We are called upon to become saints

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:1–12a*

*First Reading : Rv 7:2-4, 9-14*

*SECOND READING 1 Jn 3:1–3*

*We are called upon to become saints*

*1) Saints are in Heaven*

The church officially declares that all the saints are in Heaven 

Saints are the ones who have achieved their purpose of life. 

Attaining heaven is the ultimate purpose of our life 

*2) Saints are praying for us*

All the saints are praying for us. So that we may be able to live a good and holy life, in order to reach the same place, where the saints are there 

Since they are praying for us, we are in a better position to live a good life 

*3) They are praising God in Heaven*

One of the main duties of the saints is to praise God, for His mighty power 

By praising God, the saints acknowledge the greatness of God 

*4) Saints are model for us*

Saints are the ones who have lived their lives and gone before us to the heavenly kingdom 

They also have faced all the trails and tribulations in order to reach heaven and to attain the sainthood. That is why they are model for us

By following them, we can also try our level best to live a holy and good life, in order to become another saint in the heavenly kingdom 

*5) Saints are ordinary people, Lived a holy life*

Saints are not extraordinary people. They are ordinary people like us 

But they had clear vision of their lives. Accordingly they lived and they became great saints 

This is an inspiration for us to become saints 

*6) I have been called to become saint*

The purpose of our life is very clear 

To achieve this purpose Jesus has shown the clear way 

The Gospel of the day shows the eight ways to attain sainthood

The beatitudes are the best ways to attain sainthood. 

If so,  am I ready to become a saint? 

I need to work for it very seriously. Only then I can become saint

Unless one becomes a saint, can't enter the Heaven. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Question of Repayment

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:12-14*

*First Reading : Phil 2:1-4*

*The Question of Repayment*

*1) The reality of Repayment*

This is one of the important concepts that we pay much attention in our life 

Some pay much attention when they have to receive the repayment. Some pay attention when they have to make repayment

There are also others they are least bothered about making any repayment what they have received from others 

*2) Repayment and the Economic condition*

When the economic condition of the person is not good, one has the duty to make the repayment to the person what he has received from others 

At the same time, when some borrows from another with the promise of repayment, the person has the duty and obligations, to make the repayment. 

*3) Jesus on Repayment*

In today's Gospel Jesus says, when some one arranges freternal meal, the question of repayment should not arise. 

Fraternal meals are not for repayment in any kind, either in money or any kind of appreciation or any other kind 

Expecting some kind of repayment for the fraternal meals, defeats the very purpose of the fraternal meal 

*4) The real spirit of the fraternal meal*

Jesus says, when one organises the fraternal meal, one should think of those who are not able to organise such meals and participate in such meals 

So when one thinks about such people and sharing the meals with them, the question of repayment does not arise 

*5) The source of Repayment*

For every service one does to the other is liable for repayment

Even the smallest good deeds will be accounted for repayment

When some one expects the repayment from the people, the repayment is done by them. So there is nothing remains for repayment

But when ones service is not repaypaid by any one,  it remains as pending 

Such a repayment has to be done by some one else 

Here comes the repayment by God himself 

Jesus affirms that whatever is not repaid by people, God will repay us 

*6) From whom do I want the repayment?*

If I expect repayment from people, there is no chance for God to repay us 

If we are not expecting any repayment from people, then definitely, we will be repaid by God Himself 

Gods repayment is permanent and eternal 

Human repayment is temporary and fleeting

If so, from where do I expect repayment? 

From God or from human beings? 

*Choice is yours*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Search of Zacchaeus, for Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:1-10*

*First Reading : Wis 11:22-12:2*

*SECOND READING 2 Thes 1:11-2:2*

*The Search of Zacchaeus, for Jesus*

*1) The Search of Zacchaeus,*

Among all the things, the search of  Zacchaeus, for Jesus becomes the main thing in the incident of Zacchaeus,

Search of Zacchaeus, is the starting point for this event, which ultimately gives us a powerful message 

Human life can't be separated from the concept of search. 

Search is something which makes our life beautiful and meaningful 

*2) Various things involved in the search of  Zacchaeus*

*A) A strong desire to see Jesus*

Zacchaeus, might have heard about Jesus and His miracles 

This might have caused in His a deep desire to see Jesus 

This particular tendency of seeing Jesus is very important to encounter Jesus   

*B) Facing of the Challenges*

He had to face many challenges in meeting Jesus

First of all He was very short 

Secondly, he didn't have good reputation among the people 

Thirdly, too much of crowd which made Zacchaeus, difficult to meet Jesus 

But Zacchaeus, faced all these challenges with a positive note 

He used his intelligence, skills and talents, to search Jesus 

*C) The encounter of Jesus*

Since Zacchaeus, worked hard to meet Jesus, Jesus also allowed himself to be experienced by Zacchaeus,

To experience Jesus, He ran before the crowd and claimed a tree to see Jesus 

Finally he was able to see Jesus 

*3) My Desire and Challenges*

Like Zacchaeus, all of us have, a desire to see Jesus and to experience him 

How do I approach the various challenges which come on the way of my search for Jesus? 

Do I give up or persevere?

*4) Search for Jesus in various things*

We need to search for  Jesus, in our day today life and activities

Search Jesus in the scriptures

Search for Jesus in the Eucharist

Serach for Jesus, in our relationship

Search for Jesus in our daily works 

Search for Jesus, in  serving others 

So there are many things in which we can search Jesus

*5) Coming of Jesus*

After Jesus met Zacchaeus, Jesus told him that He wants to come to His house

In fact Jesus came to Zacchaeus, house and he was transformed

Jesus whom we encounter in many things wants to come to your house. 

Am I ready to call him to my house, especially in our life or Heart??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

My friend, move up to a higher position.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:1, 7-11*

*First Reading : Phil 1:18b-26*

*My friend, move up to a higher position.*

*1) Moving to a higher position*

This is one of the main goals of our life 

There is a basic human desire and craving to move to a higher position

Moving to a higher position applies to all areas of our life 

In fact in our daily lives, in moving to the higher position we give more importance to our material wellbeing. 

But this logic can be applied very well to the spiritual areas of our life 

*2) Moving to a higher position in our Spiritual life*

Ultimately our spiritual life only can save us in attaining the eternal life 

In this context, moving to a higher position in our spiritual life is very much necessary

Some of the example could be following

Move to a higher position in forgiving other. It may help us to attain the quality of Jesus' unconditional forgiveness

Move to a higher position in loving other, so as to practice and experience the unconditional love of Jesus 

Move to a higher position in sacrifice to know the real value of Jesus' sacrifice

Move to a higher position in Generosity, simplicity, authenticity, and humility to practice the Kingdom values 

Move to a higher position in sincerity, hardwork and faithfulness

Move to a higher position in serving other to experience the selfless service

Move to a higher position in prayer, discipline, care and concern 

Move to a higher position in ones responsibility, and detaching oneself from the worldly things 

Move to a higher position to say no to greed, pride, revenge, and gossip

So it is a great challenge to move to a higher position in spiritual life 

*3) A challenging task*

To move to a higher position in spiritual life is a great and challenging task which needs continuous and sincere efforts 

The process is very slow and changes come gradually and slowly

But one should try everyday to move to a higher position in order to achieve something in our lives 

*4) Am I moving to a higher position?*

Which are the areas I am moving to a higher position? 

