The reward for bringing back a sinner from His/her Error

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 7th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Mark 10:13-16*

*FIRST READING - Jas 5:13-20*

*The reward for bringing back a sinner from His Error* 

*1) One of the great missions of Jesus*

Errors are common in our life. Some times we are aware of the errors, some times we are not aware of the errors 

One of the great missions of Jesus is to bring back sinners, to the right track, so they can do what is right avoid what is evil 

Through out Jesus' mission He did this mission, because of this many people changed their life and lived a better life. 

*2) Be an inspiration to others to change their life*

One of the best ways to bring back the sinners from their error could be a best exemplary life 

When our life is clean and pure we get a moral courage to correct another person, and to such persons people do listen to them and change their life 

An inspired life always inspires another life. To bring back the sinners from their errors some kind of inspiration and motivation is necessary

*3) Reward for bringing back a sinner to Holy Life*

Today's first reading gives us the glimpses of the reward for the Good work

*A) Save His/her Soul*

By converting, one sinner from his/her sinful life to the holy life, He/She will save his/her soul

Saving our soul is a great missions of our life. 

*B) Multitude of Sins are forgiven*

There are many sins which we commit and our sins go on increasing. But when we involve ourselves in converting a sinner to Holy life, our multitude of sins are forgiven 

What a reward God gives us for changing our life and also others life 

*4) What about my life?*

*My life* First of all I  need to convert myself from error to holy life 

Unless we are holy, we can't bring back another sinner from his error to the Holy 

So personal holiness and power of prayer is very much necessary to bring back a sinner from his errors.

Am I ready to bring back a sinner to the holy life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I separating what God has put together?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 7th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 10:1-12*

*FIRST READING - Jas 5:9-12*

*Am I separating what God has put together?*

*What God has joined together, no human being must separate.*

*1) Context of Marriage*

The above words are spoken by Jesus in the context of marriage.

These words of Jesus highlight the sacredness of the bond of Marriage, and every marriage is arranged by God 

At the same time can we apply these words of Jesus out side context of marriage. I feel we can very well apply these words to various phases of our life 

*2) We should not separate what God has put together*

God has put us together with Him, by creating us with His image and likeness. We should never separate this image and likeness of God from our life, by doing bad things 

God has put us together with Him through His divine Love. We should not separate this love by practicing hatred 

God has put us together with Him, though forgiveness. Never to separate this forgiveness by taking revenge

God has put us together with him, though Faith. Never to lose this faith, which results in separation

Humility joins us to God, but pride separates our relationship with God 

Generosity unites us to God, but selfishness and greed separates us from God.

God and man has been joined together through the Cross, Sacrifice, simplicity, truth, holiness, Mercy, and sincerity. But pride, hatred, cruelty, gossip, selfishness, greed, cheating separates us from the union of God 

*3) Which are the areas, God has joined together in your life*

Coming back to my life, there are many things in my Life God has put together. But the question is, How this union now stands? 

The following things are attached to my life by God. So we need to find out how this union is? 

Gift of Life

Aspect of Faith 

Unconditional love 

Sacrifice of the Cross 

Way of the Cross, 

Unconditional forgiveness

Gift of Conscience

All these things are join us to God. So we should not separate them. 

*4) Separation results is total destruction*

When man and woman is separatted, the family life is destroyed

Like wise the above things which God has joined together, with Hunan being, separation of these things results in the destruction of the spiritual life, holy life, righteous life, etc 

So one should not try to separate our life, from the love of God, Mercy of God, and the Heart of God. 

Because separation results in destruction

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Two eyes with two sights

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 7th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 9:41-50*

*FIRST READING - Jas 5:1-6*

*Two eyes with two sights*

*1) God has given us Two beautiful eyes*

Eyes are one of the best and beautiful creations of God. 

Eyes give a special beauty to the face and to the person 

Nothing in this world can replace the function of our eyes 

Eyes show our real nature. Eyes can't tell lies. Eyes can't hide the emotions and eyes can't remain neutral, when something goes wrong with the person 

Eyes are the miracles of God. No amount of Money can bring the eye sight back if it loses it 

It is said *A tear is made of 1% water and 99% of feelings*

*2) Eyes can have Two Sights*

God given eyes can be used to see various things. Accordingly we can divide in a broad way things things in whatever we see. 

*A) Good Sight*

Our eyes can be used to see good things 

There are numerous good things in an around us. God has created them all. 

God has given eyes to see these things and to praise God 

One who has good sight will be able to see goodness inn everything. Even in bad things he/she will see something good 

*B) Bad sight*

Our eye sight becomes bad, when we allow our eyes to see, bad and unholy things 

There are millions and millions of unholy things in and around us. Our eyes can be used to see these things and allow ourselves to be controlled and spoiled by these things 

Bad sights ruions our life and our character

*3) Jesus says, pluck this bad sight from your eyes*

When Jesus says *And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out*

We are all sure, that the bad sight, which is in us, causes us to sin, need to be plucked out 

Once this unholy sight is plucked from our eyes, we can train our eyes to see only good and holy things. 

That's why removing or plucking out the unholy sight in very much necessary in our life. 

*4) Am I ready to pluck out my Unholy sight?*

All of us have the influence of unholy eye sight in our life 

As long as this unholy sight, remains in our life, no concrete good can be seen in our life 

In my life, only I can pluck out the sight for unholy things in our Life 

*Am I ready to pluck out the unholy sight from our life?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

All boasting is Evil

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 7th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 9:3-40*

*FIRST READING Jas 4:13-17*

*All boasting is Evil*

*1) What is boasting*

In simple words boasting means excessively proud and self-satisfied talk about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

It is nothing but over confidence about ones abilities, talents and skills 

It is an mind set where a person thinks, that only I can do it. Others are not able to do it.

*2) Various Forms of Boasting*

Boasting can take various forms. Some of them may be following 

A boasting person does not care for others, others suggestions and opinions

Such a person thinks, he/she can do anything, where as others are unable to do it 

Boasting person, thinks he/she is of higher standard, and others do not match him/her in any way 

Arrogance also a kind boasting where a person does not listen to anyone 

Boasting person all the time speaks about the self and not about others 

Boasting person thinks that world runs because of Him/Her. 

