Jesus says 'I am the Gate'. Will u become one?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 4th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 10:1-10*

*First Reading - Acts 11:1-18*

*Jesus says 'I am the Gate'. Will u become one?*

*1) Speciality of the Gate*

We find gates in all most in all the compounds, or in the entry to a building or to a important place 

First of all gate is the instrument, which gives us the safety from harm, danger and evil things 

Gate is the symbol of protection and safety 

Where ever there is a gate it gives us the safety and we are able to live in a peaceful atmosphere

Secondly Gate also a instrument which has the access to inside and also to outside 

So it is a instrument to pass from inside to out and out side to in

The nature of the gate is to allow what is good and to block what is bad, and evil 

*2) Jesus is the Gate*

In today's Gospel Jesus says that *I am the Gate*

He is the gate for the sheepfold. 

Since we are all the sheep, we can enter only through this door 

So there is a need and necessity for entering through this gate, if we want to get inside 

One can't get inside, without passing through this gate 

All the followers of Jesus are supposed to enter through this gate to save themselves for eternal life 

*3) The various aspects of this Gate*

The following are the various ways of Jesus' gate through which we need to enter everyday 

*Gate of Forgiveness* very necessary to enter into the mercy of God

*Gate of Humility* in order to become great in the sight of God, we need to enter through this gate 

*Gate of compassion* to see the face of Jesus in others 

*Gate of Love* to know and experience God himself in our life 

*Gate of Sacrifice* to enter into the kingdom of God need to enter through this gate 

*Gate of Generosity* entering through this gate will bring about many blessings of God

Gate of Sharing, service, concern, speaking well about others, helping hand will lead us into holy life and to eternal life 

*Gate of prayer* directly leads to heaven

So we need to enter through these gates in order to experience the real teachings of Christ and to become His genuine disciples 

*4) Am I a gate or barricade?*

Gate gives entry to a place 

Barricade blocks the entry and denies one to go to the other side 

If so, is my life a gate or a barricade? 

Does my life lead some one to practice forgiveness, love, care, concern, humility, sacrifice, happiness? 

Or is my life blocks all these above mentioned things and makes every ones life miserable, including mine? 

*Think about it*

*Christian spirituality consists in making ones life a gate like Jesus and not a barricade*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

We are not part time or Hired workers

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 4th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 10:11-18*

*First Reading - Acts 4:8-12*

*Second Reading - 1 Jn 3:1-2*

*We are not part time or Hired workers*

*he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep*

*1) The ways of hired or part time workers*

First of all they work for money. Returns are main intention of these workers 

They don't take the responsibility. They come and work and then they go back 

They are not much affected about the progress of the work they do. Since they get their pay they are interested in doing what they are asked for 

They are also present  only for few hours. Rest of the time they are out

*2) Shepherds work can't be part time*

Part time work or a hired worker is not meant for taking care of the sheep 

This is because, first of all there is a particular relationship between the sheep and Shepherd

This relationship is not meant for part time, rather it exists through out life 

This relationship also differs between a hired worker and also between the genuine shepherd

Therefore the shepherding work can't be a part time work or a work done through the hired persons.

*3) Shepherd and Sheep is a unique relationship*

In this relationship person is involved fully 

In this relationship emotions are involved 

In this relationship a special language of love, a unique caring voice and comforting gesture is involved 

In this relationship both the parties are able to recognise each other and one depends in the another 

In this relationship one desires the another and they would like to stay together always connected 

So this relationship is very unique which can't be maintained by a hired shepherd or a part time worker 

*4) Jesus is our Real Shepherd*

Jesus himself says that *I am the Good Shepherd* who cares, loves and protects His 

Sheep

Jesus is the real shepherd because He is not only ready to take care of the sheep, but even ready to lay down His life. 

Jesus is the real shepherd because the sheep is able to identify His voice and the sheep know Him and He knows His sheep 

*5) Am I a part time worker or hired worker?*

As we know God's work can't be done in part time work or through paid service 

First of all we are the Shepherds of our family. So in the family mission there can't be part time work or paid service. Such a family will not survive

Secondly we are the Shepherds to continue the mission of the Lord to build Gods kingdom here on this earth

This mission can be done only through the spirit of a good shepherd

Am I ready to play the role of a good shepherd?

*6) We have been chosen to become the Good Shepherds*

Every follower of Jesus is chosen by God to play the role of the Good Shepherd

The model of Jesus is the model of good shepherd. In which the sheep is more important than anything else 

Other centred spirituality is at the centre of good shepherd model 

Sharing, caring, sacrifice, risking ones life for another are some of the important aspects of Good Shepherd model 

*Is my life resembles the Good Shepherd model?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Have I lost, what God has given Me?*

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 3rd Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 6:60-69*

*First Reading - Acts 9:31-42*

*Have I lost, what God has given Me?*

*Am I returning very often to the former ways of Life?*

*Many of his disciples returned to their former way of life*

*1) Many of the disciples returned to their former ways of life*

The Gospel of the day makes it very clear that many of the disciples returned back to their former ways of Life. The reasons are the following 

A) They felt that the teaching of Jesus is very hard. So who can accept it. So they left Jesus and returned to their former ways of life 

B) No one can come to Jesus unless it is granted him by my Father. So they found very difficult to understand these things 

C) Their disbelief. They didn't have belief in what Jesus was speaking. They were looking everything from the worldly standards, but Jesus was speaking to them from the spiritual point of view, which they didn't believe and felt it is very vague

*2) The disciples followed Jesus with great vigour*

All those who returned to their former ways of life, initially followed Jesus with great vigour and enthusiasm

But gradually they lost their vigour and enthusiasm, because of the challenges which they had to face inorder to follow Jesus 

When there were hardships they simply left, without making any  efforts to follow Jesus 

So their vigour and enthusiasm was based only on immediate benefits and favours. 

When they realised that they had to make sacrifices and face challenges they backed off.

*3) Following Jesus with New vigour and enthusiasm*

This particular attitude is seen many times in our life 

Specially when we have special liturgical seasons. For examples the season of Lent, the season of Advent, New year and other various important events in our lives 

These above seasons or events motivate us to take diffident challenges to change our life and to follow Jesus very closely

When we decide we do it with great vigour and enthusiasm, but gradually we lose interest because of lack of conviction or because of the challenges 

So once again we go back the the former ways of life and we forget the new way of life 

*4) Returning to the former ways of life - A constant struggle*

All of us go through this struggle 

We make lots of resolutions, decisions and we find difficult and go back to our old way of life 

So coming back to new way of life and returning to the old way of life is a constant struggle in our life 

No one can deny this struggle in ones life 

*5) How do I face this struggle?*

First of all we need to become aware of the situation that we have gone back to the old way of life 

Unless we realise it we can't come back to the new way of life 

If so, do I realise some times that my return to the former ways of life? 

When I realise what is my response? Do I try to come back or do I ignore this realisation? 

*6) What about After Lenten season?*

Lenten season makes all of us to adapt a new way of life and we take lots of care to follow the spirit of lent 

But what about after lent? Have I already returned to the former ways of my life, because I find it so difficult to follow these resolutions in my day today life? 

During this season of Easter how far I am able to practice the new way of life in my life? 

*Think about it*

*Returning to the former ways of life is one of the important aspects of our life, which we can't ignore* It needs more attention to live our life in the new way of life.

