What did Jesus See in Mathew?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Friday*

*What did Jesus See in Mathew?*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 9:9-13*

*FIRST READING - Am 8:4-6, 9-12*

*1) Seeing of Jesus*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the call of Matthew. 

The calls begins with a specific gesture of Jesus. The gesture is *Seeing of Matthew by Jesus*

The Gospel tells us that *As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.*

*2) The Speciality of Jesus' Seeing*

This simple sentance says that Jesus saw Matthew. This meaning could be understood at the peripheral level 

The question is what Jesus really saw in Matthew. Is it only the outward physical presence of Matthew or something more than this? 

This perticular question can be analysed in a different level and we can see the different things which Jesus saw in Mathew 

*3) Various Things which Jesus Saw in Matthew*

*A) Jesus saw a sense of Commitment*

While seeing Matthew Jesus also saw a sense of commitment, to follow Him and to become a genuine disciple

*B) A Great Writer*

This is the another aspect which Jesus saw in Matthew. 

Later Matthew became a great Writer, who wrote one of the Gospels, which is named after his own name *Gospel according St Matthew*

*C) A Sense of Detachment*

Jesus in His divine gaze also saw the willingness of Matthew to detach himself from his work, that is collecting the taxes 

Since taxes involved lot of Money it was not easy to leave the whole thing and to follow Jesus. 

*D) Readiness of Matthew to Follow Jesus*

Jesus also saw Matthew's readiness to follow Him immediately with out delay 

As we see in the Gospel, Matthew immediately left everything and followed Jesus 

*E) Generosity of Matthew*

After he followed Jesus, Jesus went to Matthew's house 

In the House we see a grand reception with a meal, where many tax collectors had gathered

Matthew welcomed all of them and he was generous to give them something 

*4) Jesus Sees the entire personality*

The seeing of Jesus or the divine gaze of Jesus is not like our gaze. 

It's a gaze which is able to all the aspects of our personality and able to attract the person towards Him 

The divine gaze of Jesus, really inspired Matthew to follow Him

*5) How do I react to Jesus' Gaze?*

The same Jesus who looked at Matthew looks at me with the same divine gaze. 

What is my reaction towards that divine gaze? 

Do I respond like Matthew, where he left everything and followed Jesus? 

Matthew understood the gravity of the call and the need of following Jesus from Jesus' divine gaze

What about me? 

*6) How is my gaze?*

Is it a loving one? 

Is it a inspiring one? 

Is it a scary one? 

Is it a sarcastic one? 

Is it a deceiving one? 

Is it a graceful one? 

Is it a welcoming one? 

Is it a lustful one? 

Is it a dominating one? 

Is it a peaceful one?

Is it a desperate one? 

Is it a attractive one??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

My faith in God, can Change others life

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Thursday*

*My faith in God, can Change others life*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 9:1-8*

*FIRST READING - Am 7:10-17*

*1) The Paralytic Man*

In today's Gospel we see a paralytic man, who was unable to walk and move 

This paralytic man was brought to Jesus, along with the Stretcher, by a group of people 

Since those people brought him to Jesus, he was to meet Jesus, or else he could have met Jesus 

*2) The Condition of the Paralytic man*

First of all He was unable to move 

Secondly, Jesus forgave his sins before He cured him. This also shows that this perticular sickness was also the result of his sickness

Thirdly He was made well by the faith of those people, who brought him to Jesus. So we don't know whether the paralytic man had any faith or not 

*3) The cause of the Healing*

The Gospel is clear that Jesus healed the paralytic because of the faith they had 

The faith of those who brought the paralytic man to Jesus 

So aspect of faith plays a very important role in healing the paralytic man 

*4) The Healing of the Paralytic*

Gospel also makes it very clear that finally the paralytic person was cured 

This happened because of the faith of those who brought him to Jesus 

So ultimately the faith of some people resulted in Healing the paralytic. 

*5) My faith can heal or change others life*

We have the practice of praying for someone

At times we may  have doubt that whether my prayer will be effective, if the person to whom we pray does not faith or pray to God 

To this Question, the Gospel of the day and healing of the paralytic gives the best answer

Even if the person's faith is weak, Our prayers with strong faith can change the life of some one else 

*6) We have a great Mission*

Since our faith and prayers are powerful in changing some one else, we have a duty and responsibility to pray for others, especially for those  who persecute us, and who trouble us 

Our prayers will definitely change their life, which will result in spreading the Kingdom of God 

*7) Do I pray for others with strong faith!*

This is a very important question to answer 

This is also to check how strong is our faith while praying for others 

If my prayers have changed others life, it means my faith is very deep and strong 

If my prayers have not made any changes either in me or in others, then it's very clear that my faith is very shallow

*So How deep my faith is?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Aspect of Rock in Peter & Paul

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Wednesday*

*The Aspect of Rock in Peter & Paul*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 16:13-19*

*FIRST READING - Acts 12:1-11*

*SECOND READING - 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18*

*1) Jesus Says He will Build His Church on Rock*

In the Gospel of the Day Jesus makes it very clear that, He will Build His Church on the Rock 

The intention of Building the Church on the Rock is to make it strong, lasting, and to withstand with all the challenges

Something build on the Rock can't be destroyed very easily. It remains strong for long time 

*2) Peter and Paul are two Pillars or Two rocks*

When Jesus speaks about Rock on which He will Build His Church, He is not referring the Stones or any other hard material to build the physical building or structure

Jesus is speaking about the persons who are like Rocks on whom the church can be built 

In this sense we can say that Peter & Paul are the two powerful rocks on which the foundation of the Church rests

*3) Various aspects of Rock in Peter & Paul*

*A) Faith like that of Rock*

Peter and Paul had strong faith, which was like a rock, on which Jesus built His church 

*B) Conviction like that of Rock*

Their conviction was so strong like that of Rock, they did not fear for anything in life 

*C) Courage like that of Rock*

Their courage was like a strong rock which made them to face all the challenges in proclaiming the Good News 

*D) Determination like that of Rock*

Their determination for the Lord was so strong like that of Rock, which led them to proclaim the goodnews even in the midst of persecution

*E) Love like that of a Rock*

The love they had for Jesus was so strong, which led them to give their life for Jesus 

*F) Knowledge like that of Rock*

Paul was a learned man, Peter was inspired by the Lord. So their knowledge and wisdom was so deep and strong like that of Rock, they had answers for all questions 

*4) Proof to say that Peter and Paul are the Rocks*

The Church built on these rocks, completes 2022 years. Still Church is strong 

The Church, the faith of the people, which was built on Peter and Paul still very strong, which shows that Peter and Paul are the Strong rocks on which the Church is built 

The Church built on these rocks can never be destroyed by any power of the world or any other things

*5) A call to become Rocks of the Church*

As we celebrate the feast of Peter and Paul, who are considered to be the rocks of the Church, on whom the Church is built, we are called upon to become another rock to sustain this church in the present day context

What aspects in my life resembles the rock, which are very Strong? 

For Example 

My faith, love, humility, sincerity, determination, service, sharing, sacrifice, love, forgiveness, compassion, hardwork etc. 

