The Speciality of the Love Commandment*

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season 31st Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 12:28b-34*

*First Reading - Dt 6:2-6*

*Second Reading - Heb 7:23-28*

*The Speciality of the Love Commandment*

*1) It connects God and Human Beings*

Gospel of the day clearly shows us that, the power of Love connects both God and Human beings 

*Love of God and the Love of the neighbour* clearly show us the connectedness of Divine and Human 

Among all other things which were available on the earth, God chose the aspect of love to relate, to communicate, to teach, to forgive and finally to save the Human beings from the slavery of Sin 

So it is only *love* that becomes very visible in everything and specially in the relationship God and Human beings 

*2) It connects Human being in a most intimate way*

The only one thing which connects the human beings and make them to relate in a most intimate way, is the power of Love

It is only this force which makes the human beings to come together, to remain together, to work together, to suffer together, to sacrifice together and even at times to die for the other 

There is no other force which can work so creatively in the life of God and human being other than Love 

*3) It makes a person to involve all His/her faculties*

Genuine Love involves the totality of the person 

Totality of the person consists in Heart, mind and Soul 

Therefore Jesus says, *You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength*

These three faculties are very important and in love all these three faculties should work together. 

*4) It has turned out to be the best thing, in the World. There is no other equal to the concept of Love*

For Love there is no other competitor in this World. 

Nothing can be equated with Love. 

Since Love is divine and God is Love, Love means God, and there is no equal to God. God or Love itself is ultimate and supreme reality 

If there is no Love there is nothing in this world. 

*5) It takes us near to the Kingdom of God*

The Concept of Love takes us near  to the Kingdom of God. 

That's why Jesus says, *You are not far away from the Kingdom of God* In other words it is very clear that, Love takes us to God and to His Kingdom 

*6) Its power is unimaginable*

No one has ever measured the the power of Love 

Neither the points nor the artists are able to describe the power of Love 

Therefore its power is unimaginable and can't be explained

*7) Love is a mystery, can't be explained by anyone*

Mystery is something which can't be explained by any one 

In this sense love remains as mystery, which can't be solved 

As long as something is unimaginable and can't be explained, it evokes a lot of new ideas to explain it. In this context love remains still as mystery

*What is my Understanding of the concept of Love in my life?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What happens when You take the place of honour?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 14:1, 7-11*

*First Reading - Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29*

*What happens when You take the place of honour?*

*1) Jesus says not to take the place of Honour*

In today's Gospel we come across the opinion of Jesus that one should not take the place of honour unless he/she is asked for it. 

Now we can ask a question, why one should not take the place of honour? 

Or if one takes the place of honour, what does it imply?

*2) Taking the place of Honour would imply the following things*

*A) It implies that I am important person*

It becomes a self declaration that one is trying to tell others that I am important person, and I must be recognised in all the places 

*B) It is the exhibition of ones pride*

The very attitude of craving the place of honour shows the pride of the person. Such an attitude goes against the virtue of humility

*C) Lack of respect for the other*

The attitude of occupying the place of honour, also shows a kind of disrespect to the others, who are suppose to occupy these seats 

*D) It shows the undue desire of the person for recognistion*

This also shows the inappropriate desire for recognition and cheap popularity

*3) The difference between offering the place of honour by others and claiming by oneself*

When some one asks us to occupy the place of honour means they recognise our value 

When some one else recognises our value, it is more authentic than by declaring oneself 

On the other hand, when we occupy the place of honour on our own, it is we who trying to tell others that I am a important person 

Such self declaration about the self has no value and it becomes a humiliating thing to the person who ouupies the seat 

*4) Occupying the place of honour also leads a person for humiliation*

This particular aspect is clearly highlighted in today's Gospel. 

There comes a situation where the person is asked to vacate the place of honour, in front of the crowd, because it is reserved for some one else 

In such a case it becomes a humiliating thing for the person. So ultimately it leads to the humiliation and not to the happiness 

*5) Lesson for humility*

The core message of today's Gospel episode is the importance of the virtue of Humility. 

Towards the end we come across that the virtue of humility makes a person great in the sight of God, where as pride leads to the utter humiliation. 

So we are suppose to practice the virtue of humility to become great in the Kingdom of God. 

*6) My life and desire for honour*

There is a inner tendency in all of us that we are recognised, honoured, and paised by others. 

Is my desire for honour based on selfish motives, or for personal gain or to exhibit myself to others 

Is it a attitude of humility or the attitude of pride, arrogance, desire for position, status, and for cheap popularity? 

*If Honour comes to you, because of your good work accept it, but  don't expect for it all the time*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

New Meaning of Sabbath : Sabbath means doing Good

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 14:1-6*

*First Reading - Rom 9:1-5*

*New Meaning of Sabbath : Sabbath means doing Good*

*1) Sabbath for Scribes and Pharisees*

For scribes and Pharisees, Sabbath was means, following the rules and regulations, without understanding the meaning of it 

For them literal understanding of law was more important than the hidden meaning or the spirit of the law

That's why they saw doing any kind of work on the sabbath day was against the law.

*2) Sabbath is not to forbid the good work, but to facilitate the Good work*

Sabbath for Jesus had altogether different meaning. For the primary purpose of sabbath was doing good rather than forbidding any good 

In no way the spirit of sabbath gets diluted by doing good work, but it becomes rich by doing good work 

So Jesus gave a new meaning to the sabbath, accordingly we can say that doing good work is the primary purpose of the sabbath 

*3) Sabbath is not to restrict only to one day*

For scribes and Pharisees, sabbath was fixed on a particular day. They could not think of sabbath on other days 

But with Jesus' new meaning, that is *Sabbath means doing good* the spirit of sabbath is applicable to any situation and to any context

So the moment we do a good deed, we must paise and thank God, for such an opportunity, because it is part of the celebration of the sabbath 

*4) We have a call to do good on Sabbath day*

Since Jesus did good on sabbath day, we have a duty and obligation to do a lot of good work on the sabbath day 

As a disciple of Jesus I must take the chances to celebrate the spirit of sabbath in every moment and in every moment 

*5) My Life and Sabbath*

Can I turn my life as the celebration of Sabbath??

Since sabbath means, praising and thanking God, and also doing lot of good work, there are multiple opportunities to turn my life as the celebration of Sabbath

This is a real challenge to all the followers of Christ, that to change our life into a celebration of sabbath in all situations. 

Will I challenge myself to create a new meaning for sabbath in my life??

*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 Jude and Simon

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Eph 2:19-22*

*First Reading - Lk 6:12-16*

*The Speciality of Jude and Simon*

*1) Very little is known about these saints*

These are two apostles of Jesus, who are less known in everything

Their ministry remain unknown, their life details remain unknown, their martyrdom remain unknown 

So hardly anything is known about these two disciples 

*2) Their popularity is very less*

Since they are known less, their popularity is also less. 

Like other apostles and saints, they are not invoked for many times. 

Hardly there are any novenas and shrines in their name. ( We have one in Pakshikere - St Jude) 

These things also speak that they are less popular among the people

*3) Only their names are found in the Gospel*

Even in the Gospel we have only the names of these Apostles. 