Boasting person thinks that there is nothing to learn and thinks that  he/she knows everything

*3) Why boasting is Evil? 

The attitude of boasting does not recognize the providence of God in anything 

The attitude of boasting, totally neglects the *other* in everything. Other has no place in the person who boasts 

Since Boasting leads to other forms of bad things, it is evil by nature

Boasting results in humiliation, degradation, and dehumanization

Boasting values only the self excluding God and others. 

Boasting person uses others for his/her personal gain and for selfish motives 

Because of these reasons boasting is evil

*4) Boasting does not help in any way, but it is a hurdle*

By boasting one gains nothing, but on the contrary loses many things 

It is a hurdle for learning new things, practicing kingdom values like, forgiveness, generosity, humility, sharing and love 

Boasting does not allow us to grow in any way 

*5) Signs of boasting in my life*

Arrogance, which does not allow one to learn anything new 

Lack of forgiveness, results when one thinks he/she is always right 

Selfishness, makes a person to think that self is more important than others 

Anger is the offshoot of boasting 

Hypocrisy is the shade of boasting 

*So what are the symptoms of boasting do I have?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 7th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 16:13-19*

*FIRST READING 1 Pt 5:1-4*

*The feast of the Chair of St Peter*

*Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven*

*1) keys of the Kingdom of Heaven*

This beautiful expression is found in today's Gospel

This expression is not talking about ordinary key, but a key which can open the Kingdom of Heaven 

The very fact the kingdom of God has the key, one must have that key in order to entre into the kingdom 

*2) The owner has the Key*

Usually the owner of the house keeps the key with him

So one who has the key, he is a great and powerful man, because he can open the gate at any time 

One who has the key must be a responsible person. Irresponsible person can't have the key 

*3) What are these keys of the Kingdom of heaven*

As Jesus gave the keys to Peter, the same Jesus gives us the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven 

The keys could be following

The key of Love 

The key of service 

The key of humility

The key of sincerity

The key of generosity

The key of wisdom 

The key of faith

The key of forgiveness

The key mercy 

The key of selflessness

All these keys are very useful to open the Kingdom of heaven

*4) What are the keys  I have in my life?*

All of us would like to go to Heaven 

But unless one has the keys can't enter the Kingdom of heaven 

So if this is the case, what are the keys I have in my life?

*Do I have the keys or lost?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

We need to Die to the Evil Spirit, inoder to rise again as a new creation

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 7th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 9:14-29*

*FIRST READING - Jas 3:13-18*

*We need to Die to the Evil Spirit, inoder to rise again as a new creation*

*He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!”*

*1) Son possessed by a mute Spirit*

The Gospel presents to us a incident where a small boy was possessed with evil spirit, who was brought to Jesus by his father for the cure. 

As Jesus was curing the Boy, by casting out the demons, Jesus orders the evil spirit, to go out of the boy. 

*Jesus, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, "Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!”*

The evil spirit, *Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out.*

*2) The Boy became like a corpse*

When the evil spirit left the boy with great difficulties, the boy fell and became like a corpse - a dead thing 

Many people who were around said he is dead. 

In fact this death was necessary and indeed the boy had dead to many things 

*3) The meaning of the death*

We can understand the concept of death in a different and deeper way. 

He was dead to the evil spirit

He was dead to the control of the evil spirit 

He was dead to the slavery of the evil spirit

He was dead to the muteness of the evil spirit 

He was dead to the convulsions of the evil spirit

He was dead to the possessions of the evil spirits 

So this death was very much necessary for the new life 

*4) Jesus gives the new life to the Boy*

When the boy fell like a corpse, *Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.*

This gesture of Jesus speaks a lot. 

Jesus gave him new life 

Jesus liberated him from the evil spirits

Jesus raised him from the death of evil spirits

Jesus destroyed the death which was caused by the evil spirits

Jesus came to liberate us from the clutches of death and to give new life. 

In fact Jesus gave the new life to the Boy 

*5) Die to evil spirit in order to be raised by Jesus to new life*

The boy died to the evil spirits and to its control so Jesus raised him to new life 

So this death was very much necessary in order to be raised by Jesus to new life. 

Unless we die, we can't be raised to new life by Jesus 

*6) Am I ready to die to the Evil spirits?*

All of us are under some control of the evil in our life 

Unless we die to these evil spirits, we can't be raised by Jesus to new life. 

So the question is am I ready to die to my evil spirits? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why we have to Love our Enemies?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 7th Week - 7th Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 6:27-38*

*FIRST READING 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23*

*SECOND READING 1 Cor 15:45-49*

*Why we have to Love our Enemies?*

*1) Jesus Says Love your enemies*

In today's Gospel Jesus says that Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you 

At the out set it appears, this is very difficult and at time unreasonable statement and also impossible gesture in our daily life 

Is Jesus giving us a unreasonable teaching or a impossible teaching to practice? 

Or is there a any hidden meaning in the above statement? Let's try to analyse it, in the following way. 

*2) When we love those who love us - the result is this*

Jesus says *If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?*

In the above sentence, we see a mutual exchange of the things. 

One loves the other because, other loves in returns for the love he/she receives from the first 

So there is nothing extraordinary thing here. 

So Jesus says, there is no credit or there no gain at all here

*3) When we do good to those who do good to us - the Result is this*

Jesus gives another example of similar kind. 

Doing good to each other. At the most two people are benefited, but always with the intention of getting back, what one has 

Jesus says *If you do good to those who do good to you*

So there is no much benefit 

*4)When we lend money to those who give us back - the result is this*

Jesus says *If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?*

Once again this logic depends on giving and receiving back. 

Here there is no generosity or charity is seen. Neither the wellbeing of the person is seen 

So Jesus says such works do not give us any good results 

*5) When we love, do good, and lend money to the enemies - the result is this*

The same above things done to our enemies, the result is different

First of all the person who does it, will not get it back in return 

Secondly, the person has to do without any expections, of getting it back in any way. So it involves total generosity and goodwill of the person 

Thirdly the person intends the wellbeing of the enemy by doing these things 

Fourthly there is a high possibility that the enemy may be transformed and nay become good person. 

