Jesus others not. 

*6) Am I ready to listen to Jesus*

Only through listening the deeper encounter takes place 

If Guards were able to change their life after listening to Jesus what about me? 

They are inspiration to all of us 

*7) Finally guards were arrested by Jesus' sight*

Guards had gone to arrest Jesus 

But Jesus arrest them through His preaching. He arrested them to give new experience and new outlook 

The arrest by Jesus is more important than the arrest by the guards. 

Will I allow myself to be arrested by Jesus himself? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Joseph's unwillingness expose Mary to Shame has a great lesson for todays Generation

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a*

*First Reading - 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16*

*Solemnity of St Joseph*

*Joseph's unwillingness expose Mary to Shame has a great lesson for todays Generation*

*1) The Culture of Exposing some one to Shame*

This particular culture has become very powerful in today's society. 

Many people try to expose their enemies into shame into different forms 

The modern media, like Whatsaap, YouTube, twitter, Instagram, and other social networking sites have become a place of exposing some into shame and humiliating them 

Many people think that exposing their enemies into shame through the social is the best way to control them and to silence them 

*2) The Culture of exposing some one to shame is a grave sin*

At times it becomes a grave sin because the person who undergoes shame may ultimately commit suicide, and there many instances of such things 

So exposing some one to shame some times ends up in taking away life. That's is why it is a grave sin 

At times exposing some one to shame, makes a person to lose his/her reputation, makes it impossible to work in a place, suffers the person mentally, spiritually, emotionally and biologically. So it beings about a great suffering on the person. That is why it is a grave sin

By exposing some one to shame we gain nothing. That's why by all means we must try to keep up the dignity of the human person at all times. 

*3) Exposing some one to Shame is a devilish attitude*

It is devilish because such an attitude is nothing but a kind of cruelty on a person 

Only a person who has a devilish attitude can enjoy at the shame of another person or at the suffering of another person 

It is devilish attitude to rejoice at the failure, shame, suffering, and death of another person. A normal person with human qualities can't do such things 

Exposing some one to shame is not a human quality. Therefore it is devilish 

*4) Joseph didn't want to expose Mary to Shame - Why?*

First of all he was a righteous man. It speaks about the integrity of Joseph 

A integrated and a just man can't put another person into shame. So Joseph proved what he was but protecting Mary

Secondly, he also very much loved Mary. His Love for Mary made him not to expose Mary to Shame 

Thirdly he also thought about Marys future, the danger involved in exposing her to shame, and also the wellbeing of the Child 

So all these things prevented Joseph, from exposing Mary to shame 

*5) By not exposing the Shame of another Person Joseph exposed His integrity to the entire World*

Today the Church regards Joseph specially for protecting Mary and taking care of the Child 

He became the patron of the universal church, because he didn't expose Mary to Shame 

He because a saint because he didn't expose Mary to shame, but he protected her 

He became a foster Father of God's child because he didn't expose Mary to Shame 

He became one of the main characters in the Salvation history because he didn't expose Mary to Shame 

Finally by not exposing Mary to shame, Joseph exposed his true self, - just and righteous man - to the entire world 

*6) Today the world needs this character of Joseph*

Today's world is very much wounded because people are busy in exposing one another into shame

The culture of exposing another person to shame through the use of power, authority, influence, media, force is becoming more and more, as a result the world is wounded very much 

*7) We need Joseph's to heal the World today*

Today the need of Josephs is very much needed. 

Only Josephs can heal the wounded world of today 

If so will you become a Joseph in your life? 

Will you become a Joseph to your neighborhood?

Will you become a Joseph to your enemies? 

Think about it?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Divine Testimony & Human testimony

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 5:31-47*

*First Reading - Ex 32:7-14*

*Divine Testimony & Human testimony*

*1) I don't accept human testimony/ Praise*

Jesus says that He does not accept the Human Testimonial and praise. Why? 