There is no other information about these Apostles

Apart from this, we have a Epistle of St Jude, about which Origen Says *It contains srtong doctrine in a few lines* 

*4) Sainthood and Above things*

From the life of these two apostles it is very clear that, sainthood does not purely depends popularity, and recognition by many people 

It does not depend on whether ones name is recorded in the History or not 

It does not depend on in how many places ones name is engraved or things or places are named after the person

It is purely based on the good things a person does. 

*5) Inspiration from these Two Apostles*

Do your work with out expecting any reward from people. God will make you great 

One may not be very popular in the society. But for  God such popularity not necessary. Its enough to live a Holy and good life 

They never expected great things in their life. But God made them great 

How about my life? 

Am I working for popularity, for selfish gain, to accumulate wealth and money 

Or am I work to spread the Kingdom of God??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

How to understand Jesus' narrow Gate?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 13:22-30*

*First Reading - Rom 8:26-30*

*How to understand Jesus' narrow Gate?*

*1) The way of narrow gate to be saved oneself*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the narrow gate, as a way to save oneself 

To the question *Lord, will only a few people be saved?”* Jesus answers in this way *“Strive to enter through the narrow gate*

So according to Jesus narrow gate becomes the instrument of saving 

So how to understand the concept of Narrow gate according to Jesus? 

*2) Various aspects of Jesus' narrow gate*

First of all narrow gate is a very challenging way. One should be careful while entering through the narrow gate 

One should make lots of efforts at times to enter and to pass through the narrow gate 

Once we understand this concept, it is very easy to understand the concept of Jesus' narrow gate

*3) Jesus' concept of Narrow Gate*

The narrow gate of the cross

The narrow gate of forgiveness

The narrow of humility

The narrow gate of love 

The narrow gate of sacrifice

The narrow gate of generosity

The narrow gate of sincerity

The narrow gate of sharing 

These are the things which are involved in Jesus' narrow gate 

*4) Advantage of the narrow Gate*

People those who travel in the narrow gate, are alert, watchful, ready for any casualty, are well  prepared, and well disposed for any challenge

Am I traveling in the broad gate or narrow gate?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Will God be able to compare my life to the Kingdom of God?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 13:18-21*

*First Reading - Rom 8:18-25*

*“What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?*

*Will God be able to compare my life to the Kingdom of God?*

*1) Mustard seed and the Kingdom of God*

Mustard seed is a very small in size. But when it grows it becomes a great tree. 

This is the parable which Jesus told his disciples, and he compared it to the Kingdom of God. 

In this procces we need to note the following things. 

The tiny mustard seed

The growth of it

Its full growth into a tree

All these things are necessary for the Kingdom of God. 

*2) My life, mustard seed and the Kingdom of God*

When Jesus asks, *To what can I compare it?* am I able to say that it can be compared to my life? Or will Jesus say that it can be compared to my life?

In fact that is the goal of my life. One day our life should become like a mustard tree, which can be compared to the Kingdom of God

These are some of the following things which can be compared to the mustard seed and tree in our life

*The mustard seed and tree of my Faith*

Like mustard seed and tree, has my tree of faith grown? 

It started like a small mustard seed at Baptism. How is it now? Has it grow or stopped growing?  

*The mustard seed and tree of forgiveness*

Forgiveness also starts from a mustard seed. How far has it grown in my life? 

The mustard seed and tree of love, sacrifice, generosity, faithfulness, sincerity, hard work, sharing, care, concern, speaking good about others etc 

How these trees in my life? Have they grown to some extent?, or have they stopped growing? Am I giving proper fertilizer for their growth??

*3) The Growth of the Kingdom Values in my Life*

If the above mentioned kingdom values have grown in my life then definitely Jesus will say, I can compare the Kingdom of God to your beautiful life.

But the Question is, how these trees are? 

What about their growth? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Evil Spirit which makes the woman completely incapable of standing erect - How to understand it

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 13:10-17*

*First Reading - Rom 8:12-17*

*Evil Spirit which makes the woman completely incapable of standing erect - How to understand it*

*1) The woman with Evil spirit for 18 years*

The Gospel makes it clear that the woman was suffering from 18 years, because of the evil spirit. 

As a result she was bent over, which made her to stand erect.

The Gospel also tells us that, she was completely incapable to standing erect because of this evil spirit

*2) The effects of the Evil spirit*

The woman was physically bent over and physically incapable of standing erect. 

This physical gesture also speaks about the other areas of her life 

So she was also spiritually bent over and incapable of standing erect 

In other words, the evil spirit made her to bend for the evil things and made her incapable of standing erect in Good things 

*3) The deeper meaning of standing erect*

Its a sign of confidence

Its a sign of courage 

Its a sign of victory

Its a sign of challenging someone 

Its a sign of determination

Its a sign of truthfulness

Its a sign of righteousness

Its a sign of integrity of the person 

Its a sign of leadership 

Its a sign of clear vision 

So when a person is incapable of standing erect, he/she can't practice these above values 

So when the evil spirit makes a person incapable of standing erect, this is what implied in this gesture 

*4) The woman stood straight after Jesus healed her*

The Gospel also shows that, Jesus heals the woman. 

As soon as the evil spirit leaves her, she was able to stand erect. This means it was this spirit which controlled her and made her incapable of standing straight 

Once she was delivered from the spirit, she stood straight and praised God. 

As long as the evil spirit controlled her she was incapable to praising God 

*5) Am I able to stand erect?*

This is a real challenge to all of us. 

Standing erect is a continuous process. It can't be achieved within a short period of time 

Standing erect needs a strong determination and the power of prayer 

We need to stand stright, in our Christian life, in our faith life, in our convictions, in our service, sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, generosity and sharing. 

Am I able to stand straight in these things? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Special sight of Blind Bartimaeus

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 10:46-52*

*First Reading - Jer 31:7-9*

*SECOND READING - Heb 5:1-6*

*The Special sight of Blind Bartimaeus*

*1) Blind Bartimaeus*

The Gospel makes it very clear that Bathimaeus was blind. 

When some one is blind, the physical sight has a problem and the person is not able to perceive anything 

Since Bathimaeus was blind it is propoer to conclude that he was not able to see 

But a careful analysis will reveal the special sight of Bartimaeus

*2) Bathimaeus' Special Sight*

*First of all he was able to precive who the Jesus of Nazareth is*

He only heard that Jesus was passing through that way. But he could perceive who that Jesus of Nazareth is 

His understanding of Jesus was quite different than that of the crowd. 

So this shows that blind Bartimaeus has special sight 

*Secondly he perceived Jesus as the Son of David*

To perceive this one needs special sight or insight 

The title son of David also speaks about the promised Messiah, who will come from the tribe of David

The title *Son of David* also speaks about the divinity, the origin and also the mission of Jesus 

Such a deep knowledge is perceived by Blind Bathimaeus. So his sight belongs to a special category 

*Thirdly : He perceived that, the Crowd was an obstacle to his mission*

When he started to call out the name of Jesus, the crowd rebuked Him and told him to remain silent 

Immediately he perceived that it the crowd was an obstacle to his mission. So he didn't care for them, but kept on shouting. What a special sight of this Bathimaeus

*Fourthly : He perceived that Jesus can Heal him from blindness*

The intention of calling out the name of Jesus is very simple. He perceived or saw that Jesus can heal his blindness 

Once again a blind Bathimaeus is able to see a great power and truth in the life of Jesus 

*Fifthly: He was able to see the way towards Jesus*

When Jesus called him to come near, he simply got up and went towards Jesus 

He new the way towards Jesus. Even though he was blind, but he knew the correct way towards Jesus. What a special sight of this man could be. Surprising

*Sixthly: He left everything and went*

When Jesus called him, he saw that he needed nothing but only Jesus 

So he threw his cloak, and went to meet Jesus 

Seeing that only he needed Jesus and nothing more needs a special sight 

*3) How powerful my sight is?*

Bathimaeus didn't have physical sight. Even then he was able to see greater realities, from the life of Jesus 

I am blessed with special physical eye sight. If so what is my power of seeing the greater realities from the life of Jesus? 