*6) Loving enemies is something difficult and unusual*

Loving enemies is not a easy thing and it is something which is unusual 

This is because, as Christians we are not called upon to do easy things and things which involve the results in return 

We are called upon to take unusual way of life, which challenges this wordly way of life. 

We are Christians because we are able to do unusual things, which inspire in us the kingdom values 

*7) When we love enemies, we can expect in return the love only from God*

Since our enemies do not give us in return for our good work, we can expect the reward only from God 

This is the important point to note as we analyse the concept of loving the enemies. 

*8) Better to expect something from God than from the Human beings*

So it is better to expect something from God than from human beings 

By loving our enemies we are blessed by the Lord and the Lord gives us the reward for this great gesture. 

Gods reward endures for ever. But Human reward, remains with us only for a moment 

So better to expect from God than from the wordly things 

In this context, loving once enemy is one of the best example. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of keeping thr secrets

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 6th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 9:2-13*

*FIRST READING Jas 3:1-10*

*Importance of keeping thr secrets*

*1) Jesus ordered them to tell no one*

During the transfiguration of Jesus at mount Tabore, the disciples saw great things in the life of Jesus 

They had a close experience of God, which made them have a totally a different kind of experience. 

After such experience, Jesus ordered His disciples to tell no one about it. 

This shows the importance of keeping the secrets 

*2) The Disciples kept the matter to themselves*

The Gospel makes it very clear that the disciples didn't reveal the things about Jesus 

In other words, they kept the word of Jesus by not telling it to others 

In a way, it also shows the importance of keeping the secrets for greater purpose 

It appears that the disciples also understood the importance of Jesus' order in keeping secrets. 

*3) Gossip is opposite to Secret*

Since Jesus is highlighting the importance of secret, it is very important to reflect about the Gossip

Gossip means a casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

Those who are involed in Gossip need no matter to speak. They can create any number of stories, either for personal gain or spoil others name 

*4) Gossip is a dangerous attitude*

Those people who are involved in gossip, they are like terrorist

Pope Francis Says *Gossiping is like terrorism because the person who gossips is like a terrorist who throws a bomb and runs away, destroying. With their tongue they are destroying and not making peace.”*

So gossip doesn't help any way to anyone and in any situation. 

It only spoils the name of the person. 

*5) Am I able to keep the secrets*

What is the level of my responsiblity, in keeping up the secrets?

Is gossip part of my life? Do I use it for my personal gain? 

What do I gain by involving in gossip? 

Do I find difficulties, in keeping  the screats? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Cross is the Identity Card for a Christian to follow Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 6th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 8:34-9:1*

*FIRST READING - Jas 2:14-24, 26*

*Cross is the Identity Card for a Christian to follow Jesus*

*1) The Concept of Identity Card*

Identity card is a card carrying the holder's photograph, name, date of birth, and other personal details, serving as official proof of their identity.

Such a identity card gives the correct information about the person and his profession. 

One can't hide the identity card while, he is on duty.

*2) Cross is the Identity card of the Christian*

For a Christian *Cross* is the identity card exhibit his identity. 

This identity card either can be seen around the neck, which is rather easy of fixing it in our life 

More than this, our life should reflect Cross as the identity card 

This is the real mission, task and goal of our life. 

This is also a biggest challenge for a Christian

*3) Jesus and Cross always go together*

One can't separate the Cross from Jesus and Jesus from the Cross. 

They are so deeply related with each other, one can't separate them in any way

That is why Jesus says in today's Gospel, take up your cross and Follow me 

So cross is very much associated with Jesus 

*4) Take up your Cross and follow me*

Jesus is very clear in His instruction. 

He does not simply say to his disciples follow me. But He clearly says take up your cross and follow me

So one can't follow Jesus with our the Cross

*5) What is the Cross I need to carry in my daily life?* 

The cross which is referred here not of wooden or steel or any other form of material 

The Cross represents the Following

Challenges

Failures 

Crisis

Problems

Defeat in life 

Difficulties of life 

Rejection in life 

Loss of the beloved ones 

These and other crosses of life we need to carry always 

*6) My life and Cross?*

Is cross a identity card in my life? 

Does my way of life exhibit cross as my identity card? 

What is the level of my enthusiasm to carry the Cross?

 Am I trying to avoid Croses of daily life or am I willing take up the Cross and follow??

*No cross no Jesus* 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I thinking like God or like Human Being

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 6th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 8:27-33*

*FIRST READING -Jas 2:1-9*

*Am I thinking like God or like Human Being*

*1) Gods thinking and Human thinking*

The last sentence of today's Gospel calls us to reflect about two types of thinking. 

One is God's way of thinking and second one is Human way of thinking 

At the end it is the call of Jesus to every one who reads this passage to adapt the way of God's  and not the way humans think. 

*2) God's way of Thinking*

First of all God thinks of liberating His people 

For this He thinks of sending and scarifying His Son to liberate His people 

So to achieve this goal, Jesus had to go through a series of difficult things. They are as follows 

The Son of Man must suffer greatly

He must be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes

He must be killed

He must rise again after three days

This is how God thinks 

*3) Human way of Thinking*

No suffering 

No sacrifice

No rejection

No humiliation

No risk 

No challenges

No death 

No hard work 

Easy victory

Authority, power and wealth 

Position, name and fame 

This is how the Human thinks 

*4) Human thinking is similar to Satan's thinking*

When Peter spoke what was there in His mind, Jesus rebuked him saying, get behind me Satan because you are thinking like a human being 

The above mentioned list of Human thinking is similar that of Satan's thinking because Satan also tempts to have easy way of life, no hard work, no challenges, use short cuts and other similar things 

So Human thinking is more or less resembles like the ways of Satan 

*5) My thoughts are not Yours and My ways are not Yours*

*For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways* Is 55:8

The above sentence clearly shows that God's ways are different than that of Humans 

Like heavens are high, God's ways and thoughts are very high. It means they are of superior quality, pure, directing towards achieving perfection. 

Such high thoughts and ways are very much necessary to think like God and to achieve the perfection of Christian life. 

*6) How do I think?*

Do I think like Humans, which is like, Satan's thinking? 