First of all in human praise or testimony there is always a possibility of error 

No one can 100% guarantee about the truthfulness of human testimony

Secondly, the divine testimony is far more superior than the human testimony. Since Jesus prefers divine testimony, He is not interested in Hunan testimony

Thirdly the ultimate source of human testimony is God himself. So it is better to have divine testimony than human testimony 

*2) Jesus Speaks about the Divine Testimony*

Usually testimony is to prove something or some work on some ones behalf 

Jesus clearly speaks about the divine testimony, because His works all depends on divine in nature and not in human in nature 

Since all his works are divine in nature, it can be testified only one who has the divinity in nature, that is God himself 

*3) Forms of Divine testimony in our life*

Like Jesus we too can depend on Divine testimony, than human testimony 

Some of the following things are the forms of divine testimony. They are 

*Forgiveness* If forgiveness gives testimony to some ones life, then it is the divine testimony in his/her life

*Humility* Humility is a divine virtue. The moment the humility gives a testimony to some ones life, it becomes a divine testimony.

*Service* Washing of the feet. If some one is ready to wash the feet of another, that itself gives a powerful testimony which is divine in nature 

*Love* Unconditional love is the reflection of Divine in us. When you are able to show such kind of love to another, it becomes a divine testimony in my life 

*Healing* Jesus healed wherever He went. When we practice the healing ministry in various forms, it becomes a divine testimony in our life 

*Generosity* Generosity is a divine in nature. The moment one practices generosity in ones life, it becomes a divine testimony in ones life 

*4) Forms of Human testimony*

The testimony which was prompted by, power, influence, fear, authority, revengeful attitude, use of force, luring, and other wordly things 

Such things will give  testimony only from the background of wordly standard. Such a testimony is useless and Jesus does not want such testimony

*5) Which testimony do I accept?*

Which are the forms of testimony I prefer in my life? 

Divine testimony or Human testimony? 

Those who are greedy for power, money, things and pleasure go after the human testimony. 

Those who follow Jesus with genuine heart and mind follow the divine testimony

Which are the forms of divine testimony do I have in my life?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

New Definition of Christianity : One who Works is a Christian

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 5:17-30*

*First Reading - Is 49:8-15*

*New Definition of Christianity : One who Works is a Christian*

*1) Why we have to work?*

First of all God the Father is working  - So we are supposed to work 

Secondly the Son, Jesus is Working  - So we are supposed to work 

Thirdly all the Apostles have worked - so we are supposed to work 

Fourthly, if the Christianity is still alive because, all those who have gone before us have worked - So we are supposed to Work

*2) One who is lazy can't be a Christian*

Laziness does not have place in Christianity. So a lazy person ceases to be a Christian. 

Creativity and newness is at the center of Christianity. These are the central principles of Work 

So work always has a primary place in Christianity

*3) What type of Work*

Jesus worked to build the kingdom of God.

Building of the kingdom of God is the primary task of a Christian. 

Forgiveness, humility, healing, preaching the good news, service, sacrifice, are the central principles of God's Kingdom 

One needs to Work for such things at all times. 

*4) What is the Work if Father, which Jesus Speaks!*

*Conversion* : Jesus gives call to repentance

*Healing* : Jesus was all the time involved in Healing

*Preaching* : Jesus was also involved at all times in preaching and proclaiming the Good news

*Forgiveness* Jesus was all time was working for forgiveness of sins. Finally it culminates in the sacrifice of Jesus 

*Love* Jesus' love was  specially for the enemies, sinners, poor, marginalized, could realise only by working for it

*Service* washing of the feet, shows the real value of the service, for which Jesus worked all the time 

So when Jesus says that My Father is working and I am also working, they are working for these above things 

*5) We have a call to work for above things*

Unless we work for above things we can't be genuine disciples of Jesus 

To work for these above things one needs determination, commitment, humility, goodwill and wellbeing of every one. Only then one can work like Father and Son - Jesus

*6) Am I ready to Work like Father and Son*

All the things which Father and Son are working can't be realised unless one works for it 

If so  am I ready to work? 

Am I ready work for these things? 

Does my work in any way contribute to these above things? 

For what things I am working for in my day today life? 