Am I able to see the miraculous power of Jesus in my life? 

Am I able to see the healing power of Jesus in my life? 

Am I able to see the divinity of Jesus in my life? 

Am I able to see that only Jesus is everything and rest of the things count nothing before Jesus?

Am I able to see that there are challenges, obstacles just like the crowd which was trying to stop Bathimaeus? 

Am I able to see that continuous efforts will finally win the battle, as we see in the life of Bathimaeus? 

Am I able to see that Jesus will restore me and you to the original glory? 

*How sharp my sight is???*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus came to Cultivate the ground around my life and to fertilize it - If so what is my response!

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 13:1-9*

*First Reading - Rom 8:1-11*

*Jesus came to Cultivate the ground around my life and to fertilize it - If so what is my response!* 

*1)  Fig tree, and Master's search for Fruit*

In today's Gospel we come across the Fig tree which was planted by the Master 

Master planted it with the purpose of getting the fruit. So the Master came in search of the fruit. 

When he came in search for the fruit he found none. So he wanted to cut the tree, which failed to bear the fruit.

But the gardener, requested the master to give him some more time, so that he can work to help the tree to produce the Fruit   

*2) Jesus is Gardner*

God created us with the purpose of bearing much fruit. But because of our sinfulness we failed to produce the desired fruit 

So as St Paul says *The wages of sin is death - Romans 6:23*

Accordingly we are suppose to die, without bearing any fruit. But our Lord and Master of the Vineyard did not allow us to perish. But he wanted us to produce the fruit 

*3) Jesus came to till the ground of my life and fertilize it*

Since we were unable to produce any fruit, Jesus came into this world to till the ground and to fertilize it 

So the main mission of Jesus consists in tilling the ground of my life and to fertilize it

Jesus did this mission, so that we can produce abundant fruit 

So with the Hardwork of Jesus finally we are able to bear some fruit 

*4) The methods of tilling and fertilizing my Life*

Jesus uses and encourages us to use various methods for tilling the ground of my life and to fertilize it 

The method of service 

The method of sacrifice

The method of Love 

The method of humility

The method of forgiveness

The methods truth & justice 

The method of generosity

The method of sharing 

The method of supporting

The method of encouragement

All these methods are used by Jesus to till the ground of humanity and to fertilize it 

*5) Limited time*

We have only limited time. Gardner has asked only for limited time. So there is no time to waste

We need to be serious and must produce good fruit, for the survival. If not, we will perish 

Limited time also shows the urgency, and seriousness. 

*6) Will I be in a position to bear fruit?*

After having done all the things by the Gardner, am I in a position to bear fruit? 

Will I be a fruitful tree or fruitless tree? 

Will I survive or will I perish? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of Interpreting the Present Time

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 12:54-59*

*First Reading - Rom 7:18-25a*

*Importance of Interpreting the Present Time*

*1) Interpretation of the Earth and Sky*

In today's Gospel there is a reference to the interpretation of the earth and Sky 

Almost all of us know how to interpret the sky, in a little way. We precive that whether there is rain, or it will be a hot day, or will it be a cold day?

By looking at the weather we are able to interpret the situation. 

Like wise we are also able to interpret the earth, and its various moments, the seasons, the mud, the water sources, the wind movents and many other things 

We must thank God for giving us such an intelligence to interpret these things 

*2) Interpretation of Present Time*

There is also an reference to the interpretation of the present time. 

We can understand this concept in two levels 

First of all the present things which are happening in the society or within our country

The issues like conversion, religious fundamentalism, atrocities against the minorities, and many other things 

Secondly purely at personal level. That is interpretation of the present time in our life. This is more important than anything else 

*3) Interpretation of the present time of my life*

This is very important to know about our own life. Accordingly we can ask the following things 

At present time what is happening in my life? 

What is happening to my spiritual life? 

At present what is happening to my emotions? 

At present time why I become so angry and irritated with small things? 

At present time why I am slave of drinks,  food, or bodily pleasures? 

At present time why I am greedy for money, power and position? 

At present time why I am finding so difficult to forgive my own brothers or sisters? 

At present time why I am getting tensed for little things? 

At present time, why I  lazy? 

At present time why have I lost interest in good things? 

At times why I am not able to interpret these signs of my own life? 

*4) Interpretation of the present time of my life is very important*

As we reflected above, interpretation of the present time of my life important because, unless we interpret it, we can't deal with it. 

Unless we deal with it, we can't over come from such things, 

Unless we over come from these things, we can see no growth in our life. 

So interpretation of these signs are very much necessary

*5) How we can interpret the present time of our life?*

Pay attention to everything that is happening to ones life 

Accept and verify, when someone tells something about oneself

Examination of conscience will definitely help us to interpret the present time of our life 

A strong prayer life will help us to interpret the present time of our life 

So am I ready to interpret the present time of my Life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Division for the sake of Christ. What type of division Jesus speaks about?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 12:49-53*

*First Reading - Rom 6:19-23*

*Division for the sake of Christ. What type of division Jesus speaks about?*

*1) I have come to bring Division*

In today's Gospel we have this particular thought. 

At the peripheral level it appears that bringing division is something bad and one must work towards unity and not division

So what type of division Jesus is speaking about? How do we understand it? What is the relevance of this division to my life? 

*2) The nature of Division*

When there is division, there exist two opposite things. 

Division usually segregates two things one from another 

When there is division, two things come into existent, which may have opposing nature 

*3) Jesus' concept of Division*

Jesus brought division between good and bad, just and injustice, righteous people and sinners, sick and so called healthy 

This division was necessary to understand the value of kingdom values and to establish the Kingdom of God 

The wordly standards do not match with the kingdom values. So there comes the division and the conflict between the two

*4) What type of division we need to adopt in our life?*

The following are some of the things where we need to practice the principle of division

One needs to divide himself/herself from falsehood, in order to pratice the truth 

Division happens when a person practices forgiveness instead of revenge. 

Divide oneself from pride and adopt humility 

Divide yourself from anger and accept peace in life 

Division is necessary from selfishness, gossip, ego, wordly pleasure, etc, 

Unless we divide our life from these above wordly things we can't follow Jesus very closely. 

So division is very much necessary from all our evil habits in order to live a holy life 

*5) Am I ready to follow the principle of Division*

As we reflected in the above points, unless we divide our life, there is no growth 

So division helps us to focus on the good things and avoid from evil things 

*If so am I ready for division for the sake of Christ?*

 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

We have been called upon to become the slaves of Righteousness

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 12:39-48*

*First Reading - Rom 6:12-18*

*We have been called upon to become the slaves of Righteousness*

*1) Master - Slave relationship*

A slave is always subjected to the Master. The slave is suppose to listen to the master. 