How can I make my life like rock, which would resemble Peter and Paul's life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

One can't expect a sea without the Storm

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Tuesday*

*.https://gospelthoughtsdaily.blogspot.com/

*Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Tuesday*

*One can't expect a sea with the Storm*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 8:23-27*

*FIRST READING - Am 3:1-8, 11-12*

*1) Sea is always found with Storm*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the Journey of Jesus and His disciples in the sea. 

As they were traveling in the sea, suddenly there was a violent storm, which caused some kind of uneasiness among the disciples of Jesus 

So the disciples were terrified and they were helpless in such situation, because the storm was very violent. 

*2) Need of a boat to travell in the sea*

We see Jesus using the boat, while traveling on the sea. 

It also tells us the need and necessity of a boat, while traveling in the sea 

Boat becomes an important instrument, which makes the journey possible in the sea and one is able to cross from one side to the other side 

*3) Sea and the Sudden Storm*

The Gospel makes it very clear that the storm was sudden, for the disciples  were not prepared 

Secondly the storm was very violent, which they could not manage in any way 

Thirdly whenever there a violent storm, there is a aspect of fear, anxiety, and confusion. 

*4) World is like  the Sea*

We live in this world, which is equal to the sea 

As we find violent storm in the sea, we also come accross the violent storm in our day today life 

To swim in the sea, the so called this world, one must be ready, and one must have the courage also 

*5) The boat of our Life*

As we see the need of boat to travell in the sea,  we also need a boat, to travel in the sea of this world. 

And this boat must contain Jesus in it. So there are many things, which take the place of boat for our sake 

The boat of Bible

The boat of Service

The boat of humility

The boat of sacrifice

The boat of love 

The boat of forgiveness

The boat of sincerity

The boat of prayer 

The boat of appreciation

The boat of good words 

All these boats are very much necessary, to cross or to travel in the Sea. 

*6) Sudden Storms in our life*

There was a sudden violent storm in the sea. 

Storms are always sudden, and if we are prepared, we can face any challenge. 

Even in our life there will be sudden storms. So examples would be following

Sudden Sickness

Failure of life 

Crisis in life 

Sudden unexpected Death in the family 

All these are sudden and violent storms in our lives 

*7) The presence of Jesus*

The Gospel shows the importance of Jesus at the time of storm 

The presence of Jesus changes the entire set up and everything changes for the better 

Violent storm is nothing before the presence of Jesus 

*8) My Life and today's Gospel?*

The Gospel makes us to reflect about many things

First of all, to accept that there are great challenges in life, like that storm in the sea

Secondly the need of Boat, to travel in the sea

Thirdly the presence of Jesus in my boat 

Fourthly, not to lose courage and Hope, when Jesus is with me, in my boat 

Am I able to face the various challenges of life when I travel in the violent sea. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 8:23-27*

*FIRST READING - Am 3:1-8, 11-12*

*1) Sea is always found with Storm*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the Journey of Jesus and His disciples in the sea. 

As they were traveling in the sea, suddenly there was a violent storm, which caused some kind of uneasiness among the disciples of Jesus 

So the disciples were terrified and they were helpless in such situation, because the storm was very violent. 

*2) Need of a boat to travell in the sea*

We see Jesus using the boat, while traveling on the sea. 

It also tells us the need and necessity of a boat, while traveling in the sea 

Boat becomes an important instrument, which makes the journey possible in the sea and one is able to cross from one side to the other side 

*3) Sea and the Sudden Storm*

The Gospel makes it very clear that the storm was sudden, for the disciples  were not prepared 

Secondly the storm was very violent, which they could not manage in any way 

Thirdly whenever there a violent storm, there is a aspect of fear, anxiety, and confusion. 

*4) World is like  the Sea*

We live in this world, which is equal to the sea 

As we find violent storm in the sea, we also come accross the violent storm in our day today life 

To swim in the sea, the so called this world, one must be ready, and one must have the courage also 

*5) The boat of our Life*

As we see the need of boat to travell in the sea,  we also need a boat, to travel in the sea of this world. 

And this boat must contain Jesus in it. So there are many things, which take the place of boat for our sake 

The boat of Bible

The boat of Service

The boat of humility

The boat of sacrifice

The boat of love 

The boat of forgiveness

The boat of sincerity

The boat of prayer 

The boat of appreciation

The boat of good words 

All these boats are very much necessary, to cross or to travel in the Sea. 

*6) Sudden Storms in our life*

There was a sudden violent storm in the sea. 

Storms are always sudden, and if we are prepared, we can face any challenge. 

Even in our life there will be sudden storms. So examples would be following

Sudden Sickness

Failure of life 

Crisis in life 

Sudden unexpected Death in the family 

All these are sudden and violent storms in our lives 

*7) The presence of Jesus*

The Gospel shows the importance of Jesus at the time of storm 

The presence of Jesus changes the entire set up and everything changes for the better 

Violent storm is nothing before the presence of Jesus 

*8) My Life and today's Gospel?*

The Gospel makes us to reflect about many things

First of all, to accept that there are great challenges in life, like that storm in the sea

Secondly the need of Boat, to travel in the sea

Thirdly the presence of Jesus in my boat 

Fourthly, not to lose courage and Hope, when Jesus is with me, in my boat 

Am I able to face the various challenges of life when I travel in the violent sea. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus' order to Cross to the other Side

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Monday*

*Jesus' order to Cross to the other Side*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 8:18-22*

*FIRST READING - Am 2:6-10, 13-16*

*1) The presence of the Crowd and Jesus' Order*

The Gospel of the Day begins with sentence that *When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side.*

This gesture and order of Jesus is very important not only to those people who were in the Crowd, but also to us, who are living today. 

So what is the importance of this order of Jesus? 

*2) Purpose of life Consists in Crossing to the other Side*

Our life is clearly divided into two segments. 

The earthly life and the Heavenly life. In other words the Bodily life and the Spiritual life 

So crossing from this bodily and earthly life to the Spiritual and Heavenly life is the purpose of our life 

The destiny of our life is heavenly life, or eternal life, or Spiritual life to live a holy life 

So it is necessary to cross over to this side. 

*3) The Need of Crossing over to the side, in every moment*

Crossing over to the other side is not a one time activity or something which is applicable at the last moment of our life 

Crossing to the other side is something which is applicable to our every day activities of our life and to the every aspect of our life 

Some of the examples will make us clear about this point 

The need of crossing over from 

Pride to humility

Falsehood to sincerity 

Selfishness to sacrifice

Hatred to love 

Revenge to Forgiveness

Division to unity 

Angy attitude to patience

Quarrel to peace 

Power to service 

The above aspects of our life tell us that Crossing over to the other side is everyday activity and it is applicable to all the areas of our life 

*4) The Order of Jesus*

The order of Jesus to cross to the other side is very important and one must follow this order in life very seriously, in order to follow Jesus very closely. 

Today this order  of Jesus is available in the Gospels, in the Teachings of the Church, in preachings, in prayers, in the instructions of the wise, learned, and of the teachers 

So one must follow the instructions of Jesus which is available in many ways through various persons 

*5) How about crossing over to the other side in my life*

How have I adopted this methodology of crossing to the other side in my Life? 

Do I understand the importance of crossing to the other side? 

Have I stuck,  only this side of life, because of my attachment to the things of this side? 