Am I moving to a higher position in practicing the Kingdom values? 

Have I concentrated only in material and wordly things in moving to a higher position? 

My moving to a higher position in any feild, is morally justified or not??

*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 stranger in the Household of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Friday*

*Feast of Sts Simon and Jude*

*Gospel : Lk 6:12-16*

*First Reading : Eph 2:19-22*

*Am I a stranger in the Household of God?*

*1) You are no longer strangers*

St Paul in His letter to the Ephesians, says that *We are no longer strangers in the Household of God*

All those who are baptised become the member of God's household

So automatically we should become very familiar in the household of God 

*2) Who is a stranger?*

One who does not know anything about the household of God and its functioning becomes a stranger to the household of God 

When some one becomes a stranger, he/she is lost and no one bothers him/her

*3) What are the Things prove that one is stranger*

As a members of the Household of God, we must know the discipline, teachings and other values of God's household 

When one fails to live a simple way of life He/she  becomes a stranger 

When one fails to forgive

When one fails to share 

When one fails to sacrifice

When one fails to love 

When one fails to appreciate

When one fails to become generous

When one fails to take up the Cross

We are suppose to know and practice these values in life. 

If not, we will become strangers in the household of God 

*4) Am I a stranger?*

Since my baptism I have coming to the Church and spending my time 

Still do I know the power of forgiveness?

Still do I know the power of sacrifice, love, humility, sincerity, sharing, hardworking, simplicity, prayer, trust, and Holiness? 

All those who don't know the importance and power of these kingdom values, remain as strangers in the Household of God 

*5) Dangers of remaining as strangers*

No one will care about us 

No support will be given 

One will miss the friendship

No give and take policy 

No involvement

No life, and no interactions

*6) Christian Spirituality can't be practiced by becoming strangers*

Christian spirituality involves friendship and fellowship

One who becomes stranger, Christian spirituality can't practiced 

Communitarian spirituality needs friendship and fellowship

So 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*

Why Jesus called Herod, as Fox?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:31-35*

*First Reading : Eph 6:10-20*

*Why Jesus called Herod, as Fox?*

*1) Who is this Herod?*

Herod was the tetrarch (meaning “ruler of a fourth,” for the kingdom was divided) of Galilee, in whose territory Jesus was active.

We all know about Herod the Great, the one who was in power when Jesus was born and who slaughtered the innocent children after the Magi told him about the Christ child.

But this is his son, Herod Antipas, Whom Jesus called as Fox 

*2) Fox is an unclean animal*

Fox is an unclean animal in the Israelite holiness codes.

So it is an insult for Herod. In fact Herod had become unclean, because of his evil deeds. 

Fox is always crooked and known for its hypocrisy.

It acts in one way, but it shows itself as innocent and good

That's why Jesus called him as fox 

*3) Why Herod was Unclean?*

*A) He built new capital City on Jewish Cemetery*

In order to please the Roman officials Herod build a grand new capital city named Tiberius, on top of an old Jewish cemetery. 

Since it was built by Herod, no pious Jew ever entered it, and it was inhabited almost exclusively by Greeks and Romans.

*B) Marriage with Herodias*

He divorced his first wife, which had been a political union, as she was the daughter of an Arab ruler, in order to marry Herodius. 

Herodias was the wife of His half brother. 

It was an immoral union 

*C) Killing of John the Baptist*

Herod had killed John the Baptist, for challenging his immoral way of life 

It was this Herod who killed an innocent holy person to cover up his immoral way of life 

*D) Dance of Salome*

Allowing ones daughter to dance in the public was a shameful act. It was a disgraceful act 

No pious Jew would ever have let his daughter dance in front of strangers.

So the readers would have understood that Herod Antipas was an unrighteous man and an unfit ruler. 

These are the evil deeds of Herod

For these above reasons Jesus called Herod as Fox

*4) Is there a shadow of Fox in me?*

Jesus called Herod as Fox 

What Jesus will call me? 

What is the level of attitude of fox found in me? 

Which name will suit to my life? 

Sheep

Lamb

Camel 

Donkey

Pig 

Fox 

Hen 

Serpent 

Dove 

Birds of the Air

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Locking of the Door and my Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:22-30*

*First Reading : Eph 6:1-9*

*Locking of the Door and my Life*

*1) Locking of the Door*

This particular expression is found in today's Gospel

It is the Master who locks the door, when the time is up 

Once the door is locked no one can go inside and also no one from inside can come out 

So locking of the door has a deeper meaning and implications for our life 

*2) Implications of locking of the Door*

This particular gesture of closing the door will divide the whole reality into two 

There will be inside and there will be outside 

And the connection between two is lost and only master has the power to rejoin the two realities into one 

*3) Locking of the Door in my Life*

Until we are alive the door of our life is open. We are given opportunity to move freely without any restrictions

Once we conclude this earthly life, the door of our life is closed by God 

Once it is closed we can't move as we like. Only we can move where the master leads 

*4) Life has a door to Heaven*

God has designed our life in such a way that our life consists a beautiful door to heaven 

This beautiful door is rather narrow and one needs to strive hard to pass through this door 

With the death this door gets closed. So as we are living in this world, we need to strive to enter through this door 

*5) The magic Key of this Door*

This door which is locked can be opened through the magic key 

This magic key we need to posses when we live in this world 

The following are the magic keys, which are able to open the closed door 

The magic key of forgiveness

The magic key of love 

The magic key of sacrifice

The magic key of service 

The magic key of prayer 

The magic key of humility

The magic key of Truth 

The magic key of faithfulness

The magic key of faith 

The magic key of hope

The magic key of simplicity

*6) Do I have the Key to open the lock?*

If I have the key, then I can enter

If not I will be out. 

Which are the keys I have in my life? 

Till I live my life I can try to get the keys

Once I say good bye to this earthly life I can't get any keys unless I posses it, before I die

So how many keys I have 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*

Yeast and Wheat Flour / God's Grace and Our Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:18-21*

*First Reading : Eph 5:21-33 or Eph 5:2a, 25-32 or 5:2a, 25-32*

*Yeast and Wheat Flour / God's Grace and Our Life*

*1) Relationship between Yeast and Wheat Flour*

There is a close relationship between yeast and wheat Flour

With the mixture of yeast in the Wheat Flour, the Flour gets new identity 

The flour becomes more effective and the things prepared out of that flour become more tastier than the flour without yeast 

*2) Mutual Cooperation is needed*

The flour has to allow itself to receive the yeast into it 

Likewise the yeast must allow itself to be diluted in the Flour. Only then the flour becomes more effective and testy. 