A slave has to show obedience to the master at all times and at all situation. The master decides what the slave needs and slave has to follow the master in all the ways 

Since the slave is under the master, as long as he/she is obedient to the master, he/she will survive. The moment he/she revolts that may be the end of everything for the slave

*2) Slave of Sin*

St Paul uses this expression in his letter to the Romans 

A person who is a slave of Sin, will be under the control of the sin 

Such a person will have to listen to the sin and sin will control the person in everything

Since the very nature of sin is destruction and death, a person who has become the slave of the sin, can not survive in any way, but he/she will destroy his/her life 

So becoming the slaves of Sin is very dangerous and the end of oneself 

*3) Slaves of Righteousness*

St Paul also uses this expression *Slaves of Righteousness*

So when one becomes the slave of righteousness, he/she is fully under the control of righteousness. 

Since by nature righteousness is good and Holy, it can't do harm to any person, but it will always do good 

Therefore once a person becomes to slave of righteousness, he/she can live a holy life, can easily control the effects of sin and can  resist the temptations of the Satan 

*4) What types of slavery I have in my life?*

A person can have slavery of different types. Either this slavery of good things or slavery of bad things 

*Slavery of Good things*

Am I a slave of forgiveness?

Am I a slave of generosity?

Am I a slave of humility? 

Am I a slave of sincerity, courage, sacrifice, love, sharing, service, smile, etc??

*Slavery of Bad things*

Am I slave of gossip, pride, division, anger, jealousy, noncooperation, arrogance, laziness, wordly things, bodily pleasures?? 

*5) Slave is a negative term, but it sounds well for the Good things*

Usually when we hear about slave, we have a negative and very low understanding of the term 

But when it comes to the Good things, the concept of slavery can lead us to erltenal life. Therefore it is good to become slaves to good things rather than bad things 

Will I be a slave of righteousness??

Righteousness takes the place of Jesus. So we can ask, am I ready to become the slave of Jesus??

We are called upon to become the slaves of Jesus. Are u ready?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

One person Can make a lot of Difference

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 12:35-38*

*First Reading - Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21*

*One person Can make a lot of Difference*

*1) Through One man sin Entred the World*

The first reading of the day speaks about one man through whom sin entered this world 

The book of Genesis makes it very clear that it is through Adam that the sin came into this world 

So with one man there was a huge change not only in the Life of Adam but on the entire Human race

*2) Grace came through One Man*

The second part of the reading makes it very clear that through one man the Grace came upon the entire humanity 

So here is one person who makes a difference and saves the entire human race 

It is Jesus, who made a difference by coming into this world and saving us through his grace

*3) One person's sin, but death to all*

Adam the first man sinned. As a result death came to every one 

One man's fault, but the effect in the entire human race 

So even one person can destroy everything

*4) One person's Humility and sacrifice, but salvation to all*

It is Jesus' humility and sacrifice which made a difference, to the entire humanity 

One man's humility and sacrifice, salvation to all 

So one person can change the destiny of the entire human race 

*5) One can either do good or bad*

All of us are left with one option 

Either you do good or do evil. There is no other option for a Christian to follow. We have to make a choice either for good or for bad 

But we need to remember, either of the things will have terrible repercussions on the person and also on the society. 

One person's Goodness will result in doing lot of good work 

At the same time one person's bad works also will end up affecting everyone

*6) It is better to do good than evil*

In the angles it is very clear, doing  good ultimately will benefit everyone 

At the same time, it is also clear that bad things will affect everyone, making the life more miserable. 

If that is the case, it is better to do good rather than evil. By doing good, everyone will benefit. 

*7) What about my Choice?*

My choice for good or bad? 

My one act will have so much affect on many. If so how do I select my choices in life??

Ultimately good has value. Evil has no value. Then what is the use of doing evil? 

If I don't do good work, some one else will do, and I may lose the chance of doing that good work forever. So it is better that I do the good work and everyone benefits from it. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus' Groundwork for the Mission

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 10:1–9*

*First Reading - 2 Tm 4:10-17b*

*Jesus' Groundwork for the Mission*

*1) He sends 72 disciples to prepare the people and place*

In today's Gospel we see that  Jesus a pointing 72 of his disciples for a special purpose 

He appoints them for the purpose of preparing for His mission 

So He sends them in pairs to the towns a villages where He would later do His ministry

*2) The Purpose of Sending the 72 disciples*

First of all to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord 

Secondly to show the nature of Jesus' mission to His disciples. By doing this mission the disciples came to know the challenges and problems involved in doing the mission of the Lord

Thirdly the disciples could give the foretaste of Jesus' mission by curing the sick and proclaing the message of peace

*3) Jesus' preparation of His mission*

The whole episode gives us the impression that Jesus us preparing for His mission through the disciples. 

The mission of these 72 disciples will give Him the clear idea of the challenges involved in mission and the strategy which needs to be implemented for the success of the mission  

All these shows that how important the part of preparation is in any mission. In spite of the competency of Jesus in His mission, He still prepares well in advance about the ways of doing the mission 

*4) I am one among 72 disciples*

In the episode there are 72 disciples. Today I am one among the 72 disciples. What is my response? 

Will I be able to face the challenge of the Gospel? 

Challenge of facing the wolves 

Challenge of no money, no bag, no sandals, no greetings

Challenge of readiness to go without wasting time 

Challenge of getting satisfied with what the people give, but no demands whatsoever

*5) My preparedness for mission?*

Am I ready for the mission of the Lord, in the present day context

Am I ready for the mission of the Lord, in the burning issue of conversion? 

Have I prepared in any way for the mission,? Or still in the state of confusion?/

Preparedness will help a person to succeed in ones mission 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Two ways of Doing our Mission - Baptism and Drinking of the Chalice

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45*

*First Reading - Is 53:10-11*

*SECOND READING - Heb 4:14-16*

*Two ways of Doing our Mission - Baptism and Drinking of the Chalice*

*1) Two ways are mentioned in today's Gospel*

The Gospel of the day speaks about two things *Baptism* and *Drinking of the Chalice*

Both these expressions come in the context of mission Sunday. 

Therefore these two concepts have direct reference to our mission 

*2) The Sacrament of Baptism*

First of all it makes us the Children of God. Trying our level best to live as the Children of God is one of the best ways of continuing the mission of the Lord 

Secondly, We are forgiven by the Lord : Practicing forgiveness in our life is another best way of bearing witness to the mission of the Lord 

Thirdly -  New life or it is the beginning of our faith life. Giving witness to this faith and inspiring others to live such faith through our deeds would be another best methods of doing the mission of the Lord

Fourthly we become pure and Holy : maintaining the purity in our thoughts, words and deeds would be another best way of doing the mission of the Lord 

Fifthly We have been given the Light of the Risen Lord: Maintaining this light and giving light to all is another way of Doing the mission of the Lord

*3) Drinking the Chalice*

This expression has its meaning for suffering and passion of the Lord 

Christian mission means ready to drink the Chalice, which means ready to suffer for Christ. 

The mission of the Lord can't be continued without facing some amount of suffering and persecution. 

Suffering is the part if the mission. 