Is the order to Jesus to cross to the other side, heard by me? 

What are the obstacles for me to cross to the other side? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem and the Different reaction from differnt People

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Sunday*

*Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem and the Different reaction from differnt People*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 9:51-62*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21*

*SECOND READING - Gal 5:1, 13-18*

*1) Jesus' Strong determination to go to Jerusalem*

Gospel begins with Jesus' strong determination to go to Jerusalem

A strong will and determination is necessary to go to Jerusalem, because the journey to Jerusalem is very challenging

*2) Jesus and His disciples*

Jesus went along with the disciples

As they were going, they were not welcomed, by the people of Sameria. 

So the reaction of the disciples is one of revenge 

They wanted to destroy the people Samaria, through the fire 

So they asked *Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”*

*3)  Jesus and People of Samaria*

People of Samaria, did not welcome Jesus and His disciples

Jews and Samaritans had internal enmity, which created lot of problems 

So these were the people, who didn't welcome Jesus on His journey

*4) Jesus and Three followers*

On His journey towards, Jerusalem He met three people, whom He invited to become His followers. But three had three different reactions

*A) Jesus and the First Follower*

This one wanted to follow Jesus, thinking that Following Jesus is very easy. 

To this follower Jesus gives the clear picture of the Challenges.

It appears that this follower had no desire to follow Jesus after he realised the challenges 

*B) Jesus and the Second Follower*

Jesus calls this person to follow Him. But he is not interested in Following Jesus 

He has His own excuses, and didn't make any attempt to follow Jesus 

*C) Jesus and the Third Follower*

This follower had the problem of attachment to the family 

So he wanted to bid farewell and then wanted to follow Jesus 

To this Jesus says *No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.*

*5) Life is a Journey*

Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is understood as the Journey towards final goal 

On this journey Jesus had different encounters with different people 

Our life is like a journey towards Heavenly Jerusalem. 

We too encounter such challenges on this journey

Challenges of Rejection 

Challenges of Misuse of ones power

Challenges of non cooperation

Challenges of lack of support from others 

Such challenges make our journey difficult. 

In such situations what is my response? 

Am I able to move forward like Jesus? 

Or do I give up many things during my journey towards Jerusalem? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The greatness and the Sensitivity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week - Saturday*

*Memory of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*GOSPEL -  Luke 2:41-51*

*FIRST READING - Is 61:9-11*

*The greatness and the Sensitivity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary*

*1) A heart which is sensitive towards Religious things*

Each year they went to Jerusalem temple to experience God 

When Jesus was 12 years old, Mary took Jesus to the Jerusalem temple to celebrate the Passover festival

This shows that the Heart of Mary was so sensitive towards Religious things 

*2) A Heart which seraches for Jesus*

After the festival, as they were going home, half way Mary realised that Jesus is not with them 

So immediately she began to serach for Jesus. Her heart was troubled, when she came to know about the absence of Jesus. 

A heart which is very sensitive, began to search for Jesus  

*3) A heart which takes all the trouble*

We see that the heart of Mary which was troubled takes all the trouble to serach for Jesus 

They come back the entire way, without blaming anyone, but thinking of Jesus and getting him back 

The heart of Mary took all the troubles to search for Jesus. 

*4) A heart which questions the Son*

When Mary saw Jesus after three days in the temple, the spontaneous response was to question Jesus 

A tender heart which was searching for Jesus, spontaneously reacts in knowing the situation. 

It is not a blame game, but a genuine serach for knowing the things 

*5) A heart which tries to understand everything*

When Mary questioned everything, Jesus was answering those questions in a way, which Mary could not understand 

Even then Mary was trying to understand those things which were spoken by Jesus. 

*6) A heart which kept everything in the Heart*

The Gospel of the day tells us that Mary *kept all these things in her heart.*

Keeping in her heart means, keeping very close to her, in order to reflect the same. 

When something is kept in the Heart means, one can calculate the importance of the same 

By keeping in her heart she was able to understand those things to a certain extent, which made her to accept the will of God. 

*7) Mary's Heart in me*

As we are celebrating the memory of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we are called upon to grow in the qualities of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Qualities like sensitivity, Pondering over the things,  feeling for the others, accepting the things as they are, etc are some of the qualities of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Am I ready to cultivate these qualities in my life? 

*Mary my Mother, help me to create a immaculate heart like yours*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Qualities of the Scared Heart of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week - Friday*

*❤️The Qualities of the Scared Heart of Jesus❤️*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 15:3–7*

*FIRST READING - Ez 34:11–16*

*SECOND READING - Rom 5:5b–11*

*❤️Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus❤️*

*1) Heart of Jesus and the Parable of the Lost Sheep*

Today as we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we have the parable of the Lost Sheep to reflect 

We can very well analyse this parable of the lost sheep with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and draw the various qualities of the Heart of Jesus 

*2) Heart of Jesus and the Lost Sheep*

The heart of Jesus has the quality of searching for the Lost one 

In the parable we see only one is lost and rest 99 are safe. Yet Jesus goes in serach of the One which is lost 

For the Heart of Jesus one lost sheep is more important than anything else  

*3) Heart of Jesus and the Sensitivity towards Lost Sheep*

The heart of Jesus is so sensitive, it can't bear the loss of any sheep

The concept of losing does not go along with the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred heart of Jesus always thinks about gaining the lost one, and bringing back the one which has gone away 

*4) Sacred Heart of Jesus and the place of lost sheep*

It is only with Jesus we find that, the lost sheep gets the place of  Shoulder to come back 

Shoulder is very near to the heart, so the lost one takes the place in the heart of Jesus and comes back comfortably 

*5) Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Joyful Heart*

When the lost Sheep is found, the heart becomes joyful and there is a mood of celebration everywhere. 

Jesus' heart is such, that it rejoices when a lost sheep is found and gets back to the Fold. 

*6) Sacred Heart of Jesus and sharing of the happiness*

Sacred Heart rejoices not only with the lost sheep but with many those who are around the situation 

So heart of Jesus is the one which shares the joys and happiness with others 

Sacred Heart of Jesus and Sharing of the happiness with others always go together 

*7) Sacred Heart of Jesus and Repentance*

Sacred Heart rejoices with repentance. 

One need not achieve great things in Life, but to  practice the repentance or to understand the importance is the greatest achievement in Life. 

So Sacred Heart of Jesus expects this great thing, that is the repentance of Heart and nothing else 

*8) Sacred Heart of Jesus and My Heart*

Sacred Heart of Jesus is the Model for our hearts. 

That is why we pray, Jesus meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like yours 

Heart is a symbol of Love ❤️. When there is Love Everything else is found. 

Am I serious about the prayer *Jesus make my Heart like Yours?*

What are the ways I practice to inculcate the spirit of Sacred Heart of Jesus? 

Forgiveness, compassion, Happiness, Helping others, Giving right guidance, Humility, sacrifice? 