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 3rd Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 6:52-59*

*First Reading - Acts 9:1-20*

*“How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?”*

*The various ways of Eating the Flesh of the Son of God*

*1) The Eucharist*

The sacrament of Eucharist is one of most available and the effective ways of Eating the Flesh of the Son of God. 

The Body and Blood, in the form of consecrated bread and wine, we receive during every Holy Eucharist

We believe that it is the real flesh and blood of Jesus, because it is Jesus Himself who instituted the sacrament of Eucharist, by giving His own body and blood 

*2) The Commandment of Love*

Jesus says *Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him.*

It is the way which helps us to remain with Jesus 

So it is also equally true that through the commandment of Love, Jesus comes in us and we remain with Jesus 

So commandment of Love is also one of the ways to eat the flesh of the Son of God

*3) Other ways of Eating the flesh of the Son of God*

The sacrament of reconciliation and the aspect of Forgiveness

The aspect of sacrifice and serving the other 

The aspect of sharing and caring the poor and down trodden

Helping the needy and searching for the lost one 

In other words all the *Kingdom Values* help us in one way or the other to eat the flesh of the Son of Man

*4) Conversion of Life*

We see in the first reading of Today the conversion of St. Paul 

It was not a simple conversion but it was a conversion to change the life totally for the Lord 

It was a change to proclaim the Risen  Lord and to die for Him 

This is the way through which Paul ate the Flesh of Jesus, remained with Him and became a great disciple of Jesus 

*5) Remaining faithful to the Lord*

We have been given some responsibilities to live a genuine Christian life 

Remaining faithful to the Lord 

Remaining faithful to ones spouse 

Remaining faithful to ones responsibilities

Remaining faithful to the promises which we have made during our baptism and other sacraments

Remaining faithful to our own conscience. 

So these are other ways of Eating the flesh of the Son of Man 

Am I ready to eat the flesh of the Son of Man in the above mentioned ways? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Daily Bread and Bread of Life*

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 3rd Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 6:44-51*

*First Reading - Acts 8:26-40*

*Daily Bread and Bread of Life*

*1) Daily Bread*

One of the basic necessities of life. Without this we can't live on this earth 

Jesus makes a mention of *Daily Bread* in the Lords Prayer. This shows the importance of the daily bread 

During His public ministry Jesus also fed people with bread, when He preached the word of God. 

Today there are number of people who die because of the lack of daily bread.

*2) Bread of Life*

From the daily bread, Jesus also speaks about the bread of Life 

They very name of the bread tells us the hidden characteristics of this bread 

This is not an ordinary bread or like daily bread. It is something which is connected to the everlasting life 

*3) Speciality of the Bread of Life*

Bread of life gives a new life, which is eternal life 

Bread of life, makes a person to live a holy and graceful life, which leads him to become a blessed person 

Bread of life, improves the quality of ones spiritual life

Bread of life draws ones heart and mind towards God and makes him to live a life which is worthy of Gospel values 

Bread of life, purifies ones thoughts, words, and deeds 

Bread of life, strengthens the faith of the person and deepens his convictions about the kingdom values 

Bread of life makes a person to live in the presence of the Lord, filled with the grace of God

Bread of life makes a person to practice the great values like, humility, forgiveness, sacrifice, service, sharing, love, care and concern towards others, selflessness, truth and justice 

Bread of life changes the life style of the person and guides him towards the eternal goal 

*4) Bread of life is a living Bread*

Daily bread has its origin from below. 

Living bread has its origin from above, and which has come down from heaven

Living bread consists life in it, which can't be taken away by any force on this earth. 

The life which consists in the living bread is eternal,  which gives life to another person and which lives forever 

*5) Bread of Life and the Flesh of the Son of God*

Jesus also clarifies the source of the bread of Life 

Jesus Himself is the bread of life, who gives eternal life to those who receive this bread 

Jesus has given this bread to all  of us through the Eucharist. One who receives this bread will have the eternal life

*6) Various ways of having this bread of life in our day today life*

Celebration of the Eucharist and receiving the Holy Communion

The sacrament of reconciliation

The celebration of the other sacraments also helps us to receive the bread of life 

Prayer life, Holy life, love, forgiveness, humility, sharing, sacrifice and various other kingdom values will help us to receive the bread of life in our day today life 

Am I working towards worthily receiving the bread of life? 

What is the level of my desire to receive the bread of life?

How do I prepare myself to receive the bread of life in my life? 

Receiving bread of life and receiving Jesus is one and the same

*Am I ready to receive the bread of life?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Have I lost, what God has given Me?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 3rd Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 6:35-40*

*First Reading - Acts 8:1b-8*

*Have I lost, what God has given Me?*

 Jesus Says *I should not lose anything of what he gave me*

*1)  God gave His image and Likeness*

In the book of Genesis we read that, God created us in His own image and likeness. 

The question is, do I posses this image and likeness still or have I lost it because of my sinful life and evil habits 

*2) God gave us the Grace and new life in Baptism*

Through the sacrament of Baptism

We became the Children of God 

New life - Faith life or Christian life was given 

We were washed of the original sin and we were made clean 

We were anointed with the oil and given special strength to live our faith 

Once again the question is have I lost these things or still I possess these things in my life 

*3) God gave Forgiveness*

Through Jesus God not only forgave our sins, but gave a new dignity and place in heaven 

Forgiveness is the greatest gift which God gave us. 

Do I posses this gift of forgiveness still today. Am I able to use this gift in my day today life 

*4) God gave us Love*

Gods love is unconditional. It is agapeic love 

The same love was given to all of us through His son Jesus 

If so, is my love represents the unconditional love or does it has any other form? 

*5) God gave us beautiful family*

All of us come from a beautiful family. Family is very important for our growth 

If so is my family still a place of love, unity, forgiveness, mutual enrichment, adjustment, understanding? 

Have I lost the important values in my family due to various reasons? 

Have I Lost my family itself? 

*6) God gave us prayer life for our spiritual Growth*

Prayer is essential for our spiritual growth. 

What about the spirit of prayer in my life, in my family? 

Have I lost the genuine spirit of prayer and other spiritual exercises? 

*7) God gave us the following things*

God has given us skills, talents, leadership qualities, education, wisdom, knowledge, reasoning capacity, wealth, health, authority, etc 

All these above things are given to us to live like a human being and to serve our neighbour. 

Am I using these above things for the greater glory of God or for my personal and selfish motives? 

*8) God created me as human being*

Am I still live as a human being or like a being, who is not as ordinary human being? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Can I see my life as a great sign from God

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 3rd Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 6:30-35*

*First Reading - Acts 7:51—8:1a*

*Can I see my life as a great sign from God*

*1) The Crowd was asking for a sign*

*What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?*

*What can you do?*

The crowd was demanding for a sign from Jesus, so that they could believe in Jesus 

The crowd was looking for a external sign, and not from within themselves 

*2) Instead of looking for external signs, we need to look for an internal sign*

For Internal signs we can see our own lives and we can find number of signs in our lives 

These internal signs will help us, to believe that Jesus is the Lord and Messiah

Therefore it is necessary to find signs within our lives. 

*3) My life itself is great sign from God*

Our life is a great gift and miracle from God. 

The one who is able to see the beauty of ones life, he needs no other signs to believe in God 

Everything that we have in our physical body is a great miracle and sign from God. Our formation of the body itself is a great sign to believe in God

The power of our mind, the power of our hands, legs, eyes, heart, ears, tongue are the great signs which really will make us to believe in God.