So the drinking of the Chalice is very much necessary

*4) The various types of Chalices in our life*

The Chalice of sickness

The chalice of sacrifice

The chalice of service 

The chalice of misunderstanding

The chalice of persecution

The chalice of defeat 

The chalice of pain and suffering 

The chalice of hardwork

Only those who are able to drink these chalices can bear witness to Jesus' mission. 

The refusal of these chalices will result in not doing any mission and at the same time we will become the counter witness to the mission of the Lord 

So am I ready for the mission of the Lord, through Baptism and through drinking of the Chalice??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Various Ways through which we can acknowledge that Jesus is our Lord and Master before others

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 12:8-12*

*First Reading - Rom 4:13, 16-18*

*Various Ways through which we can acknowledge that Jesus is our Lord and Master before others*

*1) Jesus' call to acknowledge Him as our Lord and Master*

The Gospel of the day, tell us the need and necessity of acknowledging Jesus as our Lord and Master before others 

When we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Master in return He will acknowledge us as His  faithful servants

When we acknowledge Him before others, He will give us special power to bear witness before others 

The acknowledging Jesus as our Lord and Master will result in allowing ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit, who will work great miracles in and through us, and will give us the special courage to face any sort of persecution

*2) Various ways to Acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Master*

*Forgiveness* One of the best ways to acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Master in the present day World 

*Humility* It is a Special quality of Jesus, who humbled himself until the death on the Cross. One who practices this value, boldly acknowledges that Jesus is his/her Lord and Master 

*Service*: Jesus spent His life serving others and finally He showed the value of the service by washing the feet of the disciples. A person who is involved in selfless service, acknowledges Jesus as the Lord and Master 

*Sacrifice* The sacrifice is at the centre of Jesus' life and mission. One can acknowledge Jesus through the sacrifice

*Suffering* There is no Christian life without Suffering. One can acknowledge Jesus as His Lord and Master by enduring suffering 

*Love* Love of the neighbour and the love of the the enemies are the best ways to acknowledge Jesus 

*3) What are the ways,  I have in my life, to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord and Master?* 

As we saw above that there are many ways through which we can acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Master 

Which are the above ways fit into my life style? 

By looking at my way of life, will they be able to perceive that Jesus is my Lord and Master from my life

Which are the other ways in my life show that I really accept Jesus as my Lord and Master?

*4) Without Jesus there is no Christian Life*

A Christian can not remain in a neutral way. Either he has to acknowledge Jesus as the Lord and Master or else He/she will deny Him 

Christian life and mission is impossible without acknowledging Jesus as our Lord and Master 

Bt becoming counter witness to Jesus, automatically we deny Jesus rather than acknowledging Jesus 

*5) Those who acknowledge, Reward is great*

Acknowledging Jesus as our Lord and Master at times is difficult and Challenging, especially in today's context, but not impossible. 

One who acknowledges Jesus, in spite of all the challenges and troubles, Jesus will reward him abundantly 

He/she will be blessed with eternal life

Am I ready to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord and Master, especially when faced with challenges???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Abraham was justified by his works. What about me?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 12:1-7*

*First Reading - Rom 4:1-8*

*Abraham was justified by his works. What about me?*

*1) Abraham and His works*

*Obedience of Abraham* First of all he left his native place when he received the call from God. So trusting completely into the providence of God he moved out from His native place 

*Trust of Abraham* Secondly Abraham had deep trust in God. He believed that God will work miracles in Life, and finally Issac was born to Him 

*Readiness to sacrifice* He was ready to sacrifice anything that was demanded by God. The best example is his readiness to sacrifice His own son

*Generosity of Abraham* He was a very generous person. He treated those travellors with good dinner. He was ready to give a chance to Lot to choose which ever property he wanted 

These are some of the important works through which Abraham was justified

*2) Father of Faith*

This is the reward for His works. When he was justified through His good works he became the Father of faith

This is one of the great and best rewards that Abraham could get from the Lord 

When some one is justified because of the Works, definitely he/she will be rewarded by God in great measure 

*3) Will I be justified by my Works?*

As I reflect my life, which are the works through which I can justify that I am a faithful follower of Christ? 

Is it my generosity, goodwill, faithfulness, service, sacrifice, unconditional love, forgiveness, sharing, humility, sincerity, or any other outstanding quality in my life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Boasting is a sickness

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:47-54*

*First Reading - Rom 3:21-30*

*Boasting is a sickness*

*What occasion is there then for boasting?  It is ruled out.*

*1) St Paul on Boasting*

In the first reading of today, St Paul calls us to reflect about the issue of boasting 

He is asking the question about, what are the occasions we have to boast about ourselves? 

May be this is one of the important questions, which we need to reflect very often since all of us suffer from this problem

*2) What is Boasting all about?*

Boasting means excessively proud and self-satisfied talk about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

A boasting person looks at only the self and self achievements

Such a person thinks that everything happens because of him/her, which is not the case at all 

*3) The problem in Boasting*

Boasting is either a problem or it may become a sickness 

Problem because, the person is not able to see any goodness in others  

In fact others exist only to appreciate and to recognize his/her achievement. But he/she will never see that others also are contributing to the growth 

Boasting is a sickness because it makes a person to slave to some things 

*4) The I problem in boasting*

In particular the boasting problem exist in *I*

I did everything

I am responsibile for this work 

Without me nothing can happen 

If I am not there who will do it? 

It is because of my efforts things happened.

*I* problem can't accept the goodness and greatness of others 

*5) Boast in the name of Crucified Christ*

*Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”* 1Cor 1:31

St Paul says, if we want to boast, boast about the Lord, boast about the crucified Lord, boast about what the Lord had done to u 

Ultimately St Paul says, we have to boast about the crucified Christ, and His mission 

Other than this we have nothing to boast 

*6) In fact there is nothing to boast in our life*

If we think seriously there is nothing in our life to boast about 

Our life is not ours, it is of the Lord

Our body is not ours, it belongs to this World 

Our talents, skills, intelligence, and capacities are the gifts of God to us. They are not ours 

Our wealth, power, position, money and everything is the gift of God. We can only use it. That's all 

You name anything in this world it does not belong to us. It belongs to God. Only God gives us these things for some time to play our role in a fruitful way 

Then what is there to boast? 

*7) Do I Suffer from this problem?*

It is not only a problem, but it is also a kind of sickness 

Boasting does not allow Him  to know the person's problems, sentiments and goodness. 

Am I suffering from the problem of boasting?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Evil Effects of stubbornness and impenitence

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:42-46*

*First Reading - Rom 2:1-11*

*The Evil Effects of stubbornness and impenitence*

*By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself*

*1) Stubbornness and the Impatience*

The first reading of today, from St Paul's Letter to the Romans, mentions about two important evil things in our lives They are *stubbornness and the impatience*

St Paul not only makes a mention of these two evil things in our life, but also the effects of it in our lives. 

In perticular he says How they destroy our life and what would the final result of it 

*2) The result of stubbornness and Impatience*

First of all the reward for these evil things is God's wrath. Wrath is a extreme anger towards someone 

Secondly, because of God's wrath, affliction and distress will come upon them 

Thirdly, they will be deprived of God's grace and mercy and finally they will be considered as evil ones 

*3) The gravity of the Stubbornness and impatience*

The best example is the King Pharaoh who was very stubborn and impatient. 