Do i practice the above qualities to create a sacred heart in me like that of Jesus' Sacred Heart?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Mission of St John the Baptist

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week - Thursday*

*The Mission of St John the Baptist*

*Readings of the Vigil Mass*

*GOSPEL -  Luke 1:5-17*

*FIRST READING - Jeremiah 1:4-10*

*SECOND READING 1 Peter 1:8-12*

*The Nativity of St John the Baptist*

*1) Mission of John the Baptist in the Gospel*

The Gospel of the day, gives us the glimpses of the mission of St John the Baptist

Various dimensions of the mission of John is highlighted in the Gospel, which can be analysed in the following way 

*2) Various Dimensions of the Mission of John*

*A) He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.*

This is one of the main missions of John. 

Turning means a kind of Conversion, which leads one to give praise to the Lord

In fact through His teaching John turned the hearts and minds of those people towards God and Jesus. 

*B) He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah*

The above sentence speaks about the importance of preparation

As the Messiah was about to come, John's mission was to prepare the people for Jesus' coming 

Again we see that John had the Spirit and Power of Elijah, to prepare the mission of the Lord 

When some one works in the Spirit and power of Elijah, the mission becomes becomes not only important but also powerful. 

So it is very important that we also should work in the power and spirit of Elijah.

*C) The mission to turn the hearts toward their children*

The mission also indicates the responsibility towards the neighbour. 

As Gods first commandment, says about the Love of God and Love of Neighbour.

*D) To bring the Disobedient to the understanding of the righteous*

This is also very much necessary in understanding the mission of John the Baptist. 

To bring disobedient people to the right track is not easy, because they don't listen to the others very easily 

So one must work hard. John was specially skilled person to bring the Disobedient people to the understanding of the righteous. 

*E) To prepare to a people fit for the Lord.”*

This is the ultimate goal of John's mission 

Infact, John through his rigorous mission prepared a people who were ready to accept the Messiah. 

Though His prepration he changed the hearts and minds of people to see the saviour of their life 

*3) What is My Mission*

After reflecting the mission dimensions of John, it is very important to reflect about my own mission 

As a responsible citizen of this society, I have the obligation to play the role of John, first of all in ones own house 

Secondly I must act like John, in order to prepare the people those who are living in and arround me.

John's mission is very relevant in the Society, in changing the hearts and minds of people to prepare them to experience Jesus 

*Am I ready to work like John??* 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

By their fruits you will know them.*

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week - Wednesday*

*By their fruits you will know them.*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 7:15-20*

*FIRST READING - 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3*

*As a Christian, what are the Fruits of  my life?*

*1) Tree and the Fruits*

The Gospel of the day speaks about fruits and the tree

Jesus says, good trees bear good fruit and bad trees bear bad fruits 

Trees are identified with the fruits of the tree. So one must pay attention to the fruits, in order to know the real nature of the tree

*2) Our life is like a tree*

There is a lot of similarities between the tree and our life 

Trees are planted in the nature. Our life is planted by the Lord, in His vineyard. 

Trees are planted with the intention of bearing good fruits 

We are planted in the vineyard to produce lasting fruit and nor temporary or ordinary fruit 

*3) What are the Fruits of my life?*

As a follower of Jesus we must ask a simple question to ourselves, that is what are the fruits of my life? 

Is the fruit of my life, Reconciliation?

Is the fruit of my life, Humility? 

Is the fruit of my life,simplicity, love, trust, confidence, sacrife, forgiveness? 

Or 

Is the fruit of my life, greed, arrogance, anger, jealousy, revenge? 

*4) What fruits others see in my life?*

As we already saw, that life is like a tree, planted with the intension of bearing good fruit

If so, what are the fruits I have in my life?

Or else, what fruits other see,  when we encounter them in our day today life?

*5) Seeing fruits by the others*

Instead we showing the tolerance, other people should be  see the value of forgiveness simplicity and generosity

Others, seeing good things in our life  is more important than, we showing them 

So by our fruits they must be able to find our fruits 

*6) By my fruits, I will be known to others*

One can't hide ones true self for long period of time 

Ones life will be known by the works he does

Fruits of tree can't be hidden, like wise, the fruits of my life can not be hidden in any 

What fruits people see in my life? 

How do they evaluate my life, based on the fruits 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*

Examples of Narrow gate in my Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week - Tuesday*

*Examples of Narrow gate in my Life*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 7:6, 12-14*

*FIRST READING - 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36*

*1) Narrow Gate and it's understanding*

All of us are familiar with, narrow way, narrow road, narrow path, and narrow bridge

When something is narrow, the journey becomes challenging and an adventure.

People those who travell in the narrow path, usually are careful, alert, cautious, conscious and known for their presence of mind 

*2) Those who choose narrow path are few*

This is what Jesus says in today's Gospel. 

Only few find the narrow path, and those who find the narrow path and understand it's importance, they follow the narrow path 

The reason why only few people find narrow path is very simple. It's because, narrow path is something which demands a disciplined way of life, a value based life is needed to travell in the narrow path, a sense of commitment, a sense of sacrifice and sense of humility is very much necessary to travell through this way. 

So only few find this way 

*3) Jesus' life is the Reflection of Narrow Gate*

There is a close connection between Jesus' life and the Narrow gate 

In fact the concept of narrow gate develops from the life of Jesus 

In other words, following the values of Jesus, and His teaching is nothing but following the narrow way of Life 

In other words we can say that, Jesus is the Narrow Gate through which one has to travell to reach the destiny

 *4) Various examples of Narrow Gate in my Life*

We take these examples from the life of Jesus 

Living the spirit of forgiveness is travelling through  the narrow gate 

The practice Humility

The spirit of sharing 

The fire of sacrifice

The desire for generosity

The way of simplicity

The fire of love 

All these are best examples for travelling through the narrow Gate 

*5) The destiny of the Narrow Gate*

Those who find the narrow gate they find the right way 

Those who travel through the narrow gate, the move in a right direction

According to Jesus all those who find the narrow gate, they will reach the destiny, that is the eternal life 

So the destiny of Narrow gate is something good, beautiful and joyful 

*6) Have I Found the Narrow Gate?*

This is one of the important questions in today's Gospel. 

Jesus says, only few find the narrow Gate. If so am I, will be the one? 

The very fact that we are following Jesus' way we are in the narrow path 

Let's move in the narrow path, by practicing the values of Jesus, and find the destiny of our life.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Brother's eye and Splinter Vs My own eye with Wooden beam

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week - Monday*

*Brother's eye and Splinter Vs My own eye with Wooden beam*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 7:1-5*

*FIRST READING - 2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18*

*1) Splinter and Wooden Beam*

In the context of judging another Jesus uses the two images: Splinter and Wooden Beam

Splinter is a *small, thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or similar material broken off from a larger piece*

Wooden beam means *a piece of wood, metal or steel which is typically long and squared that can be used as a building material*

*2) Splinter in Brother's eye, Wooden Beam is in my Eye*

When Jesus speaks about these two images, Jesus also tells us the place where these things are found 

According to Jesus, bother these things are found in the eyes 

When these things are found in the eyes, the vision becomes blur and one can't see properly. 