Without mutual cooperation nothing is possible

*3) God's Grace and our life*

The logic of yeast and flour, is very much applicable to our life and God's Grace 

First of all there is a close connection between our life and God's grace 

Secondly with out God's grace our life has no identity and no meaning. But with God's grace our life gets new identity

Thirdly, we need to allow ourselves for the God's grace to work in our life. If we close our life, no changes will happen in our life 

*4) Its yeast and God's grace which brings a change*

The moment one adds yeast into the flour, changes happen 

So it is the yeast which brings a change in the flour. Yeast has the power to change 

Like wise, God's grace is the one which brings a change in our life. God's grace has the power to change our life. 

*5) Changes happen within and silently*

The yeast brings about a change from within. This change is slow and silent. No much noise 

Gods grace also works from within. There is no much noise. But silently works in our life

*6) My life and the Logic of Yeast and Flour*

How about the logic of yeast and flour in my life? 

Does this work, properly or not? 

If the four is spoiled, no yeast will change and effects will not be seen. 

Like wise, if our life is not tuned properly, God's grace becomes vain in our life

So what is the condition of my life for God's grace? 

Does God's grace works in my life or not? Or do I allow myself to the Power of God's grace or not? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Woman, who had not lost hope for 18 Years

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:10-17*

*First Reading : Eph 4:32–5:8*

*Woman, who had not lost hope for 18 Years*

*1) The Situation of the Woman*

Woman was suffering from 18 years 

She was crippled by an evil Spirit

She was bent over and was unable to stand erect

So she was not able to walk properly and was unable to function in a normal way 

*2) She was in the Synagogue*

The Gospel makes it very clear that Jesus was teaching in the Synagogue and Jesus saw this woman in the synagogue

It means the woman had come to the synagogue with the intention of getting rid of her infirmity

*3) The Hope of the Woman*

Even after suffering for 18 years she had not lost her hope in getting better 

For 18 years she might have consulted many doctors for her health 

But all was in vain. Even then she had not lost her hope

*4) It is Jesus who sees her*

Unlike in other incidents, here we see that Jesus sees the woman 

Usually in other incidents we see that those who want to experience the healing power, some how will come before the lord and request for a healing 

Here the woman is carefully listening to Jesus, and Jesus sees her and comes for her rescue

*5) Hope does not disappoint us*

These are the words from st Paul's letter to the Romans 5:5

These words became true in the life of this woman 

Her hope didn't disappoint her, but helped her to witness a great miracle 

In fact hope does not disappoint us. 

*6) What about my Hope*

How strong is my Hope? 

When something goes wrong, how about my Hope? 

Do I still cling on to the Lord or do I grumble and doubt in the providence of the Lord? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Various Ways of becoming missionary in our day today life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Sunday*

*Mission Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:9-14*

*First Reading : Sir 35:12-14, 16-18*

*SECOND READING - 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18*

*Various Ways of becoming missionary in our day today life*

*1) All of us are Missionaries*

By Baptism, Jesus has given us the Commandment to spread the Good News

So by Baptism all of us missionaries. 

Therefore every activity of ours should correspond to the Mission of Jesus 

*2) Various Ways of Becoming missionaries in our Life*

*By Life Example* Here the best example would be Carlo Acutis.

He lived only for 15 years

He was known for computer programming 

He collected all the Eucharistic miracles and published in a YouTube Channel 

He Died 12 October 2006

He was beatified on 10 October 2020 

He used his talents and skills to spread the Good News 

This is what is meant by becoming missionaries through our daily work 

Is my daily work contributing to the Spread of the Gospel? 

 *Through Prayer Life* St Theresa of Avila became great missionary being inside the Four Walls 

She prayed continuously for the Mission and she became great missionary

Mission needs Prayers. 

By being a prayerful person and praying for the mission I can become a missionary

*Through monetary Help* Financial resources are very much necessary for carrying out the missionary activities

So by contributing to the mission  one can become a missionary in ones life 

The various activities which we undertake these days to raise the funds are the best examples for the same 

*Exemplary Way of Life* Our life should become another Holy Bible for the people to read 

This is the very powerful way of becoming a missionary in our life 

Is my life a great example for mission or counter witness to mission? 

*3) Pharisee : A counter witness to mission*

Pharisee, prayed a lot, but the intention of prayer was not good. He prayed only to show to people about himself 

He fasted twice a week to show his greatness before people 

He contributed one tenth of his earnings. But his generosity was covered with Hypocrisy. 

All these gestures are necessary for the mission. But when their intention was to have selfish motives, they don't help the mission, but become counter witness for the mission

*4) The Publican*

With fear and trembling he came before the Lord

He was aware of his weaknesses and he openly accepted it, before God 

He asked for the mercy of the Lord 

Real conversion and mission started from His life 

Mission Should start from our own life and not to expect from someone else's life 

*5) What are the ways in my life to become a missionary*

Am I ready to become a missionary? 

What are the areas of my life contributing to the mission of the Lord?

Am I using my skills, talents, energy, time, resources to spread the mission of the Lord or not? 

Why I should participate in the mission of the Lord?

What will I get by being a missionary in my day today life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:1-9*

*First Reading : Eph 4:7-16*

*Cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it*

*1) Failure of the Fig tree to bear the Fruit*

The Gospel of the day, speaks about a fig tree, which failed to bear any fruit 

So, it was adviced by the owner to cut it down, since it was a burden for the mud 

But the Gardener requested the owner to give one more year, so that he could *cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it*

This may help the tree to bear fruit 

*2) Our life is like a fig tree*

God is the owner of the tree. 

We are Gardners of our life, which is equal to a fig tree. 

God comes in search of the fruit. If we fail to produce any fruit, we will be cut down. 

Still one more possibility/opportunity is given to us 

So we need to *cultivate the ground around our life and fertilize it*

This may help us to bear fruit 

*3) Cultivating ground it and Fertilizing it*

Our life has variety of things which need to cultivate and fertilize it, in order to produce fruit. 

This could be understood in the following way 

*Mind* Cultivate and furtilze the mind with good thoughts, goals and good things 

*Heart* Cultivate the heart and furtilize it with Good feeling, feeling of unconditional love 

*Eyes* One need to cultivate and fertilize it with seeing good things and thanking God

*Ears* One need to take special efforts to cultivate and fertilize the area around the eras by hearing good things and avoiding the gossip

*Hands* Cultivate your hands and fertilize it to use it for helping, for serving, for giving, and for doing only good things 

*Legs* Cultivate and fertilize your legs, so that it may help you to do the greater things for the Glory of God

Apart from the area around our life, there is also other areas we need to cultivate and fertilize. These areas may be following

House and Family 

Work place 

Temple and worship places 

Meeting places 

Neighborhood

Society where I live 

*4) Am I ready to cultivate and Fertilize my life?*

This particular process only I can do it for my life 

If only I am ready to work I can get some fruits in my life. If not, I will not be able to produce any fruits 

In such situation, when the given time is up, I will be cut down. 