Do I think about avoiding the challenges and seeking easy and comfortable ways? 

Do I think like God which fosters in me the Kingdom values like, love, forgiveness, humility,  sincerity, generosity etc?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Do You see anything?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 6th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 8:22-26*

*FIRST READING - Jas 1:19-27*

*Do You see anything?*

*1) A relevant Question*

The Gospel of the day has this beautiful question *Do You see anything?*

Primarily Jesus asks this question to the blind man who was brought to Jesus for healing 

Even then, this question is very relevant to us, and we need to ask ourselves about *Do I see anything in my Life?*

*2)I see people looking like trees and walking.*

The above statement of the blind person shows us that he is not able to see properly. 

He saw people like trees, which proves that, the sight of the blind man is not right 

He had some defect in his sight and seeing people like trees also shows that he can't see properly. 

*3) How is my sight?*

At the first stage the blind man could not see anything 

At the second stage, he saw people like trees 

At the final stage he could see properly

So where do I belong? Fully blind,? Able to have only a partial vision? or am I able to see properly??

*4) What about my Spiritual sight?* 

Apart from the physical sight there is also spiritual sight 

Do I see anything through my spiritual sight? 

Or do I see only partial reality? 

How perfect my spiritual sight is? 

*5) Am I able to see the following things?*

The importance and value of forgiveness

The power of the Sentence  *I am sorry*

The danger of gossip and lose talk

The value of sacrifice, hard work, humility, generosity, love, sincerity, smile, faithfulness, service, etc 

If I am able to see the value in above things, it is clear that my sight is perfect 

*6) How to improve my sight?*

The blind man was brought to Jesus for sight 

Jesus touched, and gave the sight to the blind man in stages by stages. 

The touch of Jesus improves the sight of the blind man.

How is my sight? 

Am I willing to come to Jesus? 

Am I willing to allow myself to be touched by Jesus? 

Only Jesus can increase our sight

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I a heart hardened person?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 6th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 8:14-21*

*FIRST READING - Jas 1:12-18*

*Am I a heart hardened person?*

*1) Are your hearts hardened?*

In today's Gospel we have this direct question from Jesus to His disciples

It is not only applicable to the disciples of Jesus, but it is very much applicable to us 

So accordingly we need to reflect about my own life and specially about the situation of my heart 

*2) The danger of hardened heart*

As we know that the heart is the centre of our emotions, all our emotions starts from the heart 

If there is no emotions in our life, then we are just like machines

When our hearts become hard there is no place for emotions. 

Such a person loses the touch of the human feelings and the person does not respect any human feelings or emotions. 

Therefore a person whose heart is hard, can create lots of problem and others may suffer because of the hardness of the heart. 

*3) Why Jesus referred the hardness of the heart, when He spoke to his disciples?*

First of all they did not understand the danger of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.

Secondly they were still talking about the bread and not anything else 

Thirdly they could not perceive the power of Jesus even after seeing the miracle of feeding 4000 and 5000 people 

When the heart becomes hard, this is what happens. Carelessness, trusting in oneself and thinking only about the earthly food. 

Such an attitude is dangerous in ones life 

*4) Symptoms of Hard hearted person*

He/she is the one who does not feel for forgiveness

He/she is the one who thinks that he/she always right 

Hard hearted person, does not feel that others suffer because of me. He is dead to the feelings 

One who does not cry in any situation, does not feel anything when some one suffers or caught in a crisis etc 

*5) How is my Heart?* 

Have I become a hard hearted person? 

Do I feel for others when they suffer and cry? 

Is my heart cruel which inflicts pain on others? 

Or 

Is my heart a tender one, feels for another, understands another, loves another, cares for another, thinks for another, serves for another, ready to sacrifice for another??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Unreasonable argument does not help to achieve anything in life

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 6th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL -  Mark 8:11:13*

*FIRST READING : Jas 1:1-11*

*Unreasonable argument does not help to achieve anything in life*

*1) Pharisees came to Argue with Jesus*

The Gospel begins with the statement that the Pharisees came to Jesus to argue with Him. 

Such an attitude of the Pharisees shows that they are not ready to listen to Jesus, but they have their own hidden motives 

*2) Argument :  to Show I am right and you are wrong*

This is the primary purpose of their argument. 

They wanted to tell Jesus that what they are thinking is right and what Jesus is telling is wrong 

So their argument is directed only to prove that other is wrong and they are right 

*3) Final result of Argument*

Finally Jesus left them and went away from them 

Jesus knew that it I'd useless to argue with someone who already thinks that they are right and other is wrong

So unreadable argument result in losing the good relationship, and the person of Jesus 

By losing Jesus they lost everything. 

So it clearly shows that argument does not help in any way to achieve anything in life 

*4) Argument Vs Dialogue*

Instead of argument one should use the concept of dialogue. 

In dialogue there is exchange of ideas but in argument no exchange of ideas 

In dialogue one is open for correction and open for learning. But in argument such possibility is not there 

In dialogue the relationship becomes strong but in argument it breaks 

In dialogue there is scope for learning, but in argument there is no possibility of learning anything

*5) Logic of my life : Arguments or Dialogue*

Our prayer should be an dialogue with God and not a argument with God 

Our works should be in the form of dialogue in the sense that it should help someone and not like argument which is aimed at proving ones capacity and power 

Our life should be a dialogue, where relationship grows and peace prevails, but in argument, relationship becomes weak and confusion becomes at the centre 

Apart from this our attitude, our out look, our vision, and our mission should follow the principle of dialogue and not an argument

With argument we finally lose Jesus

*Is my life a dialogue or an argument??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Blessed are the Hungry, because they will be satisfied

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 6th Week - 6th Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 6:17, 20-26*

*FIRST READING - Jer 17:5-8*

*SECOND READING 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20*

*Blessed are the Hungry, because they will be satisfied*

*1) Hunger can't be postponed*

There are many things in life, which can be postponed. But there is no way to postpone the hunger of a person 

So far in this world no one has succeeded in postponing ones hunger. When the person is hungry he/she has to eat or drink something, or else the person may die 

Among all other needs, the Hunger becomes very special to us, because it has to be attended at any cost. It can't be neglected 

*2) Hungry Should be satisfied*

There is no other alternative than satisfaction, when the person is hungry. 