Here one more thing to note, that brother has only a Splinter but my eyes has wooden beam 

*3) Who has a better Vision?*

It is simple and with common sense one can say that the eye which has only Splinter, can see better things than the eye which has wooden beam

Accordingly, my brother or neighbour has a better Vision than me and we need to accept this fact and respect them

*4) The problem with wooden beam*

First of all I need to accept that my eye has this wooden beam

Secondly, when there is a wooden beam in the eye, it completely disturbs the vision of the eye and eye is not able to see or perceive anything

Thirdly keeping wooden beam in my eye, it is impossible to remove splinter from my brother's eye 

At times many people make this useless effort to remove the splinter from their brothers or sisters eyes keeping in their eyes the big Big log of wood 

*5) The various wooden beams in my Life*

Whe we talk about the wooden beam, we can imagine the size and hugeness of the wooden beam

This wooden beam not only found in our eyes, but it is also found in our minds, hearts, in our attitudes and in our behaviour. 

Accordingly we can identify the various wooden beams in the following way 

Arrogance

Anger

Revenge

Greed

Anxiety

Jealousy

Gossip

Selfishness

Desire for worldly things

All these are huge wooden beams which are found in our lives 

*6) Repair of the self is needed, to repair others self*

Removing of the wooden beam is very necessary, for ones own gowth in perceiving the realities in a better way 

Keeping the wooden beam in ones eye and trying to remove the splinter from ones brother's eye is a contradiction

It should be other way around. 

*7) Allow your brother to remove the Wooden beam in your eye*

Instead of keeping the wooden beam, and trying to remove splinter from the brother's eye, allow your brother to remove the wooden beam which is there in your eye 

This is because, your brother with Splinter in his eyes has in a better position to remove the wooden beam in your eye.  

Am I ready to allow my brother to remove the wooden beam in my eye? 

*8) The message of the Wooden Beam*

It is very clear from Jesus' teaching that the major problem is found with the self and not with others 

Wooden beam is always found in my eye and not in others eye. Others eye has only the splinter.

If one is able to accept this fact, one will not judge the other 

What is my position???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The greatness of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week - Sunday*

*Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ*

*The greatness of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 9:11b–17*

*FIRST READING - Gn 14:18–20*

*SECOND READING 1 Cor 11:23–26*

*1) The Speciality of Jesus' Body and Blood*

In the Human History many great people have come and gone 

Among them some were wicked, some good, and very few are Holy and Blessed People 

But the fact is that, we remember these great men and women for their achievements, we remember their names and we honour them 

We don't honor them by celebrating, feast like body and blood of such a such a person 

If at we do such a great event, it is only for Jesus Christ. 

Today we remember the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and we adore Him for His Body and Blood.

So there is some special about Jesus' Body and Blood.

*2) Jesus Body and Blood is given a loving Gift to the entire Human Race*

Historical Jesus who was available to those people before 2000 years ago, the same Jesus is available to us through His Body and Blood

Jesus Gives His body and blood as a gift to the Entire human race 

*3) Greatest Gift*

In the History we have not heard that some one giving His own Body and Blood as a gift to someone. 

Eventhough we some of us donate blood, we give what is excess in us 

But Jesus gives His total body and total blood as a gift to us 

There is no greater gift a person can give to someone else. 

*4) Gift with Eternal Value*

This is the only gift in the Human History which had eternal Value. 

The value of this gift can't be measured, and this gift does not have a expiry date or time 

*5) Its a gift which connects the Heaven and Earth*

The Body and Blood of Jesus, which is available to us in the Eucharist, has a great role in connecting heaven and Earth 

It connects the Human beings and God 

It works as a ladder between heaven and earth and link between man and God 

*6) Its a gift to experience the Presence of Jesus*

Eucharist is not a dead gift. It is very lively, active, vibrant and creative gift to all of us 

It is like a live wire, which is full of electricity or power 

Such divine power is filled in this Gift, which fills us with power, energy and with new vigour. 

*7) Availability of this Gift*

The gift of the Body and Blood of Jesus, is available to all, at any time of the day. 

It's a gift, which is available at 24x7, for all 

It's a gift, which make us happy and joyful. 

This gift can make our life beautiful and meaningful. 

*Wishing you a happy and Joyful feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What to learn from wild flowers?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week - Saturday*

*What to learn from wild flowers?*

Jesus says *Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 6:24-34*

*FIRST READING - 2 Chr 24:17-25*

*Various Lessons from the Wild flowers*

*1) They Bloom where they are planted*

Wild flower plant don't serach for a best place to produce flowers 

They simply try to grow where they are found and whatever situation they are 

They adjust to any place, and grow and produce wonderful flowers

*2) They are not given any special manure*

Wild plants are not given any special manure. Neither they are given any special attention. 

They gather all the possible manure, which is available around the plant and grow wonderfully. 

*3) Wild plant don't need special attention*

They don't expect any special attention from anyone 

They simply try to grow and produce flowers, whether one gives attention or not. 

*4) Wild plants by nature they are strong*

Wild flowers and it's plant are usually strong and they are able to face any situation. 

They are able to face any amount of sunlight, or rain, or any other challenges in the context 

*5) Wild flowers remain only for a short time*

The flowers which are found on the wild plants are seen only for a short time 

Even the time is very short, it never fails to spead its fragrance, and beauty to those who see it 

As long as the flowers are found on the plant, they change the situation and attracts every one 

*6) Wild flowers are hardly seen by others*

Wild flowers are found in the forest and they are seen by very few people. 

They don't get the due recognition which they should have got. 

Even then they perform their duty in a best possible way, irrespective of one sees or not 

Thier existence does not depend on someone else's notice or appreciation

*7) Wild flowers have a capacity to change the situation*

Wherever there are flowers, people get attracted to the same 

Likewise wild flowers have their own special quality, which changes the entire situation. 

It changes the situation in a positive way. It spreads its colour, fragrance, beauty, etc 

*8) My life and wild flower*

There is a close connection between my life and wild flowers

First of all bloom where you are planted 

Secondly, spead your lives Beauty and fragrance always 

The life of Wild plant is very short. Likewise our life is very short. So make the living a meaningful one 

It can face any challenges. What about me, and the challenges of life 

No special attention, still gow in a perfect way. What about me 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Treasures Which moth and decay can't destroy or Thieves can't steal

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week - Friday*

*Treasures Which moth and decay can't destroy or Thieves can't steal*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 6:19-23*

*FIRST READING - 2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20*

*1) Worldly Treasures*

There are number of things which belong to the Worldly Treasure. 

Money, wealth, Gold, name, power, Desires of the Flesh, all these belong to worldly Treasures. 

At times the whole focus of human being is to achieve the Worldly treasures than anything else 

*2) Jesus' warning not to store up the Worldly treasures*

The reason for this warning is very simple. 

First of all, all these Worldly treasures are not permanent. They are memomentary in nature 

Secondly these treasures are at times dangerous for our own life, because they put our life into risk 

Thirdly these things some times are stolen by Thieves, some times attacked by decay and moth 

So one need to be careful. When they are stolen or attacked by moth or decay they make our life miserable. 

*3) Heavenly Treasures*

Jesus also speaks about the Heavenly Treasures which do see decay, or attacked by moth or can be stolen by the Thieves. 

So Jesus tell us to search for such tresure and to store up this treasure in heaven. 

If so what is this treasure?