What can I do to produce more fruits in my life?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What is my efforts to settle the matter with my opponent?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:54-59*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1-6*

*What is my efforts to settle the matter with my opponent?*

*1) Jesus' Teaching on settling the Matter with opponent*

The Gospel of the day, bring out one of the important aspects of our life 

*Settling the matter with opponent* is a very practical and a most needed aspect of our life 

All of us commit mistakes, since we all of us are weak 

But the greatness lies in settling matter and dispute with opponent is the most wise thing in our life 

Therefore Jesus calls us to reflect about our efforts in settling the matter with the opponents

*2) Settling the Matter with the opponent is a wise thing in life*

When some disputes take place, it is wise things to settle the matter immediately then and there. 

If the matter is not solved it becomes a big headache and we suffer a lot 

Therefore it is the wise thing to settle the matter as early as possible and to restore peace in life 

*3) Danger of not settling the matter*

When the matter is not settled, then the issue gets aggravated

Both the parties become more revengeful than thinking of settling it 

Time is wasted, money is lost, resources are spent for not use, when the matter is not settled

Peace of mind is lost, problems become more, and one issue gets more related issues to fight. So the matter becomes very complicated

Finally one gets nothing but loses everything in reality. 

Above all we go against the very nature of Christian spirituality and the teachings of Christ 

This is the fate of not settling the matter 

*4) Efforts needed to settle the Matter*

When a disputes arises about anything, it does not get solved by itself 

Efforts are very much necessary in solving the matter 

The right effects involve the following things 

Ready to accept ones mistakes 

Ready to forgive others 

Ready to bear the loss, if one has done harm to the another 

Ready to dialogue with the opponents with an open mind 

Not to abuse another when the dispute arises 

Taking the help of others when the matter is serious 

*5) More efforts to aggravate the matter*

At times we take more efforts in aggravating the issue than settling it 

We spend lot of time, energy, money, resources to prove that we are right and other is wrong 

Such efforts ultimately do not bring out any results but destroys everything in life 

The principle of *Teaching lessons to others* does not work in any way. Neither the one who is trying to teach lessons to others will learn the lesson nor the opponent will learn any lesson

So by trying to prove one is right will not help in any way 

*6) What about my life?*

When some disputes take place what is my response? 

Do I take efforts to settle the matter or do I take the efforts to aggravate the situation? 

Do I believe in amicable settlement or court settlement? 

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*

What is the level of my Stress/Anguish to accomplish the Mission

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:49-53*

*First Reading : Eph 3:14-21*

*What is the level of my Stress/Anguish to accomplish the Mission*

*1) How great is my anguish until it is accomplished!*

The above words are from Jesus 

These words speak about Jesus' mission and the vigour in which the mission is done 

The words *stress* or *anguish* Should be seen in a positive way. These words are not to be seen in a negative way 

So it is more of a driving force or passion or interest in carrying our the Mission 

*2) Great Anguish or Great stress*

Jesus says that he is under great anguish or great stress

This great anguish or Stress indicates that Jesus is fully into the mission 

The heart and soul of Jesus is fully immersed in the building the Kingdom of God here on Earth

*3) Jesus' Mission is to set Fire*

Fire is something which makes people to become alert and active 

Where ever there is fire, no one can sit idle. People become automatically active and involve themselves in doing something

So Jesus is full of fire and now he is ready to set that fire into the world 

The fire of love 

The fire of healing 

The fire of forgiveness

The fire of sharing 

The fire of sacrifice

The fire of unity

The fire of humility

The fire of fight against injustice

The fire of truth 

The fire of simplicity

The fire of obedience

The fire kindness and compassion

*4) The Driving Force*

The stress, anguish or passion becomes a very powerful driving force in the life of Jesus 

This driving force didn't allow Jesus to keep quiet but to work actively in building the Kingdom of God 

Jesus was always on move and proclaiming the kingdom of God. 

This is because of the driving froce which Jesus had. 

Jesus hailed truth and condemned falsehood. He faught against evil and sin and he was not frightened because of this driving force 

This is how it works in our life 

*5) What is my driving force?*

It is very important to identify the driving force of my life 

All of us were given the same driving force by God, to build the Kingdom of God, through various ways and ministries. 

What about today? Is my driving force helping me to build the Kingdom of God or My own Kingdom? 

Is that driving force is still active or inactive? 

In what areas my driving force consists? 

What can I do to convert my driving force to become better human being and to lead a fruitful life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Expect the best. Prepare for the worst

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:39-48*

*First Reading : Eph 3:2-12*

*Expect the best. Prepare for the worst*

*1) Timing of the Thief*

No one knows the time of the thief. It always remains secret.

Since the time of the thief is not know, one needs to be alert at all time 

If one is not alert then the casualties may happen 

*2) Preparing for the Worst*

The whole focus of today's reading would be summerised in one sentence. That is *Prepare for the Worst*

When some one prepares for the worst he/she can face any situation. 

When a person prepares for the worst, he/she need not worry about anything. On the contrary the person will receive the best results in life 

*3) Danger of not preparing for the Worst*

One will take things in a casual way, which will end up in failure 

Such a person will be called as unfaithful servant and useless servant 

Such a person will make others to suffer anf their life will become  worst

He will become slave of drinks, and worldly things. 

Finally he/she will suffer a lot and the person will destroy his/her own life 

*4) Ways of preparing for the Worst*

Need to be alert in life about all things that come into our life 

Need to be alert about sin and the tempter devil. Because they will attack us in a situation when we are least prepared 

Need to depend on prayer, sacramental life and other spiritual activities

Need to use the word of God and meditate on it 

Use the word of God in our day today life 

*5) Do I prepare for the Worst situation in life?*

Christian spirituality consists in preparing for the worst 

Jesus himself prepared for the Worst situation that is the death on the Cross

All those who prepared for the worst situation became great champions of faith

What about me? 

What are the areas where  I prepare? 

*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 the Greeting : Peace to this household

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:1–9*

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

*The importance of the Greeting : Peace to this household*

*1) The message of Peace*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the message of peace

Peace becomes a main instrument through which the mission of Jesus need to be carried out 

So peace becomes the foundation for the mission of Jesus 

*2) Why peace is so important then?*

*A) It is a challenge for the person who communicates the message of peace*

First of all, a person who conveys the message of peace should be a man of peace 

He/she can't be the person who is contrary to peace 

*B) It is an invitation for the person to become a peaceful man*

Secondly it is a challenge for the person to receive the message and to become a peace loving person 

Peace can be received only by a person who is peaceful by nature. 

*C) Jesus' can't be done without peace*

If some one thinks that Jesus' mission can be done with human power, he/she is completely wrong 

Jesus' mission can be done only in a peaceful atmosphere

*D) Peace destroys all evil things*

Wherever there is peaceful atmosphere, Satan becomes nervous and disturbed

Peace is a powerful instrument which can help to achieve many good things in life 

 Since it destroys all evil things, peace gives birth to new spiritual things, which helps us to grow

*3) Am I a peace loving Man?*

Since Jesus' mission starts from *peace* I can be the part of mission, only if I am a person of peace 

If so, am I a peace loving man? 