Because of his stubbornness and impatience the people of Israel had to suffer

Secondly God had to send so many plagues to show Pharaoh who the Lord is? 

Because of one man's stubbornness and impatience many had to suffer and die. That is the effect of stubbornness and impatience

*4) Stubbornness and impatience in our lives*

All of us suffer from these evil things. The gravity may be different but all have some effects of these things in our lives 

So it is our duty to realise its bad effects and to be careful about it. 

Ultimately it all depends on us to how we tackle these things in our life 

*5) In no circumstances they do any good to us*

Stubbornness and impatience will not be of any help to us in any circumstances. 

All those who are victims of these things either they themselves suffer or they destroy their lives 

So they are like a bottle of poison which we carry in our life, it this bottle explodes then our life will be in danger 

So we need to be careful. 

*6) How about my Life?*

Am I stubborn for not so good things in life? 

Am I impatient for every little thing in life? 

How do I see these things in my life? 

Am I able to tackle them in a right way? 

Is some one suffering because of my stubbornness and impatience?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Contradiction : One who is not clean, asking another to clean who is already clean

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 28th - Tuesday* 

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:37-41*

*First Reading - Rom 1:16-25*

*Contradiction : One who is not clean, asking another to clean who is already clean*

*1) Pharisee and Jesus*

In today's Gospel we have two personalities representing two types of character 

The person of Jesus represent the cleanliness, purity of heart and mind and symbol of Holiness 

The person of Pharisee, represents the image of hypocrisy, duplicity, uncleanliness, self righteousness

*2) The Question of Washing*

According to the Custom of the Jews it was necessary to wash the hands before the meals 

The Pharisee sees Jesus from a ordinary way, which was limited only to external ritualistic way 

So he thinks that by not washing His hands, Jesus committed a blunder according to the Jewish customs 

So the Pharisee was shocked to see Jesus eating without washing His hands 

*3) External Washing and internal washing*

The Pharisee looks at the external washing as a custom to be followed before the meals 

There is no other significance for the Pharisee, in washing the hand. It is only a custom to follow and the hygiene to observe 

Jesus is concerned about the washing of Hearts and minds than the hands 

Jesus speaks about the Spiritual washing and not the physical washing 

Spiritual washing is more important than the physical washing 

*4) Washing of the Heart, Mind and Soul*

This is what Jesus spoke when He mentioned about inside of the Cup. 

In our life, mind, heart, and soul are very important faculties of our life. Since they are important, their cleanliness is also very important

When Heart, mind, and soul is clean, then all other things automatically become clean by itself 

*5) Inside cleanliness is more important than the outside*

When we take a cup, the inside of the cup is directly has contact with us 

If there is some dust outside the cup, it is not a big issues. But the same dust if it is found inside the cup, then it directly goes into our system and it may affect our health 

So uncleanliness of inside of the cup is very dangerous to the health, but outside is not. 

So also the uncleanliness of mind, heart, and soul is more dangerous than the uncleanliness of the hand or legs. 

*6) Jesus is Pure - inside as well as outside*

Jesus is the symbol of perfect purity and there is no stain of impurity in Jesus 

To such a person, the unclean Pharisee is trying to explain and teach the concept of cleanliness. 

This appears to be a contradiction. 

*7) The Pharisee in me*

All of us have this Pharisee in certain level in our life 

Like Pharisee, we who are unclean in mind and heart, trying to tell a good and rather pure person, about cleanliness. 

That is why this is hypocrisy. 

So the question is what is the % of the Pharisee who lives in me?? 

20% 40% 80% or more than that???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

There is something greater than Jonah here. - Who is that? And why?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week -Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:29-32*

*First Reading - Rom 1:16-25*

*There is something greater than Jonah here. - Who is that? And why?*

*1) Jesus is greater than Jonah*

The Gospel makes a beautiful comparison between Jonah and the Son of Man and, gives a conclusion that Jesus is greater than Jonah 

So we can naturally ask the question, why Jesus is greater than Jonah? 

What makes Jesus greater than Jonah? 

There are some reasons, which we can explain in the Following way

*2) Jonah went unwillingly - Jesus came to this world willingly*

When God called Jonah, for a special mission to the people of Nineveh, he was not willing to go. That is why he takes a ship and tries to go to a different place 

Jesus came to this earth willingly. With full obedience to the Father's will Jesus came to this world. 

*3) Jonah preached only to the people of Nineveh, but Jesus to the entire world*

The preaching of Jonah was directed primarily to the people of Nineveh. He was sent by the Lord to preach to the people of Nineveh. 

But Jesus was not sent to preach only to certain categories of people. 

Jesus was sent to the entire world and for the salvation of all 

*4) Jonah only could preach, but Jesus could not only preach but can save*

The mission of Jonah was tk preach the and convince them to change their life, which he did as commanded by the Lord 

But the Mission of Jesus includes many other aspects. Jesus not only preached but He was the saviour of the people. So the saving work of Jesus makes Jesus as the special person 

*5) Jonah grumbled at the mission, but Jesus prayed for the Mission*

We see a kind of revolt by Jonah in carrying out the mission at different stages. He gets angry, He tries to flee from God, and finally he does the mission which was given to him 

But when it comes to Jesus, there is no grumbling or any other things. But we see Jesus praying for the mission and for the conversion of the people. 

*6) Jonah didn't die, but Jesus died for His people*

Jonah was swallowed by a big fish, after he was thrown in to the sea. As Jonah remained three days inside the belly of the fish, he realised his mistake and  prayed to the Lord for survival  

But when it comes to Jesus, He willingly offered His life on the Cross, and remained three days inside the belly of the earth, lifeless only come to life on the third day 

So Jesus died and rose again for our sake. But Jonah was inside the belly of the fish, for his own fault 

*7) Jonah was in the belly of fish for His survival, Jesus was in the belly do the earth for the living and the dead*

When Jesus was laid on the tomb, He even went into the Netherworlds only to bring people back to new life. 

Jesus remained in the belly of the earth for our salvation. 

Jonah had to remain inside the belly for his survival and also for his conversion

*8) Jonah went away from the Cross, Jesus went towards the Cross*

Jonah tried to go away from the challenge/Cross. He didn't want to accept the challenge in the beginning 

Jesus went to the Cross, embraced it, died on it and made Cross as the symbol of life and Victory

*9) The Approach*

Finally Jonah was angry with the Lord for saving the people of Nineveh. 

Jesus was happy that through His death the entire humanity was saved and was given new life 

For these above reasons Jesus becomes greater than Jonah 

*10) Do I want to become great?*

If yes, first of all accept Jesus as the greatest sign of the Father 

Secondly follow the teachings of Jesus to know the salvific path

Thirdly believe in Jesus and try to  change ones life to see a growth in spiritual life

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

You are lacking in one thing.

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27*

*First Reading - Wis 7:7-11*

*SECOND READING -Heb 4:12-13*

*You are lacking in one thing.*

*1) The Rich Young man was looking for Eternal life*

The rich young man was a pious man.This is because of the Following reasons

First of all he had a very genuine and important question. That is, *what must I do to inherit eternal life?”*

This is one of the fundamental questions of our life, since the aim of our life is eternal life. 