*4) The Sign of forgiveness*

One among powerful sign which was given by our Lord is the sign of forgiveness

Whatever may be our sins, however great it may be, we may be in worst situation, the forgiveness of our sins by our Lord, when we accept our sins, is a great sign from God. 

There is no greater sign than these.

*5) We are able to understand great realities, is it not a great sign?*

We have reason and reason makes us as human being. Only human beings have reason

With reason we are able to judge what is good and what is evil. 

This reason ultimately comes from God. Is it not a great sign from God? 

*6) In and around there are number of Signs*

There are no scarcity for signs from God in our vicinity

The moment we look around we can see only great signs from God, if we have a little faith. 

The nature around us is a great sign.

The colours and the beauty of nature is another sign 

The various life found in the nature is another sign 

That we are able to enjoy the beauty of this nature is another sign 

In fact everything that exists in the nature is a great sign from God. 

Do I need any more signs?

*Think about it.*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Can you Cross and come to the other side to see Jesus

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 3rd Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 6:22-29*

*First Reading - Acts 6:8-15*

*Can you Cross and come to the other side to see Jesus*

*1) People were in Search of Jesus*

After witnessing lots of miracles from Jesus and also tasting the grand meal with five loaves and two fish, people were in search of Jesus 

Whether their intention of searching Jesus was right or wrong, but they were in search of Jesus for something

Searching Jesus also indicates  lots of things in ones life 

Importance of Jesus in their life

Need of Jesus in their life 

They saw something great in Jesus and now wants to experience in their life 

They needed something to their life from Jesus. This something either the material things or may be a spiritual favour 

They saw messiah or great divine power in Jesus 

They might have looked for Jesus, in order to heal from their sickness, sinfulness, problems, and challenges of life 

So in order to get relief from these problems they were searching for Jesus 

*2) They also found means to reach Him*

Their desire for search was so deep, they found means to reach Jesus 

They saw, one boat and they used the boat to travel and to reach Jesus

So their search was moved with practical action which helped them to reach Jesus 

*3) They needed to cross the river to find Jesus.*

Jesus was not far away from them. Jesus was on the other side of the river 

So they had to cross the river to find Jesus. 

Crossing of the river was very essential to meet Jesus

*4) Am I in search of Jesus? 

This is the important and very essential question of our life 

We need to ask this question every day 

If I am in search of Jesus, the question is for what? 

Is it for spiritual needs or for material needs? 

*5) Am I ready to cross the river?*

We may be other side of the river of our life. We need to Cross. Am I ready? 

Am I ready to cross from the side of pride to humility?

Am I ready to cross from revenge to forgiveness? 

Am I ready to  cross from anger to peacefulness? 

Am I ready to cross from selfishness to selflessness? 

Am I ready to cross from hatred to love? 

Am I ready to cross from worldly things to heavenly things?

If I am ready to cross, I will find Jesus. If not I will not find.

Now decide for yourself.

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why are you troubled?*

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 3rd Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 24:35-48*

*First Reading - Acts 3:13-15, 17-19*

*SECOND READING 1 Jn 2:1-5a*

*Why are you troubled?*

*1) Disciples were Troubled*

There is no doubt that the disciples were really troubled. There were many reasons why they were troubled 

First of all the crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross troubled them a lot 

Secondly, they had kept a great hope on Jesus. But with the death of Jesus they thought that everything came to an end 

Thirdly, they were freighted about the Jewish authority, thinking that they also will persecute them since they were followers of Jesus 

*2) Wrong perception of the reality was the immediate cause of the Trouble*

The main reason for the trouble was the wrong perception by the disciples 

They perceived a ghost in the Risen Christ. 

Because of their fear, anxiety, confusion and other things, they were not able to recognise the Risen Lord. But they saw a ghost

This wrong perception cause immediate trouble in them and they were terrified 

*3) Why are you troubled?*

This one of the questions which was asked by Jesus to His disciples 

He knew that they were really troubled. That is why He asked His disciples 

Yet the disciples had no answer to tell why they were troubled 

In a way it appears that they were troubled for no reason 

*4) Am I troubled in my life? 

As I look at my life today, the same question is posed to me by Jesus 

Why are you troubled? 

Am I troubled in my life? 

Trouble because of my wrong perception about money, power, position, worldly pleasures, too much of expectations, insecurity feeling and because of various challenges?

 Am I troubled, because of the busy schedule, lot of pressure from work place, pressure from family, society, friends circle? 

Am I troubled because of my sins, evil habits, pride and arrogance?

There are many reasons in life to get troubled. If so, about what I am troubled?

*5) Jesus is near when I am troubled*

When the disciples were troubled, Jesus was near to them, to support them and to encourage them 

The same Jesus is near us to help us, support us, to show us the way and to save us from the trouble

Even if we fail to recognise Jesus, when we are in trouble, still Jesus helps us in all the possible way 

Only we need to cooperate. 

Am I ready to cooperate with Jesus when I am troubled? 

Think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The danger of leaving Jesus in times of difficulties

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 2nd Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 6:16-21*

*First Reading - Acts 6:1-7*

*The danger of leaving Jesus in times of difficulties*

*1) Things appeared normal when they started their journey*

When disciples started their journey, situation was normal. 

The sea was clam and and there wasn't any symptoms of problems. 

So disciples thought that they can manage without Jesus. So they went without Jesus to criss cross the other side 

This is very important : when everything is normal, situation within our control, do we feel the need of God? 

*2) Disciples started their journey when it was about to be dark*

In our ordinary understanding, evening is the time to conclude the work and time for resting 

Starting something new in the evening or in the night appears to be something unusual 

Darkness is also a symbol that we need to be careful, extra vigilant about the various things that happen around us

*3) The symbolic meaning of Darkness*

All of us are afraid of darkness 

It is something which creates in us, anxiety, fear, absurdity, lack of  confidence, worries about the future, confusion, lack of clarity and so on 

Darkness also a symbol of danger, uncertainty, not a good time to begin something, sin, temptations, and other related things 

*4) when they began the journey Jesus was not with them*

First of all they started their journey when it was about to be dark, seems not to be good time 

Secondly after having started their journey, they didn't think of asking Jesus to join with them. 

They left Jesus and went ahead with the journey. It would have been wise in their part to take Jesus and go. 

Since Jesus was not there with them, they found it very difficult to manage the situation, which made them to get confused and fear 

Absence of Jesus, specially when we are in difficulties, will cause much harm and problems

*5) They were in Trouble when it was dark*

After moving little ahead from the shore, they were caught up in trouble. 

Because there were in the sea and the sea was stirred up because of the  strong wind blowing against them 

That's why they could not continue their journey as they wished. They struggled a lot to cross the other side of the sea 

So since it was dark and the absence of Jesus made their journey still more difficult and miserable 

*6) Jesus still walks towards us*

Even though the disciples had left Jesus, still Jesus could perceive the danger in which His disciples were. 

So Jesus gently walks towards them, in order to help them and to save them from the trouble 

So that is what Jesus is : even if we leave Him, He is still with us, coming after us, to help and to save us

The image of the Lost Sheep has this particular structure, where Jesus goes in search of the lost sheep 

Here it is the Lost disciples in trouble, and Jesus goes in search of them  

*7) The Presence of Jesus and the Trouble*

The presence of Jesus makes a total change in their life 

First of all they were able to reach the destiny within no time 

Secondly they were able to realise the power of Jesus over the nature and the difficulties

Thirdly they were glad and they were free from fear, anxiety, confusion and other things. 