*Better to think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The man's determination for 38 Years : Great

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 5:1-16*

*First Reading - Ez 47:1-9, 12*

*The man's determination for 38 Years : Great*

*1) The Man beside the pool for 38 Years*

38 years is not an joke. Its rather a long time and when a person is sick, unable to move, 38     years appears to be 83 years 

So to remain for such a long time at the same place desiring to get well is not an easy task. We must really admire the determination of this person 

*2) For 38 Years He tried*

His efforts were not for one or two years 

He kept on trying for 38 years which is rather surprising

Usually people try for some time and give up because of the impossibility of achieving the goal.

But he never gave up his efforts to try again and again 

*3) He didn't lose hope of getting better*

The very fact that the person was there for 38 years, it shows there his hope was still alive

Usually people lose hope after losing many times and or after their attempts go in vain 

Evey time for 38 years, when he tired to get better, he had lost. It is really disgusting. But he never gave up and he never lost hope. That is something alarming and fantastic

*4) For 38 years he believed in the water of the pool - Now in the power of Jesus*

For 38 long years he kept on trying to get into the water 

His hope was on the water. He was of the opinion that the water will heal him and he may be able to walk properly

But at last, it was not the water which healed him but the Power of Jesus 

Jesus' Healing power made him well. 

So the shift of focus from water to the power of Jesus takes place after 38 years, which turns out to be a turning point 

*5) How deep my determination is?*

The man at the pool is an great inspiration to all of us 

Even in the midst of problems of inability, helplessness, crisis, he didn't give up. He kept on trying thinking that one day things will be okie 

Finally he succeeded. How deep is my commitment? Am I able to persevere for a long time or only for few hours, days or months? 

*6) Shift from water to Jesus*

As long as the man believed in the water to get well, nothing happened. But the moment he shifted his gaze from water to Jesus things became possible

Shifting of our gaze is very important some times. 

From disturbed waters to the power of Jesus 

Water may represent many worldly things, a shift of gaze from these things to spiritual things or to the power of Jesus is very much necessary

Am I ready to shift my gaze? 

Think about it 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The depth of the Faith of the Royal official

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Monday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 4:43-54*

*First Reading - Is 65:17-21*

*The depth of the Faith of the Royal official*

*1) He had only heard about Jesus*

First of all he didn't know much about Jesus. He might have heard about Jesus and His miracles

Neither he had seen Jesus personally, nor experienced Him in a close way, it didn't hinder him from approaching Jesus abs asking help from Him

The above factors show us that how much he had faith in Jesus and how deep his convictions about Jesus. 

*2) The Son was at the death bed*

When some one close to us, are on the death bed, we can't think of leaving them and going away, whatever may be the circumstances

The Royal officials son was not only ill, but he was at the death bed

In such a situation, the royal official can't think of leaving him and going, because at any moment the person may die

The royal officials son was in such a situation. So he was difficult for him to leave and Go

*3) The Royal official himself goes to Jesus*

The son is about to die. Even in such a situation, he leaves the Son to meet Jesus 

On the one hand, leaving the son who was about to die, involves a tremendous courage and also profound faith in the person of Jesus 

A person with ordinary faith can't do such a noble thing

*4) He leaves the son who was about to die*

This first of all shows the depth of his faith in the person of Jesus 

By remaining at home in no way he can change the situation. So he opts to risk himself in searching for a solution

The solution is to meet Jesus and to bring him. So he himself moves into the action 

*5) Could he have sent some one else in his place?*

Since it involves a great risk and there was a lack of time, there wasn't a sufficient time to discuss about it. 

Sending others may not be so effective, since their faith also matters a lot while requesting Jesus to come home. 

The moment he himself jumps into the action, it shows that, that the matter is bit serious and not an ordinary one 

So sending others would not be so  effective because he doesn't know the reality in its totality. That is why the Father himself had to go. 

*6) By leaving something, he gains the huge thing*

He took the risk of leaving his son who was about to die,

This great risk yielded abundant fruit in terms of his son getting well completely. 

Risk always involves great reward. To reach this goal, we need to grow in our courage, determination and focus in our mission 

So let us leave many things, which are at times necessary, and trust in the Lord. 