It follows from the main premise that, when some one is hungry, give them something, so that they may be satisfied

So hunger, feeding the hungry and the satisfaction go together

*3) Beyond Physical Hunger there exist special Hunger*

All of us know what is Hunger, which is commonly known as biological hunger 

This hunger is satisfied through taking food 

But there is also another type of Hunger, which can be satisfied through special means 

*4) Various types of Hunger in our lives*

The Hunger of  happiness

The Hunger of  love

The Hunger of compassion

The hunger of goodness 

The hunger of service 

The hunger of good life 

The hunger of success 

The hunger of recognition

The hunger of simplicity

The hunger of humility

The hunger of faithfulness

The hunger of being good to others 

All of have these above mentioned hunger in our life in one way or the other 

One needs to satisfy the above hunger in order to be satisfied in our life. 

*5) My life and Hunger*

All of us have physical hunger and also hunger of above mentioned things 

For what things I am hungry in my life? 

Am I hungry for good things or bad things? 

The hunger of pride 

The hunger of arrogance

The hunger of selfishness

The hunger of revenge 

The hunger of authority and power

Or 

The hunger of love, service, generosity and other things 

All the hunger for good and heavenly things will be satisfied by Jesus 

Am I ready to  offer my hunger to Jesus???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

How many loaves do I have to give to Jesus?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 8:1-10*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs12:26-32; 13:33-34*

*How many loaves do I have to give to Jesus?*

*1) How many loaves do you have?*

This was the question which was asked by Jesus to His disciples

When Jesus said that the people were with Him since three days and they do not have anything to eat, the disciples said that they have nothing with them and since it is a deserted place it will be difficult to arrange for enough food for the entire crowd. 

In this context, Jesus asks them how many loaves do they have? 

*2) The search was helpful in finding something*

When Jesus asked them the above question, they began to search to find out about the availability of the loaves 

Finally they found out 7 loaves, and they communicated the same thing to Jesus 

So their search was every effective, very necessary and resulted in finding out something. 

Finally we can say that, when we search for something we get the needed things 

*3) Jesus works miracle from the seven loaves*

Jesus works miracle from the loaves given to Him by the disciples 

So those 7 loaves were very important for Jesus for working miracle.

So those 7 loaves were very much necessary for Jesus 

*4) Jesus asks same question to us?*

Today Jesus asks the same question to all of us. How many loaves do I have to give to Jesus? 

What are these loaves which can be given to Jesus in order to work miracle in my life? 

*5) The possible loaves in my life*

The loaf of generosity

The loaf of forgiveness

The loaf of service 

The loaf of hard work

The loaf of humility

The loaf of sincerity

The loaf of prayer & devotion

The loaf of simplicity

The loaf of love and sacrifice 

The loaf of smile 

When we give these loaves to Jesus, He blesses them and gives us back in multiple forms 

*6) What are the loaves of bread do I have to give Jesus*

Its an important question to reflect

If I have something to give to Jesus, he will work miracles in life 

If I don't have any loaves of bread, I can't expect any automatic miracles from God

Search for something, and you will find some loaves of bread. 

 Am I ready to give whatever loaves I have to Jesus??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The presence of Mary - Lourdes Feast

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  John 2:1-12*

*First Reading Is 66:10-14*

*Feast of our Lady of Lourdes*

*The presence of Mary*

*1) The Mother of Jesus was there*

The Gospel of the Day has this Expression that the Mother of Jesus was there

The Gospel specifically says Jesus and His disciples were invited to the Wedding but Mary was there 

Whether she was invited or not but she was there  

*2) Importance of Mary's being there*

Whether one invites Mary or not, she is there at that moment

Her presence in the wedding celebration was very important, because something went wrong 

Since she was there, no casualties happened, because the presence of Mary brings about a great change 

In this sense the presence of Mary becomes more important than anything else 

*3) Mary's presence at the most crucial time of the wedding*

The Gospel shows that the presence of Mary at an important time 

When there was a scarcity of the Wine, Mary comes into the scene. This was the most crucial time of the wedding 

Since Mary was there everything went on very well.

*4) No invitation*

There is no reference in the Gospel whether there was invitation to Mary or not. 

Whether one invites or not, Mary is always present in our life at the time of crisis, problems, defeat and despair. 

As a mother she needs no invitation, but she is simply present to take care of her children

*5) Mary's apparition in Lourdes*

Her appearance in the Lourdes, not because of our invitation. She appears to Bernadette at the time of need and crisis. 

The appearance at the Lourdes shows that, she is very much involved in life of the Human beings 

She needs no invitation to help and to intercede for our needs 

Apparition at Lourdes, not because of our invitation but it is the generosity of God, to save the human kind. 

*6) My life and Mary*

Mary is present, in our life every time but specially, at the time of crisis. 

She needs no invitation for helping some, and there were no formalities in helping someone. 

What about my life and the concept of invitation? 

Do I need an invitation to help some one? 

Do I create a scene because I was not invited for something? 

Do I have the quality of serving without any invitation but understanding the situation?

What is my spontaneity in serving??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Asked for the scrap of Bread, But she was given the Whole bread

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:24-30*

*FIRST READING 1 Kgs 11:4-13*

*Asked for the scrap of Bread, But she was given the Whole bread*

*1) The Syrophoenician Woman*

The Gospel of the day has the reference to a   Syrophoenician woman

This Syrophoenician woman was not a Jewish woman, but she was a non Jew. 

So Jews considered this woman as gentile, impure and sinner since she didn't belong to the Jewish fold 

*2) She Comes to Jesus*

Even though she was a non-Jew she comes to a Jewish person for a favour 

Technically this appears to be a impossible possibility, since Jewish people would not entertain a non Jew woman 

But such an calculation proves to be wrong when the situation is faced by the woman infont of Jesus 

She comes to Jesus for a favour that is to heal her daughter from an evil spirit 

*3) Woman asks for a Scrap*

We need to pay a special attention to the word *Scrap* in this context 

Scrap is something which st times appears to be insignificant and useless 

Some times the scrap things are collected and thrown out, thinking that they are useless 

The word scrap has a very low meaning when it comes to the significance of it 

But such a *scrap* becomes the turning point and it steals the whole attention of the scene 

So the word *scrap* is not scrap but it is something great which turns the whole situation for a great miracle

*4) Woman asks for Scrap but given the Whole thing*

The woman's request was very clear. 