Am I ready to promote peace in everything,  what I  do? 

 Am I a cause of division at any point of time? 

How can I become a channel of peace?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Evil effects of the Greed

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:13-21*

*First Reading : Eph 2:1-10*

*The Evil effects of the Greed*

*1) Take care to guard against all greed*

The Gospel of the day has this warning about the greed

As we know greed is one among seven capital sins, about which we need to be very careful

So the Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the evil effects of Greed 

*2)Various evil effects of Greed*

The Gospel of the day lists the following evil effects of greed. They are as follows 

*A) Thinks only about the Self*

The greedy man in the Gospel thinks only about Himself 

The Question and response to  *what shall I do* indicates that he was thinking only about himself 

In other words selfishness is the another face of Greed

*B) Destroying the Things*

The greedy mam tears down the existing building thinking that they are no more useful 

Destruction is the another face of the greed. It destroys everything including the Human person 

*C) Reconstruction of Bigger things* 

Greed always makes a person to get more and to get bigger and larger share.

Greedy person is never satisfied with the existing things. It demands always bigger and larger things

*C) Storing of the Things*

This goes against the spirit of sharing 

Greedy man thinks about amassing the wealth for tomorrow. Never thinks of sharing with others 

*E)  The attitude of rest, eat, drink, be merry!”*

Nothing exists other than sensual pleasure. 

This is the worst effect of greed, which totally takes away from spiritual things and we become the slaves of wordly things 

*F) Greed does not guarantee anything to you*

Towards the end the Gospel says *You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’*

Ultimately the greed makes us fools and we lose everything

*3) Am I a slave of greed?* 

How powerful is the emotion of Greed in my life? 

Is greed controlling my life or I am in a position to control my emotion of greed? 

Am I listening to greed or greed is listening to me?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of Raising of Hands and Praying

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:1-8*

*First Reading : Ex 17:8-13*

*SECOND READING - 2 Tm 3:14-4:2*

*Importance of Raising of Hands and Praying*

*1) Moses' Raised Hands*

The first reading of the day from the book of Exodus gives the details of Moses' raised hands and its purpose

It was the situation of War. Amalek attacked Israelites. In this crucial moment, Moses went up to the Mountain to pray 

As long as he prayed with Raised hands, Israelites were winning. The moment he put down the hands Amaleck were winning 

So this is the context of raising hands and praying 

*2) The Practice of Raising Hands and praying*

All of us are very familiar with this practice 

Whenever there is a grave need we raise our hands and we pray 

Apart from this, we also strongly believe that, God listens our prayer whatever we pray with raised hands. 

*3) Various meanings of raised hands*

*A) A gesture of Complete surrender*

Whenever someone surrenders, he/she raises his/her hands. This gesture shows a complete surrender

By raising our hands, we completely surrender before God. 

*B) Complete relaying on God*

A person who raises the hands a prays, has nothing in his hands. 

He is completely empty. At the same time he looks at God. So this shows that complete relaying on God

*C) Gesture which shows ready to receive anything from God*

Raised hands towards God also indicates that the person is ready to accept anything from God

*D) Seeking Help from God*

Raised hands or lifted hands is the gesture of seeking help from someone 

By raising our hands, in and through the prayer, is the gesture that, we are seeking help from God 

By lifting or raising our hands, we are requesting God to hold our hands and to guide us in the right path 

*E) Raised hands is the symbol Higher things*

Here higher things refers to the Heavenly things, holy things and genuine things 

By raising our hands we are trying to raise the standard of our spiritual life 

*F) External sign of seeking internal growth*

By raising our hands we communicate a powerful message 

It is the external sign of internal growth 

It is the external sign of humility, simplicity, utter dependence on God, 

*4 Raising of Hands in my Life*

How do I look at this gesture?

Is it a sign deeply motivated with deep faith or fear? 

Am I ashamed of raising my hands and praying? 

When was the last time you raised your hands and prayed??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

A branch with the Tree, always grows

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 15:1-8*

*First Reading : Rom 8:22-27*

*A branch with the Tree, always grows*

*1) Vine and the Branches*

In today's Gospel Jesus gives us the imagery of vine and the branches 

Jesus says *I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit*

This imagery shows us the importance of being united with the vine and also the effect of this unity 

*2) Branch with the Vine always grows*

It is our life experience that any branch united with the tree always grows 

A branch united with the tree, has life, growth and finally the fruits 

A Branch which is not united with the tree, neither it can have life nor growth or the fruits 

*3) A branch can't remain idle*

It is our experience, that a branch which is united with the tree, can't remain idle 

It can't say, I don't want to grow, or don't want have life and fruit 

It is against the nature of the branch to say no to life, growth and to the fruits 

Such a branch does exist in reality and it can't remain with the tree

*4) Jesus is the vine and we are the branches*

Our role is at the level of branches 

Branches are supposed to remain with the vine if they want to have life, growth, and fruits 

Being united with the vine one can't say, I don't want to have this particular thing of the tree in my life. Such a choice goes against the nature of the unity between vine and the branches 

*5) Tragedy of our life*

The vine has the following things 

Cross

Challenges

Difficulties

Sacrifice

Sharing

Generosity

Service 

Forgiveness

Giving 

Humiliation

Rejection

Suffering

So the branch can't say that I don't want to have the above mentioned things 

*6) Being the Branch we choose from the tree*

All of us do this particular mistake 

Many of the things which are part and parcel of the vine we don't want to accept 

We want to avoid all those difficult things and want to choose only those which are easy or which we think that they will make our life comfortable

But in reality, as a branch we can't choose or we can't reject whatever comes from the tree

If so, as a branch, how do I live my life? 

Am I going against the nature and contradicting myself? 

Is my union with the vine a genuine or artificial??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Don't be afraid

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:1-7*

*First Reading : Eph 1:11-14*

*Don't be afraid*

*1) Don't be afraid - Phrase*

We come across this particular phrase many times 

In fact there are more than 365 times this phrase comes in the Bible. Which means every day we have this particular phrase which fills us with courage 

*2) Why this phrase is very important?*

As we know, fear is one of the most disturbing factors in our life. 

All of us are frightened about something or the other 

When there is fear, we can't function in a normal way, we can't do our work, and it hinders every activity, which we undertake

That's why we need to overcome from fear 

*3) Hypocrisy is the main cause of fear*

From the Gospel, it is very clear that, ultimately the hypocrisy leads to fear 

Hypocrisy creates a fearful atmosphere, which affects every one 

That is why one need to keep oneself away from the influence of hypocrisy 

As long as one is hypocritical in life, he/she will live under the influence of fear 

*4) God helps us to overcome from our fear*

Jesus came into this world to destroy our fear, which was hindering our spiritual growth

When Jesus says *Do not be afraid* He is always with us and fills us with special courage 

These words can help us in living our life in a fruitful way 

*5) What about fear in my life?*

About, what  I am frightened of in my life?