Lent is a time to leave  many things and to take risks in order to make our life holy and blessed. 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

A Genuine Call to live in the Light of Christ

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Sunday

*GOSPEL - John 3:14-21*

*First Reading - 2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23*

*SECOND READING Eph 2:4-10*

*A Genuine Call to live in the Light of Christ*

*1) Jesus is the Light of the World*

In the Gospel of John, Jesus clearly says that *I am the light of the World* John 8:12

This light came into this world. The Gospel of the day says *The light came into the world*

Jesus the light came into this world, inorder to illumine our life and this entire world

Jesus gives us a genuine call to come into in this light and to live our life in and through this light

*2) Various forms of JESUS THE LIGHT*

From the public ministry of Jesus we can get the following forms of Jesus' Light 

*A) Forgiveness*

Forgiveness is one of the first and important forms of Jesus' Light.

Infact Jesus starts His ministry with this particular concept *Repent*

So one who lives in the spirit of  forgiveness lives in the light of Jesus

*B) Cross*

The light which came from the Cross of Jesus liberated human beings from the darkness of Sin, shame and bondage of Satan 

The Cross of Jesus gives us a special light to face the darkness of our life, which come in various forms like, pride, jealousy, revenge, anger, selfishness etc. 

One who lives in the light of the Cross of Jesus, can face any challenges of Life 

*C) Word of God*

This is another power instrument of Jesus' Light. 

*Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.* Psalm 119:105

One who walks in the light of the Word of God will never walk in the darkness

*D) Service - Washing of the feet*

This is what Jesus did at the Last Supper

By serving and by washing feet, one can bring more light into this world and also to another's life 

Mother Theresa brought Christ's Light to the life of million of people through the Service 

One who is involved in doing service for the sake of Jesus is always in the presence of the Light of Jesus 

*E) Eucharist*

Eucharist is the highest form of Jesus' Light for the entire Humanity 

The light of Eucharist makes us spiritually rich and our life become more pure and holy 

The Light of Eucharist shows us the greater realities of Eternal life and also the purpose of Earthly life 

*F) Prayer*

Jesus always prayed, in the morning, noon and evening,

Prayer was like a great light which illumined the life of Jesus and which made Jesus as the light of the world 

Prayer is one of the most powerful forms of Jesus' Light which shows us the right path and helps us to reach the destiny 

*3) Am I Willing to live in the Light*

Some people are frightened about the light 

They are active only in the dark and darkness 

Because of their deeds almost correspond to the darkness, therefore they prefer darkness than the light 

What about me? Which I prefer? 

*4) We are the Children of Light*

St Paul says that *are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.*

That is why we have the responsibility and the duty to come into the presence of light and to live in it

*5) Am I suffering from any darkness?*

Since today Jesus calls us to live in the presence of light, it is better that we evaluate our own life to see whether we are living in the light or darkness?

If there is some form of darkness, what type of darkness is that? 

Darkness of jealousy, anger, revenge, selfishness, self righteousness, greed, etc 

How can I over come from these forms of darkness? 

*Think of this*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

O God, be merciful to me a sinner* - *Why this is a great Prayer

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Saturday

*GOSPEL - Lk 18:9-14*

*First Reading - Hos 6:1-6*

*O God, be merciful to me a sinner* - *Why this is a great Prayer*

*1) The Great and Effective prayer*

From the Gospel it is very clear that the prayer of Tax Collector was very effective, powerful and genuine, which was heard by God. 

*O God, be merciful to me a sinner.* This is a only one small line and simple prayer, but in the eyes of God becomes a great prayer 

This prayer is great because, through this prayer the tax collector went home justified and he was blessed by God. Such a prayer is really a powerful and effective prayer 

If So what would the the reasons for this effective or powerful prayer from the tax collector

May be some of the reasons are following 

*2) Tax collector prayer was an evaluation of the Self*

The small prayer shows that the tax collector had really made an evaluation of the self 

Such evaluation made him to realise his genuine self 

He came to realise that he is a sinner and he needs the mercy of God 

Such an response can come only when a person makes a sincere and genuine evaluation of the Self 

*3) Tax collectors prayer was great because it shows the quality of Humility*

To realise one is sinner is one thing. But to admit that some one is sinner before God is another thing 

This tax collector not only realises his weakness, but he was also humble enough to accept it before God

Such an attitude needs a great level of humility, which can very well be seen in tax collector

*4) Tax collectors prayer is great, because it becomes the staring point of Metanoia - Genuine conversion*

The importance of the prayer is highlighted because of its aspect of conversion

The prayer shows that the tax collector intended to change his life and to begin the new way of life. 