She is asking for a scrap which falls from the table of the master 

But Jesus gives not only the scrap but the whole bread in the form of healing her daughter from the possession from the evil spirit. 

*5) Woman's belief in the Scrap*

Woman had a special understanding of the Scrap 

For this Syrophoenician woman the Scrap is equal to bread since the scraps belong to the whole bread 

Woman knew that the whole bread and scrap had the same quality since it was the part of the bigger bread 

She saw a greater bread in the scrap and for her scraps of bread were enough to get the favour from Jesus 

So womans understanding of the scrap was not equal to the scrap but it was like a whole bread 

*6) Am I ready to receive the Scrap?*

Woman saw great things in the scrap and she got the great things from the scrap 

The scrap worked great miracle in her life, since the scrap had the same qualities of the bread. This is what she believed. 

What about my understanding of the scrap? 

Am I ashamed to receive thr scraps falling  from the masters table? 

Am I ignoring the scraps and fighting for the whole bread? 

What is my reaction to the scraps which fall from the masters table??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

*Where is Evil?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 7:14-23*

*FIRST READING 1 Kgs 10:1-10*

*Where is Evil?*

*1) Evil is in the World?*

Usually, when we talk we say that there is so much evil in the world. At times many of us believe that there is lot of evil in the World 

But we need to ask a question. Where is evil in the world. Is it true that the world contains evil? Is it justified to say that the evil is somewhere out side in the world? 

How to understand this phrase? From where the evil is coming from? Where is the source of Evil? 

*2) The Concept of Evil*

The Gospel of the day gives us the simple yet profound understanding of the evil 

Jesus list our certain things and calls them as evil. They are the following 

Evil thoughts, 

Unchastity, 

Theft, 

Murder,

Adultery, 

Greed, 

Malice, 

Deceit,

Licentiousness, 

Envy, 

Blasphemy, 

Arrogance,

Folly.

The above things fall into the category of evil and wherever they are fond the place becomes the source of Evil 

*3) Human Heart and Evil*

The Gospel of the day makes it very clear that the above evil things come from the Heart 

Since the heart is centre of Human being, whatever comes from the heart also becomes the part and parcel of human being 

Since these above things come from the heart, evil has identified with the heart and evil ultimately comes from within and not from out side

So in other words we can say that the heart of the human being is the primary place of evil things 

So it is very clear evil comes from man and evil comes from within and not from out side 

*4) Evil from within destroys everything*

So the above said evil things destroys the one who has these evil things in the heart and also the others, against whom they are directed 

*Destruction* is the Slogan of Evil. Other than this it can think nothing 

*5) A human heart free from Evil*

When the Human heart becomes pure or free from the above evils, the person and his/her surroundings become holy and pure. 

When human heart is freed from the evil things, it becomes a heavenly place 

Human heart has the capacity to throw out all these evils from the heart and to become a holy person 

*6) My life, My heart and Evil things*

How do I feel about the evil and it's source? 

Is my heart a source of evil things or a centre of Good things? 

How do I manage the evil desires of my heart? 

What can I do to purify my heart? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Unwashed hands Vs Unwashed hearts

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 7:1-13*

*FIRST READING 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30*

*Unwashed hands Vs Unwashed hearts*

*1) The controversy of Unwashed hands*

The Pharisees and the Scribes who came from Jerusalem found that some of the disciples of Jesus were eating with unwashed hands 

So the controversy of unwashed or unclean hands come up, in the context of eating 

For Jews cleanliness of hands and the vessels were more important than anything else. Because of this when they enter the house from outside always wash their hands and feet and enter the house 

*2) Unwashed Hearts*

When the Pharisees and scribes brought the controversy of unwashed hands, Jesus uses this opportunity to teach some greater and deeper truths about the cleanliness or the spiritual cleanliness. 

For Jesus, the cleanliness of the heart is more important than the cleanliness of the hand

Those whose hearts are unclean they are called as hypocrites by Jesus. 

*3) Cleanliness of the hand*

This cleanliness highlights the following areas 

*External cleanliness 

*Peripheral cleanliness

*Cleanliness of the things but not of the person 

*Faithfulness to the human tradions and not to the commandments of the Lord

*Honour only through the lips and nothing more 

*In the name of God, escaping the responsibility towards the parents 

*4) Cleanliness of the Heart*

This concept speaks about the internal cleaning, which may include the following things 

*Cleanliness of the heart, which takes the various feelings and emotions. So cleanliness of the feelings and emotions 

*Cleanliness of the Mind, which includes the purity of thoughts, reasiong, and plans 

Cleanliness of the Sight, which includes the purity in seeing various things 

*Cleanliness of the Tongue, which calls us to maintain the purity of tongue

*Cleanliness of the ears, which includes the purity which needed for listening and communicating the right things 

Cleanliness of behavior, which helps a person to live a life of simplicity, humility and sincerity

Finally in one word we can say that the cleanliness of Whole being is more important than cleanliness of the hand 

*5) Unwashed hands is a very narrow understanding*

The controversy of unwashed hands shows the smallness of their view, smallness their world, smallness of their thinking and knowing the things 

This also shows their ignorance about greater reality and Gospel values 

Unwashed hand is a silly thing. So to talk about this means to avoid greater and deeper realities. 

*6) To wash hands is easy, but the Heart*

Washing of hands is a simple thing, which can be done at any moment 

Washing of hands is very easy thing, no much complications are involved 

Washing of hands is done for external cleanliness 

No much efforts are necessary to wash ones hands 

But washing of the heart is very challenging and Herculean task 

It is not one moment of work, but it is a life long process 

Washing of the heart is the only one way for salvation. 