Am I frightened about my future? 

My attitudes

My shortcomings 

My anger 

My dealings 

My behaviour 

 Am I frightened of these things?

Prayer, generosity, and humility, will help us to live our life in an authentic way and to proclaim the Gospel

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Various Reasons why Jesus condemned Scribes and Pharisees

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week : Thursday* 

*Gospel : Lk 11:47-54*

*First Reading : Eph 1:1-10*

*Various Reasons why Jesus condemned Scribes and Pharisees*

*1) Killing of the Prophets*

The ancestors of the Scribes and Pharisees had killed many prophets 

That is why Jesus says *this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets*

Further Jesus also says *this generation will be charged with their blood!*

*2) Building of the Tomb*

These people are building the tomb of those prophets whom their ancestors had killed 

This type of attitude is to fool others and to show that they honour the prophets

In fact they had killed all of them. This is a clear example of their hypocrisy. That's why Jesus condemned them 

*3) They had taken away the key of Knowledge*

Knowledge is very important to overcome from ignorance

The scribes and Pharisees had knowledge. But they would share that knowledge with simple people 

With that knowledge they blackmailed the people for their selfish and personal purposes

That is how they took away the key from people and people were kept in ignorance. That is why Jesus condemned them 

*4) They didn't enter, to others also they didn't allow*

This is another blunder they did. 

With the vast knowledge neither they used it for their personal growth, nor they helped others to benefit from it 

It was a total loss at the end. None of them benefited from it 

That is why Jesus condemned them 

*5) Wrong intention*

The whole focus of scribes and Pharisees was to trap Jesus and nothing else 

They wanted to find fault with Jesus with their trick 

But nothing worked. 

That is why Jesus condemned them 

*6) Will Jesus condemn me?*

How is my life? Am I genuine or not? 

What level of hypocrisy I have in my life? 

Am I trying to put on a mask to show to the people that I am good, but in reality I am not??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The tragedy of a scholarly person in adding the burden for others

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:42-46*

*First Reading : Gal 5:18-25*

*The tragedy of a scholarly person in adding the burden for others*

*1) Who is a Scholar?*

A scholor is a person who is specialist in a particular branch of study, especially the humanities.

In other words  a Scholar is a person who is highly educated or has an aptitude for study.

In simple words a Scholar is a person who is expert in any one field. For the Gospel reflection one need not restrict only to academic field 

*2) Scholar is condemned by Jesus*

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus is condemning a scholar 

The reason for his condemnation is also clearly given. The reason is the following 

His scholarly achievement should have helped other people is easing their burden and difficulties. 

Instead of becoming a blessing, the scholarly achievement had become a way to control people and to subjugate them 

That is why Jesus condemned the Scholar

*3) All of us are Scholars*

As we reflected earlier, a person who is expert in any area could be considered as scholar 

Accordingly all of us scholars, because we are experts either in one way or the another 

Some are scholars in academics others are experts in other areas. For examples 

Some are experts in leadership. Others are experts in, cooking, speaking, travelling, accounts, health care, household works, painting, cutting trees or other things, decoration, organising the events, master of the ceremonies, and various fields of works

*4) What do I do with my expertise?*

Two ways are possible

Either I can use my expertise for the good of my family and for the society. In this case I don't add the burden to others life rather I become a person who help them. I become a blessing 

People can also use their expertise to exploit and dominate people for personal gains or for selfish purpose. In such case my scholarly achievement becomes a burden and curse for others 

*5) Will Jesus condemn me?*

Jesus condemned the scholar for misusing the knowledge and intelligence

Scholar used His scholarly achievement for burdening the people and making their life more difficult

What about my expertise in any field? 

Will Jesus condemn me also??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Cleaning of the Mind and Heart

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:37-41*

*First Reading : Gal 5:1-6*

*Cleaning of the Mind and Heart*

*1) Spider's web inside the head*

Recently I had received a picture, which had a very powerful message 

It was a picture of the Head of Human person

Inside the mind, there were lots of Cobwebs. 

So there is a person who with the cobweb stick trying to clean the cobwebs inside the Mind 

Underneath the image there was this message *This is the most Difficult work*

*2) Danger of the cobwebs*

Something falls to the cobwebs can't escape easily 

So cobweb is very dangerous for the life of little insects 

There is also spider which attacks immediately as soon as something is caught on the spiders web

*3) Spiders web in the heart and mind*

Our mind and heart can be the places of spiders web 

At times we have varieties of Spiders web in our heart and mind 

The various spiders web which could be seen in the mind are following

The web of jealousy

The web of pride 

The web of arrogance

The web of revenge 

The web of prejudice

The web of anger 

The web of Laziness

All these above mentioned things work like a web in our heart and mind

*4) Inside of the Cup*

Jesus tells in today's Gospel about cleaning of the Cup from inside 

Unless we clean from inside, outside cleaning has no meaning 

What is more impotant is cleanliness from inside.   

*5) Removing of the Spiders web, from our mind and heart*

There is no doubt that there are plenty of cobwebs in our heart and mind

But it is our duty to remove it. So we use the following things to remove these cobwebs

Holy Scripture

Eucharist

Generosity

Truthfulness

Sincerity 

Love

Forgiveness

Trust in God 

Regular confessions 

All these will help us to remove the cobwebs from our life 

*6)  Am I ready?*

There are cobwebs in our minds 

There is a cobwebs in our hearts

There are cobwebs in our entire lives

There are also weapons to clean it. 

So am I ready to remove the spider's web or not 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus as the greatest Sign from God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:29-32*

*First Reading : Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1*

*Jesus as the greatest Sign from God*

*1) Jesus as Sign*

Sign is something, which indicates something

Sign is an action, or movement, which means something

Finally, sign is something which communicates a powerful message. 

In this context we see Jesus as the greatest sign, who communicates a powerful message to all of us. 

If so, what is the significance of Jesus as Sign?

*2) The Meaning of Jesus as Sign*

*A) Jesus as the Sign of Salvation*

Jesus means one who saves. That's why Jesus is called Saviour. 

So Jesus is the greatest sign of salvation. Wherever Jesus is present there is salvation. 

Jesus has saved us from the slavery of Sin

*B) Jesus as the Sign of forgiveness*

Forgiveness is at the centre of Jesus' life. In other words jesus means forgiveness and forgiveness means Jesus. So Jesus is the sign of forgiveness

*C) Jesus as the Sign of Love*

It was love that made Jesus to come down to this earth 

The unconditional love of Jesus shows that Jesus is the Sign of Love

*D) Jesus is the Sign of Peace*

Peace at the Birth of Jesus 

Peace after the Resurrection of Jesus 

So Jesus is for peace and Jesus' life is the sign of peace 

*E) Jesus is the Sign of Sacrifice*

He sacrificed His life on the Cross for us. There is no greater sacrifice to lay down ones life for others 

So Jesus showed this fact in His life. This shows Jesus is the sign of Sacrifice 

*F) Jesus is the Sign of Healing*

Jesus healed every kind of Sickness. 