In this sense the prayer of the tax collector becomes great and effective 

*5) In this prayer of Tax collector the comparison is only with the self*

The tax collector compares his life only with his sinful life 

Thus he is able to have a genuine evaluation of the self and also to see the spiritual growth in his life 

Where as the prayer of the Pharisee was in comparison with the tax collector and he concludes himself as better than others 

*6) God gives conclusion to the Prayer*

To the prayer of the Pharisee, he himself gives the conclusion and declares himself as self righteous

In the prayer of the tax collector, there is no conclusion by the tax collector, but only acceptance of his shortcomings

Finally it is God who gives conclusion and that also a positive conclusion to his prayer

That is why his prayer becomes a great and effective prayer 

*7) The aspect of Sinfulness and God's Mercy*

These are the two important aspect which should reflect when we come before the Lord 

Since there is no perfect Human being on this earth, sinfulness on the part of man and Mercy on the part of God are the two things which have a deep value 

So such great aspects are seen only the prayer of tax collector. That is why his prayer is great and effective 

*8) A model prayer*

It appears that the prayer of the tax collector had become a model prayer over the years 

Even today the prayer of the tax collector is very powerful and most effective even in our life 

It is more apt that we take this prayer as model prayer, when we come before the Lord 

That's why this prayer is great 

*9) Need of this prayer*

Christian life is impossible without this prayer

Without this prayer we can grow in our spirituality and in holiness 

Since this prayer is the foundation of the conversion, no conversion is possible with out this prayer and the attitude

*10) Total dependence on God*

The prayer of tax collector shows the total dependence and trust in God

Without God we are nothing - such an attitude is very much present in it 

That is why this prayer is powerful and effective 

*11) What about my prayer?*

Is it like that of Pharisee or like the tax collector?

*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 Right questions in our Life

https://gospelthoughtsdaily.blogspot.com/

*Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 12:28-34*

*First Reading - Hos 14:2-10*

*Importance of the Right questions in our Life*

*1) Man's deepest desire to know many things*

The desire to know many things and especially the Real and genuine truth is one of the most fundamental desires of Human Being 

Human beings are never tired of knowing the right things in order to live a holy and fruitful life 

There is only one way to know the Reality, that is through asking questions about our doubts and clarifying it

The moment we have doubt about something we ask questions and those questions help us to get the right answers and to know the reality to a certain level 

*2) The Scribes Question*

The Scribe is a leaned men. In spite of his knowledge on various issues He comes with a most relevant and existential question to clarify his doubts 

We must appreciate this scribe because he found a Person who can answer his question and can give a genuine answer. 

Since his question comes to Jesus, Jesus gives him a right answer, for which the scribe was very Happy 

*3) The Question : Which is the first of all the commandments?*

I think only the Scribe, but even we should ask this question not once but many times in our day today life 

We usually take for granted that we know all the commandments of the Lord, by heart and we feel that is how we should know about it 

But is it the way that we should know the commandments? 

Proper questions into the area of commandments will help us to understand more deeply about the commandments

So knowing by heart is not enough to understand the deeper meaning of the commandments

*4) The Commandment of Love*

To the question of the Scribe Jesus tells that Love commandment is the greatest of all the commandment

Now what is our understanding of the Love commandment? 

How do we understand Love or the Commandment of Love 

There is a lots of difference between what we understand about Love commandment and the understanding of Jesus about the same

If so only by asking proper questions we will be able to arrive at proper answers or understanding

*5) How often do I ask questions about the Areas which are very important*

In our Christian life these are the important areas, on which we need to ask questions everyday 

How can I know the depth of Gods love For me? 

How can I grow in my spirituality?

