The House which is built on the Sand

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 1st Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 7:21, 24-27*

*First Reading : Is 26:1-6*

*The House which is built on the Sand*

*1) Two houses*

It appears that one house is built on the rock, is good and strong and the house which is built on the sand is weak

In fact both these owners build the houses to remain for long time 

It is not proper to think that the house which is built on sand is for destruction

So what is the reality of the house built on the sand 

*2) House built on the sand in the present day context*

*A) It is a house built by a hired person*

The house on the rock was built by the onwer. The house built on the sand represent the hired person who built this house

It also shows the lack of interest in taking the responsibility

*B) Use of Substandard material*

First house on rock was built on the genuine material.

House on the sand was built on low standard material, which causes the collapse

*C) The curing process*

One of the important aspects in building the is the curing process

The house on the rock received had a best curing process 

The house on the sand had hardly received any type of curing. So it became weak and got collapsed

*D) Seen and unseen things*

Building is seen and foundation is unseen 

The owner of the House on the rock took care of both seen and unseen things 

The hired person who built house on sand beautified the seen part of the house. But neglected the unseen part, that is the foundation. This was the major set back to the house which was built on the sand 

*E) Collapsed house - we get only damaged things*

House on the rock good and safe. Some of the things can be reused 

House built in the sand once it is collapsed, nothing can be used. Everything is loss here 

*3) My life and the building of the House*

Where I have built my house? On the rock or sand? 

Who is building my house of life? Is it a hired person or myself? 

What is the quality of the material which I use to build my house. Worldly things or spiritual things? 

What about curing process in the house of my life? 

How do I manage the seen and unseen aspects of my life? 

Am I building, finally, my life on good and genuine material or substandard material??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Andrew means Manly or Courageous

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 1st Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 4:18-22*

*First Reading : Rom 10:9-18*

*Feast of St Andrew the Apostle*

*Andrew means Manly or Courageous*

*1) 2nd in the List of Apostle*

Andrew's name comes in the second place in the list of the Apostles. 

This also shows the importance of St Andrew, the commitment, and also the beginnings of the team of Jesus 

After Peter, being his brother, Andrew also enjoyed a considerable influence among the apostles 

*2) Andrew means courageous*

According to the meaning of his name, Andrew's courage can be seen in the following areas 

*As a fishermen* Andrew is a courageous man. Because fishing is a risky trade. At any moment anything can happen. 

In this context, it is very visible that only those who have tremendous courage can go for fishing. Cowards can never become the fishermen

*Andrew's decision*

When Jesus said to Andrew, follow me, he left everything and followed Jesus 

To leave everything and to follow Jesus, immediately, needs a tremendous courage. Andrew exhibited that courage 

*Andrew and feeding of the 5000*

When there was a issue of feeding the 5000, other apostles were confused. But Andrew was confident that Jesus would do something. 

So he directs a little boy towards Jesus with five loaves and two fish to do something

In such a moment Andrew did not lose courage but, he was fully confident

*Martyrdom of Andrew*

Andrew was martyred during the reign of King Nero

He was tied to a *X* shaped cross. He was not crucified but tied to the Cross. 

It was precisely to prolong the sufferings and to torture him 

Even before his death he preached the Gospel. 

So all these shows the tremendous courage of St Andrew

*3) Andrew in my Life*

There is a little Andrew who is hidden in my life 

Like fishermen Andrew all of us are called by the Lord to follow and to proclaim the Gospel. 

We are called upon to exhibit a great amount of Courage in preaching the Gospel, living the Gospel  and bearing witness to the Gospel. 

So how does these aspects of St Andrew work 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*

Advent is a time to see new sprouting in our own Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 1st Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:21-24*

*First Reading : Is 11:1-10*

*Advent is a time to see new sprouting in our own Lif*

*1) Sprouting in Today's First Reading*

The first reading of today speaking about sprouting

Sprouting is something which brings about new life, new beginning, new way of life, new thinking and new direction.  

The reference to the sprouting in today's first reading speaks about the arrival of the Messiah and the fulfillment of the the prophecy

So this sprouting has deep relevance to our life 

*2) Advent is a time for Sprouting*

As we know that sprouting beings about a new beginning, new life, new way of being and new way of looking at the kingdom of God, we need to allow the process of sprouting in our life 

Sprouting in our life allows many good things to happen and to make our life, a joyful and meaningful one 