*4) Permanent Treasure*

Permanent treasure belong to the group, where it does not see any kind of decay, can't be attacked by moth and stolen by Thieves 

*A) Love* Love is a treasure which can't be stolen or attacked by moth or by decay. Genuine and unconditional love is always eternal

*B) Generosity* Its a divine quality no one can steal or destroy 

*C) Forgiveness* It can only be given and received. But can't be stolen by anyone 

*D) Sacrifice, Humility, Sincerity, faithfulness, selfless service, Sharing, care, patience, Concern*

All these above qualities are great heavenly treasures, which can't be stolen and attacked by moth and decay 

*5) Advantage of Heavenly Treasures*

Heavenly treasures always bring God's blessings to us 

They always make our life meaningful and beautiful. 

They brighten our life and future

They become important assets in our life, which assist our life in a right direction

*6) Where is my treasure?*

When we think about the heavenly treasures, where is my treasure? 

How do I value heavenly treasures, infront of earthly treasures? 

What type treasures i posses in my life? Heavenly treasures or Worldly treasures? 

What can I do more to achieve heavenly treasures to store up in heaven??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

"I" is not Found in Our Father Prayer

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week - Thursday*

*"I" is not Found in Our Father Prayer*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 6:7-15*

*FIRST READING - Sir 48:1-14*

*1) Lords Prayer*

Our Father prayer has been called as Lord's prayer, because it was taught by Jesus 

Among all prayers, this perticular prayer has a special significance in our life, because it was directly taught by Jesus 

This is also a prayer, which is prayed,  many times by many people in a day. This also shows the importance of this prayer 

*2) "I" is not Found in Lord's prayer*

In the entire prayer, there are many words which we can see. 

But the word *I* is not found in the entire prayer. 

This is the unique factor of this prayer. So what is the significance this logic?

*3) Lord's prayer is not "I" centred prayer, but "Our" centred prayer*

In the Lord's prayer instead of *I* we find many times the word *Our*

So this prayer gives importance to the Aspect of *Our* rather than *I*

*4) Difference between "I" & "Our" centred prayer*

*I* centred prayer always focused on the self. Therefore it is the prayer for the self and only the self involves. 

*I* centred prayer is considered as selfish Prayer. 

Where as *0ur* centred prayer is more of community oriented prayer 

*Our* centred prayer, helps a person to participate in the prayer and to deepen his relationship. 

*Our* centred prayer is more powerful than *I*

centred prayer, because of its content and effectiveness. 

Our centred prayer takes everyone into the fold while praying, but *I* centred prayer takes only the self 

*5) What is the nature of my Prayer?*

How do I pray in my life? 

Is it a *I* centred prayer or *Our* centred prayer?

We have been called upon to practice logic of *Our* centred prayer, which takes everyone into praising 

When we pray for others, our prayers are heard. 

What is my response?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Logic of Alms giving with Trumpet Sound

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week - Wednesday*

*The Logic of Alms giving with Trumpet Sound*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 6:1-6, 16-18*

*FIRST READING - 2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14*

*When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you,*

*1) Trumpet and it's sound*

When Trumpet is blown, it creates a huge noise, around where it is blown 

When it creates huge noise, it automatically captures the attention of the people 

In other words trumpet has the capacity to capture the attention of the people 

*2) Almsgiving and Trumpet*

When some one gives alms, and if there is a sound of Trumpet, automatically the attention of people is drown to that side 

By capturing the attention of people through the trumpet sound, people also will be able to know the importance of blowing the trumpet

Since people don't blow the trumpet without any reason, people automatically conclude that there is some special event behind the sound of Trumpet

*3) Intention of the person to have trumpet while giving alms*

First of all the trumpet is blown to capture the attention of people 

Secondly to communicate the message that some one is giving alms 

Thirdly to get appreciation from the people those who are arround the situation. 

*4) The reaction of the People*

When people here the sound of Trumpet they understand the importance of the situation

Since the Trumpet is blown in this context to proclaim about giving of alms people automatically come and appreciate the person who gives alms. 

Since the intention of the person to make known to the whole world, by blowing the trumpet and to get praises for the same, people will respond accordingly. 

*5) The result and loss of Trumpet blowing*

The result is, when the whole event is made known to the public, people appreciate for what one does 

Since all praises which deserve for doing such a great work of Almsgiving,  come from people, there is no room left for God to appreciate

So the praises of Human beings becomes a block for God to appreciate a person who does work of Almsgiving

*6) Each good deed deserves reward, but not double reward*

When a person receives reward from people, what ever is due for good work is already paid. 

In such a situation one can't expect to be paid twice or thrice. 

Same logic follows in trumpet blowing and Almsgiving. 

When people already pay for your deeds, one can't expect to have a reward from God. 

This is the only reason why a person can't deserve from God, when the reward is given by people 

*7) From where do I expect reward for my good works?*

Is it from the Human beings or Human paise or From God? 

From human beings it is quick but does not last long 

From God, it comes on opportune time, some times early, some times delayed. But reward from God, lasts forever. 

What is my choice?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

A disciple is the one who dares to do unusual things

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week - Tuesday*

*A disciple is the one who dares to do unusual things*

*GOSPEL -   Mt 5:43-48*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs 21:17-29*

*1) A call to do unusual things*

*What is unusual about that?*

This is the beautiful as well as Challenging question we find in today's Gospel

The World follows the usual things. For example *Love those who love you. Hate those who hate you*

But a disciple of Jesus is called not to follow the usual things, but to practice the unsusl things in Life 

Infact the Kingdom of God, depends on unusual things and not on Usual things 

*2) The Unusual things mentioned in Today's Gospel*

*A) Loving Ones enemies*

Loving ones friends is easy. It is called usual thing. 

But Jesus tells us that we need to Love our enemies. This is called unusual thing in life 

*B) Praying for the persecutors*

Praying for those who pray for us, those who love us, those who help us, those who are friendly with us is very easy. This is called usual thing 

Jesus says we need to pray for those who persecute us and those who do evil for us. This is a real challenge. That is why it is called, unusual thing 

*C) Do good without any discrimination*

Discrimination usually happens between good and bad. 

With good people we have no issues. But with bad people we find difficult to adjust. 

That is why Jesus gives the examples of the Sun who rises on the good and bad without any discrimination. 

So we are also called to follow the principle of Sun. This is called unusual thing 

*D) Give without the expectations of reciving it*

The Gospel also makes a mention about this perticular aspect. 

If you give to those who give you in return, what great things you do?

So giving without any expectation is the unusual thing that one can do 

*E) Greet all, without partiality*

Jesus also asks us *if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?*

As a follower of Jesus i must be able to greet all those who have been created in the image and likeness of God 

This is the another unusual thing that one can do 

*3) Other Unusual things in the Gospel*

If one strikes you on your right cheek show your other cheek as well 

If one asks you to walk one mile, go with him two miles 

If one takes your coat, allow him to take your cloak as well 

Leave 99 and go in search of 1 which was missing

We have been called to practice these unusual things in order to become the genuine disciples of Jesus 

*4) Unusual things makes a difference in Life*

Jesus became unique preacher and saviour because of His Unusual things in life 

Dying on the Cross itself is one of the great unusual things in the life of Jesus 

Jesus became a powerful and unique saviour because He adopted the Unusual things 

In other words Unusual things are nothing but the heavenly things or the values of the Kingdom of God. 