*8) Darkness didn't allow them to recognise Jesus*

Even though Jesus was coming towards them, they could not recognise Jesus because of the darkness and other related issues 

Fear, anxiety, confusion, lack of clarity, lack of faith and vision made it difficult to recognise Jesus in their life 

So it is clear the darkness, or sin, temptation, and evil things in our lives blur the vision of Jesus and we find it very difficult to recognise Jesus 

*9) What about my life?*

What is my response when I begin a new venture in my life? 

Do I leave my God? Or carry Him along with me?

When everything is okie, what is my relationship with my God? Do I think that I can manage my self? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Generosity of the little Boy

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 2nd Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 6:1-15*

*First Reading - Acts 5:34-42*

*Generosity of the little Boy*

*1) The Speciality of the Boy*

Among the crowd there was a little boy. But this boy becomes the centre of attraction in the miracle of feeding of the 5000

The boy had only five loaves and two fish with him. He must have brought to eat after some time 

We must appreciate the thoughtfulness in bringing those five loaves and two fish. 

This also speaks about his preparedness for the mission of the Lord

He knew that he would spend the whole day with Jesus, listening to him. So he had prepared himself and had brought some food with him.

*2) The readiness of the boy to share*

He had only little. That was enough for him to satisfy his hunger at one time. 

It was very necessary for him to have this food. It was not that he had much food to share with others 

Still whatever was very necessary for him to have it the noon, was ready to share with others 

When Andrew mentioned about the five loaves and two fish, he immediately gave. There was no resistance from the boy about sharing 

This also speaks about his readiness to share with others. Great of the boy to do such a noble thing 

*3) Boy's name remains unknown*

The Gospel does not mention the name of the boy 

He remains unknown to the reader. The Gospel mentions that he is only a boy 

Such a small boy had a great presence of mind. 

At times children are innocent and through them God works miracles. This is one such great example. 

Since the name is unknown, any body can try to fill this place 

The intention of not naming the boy may be, one such adopt the nature of this little boy and one should try to fill the place of the boy 

Am I ready to take the place of the boy. Am I able to see that level of generosity in my life? 

*4) Five loaves and Two Fish, is Seven - 5+2=7. Is there any speciality in it?*

Biblically number 7 stands for perfection and completeness. 

When we see from this angle, five loaves and two fish became the symbol of perfection and completeness, because with these 7 things Jesus worked a perfect and complete miracles which was able to feed 5000 men 

Where ever there is number 7 in the context of the bible, there is perfection and completeness 

We have one week for creation, 7 sacraments, Peters mention about 7 times forgiveness, 7 churches in the book of revelation etc.

*5) Am I ready to play the role of the Boy?*

There is no doubt that the boy was a great hero in the miracle  in providing the basic necessary food materials

He not only had the food material, but had the goodwill to share it with others 

He is generous, selfless, giving, sharing, and great in helping others. 

If so am I ready to play the role of the boy?

Christian life and discipleship largely depends on the great character of this boy

He is a model for you and me. 

If so, am I ready to imitate him?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Does my life speak heavenly things or Earthly things

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 2nd Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 3:31-36*

*First Reading - Acts 5:27:33*

*Does my life speak heavenly  things or Earthly things*

*1) Two kinds of things we can speak and live accordingly*

The Gospel of the day makes it very clear that one can adopt either heavenly things in life or earthly things in life. 

According  to the things we adopt in life, we also try to live our life. 

One can't adopt earthly  things and try to live a life of heavenly things. By adopting earthly things one can live avcording to the earthly  things and by adopting the heavenly  things one can live according to heavenly  things 

*2) Jesus spoke and lived according to heavenly things*

Since Jesus  had come from above/Heaven he spoke and lived According  to the heavenly things 

The following are the heavenly things 

Forgiveness 

God's  Mercy 

Love - unconditional  love 

Repentance 

Conversion  of one's life 

Humility 

Sharing 

Sacrifice 

Helping the needy 

Truth and justice 

Simplicity  of life 

Genuineness  of life 

Sincerity  and accountability 

Acceptance of one's weakness

Healing of the sick 

Feeding of the poor 

Sheltering the homeless 

All these are heavenly things and Jesus spoke and lived these things in His life 

*3) The following  are the Earthly  things*

Power, position, wealth, money 

Name, fame, external beauty, pomp and glory 

Luxury,  comfort, easy way of life, short cuts, quick results 

Pride, Achievements, pleasure  principle, eat, drink and merry 

Enjoying life to the maximum, least concern towards my neigbhour, selfish motives, thinking only about the self 

Enjoying life at the cost of another  person's life, subjugating  and controlling another person, taking away the basic rights of another person 

All these are earthly things and those who are immersed in these things they speak  meditate and try to achieve only these things in life 

*4) Earthly things and heavenly  things can't go together*

One can't serve two masters. Either he will hate one and serve the other. He can't serve God and wealth together 

Serving two masters is impossible.  Jesus spoke and lived faithfully  only to one master 

One who tries to serve two masters is a lier and hypocrite 

*5) What is my Language?*

My language  will show where do I belong 

My way of life will show what type of values I have in my life 

There is no question of hiding things from our life when it comes to these things 

Am I speaking heavenly  things or Earthly  things?

*6) The responsibility  of the followers of Jesus*

The very fact we are followers  of Jesus, we are suppose to speak the heavenly language 

We are not of this world. We only live in this world (John 17:16). We belong to heaven and heaven is our home 

So as a responsible  disciple of Jesus we have the obligation  to speak and live according  the the heavenly  things 

Language  of Forgiveness, Sharing, Humility, love, sacrifice, martyrdom, patience, care and concern, etc 

Am I ready to speak and live according the the heavenly things?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The cost of Genuine/Agapeic Love

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 2nd Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 3:16-21*

*First Reading - Acts 5:17-26*

*The cost of Genuine/Agapeic Love*

*1) Is it easy or Difficult to Love?*

Many would say, it is easy to love. 

Many others would say, it is very difficult to love 

It all depends on what type of Love that we present and the purpose of our love 

Depending on these things, one will be able to answer the above Question 

*2) Loving is always a challenging and Difficult task*

It is very clear from the Gospel, even for God to exhibit the genuine love, God has to make lots of sacrifices

 First of all God send His Son into this World because God fell in love with the World : *God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son*

It is the Love which made God to send His only Son 

It is the Love of God towards us who are sinners, to save us from the slavery of Sins, which made God to send His Son 

It is the Love of God, which made Jesus to humble himself in all forms 

It is the love of God, which made Jesus to suffer, accept all humiliations and finally to die on the Cross

It was the Love of God, which made Him to offer the only valuable gift that is Jesus to the entire humanity 

Now we can imagine, how difficult and challenging it was for God the Love the Sinful world or Sinful human beings 

So to show genuine love is always a challenging and difficult task 

*3) Love was responsible for the greatest sacrifice of God on the Cross*

It was the Love of God to the human kind, finally made Jesus to die on the Cross 

God's genuine love for human beings allowed His Son to die on the Cross

The crucifixion is the greatest sacrifice of God, for Love 

Crucifixion is the cost paid by God, for Loving the Human Being 

*4) In God's Love there is only one thing - Giving and Total giving*

The speciality of God's is that, its richness consists in Giving and total giving 

This God's love does not depend on what He gets from the Human beings, rather what He can give to the human beings 

So *Giving* or *Sharing* is the main principle of God's Love  

*5) How do I understand the Concept of Love*

Is it something in which all the time I look for something to receive?