How can I attain eternal life? 

How can I be more peaceful in my life? 

How can I purify my thoughts, deeds and attitudes? 

How can I be more generous, humble, Holy, and truthful? 

How can I serve more and more? 

How can I be less judgemental and more appreciative towords others? 

How can I grown more in the Kingdom Values? 

All these questions will help us to evaluate ourselves and to grow in our life

*6) Lent is a time to Ask questions*

Lent by its very nature facilitates us to ask many questions about our own life

Many people do ask more relevant questions and try to change their life 

If so what are the questions, have I asked so far during this lent, and how far they are helping me to grow in my life? 

Think about it

*7) Every question has an answer*

Only we need to be careful to find answers from the proper source 

Prayer, word of God, personal prayers, adorations, and other spiritual exercises are the best ways to find answers to our genuine questions

Google will not give answers to all our questions, But Bible will give answer to all our questions

Try and you will see the great magic in your life

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Demon and the Muteness

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:14-23*

*First Reading - Jer 7:23-28*

*Demon and the Muteness*

*1) Demon makes a person mute or Speechless*

From the Gospel it is clear that a mute demon had entered the person's life.

Such a demon takes possession of the life of the person and makes the person unable to speak 

So man with this demon was not able to communicate, or to speak something

*2) Making a person unable to speak is one of the tactics of the Demon*

The moment a person is not able to speak, he/she becomes helpless 

At that moment they are at the mercy of others and others either can help them or manipulate them

In the case of demon it is always right that after making the person unable to speak, it will manipulate the person in all the ways 

*3) Demon's muteness has grave repercussions on our life*

It also makes us unable to speak and we become helpless 

In our day today life there may be many occasions where we feel that we are made unable to speak about something.

There may be many instances where we see such situations

*4) The various demons who make us mute or Speechless in our lives*

The demon of pride, makes us mute about humility

The demon of lies makes us mute about truth and sincerity 

The demon of revenge makes us mute about our forgiveness

The demon of jealousy makes us mute about the wellbeing of another person 

The demon of power and authority, make us mute about the pain and struggles of another 

The demon of anger makes us mute about our smile and peacefulness

The demon of pleasure makes us mute about our holiness 

The demon of selfishness and greed make us mute about our sharing 

The demon of hatred makes us mute about our Love towards another

The demon of self-centeredness makes us mute to sacrifice, service and helping others 

*5) Only After the demon left the person was able to speak*

The Gospel is very clear about this

Once the mute demon left he was able to speak and communicate 

So chasing or driving out demons is the necessity to speak the truth 

*6) Lent is the time to chase the demons*

There are various demons which make us mute in our day today life 

Lent is a special time with Special grace of God, which helps us to derive out various demons from our life 

Prayer, Fasting, and almsgiving are some of the important ways through which we can drive out all the above mentioned demons from our life 

Once we are free from these demons we are free to speak and praise God 

*7) Which are the demons make me mute and speechless?*

It is very important to analyse during this lent, to find out about these demons in our life

All of us suffer from either one or more demons who make us mute and speechless

Just reflect which are those demons and try to drive them out through the help of Jesus, so that you are free to proclaim Christ and His Kingdom

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The originality and Relevance of God's commandments at all times

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week:  Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 5:17-19*

*First Reading - Dt 4:1, 5-9*

*The originality and Relevance of God's commandments at all times*

*1) God's Commandments*

As we know that these commandments were given by God to Mosses at Mount Sinai

Historically we can go back and locate the time of Abraham. It may be around 1800 B.C. 

From today if we look back, these commandments can be seen as having history of around 3800 to 4000 years, after which they came to be written down in the scripture

It does not mean that these commandments have only 4000 years history, but they go back as long as the humanity existed on this planet.

So they are inscribed in the very heart of the human being so the value and need of these commandments can be seen from this perspective 

*2) What are the Law and Prophets*

In one word they are nothing but the 10 commandments. 