*7) Where do I Stand??*

Do I concentrate on cleanliness of the heart or cleanliness of external things???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

How do I recognise Jesus in my Life?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 6:53-56*

*FIRST READING 1 Kg :1-7, 9-13*

*How do I recognise Jesus in my Life?*

*1) People recognized Jesus*

The Gospel has this beautiful sentence *people immediately recognized him*

Recognising Jesus in our life is very important. Unless we recognize Jesus we many not be able to know much about Jesus 

Recognising Jesus also will help us to grow in our life and in our spirituality. 

*2) How did people Recognize Jesus*

Primarily people recognized Jesus because Jesus had worked some miracles in their surroundings. 

They knew Jesus as miracle worker, healer and a person with extraordinary capacity. 

So primarily they recognised Jesus because that will benefit them in getting lot of favours from Jesus 

*3) Am I able to see miracles in my life?*

Miracles are one of the ways through which we can fall in love with Jesus 

The moment we recognize miracles in our life, automatically we think that it was done by Jesus 

So the question is am I able to see miracles in my own life? 

If yes, that will change the entire out look of our life 

*4) Possible miracles in our daily life*

There are umpteen number of miracles which happen every day in our life. Only we need a eye of faith to recognize it 

*Our heart* is a miracle, which works without rest at any moment

Our eyes are miracles

Our brain is a miracle

Our touch sense is a miracle

Our tongue is a miracle

Our voice, language capacity to communicate is a miracle

Our hands are miracle

Our legs are miracle

Our entire body is a miracle

The nature around us is a miracle

The smile on our face is a miracle

The *sleep* is a miracle

The ability to forgive is a miracle

The aspect of *courage* is a miracle

The various ordinary and extraordinary talents are nothing but various miracles 

So these are the various miracles which happen daily in our life. Are we able to recognize these in our life?

*5) Miracles should help us to recognize Jesus in our life*

The above mentioned miracles should help to recognize Jesus in our life. 

So first of all recognize these miracles and then automatically we can recognise Jesus in our life 

*What are the situations in my life, where I am able to recognize Jesus??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

A call to share God's abundance with others

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - 5th Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 5:1-11*

*FIRST READING Is 6:1-2a, 3-8*

*SECOND READING 1 Cor 15:1-22 or 15:3-8, 11*

*A call to share God's abundance with others*

*1) God's Abundance*

When Peter and his fellow men lowered the net for a catch, at the command of Jesus there was a huge catch of Fish 

So when God gives He does not count and give us. 

When God gives something there is no scarcity of it. This can be clearly known from Today's Gospel. 

*2) What did Peter do with God's abundance*

When Peter realised that it was through God's grace that He received a huge catch of Fish he called His fellow fishermen to share the things whatever they caught 

The Gospel says *They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them*

So they came together and shared among themselves the abundance of Fish.  

This is a important point to note even in our daily life 

*3)  Danger involved for refusal of Sharing*

The Gospel shows when God gave them He gave them in abundance 

The nets were almost about to tear 

The boats were over filled with Fish  which will cause in sinking, 

Their life was in danger. Also their boat, nets and all other material things were in danger 

Everything goes on very well when they shared whatever they had with their companions  

*4) God given abundance in our Life*

The capacity to think and reason out

The physical health, knowledge, wisdom, creativity, courage, love, intelligence, etc 

God also gives us in abundance the land, property, wealth, money

God also gives us in abundance, the talents, skills, qualities, vision and values 

*5) What we do with God given abundance?*

Two things are possible 

Either we can hord it in a so called safe place, with the intention of selfish purpose 

Or we can use this God given abundance in serving our neighbour and others 

Those who share it, they are blessed. Those who refuse to share the God given abundance, later they lose everything. 

*6) Danger involved for not sharing the God given abundance*

The who things may sink into water, and they will lose Everything

The same things happen even in our life, when we refuse to share God given things  

Those who refuse to share they may lose everything because of their greed 

So not sharing or refusing to share God given things may ultimate result in losing everything. This is the  danger involve in it. 

*Not sharing the God given abundance is a curse*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Importance of Evaluation

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 4th Week -  Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 6:30-34*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs 3:4-13*

*The Importance of Evaluation*

*1) Apostles gather with Jesus After their mission*

Jesus had send them two by two to different places for mission

So all these apostles had gone for the mission, which Jesus had entrusted them 

The Gospel of today begins with the gathering of the Apostles with Jesus after their mission 

So this coming together has very important aspect, which we need to reflect. 

*2) Why they came together?*

First of all they wanted to report or communicate to Jesus all they had done and taught 

When Jesus had sent them on a mission they did lots of things and now they report everything to Jesus 

This reporting is very much necessary because

First of all they can recall all the things and communicate to Jesus 

Secondly the other apostles will come to know about the mission of others which may help as an inspiration to others 

Thirdly they can know the good things and the things for improvement from this gathering 

*3) What happened during their gathering*

First of all they communicated everything to Jesus and they also came to know each others ministry and the spirit of the mission 

The very fact that Jesus told them to take rest, shows how tirelessly they had worked in their respective mission places 

Jesus asking them to take rest also shows the care and concern of Jesus 

It also shows how important to take little rest after heavy work, inorder to refresh oneself for the next mission 

*4) How was their ministry?*

The very fact that lots of people were coming and going one can imagine the effect of their mission 

They could not even get a time to eat, this shows once again the effect of their ministry. 

Once again when the disciples went to a deserted place to take little rest, people came to know that they had gone. So once again they went in search of them. This once again shows the effect of their ministry

*5) How about My Life?*

I too am an apostle of Jesus, sent on a mission 

So after my days mission in the evening do I gather with Jesus? 

Do I share my mission experience with Jesus? 

Unless I take time to be with Jesus and share my mission experience, nothing will happen in my life, and there will not be any joy in doing the mission 

*Prayer* is one of the best ways to go to Jesus and to remain with Jesus. It is a best way to share with Jesus our mission experience. Do I use this method everyday in my life? 

There are also other ways 

Eucharist

Reconciliation

Service to the needy 

And practice of other Gospel values

So how about my life? Do I come to Jesus to remain with Him and to share my experience with Him?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Mystery of Life and Death in the Grain of Wheat

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 4th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  John 12:20-32*

*First Reading 1 Cor 9:19-27*

*Feast of St John De  Britto*

*The Mystery of Life and Death in the Grain of Wheat*

*1) Grain of Wheat*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the grain of wheat 

Usually all of us know what is the grain of Wheat. 