Does it operate on the principle of *What I will get?* or *In what way it will benefit for me?*

Does my love involve any selfish intentions or motives?

What things do I improve in my life in order to raise my concept of Love to that love of Jesus - The agapeic love or the unconditional Love 

God loved the World and all the human beings and gave or sacrificed everything

I love other and give myself to the wellbeing of the other? Or 

I love other and look for receiving everything from all the sides

What is the cost of my Love? 

What is the nature of my Love?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

How to be born from above?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 2nd Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 3:7b-15*

*First Reading - Acts 4:32-37*

*How to be born from above?*

*1) You must be born from above.*

Jesus tells these words to Nicodemus. When Jesus said these words, Nicodemus was trying to imagine the 2nd birth from the mother's womb, which appeared to be impossible for him 

This makes Nicodemus to ask another question :    *How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?*

To this Jesus tells him the birth of water and Spirit and birth from above 

So how to understand this birth from above 

*2) The symbolic meaning of Above*

In the biblical language, the above has special meaning 

The concept of *above* can be referred to the following things 

The Spiritual Things 

The Heavenly things 

Trinitarian God

The Kingdom values

The unconditional love

Humility 

Truth, sincerity

Forgiveness

Sacrifice, sharing

Concern for others 

Well-being of others 

Common Good 

Selflessness 

Simplicity of Life 

Patience 

working for  peace 

Kindness 

Helping hand in need

All these things come from above. These are by nature divine things. They don't belong to the world and they are not wordly things 

*3) How do we born from Above*

The moment we adopt the above mentioned kingdom values we become new person 

The change which comes in our life by adopting these values in our life makes us to see our life in a different angle

The change of life itself is the new life, or rebirth or the life from above 

This is what Jesus meant when he said to Nicodemus, that one should be born from above in order to enter into heaven 

*4) Is my life a witness to the birth from above?*

When we reflect about the birth from above, where does my life stands? 

Has my life taken birth in wordly things or has my life a witness to the birth from above?

By evaluating our own life and funding our various values in our lives we can find out whether we have been born from above or whether we are having birth from bellow or from wordly things 

*5) The need of birth from above*

A follower of Christ can not remain in the birth from bellow or birth in the wordly things 

The call of Jesus to each one of us, challenges us to take birth in above things 

Only those who take birth in above things become the genuine disciples of Jesus and only such persons can live their lives according to the Gospel values 

So it is very clear that one should take birth in above things in order to live a authentic Christian life 

*6) Am I ready to be born from above?*

The same question which was addressed to Nicodemus by Jesus, is addressed to us individually

Jesus takes our names individually and asks us are you willing to be born from above? 

What is my answer? 

We cant simply say *yes* and live as we want 

We need to work hard to be born from above. Only then it is possible

*7) Birth from above is not a one time work*

It is not a single event like taking birth from our mother's womb.

Biological birth is a single event and it happens at a particular moment. Once this birth is over, it does not last long 

Birth from above is not a single event or which happens at a particular moment 

This birth is continuous. It is a never ending process. From the moment of our biological birth till our death this process continues

So one can't try to have this birth at one moment of his life 

In other words every day we need to be born from above and every day we need to try for it

The more we try the better the birth becomes and also our life improves accordingly. 

If so am I ready to be born everyday?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Coming of Nicodemus at Night

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Second Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 3:1-8*

*First Reading - Acts 4:23-31*

*The Coming of Nicodemus at Night*

*1) Nicodemus came at night to meet Jesus*

The Gospel makes it very clear that Nicodemus came in the night to meet Jesus

It appears to be an ordinary thing, when we read it in the Gospel

But the question is

Why did he come to meet Jesus in the night? 

Is there any deeper meaning in coming in the night to meet Jesus ? 

How we can apply this gesture of Nicodemus to our life? 

*2) The Various reasons for coming in the night*

First of all, from the Gospel it becomes clear that he was frightened about the Jewish  authorities about his meeting with Jesus 

If they come to know about his meeting with Jesus, then he will be accused of following Jesus 

The moment he goes in the broad day light, all will come to know about it. 

So he didnt want anybody to know about his meeting with Jesus. So he came in the night

Secondly he was also worried about his own future. If he meets Jesus in the board day light and if it becomes known to many people, what would be effect of it - will it spoil his good name?

Will it be a issue to target him later 

May be these were other issues which might have bothered Nicodemus 

*3) Physical Darkness and also Spiritual darkness*

The Gospel speaks only of physical darkness, which happens at the sunset 

Beyond this physical darkness we can also see other types of darkness which really troubled Nicodemus

*Darkness of fear* He was frightened about many things - about his reputation, about his future etc 

*Darkness of confusion* Nicodemus was fully immersed with the darkness of confusion - confusion about meeting Jesus, confusion about the real identity of Jesus, confusion about how Jewish authority will see his gesture of meeting Jesus, etc 

*Darkness of Mind* He was not able to judge clearly about his own approach towards Jesus. Whether to meet Jesus or not 

*Darkness of Heart* This darkness does not allow one to feel or experience about something

May be the darkness of heart didn't allow Nicodemus to experience Jesus that's why he had to come in the night to meet Jesus 

*4) When there was darkness - Nicodemus met Jesus*

Apart from the physical darkness there were also other darkness, from which Nicodemus was suffering 

But one good thing about Nicodemus is that, He met Jesus when he was suffering from the darkness 

Coming to Jesus when one really suffers from the darkness is really a wonderful thing, which changes the life of the person 

So coming to Jesus when one really suffers from the darkness is a very important aspect to learn from Nicodemus

*5) Meeting of Jesus at Night*

First of all Nicodemus was able to meet Jesus, without much trouble 

Secondly he could spend more time with Jesus - discussing various issues

Thirdly he could clarify many of his doubts which he had in his mind and heart 

Fourthly it really changed the life of Nicodemus, he went back with new enlightenment, which helped him to overcome the various darkness from His life 

Fifthly - it was a time of less distraction once Nicodemus encountered Jesus, which made him to concentrate more on Jesus' words 

*6) Night gives a new light to Nicodemus*

We are very sure that Nicodemus who came in the night went back as a different person 

Even though there was physical darkness out side, but in the life of Nicodemus there was new light 

New light of understanding

New light of a birth from above 

New light to understand things from above 

New light to know the person of Jesus more deeply 

New light of courage, hope, vision, etc 

*7) What about my life?*

Is there any sort of darkness in my life? 

Darkness of ignorance, laziness, pride, arrogance, anger, revenge, etc 

When there is darkness, which direction I move?  Is it towards Jesus to get some light or towards those things which make our life more darker than ever?

Have I ever encountered my Lord when there was severe  darkness in life? If so what was my experience? 

What type of light have I received from the Risen Lord?  How do I make use of this light in my day today life? 

We are not the children of darkness but the children of light  1 Thessalonians 5:5

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The various ways of the Mercy of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 2nd Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 20:19-31*

*First Reading - Acts 4:32-35*

*SECOND READING - 1 Jn 5:1-6*

*The various ways of the Mercy of Jesus*

*1) Peace be With You*

Peace is one of the greatest forms of mercy. 