There was no sickness beyond Jesus' power. So its very clear that Jesus is the Sign of Healing 

*F) Jesus is the sign of victory*

When we look at the Cross, it shows that through the hardships and challenges one can face anything in life and witness victory. 

Faithfulness and perseverance will lead one to victory. 

So Jesus is the sign of victory

*3) Jesus the Great Sign with us*

When we reflect about the great sign, who is Jesus, always with us 

He is with us through the Eucharist, through the Blessed Sacrament, through His words and though the presence of the another

So Jesus is very close to us 

*4) Am I able to recognise this Sign?*

How competent I am to recognise this great sign in my life? 

 Am I able to identify this heavenly sign in my day today life? 

What are the various ways to recognise this great sign??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

At the beginning all ten were lepers, Later one became Samaritan

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:11-19*

*First Reading : 2 Kgs 5:14-17*

*SECOND READING - 2 Tm 2:8-13*

*At the beginning all ten were lepers, Later one became Samaritan*

*1) Ten Lepers*

The parable has been named after 10 lepers 

The parable simply says that there were 10 lepers 

The Gospel does not say whether they are Jews or Samaritans. The Gospel simply says that they were lepers 

*2) 10 lepers come to Jesus*

When they came to Jesus there was no difference between them 

All were lepers and all shared the same sickness

That's why they came together to Jesus asking for a healing from the sickness

Jesus gave them the treatment and as they were moving towards the destiny, they were cleansed and healed 

*3) After the healing division comes in*

Soon after the healing takes place, their identity changes 

The identity should have been from lepers to Human beings 

But the tragedy is that, their identity changed from lepers to Jews and Samaritans

So we see a clear cut division between 1 and 9 and 9 Vs 1

*4) Healing didn't make them better human beings*

During their sickness, all were in the same boat. They had similar identity 

This sickness would have made them to realise the equality between them 

But this sickness didn't make them better human beings but they became individuals of different groups

This is the tragedy of their life 

*5) Our Situation is not better than the lepers*

The same mentality of the lepers is reflected even in our life 

During floods and Covid 19, all became one. 

We had no issues about from where the food comes? what type of food we get? Where there will be place to stay, which hospital will get for treatment? Whether will get oxygen or not? 

But soon after these events when people realised that covid 19 no more a threat, they started to fight based on the food one eats, clothes one wears, house one stays, worship one does and the culture one follows 

All became problem and people got divided themselves into different groups and fought with each other

So this is the tragedy of human life. 

*6) Important messages*

Need to foster the spirit of community and oneness. No groupism should be promoted at any cost 

Need to me men of beatitude. Ingratitude is more dangerous than the leprosy

One should not wait for natural calamities to feel the oneness of human family 

Recognise the great things in life and be grateful God and one another 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Blessed is the Womb/heart that carries Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:27-28*

*First Reading : Gal 3:22-29*

*Blessed is the Womb/heart that carries Jesus*

*1) Jesus in the Womb of Mary*

When God announced the Good news through the Angel Gabriel, Mary accepted the plan of God 

She accepted to become the Mother of God. Thus Mary conceived Jesus.

Thus Mary's Womb became the First Tabernacle of the Wold where Jesus took the Shelter

*2) Mary's Womb became blessed*

The Womb of Mary became blessed of the Presence of Jesus 

Wherever Jesus is present, it becomes holy and Blessed 

So Jesus is the person who makes everything holy and blessed

*3) Today Jesus still needs a place*

Today Jesus needs place in our life. 

Which are the possible places Jesus can have in our life 

Our heart can be a place for Jesus 

Our mind can be a place for Jesus 

Our thoughts can be a place for Jesus 

Our life can be a place for Jesus

Our activities can be a place for Jesus

Our family can be the place for Jesus 

*4) Some one from the crowd must say*

Blessed is your heart that carries Jesus 

Blessed is your mind that thinks about Jesus 

Blessed is your life that reflects Jesus 

Blessed is your family where Jesus lives everyday

Blessed is your face which shows the face of Jesus 

Blessed is your eyes which shows the compassion of Jesus 

Blessed is your tongue that proclaims about Jesus 

Blessed is your activities, which conveys the message of Jesus 

*5) Speciality of Jesus in the Womb*

Jesus who is the womb always grows 

Womb in the Jesus never remains static. He is always growing 

Accordingly Jesus in our heart, mind, in life, and in various above mentioned places should grow

A Jesus who is not growing in our life is no Jesus at all. Such a Jesus does not exist

So the question is, whether Jesus in my life growing or not??

Has my life become blessed because of Jesus' presence??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Rosary is a powerful Prayer

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week : Friday*

*Feast of Our Lady of Rosary*

*Gospel : Lk 1:26-38*

*First Reading : Acts 1:12-14*

*Rosary is a powerful Prayer*

*1) Rosary is a Gospel Based Prayer*

All the prayers which are used in the Rosary, are inspired from the Gospel

Creed is a Gospel based prayer 

Our Father - Lord's prayer is taught by Jesus 

Hail Mary and Holy Mary prayers are found in the Greetings of Angel Gabriel to Mary 

The Trinitarian formula is found in St Paul's letters 

So all the prayers are found in the Scriptures. So Rosary is a Gospel based prayer 

*2) Rosary is a communitarian Prayer*

Rosary is prayed together. Whenever we pray rosary, people come together and pray the Rosary

So Rosary has the power to bring people together and inspires them to pray 

Rosary also makes us to pray for each other. When we pray together, we pray for each other 

*3) Rosary is nothing but reflecting the Life of Jesus*

The central point of Rosary is the Life of Jesus 

All four mysteries highlight the birth, mission, passion and death and finally the resurrection and Ascension into heaven 

So the Main person is Jesus whose life is meditated in and through the Rosary

So it is a Christo-centric Prayer

*4) Rosary is a powerful weapon against Devil*

It is said, Satan is frightening about the Rosary.

Where ever there is Rosary, Satan can't come 

Therefore through the Rosary, one can break the power of Devil or Satan 

St. Padre Pio declared, *“The Rosary is the weapon for these times.”*

Especially now the world is in great need of this weapon to combat hatred, anxiety, illness, and hardship.

*5) Some powerful Sayings about Rosary*

"Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world.” – Blessed Pope Pius IX

“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.” – Saint Francis de Sales

The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you’ll be amazed at the results.” -St. Josemaria Escriva

“No one can live continually in sin and continue to say the Rosary: either they will give up sin or they will give up the Rosary” – Bishop Hugh Doyle

*6) Rosary is a miraculous Prayers*

In the History, miracles have happened because of the Rosary 

The famous miracle is the Victory at the battle of Lepanto, where the enemies were defeated though the power of prayer

Today's feast is specially celebrated to commemorate this victory and to know the power of Rosary

So Rosary works great miracles in our 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 imagine giving evil/bad things to their own Children

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:5-13*

*First Reading : Gal 3:1-5*

**One can't imagine giving evil/bad things to their own Children*

*1) Parents - Children relationship*

Among all relationship, parent - Children relationship has special significance in life 

Whatever may be the situations in life, one can't undo this parents - Children relationship

This relationship remains for ever. Even after death, this relationship continues 

*2) Parents always give good things to their children*

Its our experience that parents always give good and best things to their children

One can't imagine giving bad things to their own children. 