Secondly the way in which he approaches Jesus *He ran and came, knelt before Jesus*

This gesture is something very unique and special which also shows the character of the rich man and also the urgency of the matter 

Thirdly He has been following all the commandments, since his youth. He was faithful in observing all the commandments in a  meticulous way 

All these show that the Young man was good in character and wanted to attain eternal life 

*2) Comes with Lots of Joy, returns with sadness*

The rich young man came with lots of Joy. But finally he went way sad. Something very strange and unimaginable. 

There are hardly any persons in the gospels who came to Jesus with enthusiasm and finally went away sad. 

It is only this person who came with the expections of eternal life and finally went away sad. 

*3) Why He was sad?*

He was sad because, he was not ready to give up his riches and possessions. 

The Gospel says that he had lots of wealth and when Jesus asked him to give it to the needy he was not ready 

His attachment to the wealth made him sad and he went away from Jesus 

*4) Jesus asked only one thing to do*

With Rich young man Jesus didn't ask another 15 things to do in order to inherit the eternal life 

Jesus said, only one thing he is lacking, that is his attachment towards his wealth 

If he was ready to give up that one thing he would have got so many great things which he lost because of one thing 

*5) What is that one thing in my life?*

Like rich young man we too are pious Christians who follow all the commandments and other needed things 

But today Jesus is asking us to give up that *One Thing* Am I ready? 

That one thing could be the following 

My anger 

My pride 

My selfishness

My attachment to wordly things 

My attachment to money, wealth, position and possessions

My attachment to people and places 

My attachment to certain food and things 

So what is that one things becoming a hurdle for eternal life? 

*6) Give up One Thing attain everything*

Rich young man was not ready to give up one thing, so he lost everything. 

Zacchaeus gave up one thing and he attained everything

 Am I ready to give up one thing to attain everything? 

To give up that one thing one needs vision, determination, sacrifice, detachment, love and the value of eternal life

*If so am I ready?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The biological and the Spiritual Womb of our Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:27-28*

*First Reading - Jl 4:12-21*

*The biological and the Spiritual Womb of our Life*

*1) The significance of the Womb in the life of a person*

Womb plays a very important role in the life of a person 

In fact the life begins from the womb. That's why womb has a special place in the life of the person. 

There is no person who has come to this world without the womb. 

Even the Son of God, Jesus came to this world through the Womb of a Mother 

*2) The Sacredness of the Womb*

Womb could be considered as a sacred thing in the life of a person. 

It is sacred before, it protects a life from all dangers and allows the life to grow in to a human being 

It is sacred because, it provides everything, that is needed for the life to survive 

It is sacred because the womb is a magical thing, which is responsibile for the life to grow 

*3) Tabernacle as the Womb*

As we consider that the womb of our mother is very important, the womb of Mother Mary is considered as the First living Tabernacle of this world

This is because, the Son of Man came and dwelt in the womb of our blessed Mother 

Today we have many Tabernacles in our Churches to preserve the Holy Eucharist. 

In other words, the Tabernacles are the Womb of the Church, where Christ dwells at all times 

*4) Spiritual Womb*

We have a biological Womb, in the Churches we have a material Womb ( Tabernacle) and we should have a Spiritual womb in our Life as well 

Our conscience is the Spiritual Womb of our Life where God dwells

Our conscience is the Spiritual womb, because it tells us what is right and what is wrong. This is precisely because God dwells in this Spiritual Womb. 

If so how is the condition of my Spiritual Womb?? 

*5) Various Things which take the place of the Spiritual Womb*

Apart from conscience there are also other things which take the place of Spiritual Womb. 

Sacred Scriptures, all the sacraments, prayer life, all the Kingdom Values, and all the virtues. 

These act like a spiritual womb, which protect us and help us to grow in our Spiritual life 

*6) Womb and Relationship with Mother*

Every person has a unique relationship with the womb. 

Once the person comes out of the Womb, the person relates to the Womb, through the Mother 

So the relationship of the Womb and mother can never be destroyed. So they are always connected with each other 

*7) Church is our Mother*

For us Christians, we have three mothers. 

First is our biological Mother 

Secondly we have our Heavenly Mother - Mary 

Thrirdly Church is our Mother, under whose protection we are living 

So All these three mothers and the three Wombs are very important in our lives 

So the question is How  am I related to these Wombs? 

Am I able to say that *Blessed are the Womb, that bore You*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What are my possessions? Are they Safe?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:15-26*

*First Reading - Jl 1:13-15; 2:1-2*

*What are my possessions? Are they Safe?*

Jesus says *When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe*

*1) Christian Life is like a Soldier*

A soldier is a person, who is ready for battle. A soldier can not remain unprepared for the battle

Usually a soldier has some necessary arms to protect himself from the attack and also to safeguard the people around him 

When soldier is in the duty He can't think of taking rest or taking things lightly. If he does such things there will be a greater danger for his life 

Christian life is like a soldier, who has to be ready equipped with all latest arms, to fight against the again 

In living Christian life one can't remain unprepared or without any armns to  fight the battle 

*2) What are my possessions?*

Here we are not taking about the earthly possessions. Here the possessions belong to the spiritual level. As such we can consider the following things are great treasures in our Christian life. 

Soul, Faith in God, Human qualities like compassion, humility, simplicity, forgiveness, faithfulness, truthfulness, sacrifice, service, generosity, and concern for one another 

*3)  Various arms to protect my spiritual possessions*

God has given us many arms, to protect our spiritual possessions. Some of them could be the following 

The powerful weapon of the Sacred Scripture

The weapon of Rosary and devotion of Rosary which put the demons to flight 

Community and personal prayer - to guard all my possessions

Celebration of the sacraments and participation in it 

All the Kingdom values are the powerful weapons to guard our possessions

*4) Am I a fully armed man, to guard the palace of my Life?*

Our life on this earth is like a palace, which has best of the facilities given by God, to live a life in a most fruitful way 

The responsibility of guarding this Palace of my life is given to myself 

Unless I have some arms and I prepare myself as a fully armed soldier, who is ready for battle, I can't guard my life. The devil will entre and destroy my life 

So the question remains - am I fully armed man/woman to safeguard my own life?

*5) We have been called to remain as fully armed soldiers ready to Fight*

This readiness is not only on certain occasions

This readiness involves all the situations, at any moment of my life, an in any crisis moments in life

Am I confident to day that I am a fully armed soldier of Christ to safeguard my life and the followers of Jesus???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Feast of Our Lady of Rosary

Feast of our Lady of Rosary

 In all the six apparitions of Fatima, Our Lady said: "Pray the Rosary". The feast of our Lady of Rosary is the commemoration of the victory of Christians over the Turks in the battle of Lepanto which was won by the effects of praying the rosary. If earthly battle was won by praying the rosary how much more can spiritual battles be won by the same?

The shepherd boy David fought against the giant Goliath. He shot a stone from his slingshot and killed Goliath. Today we are attacked by so many "Goliaths" in our spiritual life. However, our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Let us turn to the Queen of Heaven and earth and pull out our *spiritual slingshot* which is the HOLY ROSARY and win the battle against devil.

For it is said, the Rosary is the scourge to the devil. Hence Rosary is described as a weapon or an armour against the devils attack. 

The Rosary is a summary of the Gospel. Therefore, by praying the Rosary fervently, we get to know Jesus and Mary better and this will make us fall in love with them. 