*5) Am I ready for unusual things?*

The primary call of Jesus to me is to practice the unusual things in life 

The Kingdom of Heaven can be established only through the unusual things 

If so what are the unusual things I have in my life or what are the unusual things I practice in my life? 

Am I convinced about the importance of unusual things 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*

Ahab's Greed for Property of Naboth, and it's results

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week - Monday*

*Ahab's Greed for Property of Naboth, and it's results*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 5:38-42*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs 21:1-16*

*1) Ahab's Greed for Property*

Ahab was a king of Sameria. 

When a person is a king, it is understood that he had lot of property, money, power, and possessions. 

Inspite of having so much wealth and property, he was eyeing on the property of Naboth, who had little property

Having such Kind of desire, that is to possess the property of a poor man is nothing but a greed 

*2) Naboth's Refusal to give the Property*

First of all Naboth had a small piece of land 

His family, and his relationship was identified with that land, because it was an ansecstal property

So he a special attachment to the property, that is why he was not ready to give that property

More than property, for Naboth, that Land is associated with family,v parents, daily bread, relationship, and His life itself. 

That is the only reason why he was not ready to give the property to Ahab

*3) Ahab's loss of Sleep and Appetite*

The greed for property of Naboth was so much the King Ahab lost his sleep and Appetite, when he came to know that, Naboth was unwilling to give his property

So ultimately the greed for property makes a person to lose the sleep and Appetite, which results in losing ones health 

So greed does not help a person in any way, but it destroys a person 

*4) Jezebel's Plot to kill Naboth*

The greed for property, makes a person to eliminate another person 

Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, creates a plot, with false propaganda, to eliminate, Naboth 

Jezebel succeed, in carrying out her plan, and eliminates Naboth for her selfish purpose 

So the greed of a person can end up in eliminating another person 

*5) Ahab supports Jezebel's plan*

When Jezebel eliminated Naboth, she asked Ahab to take the possession, and Ahab simply took the possession of the property. 

He did not even question, the illigal plan of Jezebel. 

In this way, the king supported, the illigal plan of Jezebel. 

*6) The fate of Jezebel and Ahab*

The prophet of the Lord says to Ahab *I am going to bring disaster on you. I will wipe out your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free*

About Jezebel God says *In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours*

Finally greed for property destroyed both of them 

We need to be careful about greed in our lives 

What is the influence of greed 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*

Trinity in our Daily Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week - Sunday*

*Solemnity of the Holy Trinity*

*Trinity in our Daily Life*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 16:12–15*

*FIRST READING - Prv 8:22–31*

*SECOND READING Rom 5:1–5*

*1) Trinity is the Symbol of Unity*

In Trinity there are three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit

In Trinity of see the powerful Symbol of Unity between them 

In everything we do, of there is a unity, we can achieve anything in life 

Unity is reflected in every aspect of Trinity. We need to work for unity in whatever we do for the greater Glory of God 

*2) Trinity is the Symbol of Power*

When three persons blend perfectly each other in everything, their power becomes strong. 

The strength of the power arises from, the strong unity which becomes a great base 

When the power is so strong, one can achieve anything in life 

Such a power is used by the Trinity to establish good things and to destroy the evil things 

*3) Trinity is the Symbol of Equality*

There is perfect equality in the Trinity. 

All are equal and all have thier own area of mission. 

One does not dominate the other and one is not lesser than the other 

Trinity is an inspiration to learn the concept of equality in our day today life

*4) Trinity is a symbol of Family*

We can see the family Structure in the Trinity. 

Father, Son and Holy Spirit is considered to be Mother. So in this sense Trinity is very much reflected in Family and we should make our families like a Trinitarian family. 

In the Family all are important and all have to play their role. This is very much seen in Trinity. 

*5) Trinity is a inspiration to right Relationship*

We find a special relationship in Trinity. 

The relationship which we see in Trinity is perfect and inspiring

We can't live without relating with the other. So Trinity becomes a model for us to adopt a right Relationship in our life

*6) Trinity is Cooperation*

The cooperation that we find in Trinity is great 

One cooperates with the other in a perfect way 

Cooperation is needed to continue the Work begun by some one and to reach to its goal 

Mission began by Father, taken up by the Son, and taken forward by the Spirit, until the end of Time 

This is possible only through the perfect cooperation 

*7) Trinitarian dimensions in my life*

Beginning from Unity, strength, equality, cooperation, and relationship everything is found in our life 

Our spiritual life and bodily life can be lived in a meaningful way, by adopting the various values found in Trinity. 

So Trinity is in my life, and Trinity is my life. 

If So can I Find this Most Holy Trinity 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*

Who is a worthy person in my World?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week - Saturday*

*Who is a worthy person in my World?*

Jesus Says *Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 10:7-13*

*FIRST READING - Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3*

*1) Jesus' instruction to look for a worthy person*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about finding a worthy person in proclaiming the Kingdom of God 

The context is : Jesus is sending His disciples for a mission. As he sent them to different places, He also gave them different instructions. One among them is to find out a worthy person in their mission 

*2) The Worthy persons in Jesus' Mission*

As we reflect about the public life and ministry of Jesus, we clearly see the worthy persons whom Jesus were looking 

*I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.* LK 5:32. So Jesus was looking for sinners 

*Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest* Mt 11:28. So Jesus was looking for suffering people 

*I have come to give them life and life in abundance* John 10:10. Jesus was looking for those who didn't have life, a life of good values, a life of service and life of commitment. 

So when we see the life and mission of Jesus, He was looking for those who really needed divine assistance for thier daily survival

*3) Whom do i look for in my Mission?*

All of us are sent on a mission. In our mission it is also important to look for worthy persons, according to Jesus' instructions. 

If so who are these worthy persons in my mission and life? 

Here we can see this point at two levels 

*A) Worthy persons in a positive way*

When we think about our mission it is also very important to locate the worthy person 

According to this context, I become a person of giving rather than receiving 

I look for those persons who will be needing my assistance, in changing the situations

A sick person, a needy person, a person with lots of crisis in life, a person who has lost everything in life, a totally failed person, etc 

When we meet these persons in our mission, we become those persons who looked for a worthy persons 

*B) A worthy person in a wordly standards*

In my mission i may look for those person who will be worthy to me from the Worldly standards. 

In this level the person who has involved in the mission, becomes a person, who is interested more in receiving rather than giving 

So in the way, worthy persons list becomes a list of receiving favours. 

*4) Who are the worthy persons in my mission?*

Do i consider a needy person a worthy person in my mission? 

Do i consider a poor person a worthy person in my mission? 

Do i consider a person who has gone away from God, a worthy person in my mission? 

Do i consider my enemies and opponents as worthy persons in my mission? 

Do i consider those who challenge me in various things, as worthy persons 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*

Committing adultery with Character

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week - Friday*

*Committing adultery with Character*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 5:27-32*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kg 19:9a, 11-16*

*1) Adultery and Adultery of the Character*

All of us know what is adultery. Having illicit relationship outside marriage bond is called adultery. 

The same logic can be applied to our Character and we can think of another important area that is adultery of the character.