We also know how to sow the grain of wheat in order to produce more wheat. 

Jesus uses the grain of wheat, and the process of its growth to communicate a powerful message to His followers.

*2) The Process  of Growth*

In order to produce more fruit one has to sow the seeds in the field. 

The sown seeds to sprout and will grow as a plant, which ultimately produces the fruit. 

The process of growth is very mysterious to our knowledge. One needs a deeper wisdom to know the process of Growth. 

*3) The Concepts of life and Death*

While speaking about the grain of wheat, Jesus speaks about the life and death of the same wheat grain. 

Both the things are so intertwined, one can't separate from the another 

One causes the another one. So they are depending on each other 

Jesus says, in the process of producing the fruit, certain aspects of the grain of wheat die and new life emerges from the grain of wheat. 

*4) Aspects die in the Grain*

The external beauty of the grain of wheat 

The colour of the grain of wheat 

The size of the grain dies 

The protective aspect of the grain dies 

The comfortable zone of the grain dies 

So these are the aspects of the grain die when it ready to fall to the ground

*5) Things take new life in grain*

The lovely New shoot is seen when it sprouts 

The life of seed is seen in the total change from the seed. It is seen in the sapling

New life depends in the earth. 

The death of above aspects in the grain of wheat, causes new life in variety of ways. 

*6) Death and life is a continuous process*

Only when the process is continuous the growth takes place. 

For new life, certain old aspects have to die. 

In this way death and life happen on everyday basis 

The more we die for old things, more tge new things will emerge which will help to create a new self in oneself

*7) The death and life process in my life*

The newness of Life, depends  the death of old self

How far the logic of  *death and life* is practical in my life? 

Do I wish to die for old things in order to give rise tk the new things? 

Dying to the sinful nature of our life will give birth to a new nature in us, which will help us to grow in holiness and to produce much fruit. 

*How is the death of outdated things in my life and the birth of new things?*

*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 my walking stick?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 4th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 6:7-13*

*FIRST READING 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12*

*Have I lost my walking stick?*

*1) Jesus speaks about the Walking Stick*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a situation where Jesus sends His disciples on a mission 

 

He sends them two by two to a particular city where He wanted to go. So they go as the representatives of Jesus 

He sent them with many instructions. One among them is to take a walking stick. 

Now what is the significance of this walking stick?  

*2) Importance of the Walking Stick*

Walking stick is a familiar instrument, since it is used very often in our life 

Elderly people use the walking stick as a support system in their life. At time without walking stick they can't move 

Walking stick has the power to increase the strength of the person. 

Walking stick can help a blind man to know the way and to find the way 

Walking stick can be used as an instrument to clear the obstacles on the way 

Walking stick can be used as an instrument of protection in various situation. 

Walking stick has the advantage of multiple usage facility in a given situation

Walking stick can be used to direction to others 

At times walking stick becomes a life saving instrument in our life  

*3) The Speciality of the Stick*

We find a stick in the hands of Moses which performed miracles in liberating the people of Israel from bondage

We also find a stick in the hands of David since he was a shepherd

We also find stick in the portrait of Good Shepherd, where Jesus protects His Sheep and stick becomes an instrument to protect the sheep 

*4) Stick is a symbol of Authority and power*

Moses gets special authority and power through the stick, through which he performs miracles. 

Good Shepherd with Stick has the image of power and authority to protect the sheep 

So power and authority for the service and not for self glory 

*5) My life and Stick*

Today we may not have stick in our hands. But there are more powerful things which we are suppose to carry when we go for mission 

The following may be some of them 

Bible can take the place of Stick 

Forgiveness can take the place of stick 

All sacraments are the important sticks which we are suppose to carry to grow in spiritual life

Prayer life is a very important walking stick 

Happiness, joy, humility, Patience, sincerity, love are the important walking stick which we need very much to move forward

*1) Where is my walking stick?* 

How is the condition of my walking srtick? 

Have I stopped using the walking stick in my life? 

Has the walking stick is about to break? 

What are the ways through which I can strengthen my walking stick to spread the mission of Jesus.?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Simeon came in the Holy Spirit to the Temple - What spirit leads me to the Temple?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 4th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32*

*FIRST READING Mal 3:1-4*

*SECOND READING Heb 2:14-18*

*Simeon came in the  Holy  Spirit to the Temple - What spirit leads me to the Temple?*

*1) Holy Man with Holy Spirit*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us a holy person Simeon who was full of Holy Spirit

Gospel tells us that Simeon was a righteous and devout man, who was guided by the Holy Spirit

The Same Holy Spirit led him to the Temple and to be in the Temple

*2) The purpose of Coming to the Temple*

Guided by the Holy Spirit he came to the Temple

The purpose of coming to the Temple is very clear, that is to meet Jesus and the Messiah, whom he was waiting for long time 

Simeon not only met the Messiah but also had a privilege of Holding the Messiah in his hand 

That was the wonderful opportunity for Simeon. 

*3) What Spirit leads me to the Temple?*

We very often go to the temple. 

Different people have different intentions, which lead them to the Temple 

Following may be some of them 

To some the Spirit of charity leads to the temple

To others the Spirit of prayer,  closeness to God, and desire for divine experience leads them to the temple

Others are led by the spirit of forgiveness, spirit of love, spirit of sacrifice to the temple 

*4) Dangerous spirit which may lead one to the Temple*

There are also occasions where the dangerous spirit may lead one to the temple. These are called opportunists who use temple area for their personal gain 

The spirit of name and fame

The spirit of power and authority

The spirit of money and wealth 

The Spirit  of business and personal gain 

The Spirit of arrogance and pride 

The spirit of self-righteousness etc 

All these above mentioned dangerous spirits may lead one to the temple for personal gain 

*5) How about my life?*

What spirit leads me to the Temple? 

Is it a genuine spirit of prayer and love of God? 

Is it a love of the neighbour? 

Is it a love of the needy and marginalised? 

Is it a spirit of showoff?

Is it a spirit of recognition? 

Is it a spirit of selfish interests? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*