*3) Advent demands to allow the sprouting of the following things in our life*

The Sprouting of love 

The sprouting of faith 

The sprouting of hope 

The sprouting of forgiveness

The sprouting of humility

The sprouting of happiness

The sprouting of courage

The sprouting of integrity

The sprouting of sincerity

The sprouting of sincere efforts

The sprouting of faithfulness

The sprouting of discipline

The sprouting of sharing

The sprouting of sacrifice

The sprouting of compassionate heart

The sprouting of hardwork

The sprouting of respect 

The sprouting of generosity

The sprouting of right thinking 

The sprouting of adjustment

*4) Sprouting - Non stop Growth*

When something starts sprouting, it grows and growth becomes a continuous process 

Once the process of sprouting starts, it can't stop. It goes on and on 

There is no fullstop for growth. So this is the greatness as well as the mystery of sprouting

*5) Change and growth is the aim of Sprouting*

In any process, which starts with sprouting, the final aim is change and growth 

Change and growth are the two integral part of the mystery of sprouting. 

*6) My life and the reality of Sprouting*

What things am I thinking for this advent to sprout in my life? 

What are the things have I already put for sprouting? 

 Am I giving a special importance to the process of sprouting in my life, during thing season of Advent 

Since Advent is a new beginning, it demands something new to sprout to 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*

Have My Servants at Home paralysed?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 1st Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:5-11*

*First Reading : Is 4:2-6*

*Have My Servants at Home paralysed?*

*1) Centurion's Servant at Home*

The Paralysed Servant is at Home. 

This concept helps us to understand the relationship between the centurion and the Servant at Home 

Home is a place where family lives together. In other words the centurion has considered the servant as family member. 

So he is very close to the centurion. That is one of the reasons why he approached Jesus to heal Him 

*2) The Status of servant*

Servant is the one who is at the service of the Master 

He/she is ever ready to do the will of the Master 

It is also true that servant is under the control of the Master. 

So servant has to listen to the Master

*3) If we are centurions, then who is the servant?*

We need to take the place of the centurions. Especially as we live our life individually, the servants also are in our own life 

If so, the servants who are serving in the house could be our own various faculties

Eyes could be our servants 

Ears could be our servants 

Mouth could be our servant

Hands and  legs, could be our servants

Our mind, thoughts, heart, feelings, and emotions could be our own servants 

*4) Have our servants paralysed?*

The paralysis makes something unable to function

So have my eyes, eras, mouth, hands, legs, thoughts, mind, heart, feelings, emotions paralysed? 

The paralysis of these things are more dangerous than anything else in life 

*5) We are Servants of Jesus the Master*

As servants of Jesus how do we function. 

As a follower of Jesus am I paralysed? 

When I fail to forgive, love, share, sacrifice, serve, and to  help those who are in need I become a paralysed follower of Jesus 

When I fail to humble myself, reconcile with other, and to practice the values of Jesus, I become a paralysed follower of Jesus 

*6) I will come and Cure*

Jesus is the cure for our paralysis 

The paralysis of our own bodily senses and the paralysis of various kingdom values 

The question is, am I ready to accept Jesus into my life? 

*7) Advent Season and Jesus' Coming*

Advent season is especially maked for Jesus Coming in our life

In today's Gospel Jesus says *I will come*

So what is my preparedness to accept Jesus 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*

Advent Season begins with a warning to become alert in our Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent  Season : 1st Week : New Liturgical Year A : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 24:37-44*

*First Reading : Is 2:1-5*

*SECOND READING - Rom 13:11-14*

*Advent Season begins with a warning to become alert in our Life*

*1) Preparedness, alertness and being Watchful*

These are the powerful words which we find in today's Liturgy

Those who follow these words in life, they will remain safe. Those who ignore these words will end up in misery 

*2) Various Ways to become alert and watchful*

*A) Going to the house of the Lord*

In the first reading of today there is a invitation to all of us to go to God's house 

Those who are in God's house they will remain alret and watchful

*B) Instructions from the Lord*

One is supposed to Listen to the Lord. There are God's instructions which help us to know God's will 

One who listens to God, he becomes alert and watchful about his own life 

In the God's temple we need to pray, reflect about God's word, and experience God, which will make us alert 

*C) Awake from the Sleep*

We are in a special time during the time of Advent. So we need to wake from our slumber to become alert 

*D) Throw off the works of Darkness*

With the advent new light arrives 

So we are called upon to live in light. One who lives in light, becomes alert and watchful 

With the light one can see everything. 

drunkenness, promiscuity, lust, rivalry and jealousy are the works of darkness 

*E) Procrastination*

We need to be very careful about it. Never to procrastinate 

One who procrastinates, walks in darkness and invites trouble

So we are called upon to put on the armor of light; and to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, to fight against the darkness immediately now itself 

*3) Carelessness in becoming Alert*

The Gospel gives many examples about those who are not at all watchful and careful 

The people during the time of Noah, were busy in wordly things. So they forgot to remain alert and watchful. So they were all destroyed by the flood 

*4) Unexpected Hour*

*Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between*

The above attitude will make us victors in everything 

This is the best quote for Advent 

*5) My Life*

How about my alertness?