In order to create a peaceful atmosphere, lots of adjustments, sacrifice and wellbeing of others is necessary

All these are nothing but the various forms of Gods mercy 

The very fact that Jesus has used the word *Peace* when He appears to His disciples, it shows how important and how powerful word is this 

So there is no doubt that *Peace* is one of the powerful symbols of Mercy of God

*2) Forgiveness of Sins*

Another important aspect which is highlighted in today's Gospel 

Forgiveness of sins is the direct from of Gods mercy 

Forgiveness is another name for mercy and mercy is another name for God

Through the forgiveness of the Sins we experience the mercy of Jesus in our day today life 

*3) Clarifying the doubts*

Doubts are one of the things which makes our  life miserable

Thomas doubted the very resurrection of Jesus and that's why he was not ready to believe in Jesus 

But Jesus appears to him directly and clarifies his doubts and he believes in the Risen Christ

So clarifying the doubts and giving the correct knowledge about the important matters is nothing but the important phase of the mercy of God 

*4) No anger, No punishment*

When Thomas doubted the very existence of the Risen Christ, Jesus never got angry with Thomas 

Neither Jesus wanted to punish Thomas for his severe doubt about the Risen Christ

But Jesus uses the different way to communicate the great message to Him 

So not getting angry, and not intending to punish another but trying ones level best to convince the fact is one of the great phase of the mercy of God

*5) Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.*

This is very important for us 

We today believe Jesus even though we have not seen the Risen Lord, as Thomas saw 

Yet to believe in such a Risen Lord we need the mercy of the Lord 

It is only through the mercy of God we are able to believe in the Risen Lord, even though we have not seen Him 

*6) We are called to become merciful people*

Like our Risen Lord we have been called to become merciful people. Following are some of the ways through which we can become merciful people 

By forgiving the sins of one another 

By fostering the spirit of forgiveness

By repenting ones faults and trying to change ones life 

By helping some one in need 

By sharing something with others 

By being polite to one another 

By not taking revenge and not becoming arrogant 

By accepting the path of humility 

By helping someone in whatever way possible

Am I ready to become a merciful person like Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Speciality of the Rebuke of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 16:9-15*

*First Reading - Acts 4:13-21*

*The Speciality of the Rebuke of Jesus*

*Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart*

*1) Meaning of the Rebuke*

Rebuke means to express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behaviour or actions.

In today's Gospel we see that Jesus rebuked His disciples 

Jesus rebuked means, He disapproved their behaviour 

He showed His dissatisfaction about their behaviour 

He was not at ease with the behaviour of His disciples 

Is there a any deeper meaning in it? 

*2) Jesus rebuked for Two things*

The Gospel makes it very clear that Jesus rebuked His disciples for two reasons 

First : For their unbelief

Second : Hardness of the Heart 

Both these things appears to be very serious for Jesus, that is why Jesus rebuked His disciples 

*3) Jesus never rebuked when people did the following things*

When people committed sins 

When they rejected him 

When they shouted at him saying crucify him

When they challenged him 

When they persecuted them 

When they scourged Him 

When they humiliated him 

When they forced him to carry the Cross to the Calvary

When the soldiers nailed him to the Cross

When they stripped his clothes

When people when away from him 

In the above instances he never rebuked the people for doing such cruel things  

*4) Jesus rebuked in the following areas*

He rebuked at the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the scribes 

He rebuked in the temple for converting the temple into a business centre 

Finally he rebuked for the unbelief and the hardness of the heart of His own disciples 

*5) The aspect of Unbelief*

In this context unbelief can be understood as the arrogance from the part of the disciples to believe in the resurrection of Jesus 

Because even after giving sufficient proofs for the resurrection of Jesus disciples are not ready to believe 

First of all, Jesus himself had told them about the resurrection when he was alive 

Secondly, Mary Magdalene gave them the experience of personal encounter of the Lord. But they didn't believe 

Thirdly once again two of the disciples shared their experience, but once again they did not believe 

So all these instances show us that they were arrogant in their approach. They were not ready to believe.

*6) Hardness of the Heart*

Heart is the centre of emotions. When heart becomes hard, a person ceases to remain as a normal human being 

Hardness of the heart makes a person not to believe in the power of God, but to believe in oneself 

The aspect of hardness of the heart is very dangerous and it takes away the person from God and from one another

So Jesus rebuked His disciples for their hardness of the heart 

*7) What about our Life?*

We have many opportunities to encounter the Risen Lord and to experience Him 

Unlike the First disciples we have scriptures, lived experience of the saints and other personal experience to know the Risen Christ

In spite of having so many instances in our daily lives, are we still hard hearted to believe in the values of the Risen Christ

Its not enough to know the values of Christ, but necessary to practice them. 

Merely knowing it and not practicing it or not making any efforts to practice it, is equal to not believing in it because of our hard hearted attitude 

For such attitude Jesus will surely rebuke us. 

 *8) Disciples followed later, what about me?*

After having rebuked, disciples were able to believe in the Risen Lord

What about me? Am I still hard hearted person and finding difficult to believe in the Risen Lord's values 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Like Peter am I ready to jump into the Sea?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Friday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 21:1-14*

*First Reading - Acts 4:1-12*

*Like Peter am I ready to jump into the Sea?*

*1) Beginning and End Scene is similar*

The fishing scene which is depicted in the Gospel today, also comes in the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus

The First call of the disciples, (Peter and Andrew, James and John) also has this similar event 

So one thing is very clear, the beginning scene of Jesus' ministry and the concluding scene is similar with a similar message 

*2) Same scene but one aspect is very Special*

In the calling scene of the disciples, it is said that they left their nets and followed Jesus 

But in the last scene it is specially mentioned that when Peter came to know that it was the Risen Lord, Peter immediately jumped into the Water 

So immediately jumping into the water was a special aspect of the last scene, and it has a special relevance to our life. 

*3) Importance of the jumping into the Sea*

Jumping into the sea, shows Peter's quickness to involve himself into the mission of the Lord

Jumping into the sea also means, Peter's willingness to take risk, or to face the challenges in accepting the mission of Christ 

Earlier we see, Peter's request to Jesus, to walk on the Water. But here we see, Peter does not wait for Jesus' approval to walk on the sea, but simply trusting in the Lord, jumps into the sea, and proceeds further 

Here we see Peter's deep faith and trust in the Lord, and his confidence in the Risen Lord 

*4) Peter's preparedness for the Mission*

In jumping into the sea, we also see Peter's  preparedness for the mission of the Lord

When he realized that it was Jesus - Peter  *wrapped his outer garment around him and jumped into the water.*

Preparedness for the mission is very important aspect to note, in the life of Peter. 

*5) What about me?*

The same Risen Lord also meets me today in different occasions

After having recognised  Jesus in different people am I ready to jump into the situation to act?

Peter is the model for us to jump into the situation and to do the mission of the Lord

*6) Things necessary to  follow the Peter's Model*

The goodwill to recognise the Risen Lord 

The courage to face the challenges - to jump into the sea

The depth of faith in the person of Jesus 

The focus on Jesus Himself and not on the water or waves 

The confidence in ones approach and the level of determination for the mission of Christ 

The determination to leave everything and to follow Jesus 

*7)  Am I ready for Peter's Model?*

What is my determination to follow Jesus?

Am I able to imitate Peter in doing the mission of the Lord? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

You are witnesses of these things

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 24:35-48*

*First Reading - Acts 3:11-26*

*You are witnesses of these things* 

*Am I ready to bear witness to the following things?*

*1) On becoming the Witnesses of the Lord*

The last sentence of today's Gospel is very powerful and relevant to our life 

All the things Jesus preached and practiced in His life are to be taken by His disciples now on-words 

We have been given a special responsibility to become witness to the values of Christ, by practicing them in our lives 

So it is very important to meditate these words *You are witnesses of these things*

The following are the some of the important things to which we must bear witness

*2) To communicate the Peace of the Risen Lord*

The first Word of the Risen Lord is *Peace be with you*

The peace of the Risen Lord is given to us, in order to communicate the same 

So first of all we should bear witness to Peace or We are the witnesses of Peace. 