All the teachings in the Bible either in the form of Laws which are to be observed or the prophets teachings are finally speaking about Ten Commandments

They are like huge commentaries on these Ten Commandments

So Law and Prophets are nothing but the 10 Commandments

*3) No one can ever think that Jesus has come to abolish the Ten Commandments*

In no way Jesus abolishes these Ten Commandments

Jesus clearly says *Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.*

So to think that Jesus has come to abolish the Ten Commandments, would be a totally wrong conception and one can't think in such a way

To abolish the Law and Prophets would totally go against the nature and mission of Jesus 

*4) Not even a letter can be changed*

Jesus clearly says that not even a letter can be changed from these Ten Commandments

So forget about abolishing the Law and Prophets 

Even changing a letter would be equal to abolishing the important Law itself

Change of one letter can change entire thing 

For example Thou shall not steal. If you remove *T* it becomes *seal* totally meaning is lost 

So Jesus says not even a letter can be taken away from Law and Prophets

*5) Not even a Part of the Letter*

Once again Jesus tells us clearly that not even the part of the letter can be changed 

Example would be 

The word steal can mean totally different if you change a little part of it *a* into *e*

The steal would then mean Steel, which would give totally a different meaning

So not even a part of it can be changed 

*6) One Who breaks least in the kingdom of God*

Breaking the Law is equal to abolishing the Law 

One who breaks the Law is the one who does not care about the same 

Such a person neither has any regard to the Law nor to God 

So such a person is considered least in the Kingdom of God, because he/she does not think or live according to its demands

*7) One who teaches also least in the kingdom of God*

Teaching some one to break the Law would be more serious than breaking by oneself 

If some one teaches another to break the Law means, it speaks about the nastiness and crookedness  of the person

So such a person fails to enter the Kingdom of Heaven 

So the validity of the  commandments remains at all time and life becomes impossible without these commandments

*Am I ready to follow and to teach the commandments with its true spirit?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The question is about forgiving the brother and not the stranger

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 18:21-35*

*First Reading - Dn 3:25, 34-43*

*The question is about forgiving the brother and not the stranger*

*1) If my brother sins against me*

When Peter asked this question, he is very clear about whom he wanted to forgive 

He says *if my brother sins*. So it is very clear that he is speaking about a relationship, which is very close to each other 

So the concept of *brother* has a deep meaning in this context 

*2) Peter didn't say if a stranger or a enemy sins against me*

We need to reflect about the stranger or an enemy in this context in order to understand the importance of *Brother*

In reality one can't forgive a enemy or an stranger, because the moment one is ready to forgive other, they no more remain as a stranger or in enmity.

*3) Importance of the concept of Brother*

First of all this concept underlines the importance of the relationship 

Unless one considers another as his brother or sister one can't forgive the other 

Forgiveness can take place only with brothers and sisters 

*4) The concept "brother" calls us to see the relationship beyond our family or blood relationship*

The mention of brother calls us to extend our relationship beyond our family circles 

Brother is not referred only to the family relationship, but it calls us to see another as brother or sister 

Only in an atmosphere of brother and sister relationship one can forgive and other can receive forgiveness 

*5) Fratelli Tutti*

The third encyclical of Pope Francis *Fratelli Tutti* we are all brothers and sisters speaks of this particular concept in a deeper level 

We should consider that the entire humanity is related as brothers and sisters 

Only when we have such a relationship the genuine fratelli tutti happens 

Only in the Fratelli Tutti relationship one can forgive and receive forgiveness

*6) Forgiveness makes you brothers and sisters*

Forgiveness no longer makes you to remain as stranger 

The moment one experiences the forgiveness, automatically the brotherly or sisterly feeling becomes so strong, it gives a new direction to our life 

So forgiveness is the real foundation for genuine Fratelli tutti

*7) Am I able to see a brother or sister in my enemies*

Unless there is an brother or sister in my so called enemy I can't forgive others

It is a new and great challenge to all of us to consider our enemy as bother or sister 

Sr Rani Marias murderer, today no more remains as murderer because he was considered as the family member of Sr Rani and he is forgiven fully 

So a great change in the murderer. Today he is a hero through forgiveness

So that is the power of forgiveness, when it comes in the context of brothers and sisters 

Am I ready to consider everyone as my bother or Sister?

Think about it 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*