Holding the rosary is to hold the hands of Mary. And when Mary our Mother holds our hands we are safe and secure. Let our hands that hold and scroll the touch screens also hold and scroll the rosary beads every day.  

 As we honour her on this great day with utmost gratitude we put ourselves under her motherly guidance and care, and allow her to direct our hearts to Jesus.

How is the Record book of my Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:5-13*

*First Reading - Mal 3:13-20b*

*How is the Record book of my Life*

Book of Malachi says *"A record book was written before him of those who fear the LORD and trust in his name"*

*1) Record book for Good deeds*

The book of Malachi says that there is a record book, to keep all the records 

The records book is maintained of those who fear the Lord and who trust in the Lord

So fear of the Lord and the Trust in the Lord are the two requirements to open the account of record book of ones life 

*2) What is found in the Record book*

Only good things will come from those who fear the Lord and Trust in the Lord 

So basically this record book will consists all the good things, which were done by a particular person 

It is not necessary to perform a great deeds, but it is enough to perform small deeds, which are good in nature 

So finally every good deed either great or small will be recorded in the record book of my life

*3) What is the Purpose of the record Book*

First of all the record book will be a sign to identify that some one belongs to God, on the day of Action by the Lord

Secondly, the record book will be helpful to experience the Compassion of the Lord 

Thirdly, this record book will be an instrument to differentiate, the good from the evil, and those who serve the Lord from those who do not serve the Lord

Fourthly,  record book will help the good people to experience the healing rays of the Sun of justice, where as the evil doers will perish 

*4) Record book can save ones life for eternity*

The record book of my life is the ultimate thing, which will have to carry on the judgement day.

Other than the record book, which is to be filled with good deeds will be our treasure as we go to face the judgement day. Nothing else can be taken with us when we go to face the judgement day 

The record book has the capacity either to save your life for eternity or to condemn ones life for destruction

*5) How is the record book of my Life?*

At the end of the day, it is only the record book that matters 

A record book of my life with all good deeds has tremendous value in the Kingdom of God and nothing else 

If so how is the record book of my life? 

Have I opened this record book or not? 

Am I investing anything in this record on day today basis? 

What does this record book reflect about my life? 

Can I do some serious work to improve the record of my life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Have you Reason to be angry?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:1-4*

*First Reading - Jon 4:1-11*

*Have you Reason to be angry?*

*1) Have you reason to be angry?*

This is the question, which was asked by God, to prophet Jonah. 

First of all Jonah was angry with God. This is something very strange. After God saved Jonah from the danger, still he has reason to get angary and not to thank the Lord

God asks this question twice to Jonah. Jonah had his own reasons to get angry. 

*2) Reasons For Jonah's anger*

First of all we see that Jonah got angry, because God didn't punish the people of Nineveh. This is also something strange, getting angry for not punishing 

Secondly Jonah saw a plant which was giving him shade,  suddenly dried up due to worm attack. As a result he had to face the heat of the burning Sun, which made him to get angry 

*3) The Out come of the Anger?*

He had revengeful attitude, that God should punish the people of Nineveh

Secondly, He was asking for death, rather than life. Protecting life is more important than death 

Thirdly, due to his anger, he suffered more than the usual

Finally, he could gain nothing, on the contrary he lost good name, and good reputation

*4) Jonah gained nothing by getting angry*

The whole episode of Jonah gives us a correct message that, Jonah gained nothing by getting angry 

Jonah rather lost many things by getting angry with God 

First of all, it showed his displeasure with the mission, which was given to by God. 

Secondly, it showed that His logic on punishment was wrong. Accordingly, God should punish the people of Nineveh

Thirdly it showed the negative side of Jonah's life 

Anger made to go away from God and grumble at God 

Anger made him to think that He is right in getting angry and he has the right for doing so 

Due to anger he lost his popularity, image, reputation, and determination to work 

*5) No reasons to get angry, but many reasons to be Happy*

In fact no human being has a reason to get angry, with God 

But we have many reasons to become happy and to create happiness in life

By getting angry we gain nothing. By happiness we gain everything. 

Getting angry destroys everything, but creating happiness, chsnges our life for better 

So the question still is *Have you reasons  to be angry??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Meaning of the sackcloth or wearing the sackcloth

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 10:38-42*

*First Reading - Jon 3:1-10*

*Meaning of the sackcloth or wearing the sackcloth*

*1) Biblical Understanding of the Sackcloth*

*Symbol of Mourning*:  Sackcloth was worn as a token of mourning by the Israelites. 

 *Symbol of Submission* : It was also a sign of submission (1 Kings 20:31-32)

It is also the Symbol of *grief and self-humiliation* (2 Kings 19:1), 

*Prophets dress* : Occasionally it was worn by the Prophets.

*Ashes* : It is often associated with ashes. 

*2) Use of Sackcloth in the Bible*

*Jacob wears the sackcloth*: This happens after he learnt that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Jacob fell to the ground and wept bitterly as he tore his clothes. He later put on sackcloth and dumped ashes on his head. Genesis 37:33-35

Mordecai mourns for his people, the Jews when the king decreed that all Jews would be killed (Esther 4:1-2).

The people of Nineveh -  everyone from the King to the poor put on sackcloth and ashes—they even dressed their livestock in sackcloth and ashes (Jonah 3:5-8)

Prophet Daniel also put on the sackcloth and prayed for the conversion of the people who had gone away from God

*3) Sackcloth - the means of Salvation*

From today's first reading it is very clear that the sackcloth saved their life from God's wrath

After listening to prophet Jonha, they put on the sackcloth, observed fast and repented for their sins. As a result God finally changed His mind and didn't destroy them, but gave them new life 

So sackcloth became the instrument of salvation to the Ninevites. 

*4) Sackcloth gives us the protection*

This is our experience of life. Sackcloth can protect us from many dangers, injuries and problems

At times it works as a protective cover to our body, when one wears it. 

It is also an instrument to fill some things and to carry the things from one place to another 

In this way, sackcloth works as an instrument to fill God's graces to our life and to fill the bad things from life and to take away from our life and to dispose it, in the dumping ground

Usually people don't throw the sackcloth, because it becomes a useful thing in  many situations

*5) Various methods of using the sackcloth in our context*

People of Israel used the sackcloth in diffent situation to show the signs of mourning and repentance

Today we have similar things which can be equated with the sackcloth

Using *black dress* as a symbol of mourning 

*Kneeling down* is a great sign of humility and submission to the Lord 

*Using simple dress* is a sign of sackcloth in present day context 

Use of certain colours, certain things, sitting down, kneeling down, raising ones hands and praying, not using any artificial costumes, are various signs of sackcloth in today's context 

*6) Am I ready to wear sackcloth?*

It is not so easy to wear sackcloth. Since the dress itself is little uncomfortable to wear, it needs special determination to wear it 

Since it symbizes the concept of humility, submission, conversion, a person with pride and arrogance can't accept this cloth 

*7) Has the significance of the sackcloth lost its significance in my life?*

Because of its special nature and significance, the modern trend of thought and life style does not subscribe to the sackcloth in their life

But Christian life and spirituality can never be separated from the sackcloth. 

Sackcloth is the foundation of Christian spirituality, since it helps a person to build the spiritual life and to grow in it 

If so what is the role and significance of the sackcloth in my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*