Is my life a witness to peace or Not?

*3) Witnesses of the Risen Lord*

All of us are called to become the witnesses of the Risen Lord 

First of all firmly believing and living in the values of Christ we become the witnesses of the Risen Lord

Secondly by supporting the mission of the Lord to build the Kingdom of God, we become the witnesses of the Risen Lord 

*4) Message of the Repentance*

Jesus started His mission with this particular concept *repentance*

Jesus preached the same throughout His public ministry

Now after the resurrection Jesus speaks the same message and asks us to become the witnesses of repentance 

So the message of repentance or change of life becomes one of the important aspects of Jesus' ministry

*5) Message of Forgiveness*

The power of forgiveness is tremendous

It can change a person from any situation and can leave a deep rooted influence on his/her life 

Jesus forgave even from the Cross, those who crucified Him,  which has left a tremendous influence on the entire human kind and even today people see this gesture with great value

The same Risen Lord is asking us to become the witnesses of this forgiveness and to show the power of forgiveness to the entire world

Am I ready? 

*6) Witnesses to His Name*

In doing the mission there is no selfish intention involved here

One can't do these things for self glory. Everything has to be done in the name of Jesus or to bring glory to the name of Jesus 

So we should bear witness to the name of Jesus. In everything Jesus' name must be glorified 

My mission is to bear witness to the name of Jesus 

*7) To begin the mission from Jerusalem*

First of all we must know that where is my Jerusalem?

We can say that my Jerusalem is my own life, my own family, my own neighborhood, my own ward, and my own parish 

These are the places which represent my Jerusalem

We are called to begin the mission of bearing witness to Christ from these places 

Preaching of the Good News of the Risen Lord from these places is very important in my life 

The very fact I preach and practice the values of Jesus in these places (Jerusalem) my life becomes a powerful witness to the Risen Lord

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Are my Eyes prevented from Recognizing Jesus

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 24:13-35*

*First Reading - Acts 3:1-10*

*Are my Eyes prevented from Recognizing Jesus*

*Their eyes were prevented from recognizing him*

*1) Why their Eyes were prevented from Recognising Jesus*

First of all, they had given up all the hope in the person of Jesus. 

Infact they had great hopes in Jesus, but after the death of Jesus they gave up all their hopes in Jesus 

Lack of Hope prevented their eyes from recognising Jesus 

*Lack of Courage* These two disciples were frightened about the death of Jesus and they didn't make any efforts to identify themselves with crucified Christ 

They were frightened about their life and that's is why they were moving away from Jerusalem. So that they might have thought that they may be safe 

*Lack of Faith* They were not ready to believe in what the women communicated to them. They thought it is a normal vision without anything serious. So here the lack of faith is very much seen 

*Lack of commitment* Once Jesus was crucified they thought that everything is over. So they gave up everything and they were going to their old trade in Emmaus. That is one of the reasons why they were going to Emmaus

*Going away from God* In fact through their journey they were going away from God. 

Going away from Jerusalem means going away from God. 

Our journey should be always towards Jerusalem and not away from Jerusalem

So these are the Reasons why their eyes were prevented from recognizing Jesus 

*2) When one fails to recognize Jesus, He becomes a stranger*

This is what Cleopas, one of the disciples said to Jesus 

*"Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?*

When we are not able to recognise some one he/she becomes a stranger to us 

This is also with Jesus. When we are not able to recognise Him, He becomes or remains as stranger to us 

Is my Jesus stranger to me? 

*3) What are the things that prevent my life to recognise Jesus?*

There may be variety of things in our life, which prevent us from recognising Jesus. They may be following 

My own pride

My own arrogance

My own selfish interests and attitudes 

Too much of worldliness in my life 

Lack of prayer and power of prayer 

Revengeful attitude 

Failure to forgive one another 

Self righteous attitude 

Lack of trust and unfaithfulness

*4) What are the things affecting me?*

In the above mentioned things there may be some of the things which may be affecting my life 

A serious reflection and examination of my conscience will help me to find out those things which prevent my vision from recognising Jesus 

*5) Where is the Risen Lord Walking today*

Today my Risen Lord is walking in the poor, marginalised, those who struggle to live their life, so called those people who are persecuted, exploited, pushed to the periphery, those who are misled, those who are falsely accused and targeted 

In the lives of these people the Risen Lord is walking 

Am I able to recognise the Risen Lord? 

*Think about it*

Are you a stranger to the Risen Lord in these persons??

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Weeping of Mary - What is special About it?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 20:11-18*

*First Reading - Acts 2:36-41*

*The Weeping of Mary - What is special About it?*

*1) The Speciality of the Tear*

The most expensive liquid in the world is a tear. It's a 1% water and 99% Feelings.

A tear is made of 1%  water and 99% feelings

So if some one cries for you means, it is something great and something special 

*2) Mary Wept*

Today's Gospel starts with the weeping of Mary 

Except Mary none of the other disciples wept. There is no record in the Bible that some of Apostles wept (Except Peter for a different reason)

If so, we can conclude the genuine reason of her crying and her weeping means a lot

*3) Mary was weeping at the Tomb*

The Gospel is clear in narrating that Mary was weeping at the tomb and not in any other place

It is only Mary we find weeping at the Tomb, early on Sunday morning, no other disciples 

The very fact that Mary was found at the tomb it shows that she is in search of Jesus, whom she was missing very much 

*4) The weeping of Mary - Following would be the meanings*

Mary's Weeping shows 

Her deep love for Jesus

 

Her deep relationship with Jesus

What and Who Jesus is for her  

That she really missed Jesus from her life 

The deep emptiness, because of the absence of Jesus 

The worry and tension, because she could not find Jesus in the tomb

That the body of Jesus had been stolen and taken away from the tomb, and the impossibility of getting it back 

Her willingness to do anything to get Jesus back in her life 

A utter helpless situation which was  created because of the absence of Jesus in the tomb and also in her life.

*5) Jesus also wept*

Jesus wept when Lazarus died. 

When Jesus wept, people said, *How much he loved Lazarus*

In the weeping of Jesus there was love, care, concern, relationship, bond, belongingness, and oneness with the person 

So Jesus also could show these things through weeping, we can imagine the weeping of Mary for Jesus 

*6) Benefits of Weeping*

It is said that weeping is good 

Researchers say that weeping 

*Has soothing effect 

*Gets support from others 

*Helps to relieve pain 

*Enhances mood

*Releases toxins and relieves stress

*Aids sleep

*Fights bacteria

*Improves vision

*7) When did I weep last time?*

First of all one should know that weeping is not the sign of weakness

Weeping persons are not emotionally weak, rather they become strong

How often do I weep and for what? 