Am I watchful? If yes, watchful about what? Spiritual things or wordly things? 

How can I prepare myself in the advent season to receive Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The danger of heart becoming drowsy

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:34-36*

*First Reading : Rv 22:1-7*

*The danger of heart becoming drowsy*

*1) The reality of drowsiness*

Drowsiness a feeling of being sleepy and lethargic; sleepiness.

When someone is in the mode of drowsiness, he/she is not able to function well

It is in the state of drowsiness, most of the road accidents take place 

So when a person is drowsy at the wrong time  terrible things happen in life. At times a person may lose his/her life 

*2) The drowsiness of the Heart*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the drowsiness of the heart 

When heart becomes drowsy, its functioning gets affected

If heart get affected means, there is a danger for life. We know how important the heart is in our life 

*3) What Happens when hearts becomes drowsy*

Apart from the biological functioning, heart also has other functions as well. All these gets affected with the drowsiness of the heart 

Heart is the symbol of Love. So love in life becomes very drowsy

Heart is the center of feelings and emotions. When feelings and emotions become drowsy, we cease of exist as human beings 

Heart is the place of purification. When heart gets drowsy, we become more impure and dirty

The drowsiness of the heart, makes a person to become cruel, inhuman, proud, arrogant and dictator

*4) What makes the heart drowsy?*

The Gospel gives us the few examples which make our hearts drowsy

*Drunkenness* : one of the main causes of the drowsiness of the heart 

*Anxiety* Too much of anxiety of daily life is the sign of lack of faith and confidence in God, which leads to the drowsiness of the heart 

*Carousing* It is the activity of drinking alcohol and enjoying oneself with others in a noisy, lively way

We need to be careful about these wordly things 

*5) How is my Heart?*

Is it drowsy because of lots of activities and busy schedule? 

Is it drowsy because of the wordly things?

Is it drowsy because of laziness? 

*Or is the very active?*

Is it vigilant at all time?

Is it active to pray? 

Is it capable of escaping the tribulations? 

Have I made my heart drowsy or active??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Fig Tree with New buds

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:29-33*

*First Reading : Rv 20:1-4, 11—21:2*

*Fig Tree with New buds*

*1) The Parable of the Fig Tree*

All these days we were hearing about the terrible things, natural calamities, persecutions, executions and other strange signs in heaven and on earth

Today's Gospel speaks about a different language, in the sense that budding of the fig tree and change of season 

So there is something new which we see in today's Gospel, which has a deeper meaning to our life 

*2) Frightening things are not the end of our life*

By showing a new beginning through the parable of the Fig tree, Jesus is showing us that frightening things are not the end of life or they are not end in themselves

There are other things which will follow after these frightening things 

So one must see beyond these terrible things 

*3) Symbolic meaning of the new buds*

New buds are always the symbol of new beginning and new life 

When a tree produces a new bud, it is the symbol of life which exist in the tree 

It is the symbol of growth and sign of development

It is the sign of moving towards the goal 

It is the symbol that, if one remains firm nothing can destroy us but we can grow and begin a new life 

It is a sign of happiness and joyfulness 

Who does not like the buds? All are attracted towards buds and its beauty 

*4) Buds appear only after the various challenges*

Jesus is very careful in narrating the parable of the fig tree

When all the frightening things take place, only after that the buds appear and not before that 

So to appear new buds all old things must go off. Only then the new buds appear 

*5) Beauty in the New buds*

First of all new buds are in themselves good and attractive

They beautify the whole tree and gives a new and attractive look 

New buds always increase the beauty of the tree and life 

*6) New buds in our Life*

Now the whole parable of the fig tree is very much applicable to our life 

Like new buds in fig tree,  new buds in our life, increase our beauty of life and mission 

We should try to see buds in the various areas of our life 

New buds in prayer life 

New buds in sacrifice

New buds in love 

New buds in sharing 

New buds in forgiveness

New buds in humility

New buds in faithfulness

New buds in sincerity

New buds in our mission

New buds in simplicity

New buds in truthfulness

New buds in our moral life 

New buds in right thinking 

Am I ready for new budds 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*

Christians are called to raise their heads

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:20-28*

*First Reading : Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a*

*Christians are called to raise their heads*

*1) The context in which one is asked to raise his/her head*

In the Gospel of the day, we see a lot of things, which causes a lot of anxiety in us 