Adultery of the character could be understood as having illicit relationship with bad emotions which give rise to the bad characters in our life 

*2) We are married to good characters*

A Christian is a person who marries to all the good values through the sacraments of Baptism, confirmation, Penance, Eucharist, anointing of the Sick and matrimony. 

A Christian should marry to all the Gospel values to lead a good and holy life 

Without marrying to Gospel Values, one can't become the member of Jesus' family

In this context it is very easy to understand the concept of Adultery of the Character

*3) Some of the examples of Adultery of Character*

Making friendship with the Anger is committing adultery with the character

Having close relationship with Pride, Jealousy, Revenge, selfishness, greed, personal gain, desire for name, fame, power, authority and wealth is nothing but committing a kind of adultery, with our own character. 

By giving chances to bad things to grow, we committ adultery with these things and ultimately, it changes our character into bad things  

*4) Adultery of the Character and it's gravity*

First of all it spoils our life 

Secondly it spoils our character and behaviour

Thirdly it spoils our perception

Committing Adultery with character does not help a person to live a good and holy life 

One needs to be more careful about committing adultery with character since it is dangerous to our personality and faithfulness to the Lord 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Ancestors say about Killing - Jesus says about Anger : Killing and Anger on the Same level

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week - Thursday*

*Ancestors say about Killing  - Jesus says about Anger : Killing and Anger on the Same level*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 5: 20-26*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs 18:41-46*

*1) Do not Kill Others*

God's fifth commandment tells us *Thou shall not kill others*

Killing is a grave offence, that's why it is punishable crime

People don't easily compromise with the persons who kill others 

This reasons why this commandment became very important. 

So even during Jesus time time was most highlighted issue, and for that matter today also it takes primse place, because of its gravity 

*2) Jesus speaks about Anger*

In the Gospel of the day Jesus speaks about anger

But the important point to note about this anger is, Jesus speaks about anger in the context of Killing 

He quotes what ancestors said *You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment,*

So Jesus equates the issue of anger with the issue of killing 

So we can understand the gravity of the issue of anger. 

In other words according to Jesus anger is almost equal to Killing

*3) Anger is the Basis for Killing*

When we analyse the issue of Killing, it is clear that, the root cause of Killing becomes the Anger 

Initially, anger turns into hatred, hatred turns into Revenge, and finally revenge turns into Killing or murder. 

So what starts from anger, it finally ends up in revenge and killing 

*4) Anger destroys everyone*

Anger is like a white ants, which eats a person from within 

First of all anger destroys the peace of mind, ones mental, physical and spiritual health and finally he/she loses his/ her normal life 

Anger not only destroyes the person's life, it also dangerous to others life. 

Some times anger may result in spoiling the name of othe others, at times it may physically harm another person and in extreme cause it may result in killing others 

So anger is very poisonous which kills everyone including the self 

*5) How do i mange with Anger?*

It is not wrong to get angry. But the question is what do I do with my anger? 

How do I mange with my Anger? 

Do i take it on some one else? 

Do i find fault with others for my Anger? 

If I am a well integrated person, no one will cause me for getting into anger 

*6) Anger basically a kind of sickness*

Since anger is a sickness it destroys our life 

Since it is a sickness, one needs to treat it in a right way 

Since it is a sickness, one needs to be very careful to remain far from it or not to get affected with it 

Finally anger in my life, will tell what type of person i am?? 

Think about your emotion of anger and the way to handle it in a right way 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Various aspects of Elijah's Prayer

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week - Wednesday*

*Various aspects of Elijah's Prayer* 

*GOSPEL -  Mt 5:17-19*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs 18:20-39*

*1) To Show the Power of the Lord*

In the entire episode of Elijah's prayer, the power of the Lord becomes very clear 

When Elijah prayed, the fire from heaven consumed the offering and thus every one came to know the Power of prayer and the Power of the Lord 

*2) To Show that Elijah is the Real Servant of the Lord*

In His prayer to the Lord Elijah prays in the following words *LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things by your command.*

The Prayer and the entire episode showed that, Elijah was the real servant of the Lord 

*3) To Show people that there is no other god than the God of Israel*

The offering of the Bull, at Mount Carmel proved that there is no God other than the God of Israel. 

Finally People accepted this fact *Seeing this, all the people fell prostrate and said, “The LORD is God! The LORD is God!”*

*4) To bring back the people to the Lord*

The prayer and the Sacrifice on the Mount Carmel, made the people to realise their mistake and to come back to the presence of Real God, who is the God of Israel. 

*5) To solve the problem of False teaching*

Because of the false teaching there were problems among people 

Some followed Baal and others followed the God of Israel. 

Finally the prayer and the sacrifice on the Mount Carmel, solved this problem and people started to worship the Lord 

*6) To prove the power of Prayer*

Finally we see the power of prayer 

Nothing is impossible for prayer. Through prayer one can achieve anything in life 

*7) The need of Strong belief in Prayer*

When Elijah challenged the Prophets of Baal, He firmly believed in the power of prayer 

In no moment he doubted about the things that will going to happen. Such was his faith in prayer. 

*8) My life and prayer*

How strong is my prayer? 

How courageous i am to challenge some one in and through prayer? 

What are the aspects my prayer has? Is it only a self centred prayer or is it a other centred prayer??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Does salt loses its Teast?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week - Tuesday*

*Does salt loses its Teast?*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 5: 13-16*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs 17:7-16*

*1) Salt and it's Saltiness*

All of us are familiar with Salt. Salt is a necessary ingredient in our cookings and without salt there is no taste for anything 

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the salt and it's Saltiness. 

The question here is that whether salt loses its Saltiness or its flavour? 

*2) The question of Losing the Saltiness of the salt*

In its natural form, salt doesn't lose its saltiness or flavor.

It is extremely stable and therefore cannot lose its savor or degrade over time, unlike spices.

So it is very clear that Salt can't lose its Saltiness or its flavour 

*3) You are the Salt of the Earth*

The Gospel also tells us that, we are the Salt of the Earth 

Jesus does not say that *You will become the Salt of the Earth*, but He says you are the Salt of the Earth. 

There is a lot of difference between, you are the Salt of the Earth and you will become the Salt of the Earth. 

Since we are already the Salt of the Earth, we need to live our life like that of Salt 

*4) Salt and Saltiness - Christian life and Christian faith*

As we realise that Salt can't lose its Saltiness, Christian life can not lose Christ's values 

Salt and Saltiness can't be separated, like wise Christ and Christian life can't be separated 

A follower of Christ can't lose the values of Christ in his/her life. They always go together. 

A follower of Jesus can't lose the following things 

The Cross of Christ

The humility of Christ

The love of Christ

The sacrifice of Christ

The simplicity of Christ

The forgiveness of Christ

The peace of Christ

As salt and Saltiness is always go together, the above values and Christian life always go together

*5) The salt and Saltiness of My Life*

My life should be the reflection of Salt and Saltiness

Salt is always filled with its flavour/ teaste. One can't think other way around. 

Like wise Christian life should always filled with Christ and His Values 

How far the principle of Salt and Saltiness works in my life? 

Being the disciples of Jesus, Living contrary to Christ's values means, salt losing its Saltiness

If Salt can't lose its Saltiness, how can a follower of Jesus can lose His values and principles??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*