Better to think about it 

*9) Some of the weeping areas*

Need to weep for ones sins 

Need to weep at the tomb, it relieves a lot of stress from our life 

Need to weep when we commit blunders 

Need to weep when our beloved people go away or miss from our life 

Weeping has a value and weeping improves our life and relationship 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The importance of Going to Galilee

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 28:8-15*

*First Reading - Acts 2:14, 22-33*

*The importance of Going to Galilee*

*Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.*

*1) Galilee could be the safe place for the disciples*

Since the crucifixion and death of Jesus took place in Jerusalem, the disciples might have been frightened about the same 

Once again the Risen Lord appearing to His disciples in Jerusalem would be dangerous to the disciples, since that would make the Jewish leaders and the Roman's to target the disciples 

So comparing to Jerusalem, Galilee appears to be more safe place for the disciples. So Jesus might have told His disciples to meet in Galilee

*2) Galilee also a place where Jesus starts His public ministry*

Galilee is the place where Jesus starts His mission 

So Galilee becomes an important place for Jesus to begin His public ministry

*3) Jesus calls His first disciples at the see of Galilee*

The call of First disciples Peter and Andrew, James and John happens to be in the Galilean River 

So the see of Galilee is the place where Jesus calls His first disciples and makes them His apostles 

So in the life of the disciples once again the Galilee becomes an important place 

*4) The mission begins at Galilee - Now once again recommission of the mission*

As we already know that Jesus began His ministry in Galilee

He called His first disciples from Galilee

So now Jesus once again meets in Galilee to give them a new mission in new way 

So Jesus asks them to go to Galilee and meets them there 

*5) Galilee in my Life*

As we saw in the life if Jesus and His disciples the Galilee became very important place, what about in my life? 

Where is my Galilee? Since the women who had gone early in the morning to meet Jesus, quickly went back to communicate to the disciples about the Galilee where is my Galilee? 

First of all Galilee is my Family. Because it there our mission started and today Jesus asks us once again to go to Galilee - our Family, where Jesus will meet us. 

Secondly our Galilee is our neighbor/neighborhood - it there Jesus asks us to start our mission and it is the place where Jesus will meet us 

Thirdly it is the society, ward or the parish in which I am a member. These places should become the places of Galilee and we should begin our ministry there

Lastly it is the self which should become the Galilee for me. Self is the important place where Jesus will appear to me and also will reveal His future plans for the Mission 

If so am I ready to go to Galilee for the new mission of the Risen Lord?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I missing the Risen Lord from my Life?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Easter Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 20:1-9*

*First Reading - Acts 10:34a, 37-43*

*Second Reading - Col 3:1-4 or I Cor 5:6b-8*

*Am I missing the Risen Lord from my Life?*

*1) Mary Magdalene is in search of Jesus*

Early Sunday morning Mary went in search of Jesus, near to the tomb

After the death of Jesus, Mary really missed Jesus, that's why she came early in the Morning to the tomb to see Jesus in the Tomb

The Emptiness which was created by the absence of Jesus did not allow her to sit quiet. That is why early in the morning she was in search of Jesus and came to the Tomb.

*2) Mary missed the Risen Lord*

As soon as Mary reached the Tomb, she saw that the stone at the entrance of the tomb was rolled back. 

Immediately she concluded that some body had taken away the Lord from the tomb

That is why without delay or verifying the fact, she goes back hurriedly and communicates the same to the disciples 

She simply says *They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him.*

Here we also see that there is no reference to the Risen Lord by Mary. May be it might not have occurred to her mind.

*3) They have taken away the Lord - Who are they?*

In the context of the Gospel Mary may be referring to the guards, or soldiers, or to the Jewish authorities or to the roman authorities or any other persons 

All these were involved in the crucifixion of Jesus and it is likely that they may take away Him in order to destroy even the last prof of His existence

So the reference to the *they* also becomes very important in the context

*4) When Mary missed Jesus she searched for Him*

When Mary missed Jesus, without wasting time, she really searched for Jesus 

She used all the means to find Him. She also took the help of His disciples 

Finally Mary was able to find not the dead Jesus but the Risen Lord. That is something spectacular

*5) Am I missing the Risen Lord*

First of all did I really missed Jesus from my life after His crucifixion, like that of Mary

Secondly did I really search my Lord, like that of Mary who came early in the morning searching for Jesus 

Thirdly am I using the possible means to find my missing Lord, like that of Mary 

Fourthly, Am I really anxious like that of Mary when she missed Jesus and when she ran back to communicate the same to the disciples? 

*6) 'They' have taken away the Lord -  What are 'They' in my Life?*

The concept of *They* has greater relevance to my life 

*They* represent those things which take away the Risen Lord and the Joy of the Risen Lord. 

*They* may be the following 

Pride

Arrogance

Revenge

Anger

Unforgiveness

Jealousy

Division

Rivalry

Greed

Worldliness

Laziness

*7) Will I find the Risen Lord in my Life?*

As I celebrate the Easter feast will I be able to encounter the Risen Lord?

Is my Easter without the Risen Lord? 

What are the possible *they* which will take away the Risen Lord from my Life? 

Does my attitude, way of life, my behaviour show that Christ is really Risen from the dead? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

To See Jesus we need to roll the Stone from the Entrance

https://gospelthoughtsdaily.blogspot.com/

*Gospel Thoughts*

*Holy Week: Holy Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mark 16:1-7*

*To See Jesus we need to roll the Stone from the Entrance*

*1) Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”*

Mary Magdalene, Mary and Salome, who were rushing to the tomb of Jesus, early in the morning had one challenge

How to roll back the stone from the entrance. 

In order to meet Jesus they had to remove the stone from the entrance, without which they could not meet Jesus 

So rolling stone back from the entrance of the tomb was very important aspect in the life of the disciples to see Jesus  

*2) We are all waiting to meet Jesus*

After the Good Friday ceremony we are all waiting for the Risen Lord.

Jesus who died on the Cross is laid down in the tomb and we are still waiting for the Risen Lord 

To meet the Risen Lord we need to roll back the stone from the entrance of the Tomb 

So this is necessary to meet Jesus 

*3) On Good Friday - Our Heart should become a tomb for Jesus*

Good Friday Jesus who dies on the Cross needs a place for burial 

Am I ready to prepare my heart as a burial tomb for Jesus 

My Heart would be the best place to lay dawn the body of Jesus. 

*4) Roll back the Stones from the Heart to meet Jesus*

If I see my heart as the tomb for Jesus then I must be ready to roll back the stone from the entrance of the tomb of my heart to see Jesus 

There may be variety of stones which are kept in the entrance of the tomb. 

Unless I remove these stones I can't see the Risen Lord 

*5) The various stones at the entrance of the Tomb*

These may be some of the possible stones which are kept at the entrance of the tomb of my heart 

The Stone of pride

The stone of arrogance

The stone of revenge

The stone of anger 

The stone of greed 

The stone of jealousy

The stone of pleasure 

The Stone of laziness 

The stone of gossip

The stone of hypocrisy

The stone of selfishness

The stone of unfaithfulness

The stone of self-righteousness, 

The stone of injustice, untruth, cheating etc 

Unless we remove these stones from the entrance of the tomb of our heart we will not be able to encounter the Risen Lord 

*6) Only I can remove these stones from my heart*

The removing of the stones can be done only by me 

One can't wait others to remove these stones for me 

The moment I try it is very easy to remove. Without my cooperation no one can remove these stones from my heart 

*7) Easiest way to remove the Stones*

Like Jesus one needs to do only good. 

Jesus went on doing good. Follow this path, automatically the above stones will roll back by themselves 

Good works are the *magic* to remove the stones from the entrance of the tomb

Am I willing to remove the above stones by allowing my life for good works 

The Risen Lord can come out the tomb of my heart, only by removing the above stones 

If not I will not be able to encounter the Risen Lord

*Just think about this*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*