If there is any incidents where the parents give bad things to their children, then we can say that they are no more parents in the life of their children

*3) Everyone gives good things to their children*

Even a person is good or bad, to the children, they always give good things 

People or parents don't take any risk of giving bad or evil things to their children

*4) God is our Father*

We have a special relationship with God, through the Baptism

We become children of God, and God is our Father 

Such a good God, can never give bad things to His children.

It is a contradiction to the nature of God, to give something bad or evil to His children

All good God can give us only good things 

*5) From Ordinary event to the Extraordinary Truth*

Jesus takes the experience of our life, that of Father -Child relationship and shows that even God gives only Good things to His Children

By this comparison Jesus reveals to us the great truth that God is always with us, to give us good and best things 

*6) Gods good things to us*

God gave us His only son  to us 

He gave the Holy spirit

He gave us the sacraments, through which He gives us His grace 

He gave us, Mercy, forgiveness, compassion, new life, new vision, new way of life, and new Hope 

God gave us new meaning to our life and new meaning to Human suffering etc 

So God has given us innumerable Good things, which we are unable to remember

*7) My life*

Can I imagine the good things which God has given me? 

Is it possible to count good things in my life?

What are the Good things God has given me?

My talents, skills, gift of life, leadership qualities, etc...

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

There is no greater witness than Life witness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:1-4*

*First Reading : Gal 2:1-2, 7-14*

*There is no greater witness than Life witness*

*1) Praying Jesus*

In today's Gospel, the Disciples of Jesus, see Him as praying Jesus 

In fact Jesus was spending lots of time in Prayer. 

Its really nice and inspiring the Disciples see a praying Jesus, from whom they were inspired

*2) The disciples Request*

Since the disciples saw a praying Jesus, they simply came to Him and placed before him a beautiful request

*Lord teach us to pray* What a wonderful request from the part of the disciples

There is no other request other than this particular request for prayer 

*3) Why disciples asked for prayer and not any other request?*

The disciples might have seen many miracles, preaching of Jesus and many other things 

Depending on these things the disciples should have asked the following 

Lord teach us to work miracles

Lord teach us to talk like you 

Lord teach us become popular figure 

Lord, teach us become great among men 

None of the above things were asked by the disciples, but they asked Him to reach them to pray 

*4) Why they asked Him to reach them to pray?*

First of all the disciples had seen Jesus as praying Jesus at all times 

Secondly they knew, that all power of Jesus was coming from prayer. It was prayer which was working miracles,it was prayer which was helping him to talk and doing all His work 

So disciples asked him to teach them to pray 

*5) Life witness is great witness*

Jesus' Life was more of a open book to the disciples than anything else 

So disciples were inspired by Jesus' life and all that Jesus was doing 

Life is a open book which can be read by many 

People either read good things or bad things from our life 

*6) My Life is a open book*

If so what do people read from my life? 

Is any one inspired by my life?

What is the speacility of my life? 

Has any one even wondered about my life? 

Is my life a witness to others? What type of witness??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Like Mary, we are called upon to choose better part in life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Luke 10:38-42*

*First Reading : Gal 6:14-18*

*Like Mary, we are called upon to choose better part in life*

*1) Mary's Choice*

The Gospel of the day gives us the story of Mary and Martha. 

As we see in the Gospel, Jesus tells us that Mary has chosen the better part 

In this context, we are called upon to choose the better part in life 

*2) What is the better part in life*

In the Gospel it appears that sitting at the foot of Jesus and listening to Jesus is considered to be the better part in life 

From this image we can conclude the following things could be considered as the better things in life to choose

Sitting at the foot of Jesus means 

Being with Jesus

Listening to the scriptures

Spending time in prayer 

Working for the Kingdom of God 

Practing the message of Jesus, that is, the message of forgiveness, love, service, sharing etc 

*3) What is the better part to choose in my Life?*

Trying ones best to bring up a exemplary Christian family 

Trying to become to become a good neighbor 

Helping when some one is in need 

Trying ones best to live a sincere and holy life 

Trying ones best to become generous towards others 

Taking initiatives to motivate others 

Inspiring others thorough ones life witness 

There are numerous better things  to choose in life 

*4) What is my Choice?*

Mary Chose the better part in her life 

St Francis of Assisi chose better part in life which helped him to become great saint 

Mather Theresa chose better things by serving the poor and marginalised 

All these became great saints because to chose the better things in life 

So what is my Choice?

*5) Choice is Crucial in life*

Choice is very crucial in life. Because a particular choice either it can build life or it can destroy life 

Choices in life are crucial because one can't reverse the choice, when one chooses something in life 

One can't escape from making choices everyday in life

If so what is my choice for better things in life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Who are the Robbers in my Life?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week : Monday*

*Gospel :Lk 10:25-37*

*First Reading : Gal 1:6-12*

*Who are the Robbers in my Life?*

*1) The Traveller*

We see in today's Gospel a traveller who was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. 

On the way he was fell into the hands of Robbers who beat him, stripped him and left him half dead 

Like that traveller all of us are travellers journey towards our destiny. So we are travellers in this world.

*2) Robbers on the Way*

The traveller from Jerusalem to Jericho, was encountered by, many robbers 

These robbers entered in an unexpected way and they robbed the traveller

We too are encountered by many robbers on our journey to Heaven. 

So we need to be careful in our journey

*3) Who are the Robbers?*

In the life of the traveller, the robbers came in the form of people and they robbed the traveller. 

What about in our life? Who are the robbers in our journey to heaven? 

The following could be considered as the robbers in our life

Jealousy

Pride

Revenge

Gossip

Arrogance

Unfaithfulness

Anger 

Lust

Bodily pleasures 

Attitude of Cheating

Untruth 

Duplicity

Hypocrisy

So these are the enemies of our life, who enter into our life and practically destroy our life 

*4) We need to take the right way*

The traveller took the wrong way to travel. That's why he was attacked by the robbers 

Had he taken the right way, nothing would have happened. He would have been safe 

In our journey too we need to take the right way to be safe in our journey

Which is the right way? 

The way of Jesus 

The way of the Cross 

The way of the Gospel

The way of humility

The way of forgiveness

The way of sincerity

The way of sacrifice

The way of love 

The way of service

The way of simplicity

These ways are safe which lead to our destiny

*5) How is my Way?*

How is the journey of my life? 

Is it safe or is it dangerous? 

Is it leading to the destiny or taking away from destiny? 

Is my way filled with Robbers??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*