Jerusalem will be surrounded by the enemies and it will be destroyed

Pregnant women and Young mothers will have terrible time 

There will be terrible judgements on people 

People will be killed by sword 

People will be taken as captives and they will be persecuted

There will be frightening signs on the sky and also on Earth 

In this context one is asked to stand erect and  raise ones head 

*2) Who can raise head?*

One who is courageous can raise ones head 

To face all the challenges which are mentioned above, one really needs tremendous amount of courage and strength 

One who is upright or righteous person, is able to raise ones head

Raising ones head is a symbol of purity, dignity and authenticity

*3) Who can't raise his/her head?*

A person who is not upright can't raise his/her head 

A person who follows the wrong path can't raise his/her head 

One who wants to see evil things can't raise his/her head 

*4) Looking down is opposite to raising ones head*

Looking down is a symbol of something wrong 

A person who does what is not right, automatically looks down 

Looking down is a lack of confidence, lack of clarity, and absence of authenticity

Looking down shows that one is not sincere to oneself and also to others 

*5) Standing erect and raising ones head - benefits*

One can see clearly the realities. One can comprehend the things in a better way 

One is in a better position to evaluate the situation

One is able to take leadership in an adverse situation

One shows that one is bold and able to face any situations 

By raising ones head one can inspire others 

*6) Am I able to stand erect and raise my head?*

What about my life? 

Which are the things, motivate me to stand erect and raise my head? 

Which are the things those make me to look down and lose my courage? 

What can I do more to stand erect and raise my head high??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Not a hair on your head will be destroyed - What is the Significance?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:12-19*

*First Reading : Rv 15:1-4*

*Not a hair on your head will be destroyed - What is the Significance?*

*1) Hairs on your head are Numbered*

Matthew's Gospel tells us that, *even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.*

Is it possible to count the hairs? 

Humanly speaking it is impossible to count the hair. So far no one has succeeded in counting the hair 

But if God can count even the hairs of our head means, nothing is impossible to God 

For God everything possible

*2) God knows everything about our Life*

Since God knows exactly the number of hairs on our head, it shows that God knows everything about our life 

There is nothing hidden from God, and no one can try to hide something from God 

*3) Not even a hair is destroyed*

This is the Height of God's protection to all of us 

If one loses one or two hairs it does not make any difference for us. But for God, it is quite different. 

Every hair is very important. God has created every hair with a great purpose 

So by taking care of every single hair, God is inviting us to reflect about His protection to the entire mankind 

*4) Hair is a very small thing*

When we compare many other things in the body, hair is not a very vital organ of the body 

Without hair people can live. It is not absolutely necessary for survival

To such hair God is giving the highest importance in protecting each hair 

It shows How much God is paying attention to even very small things in our life

*5) Hair makes our appearance beautiful*

With hair our appearance changes and we look beautiful

Hair has a special beauty and it adds special attraction to our personality

*6) Context of this sentence*

Before these words, the Gospel tells us about the severe persecutions, which one has to face for the sake of Jesus

Jesus says, *All will hate because of my name*

But nothing will happen to us. Not only that, not even hair will be affected by these persecutions. 

Once again the Level of God's protection I'd highlighted here 

By numbering our hairs on our head, God knows everything about life. Nothing is hidden from God. So 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*

Take care that You are not deceived

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:5-11*

*First Reading : Rv 14:14-19*

*Take care that You are not deceived*

*1) Jesus' Warning about getting deceived*

In today's Gospel Jesus says *See that you not be deceived*

Getting deceived in our life is one of the biggest problems, which at times costs us a lot 

So this warning from Jesus we need to take it very seriously and need to analyse it deeply 

*2) What are the things which deceive us*

*A) External beauty and Glory*

The Gospel gives us the example of the temple

People were fascinated with the with costly stones and votive offerings, through which the temple was adorned

So something beautiful externally deceives us. So we need to be careful

*B) False gods*

Jesus also warns about the false gods. 

Jesus says *many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!*

People are easily deceived through the false gods and very often run after these false gods 

The various false gods who control our life would be following

Power, position, authority, pleasure, pride, arrogance, wealth, money, name, fame, etc 

*C) Challenges and Natural calamities*

There are many challenges in terms of problems and crisis. At times they deceive us and take away from the happiness and joy 

The natural calamities, the personal challenges, difficulties deceive us and at times people lose their faith 

So these are the major things which ultimately deceive us 

*3) Am I deceived by Something in life?*

Am I received by my own external beauty?

Am I deceived by my own  knowledge and expertise?/

Am I deceived by my own attractions to the worldly things?

Am I deceived by the desire to name, fame and other external things of the world? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Will Jesus stretch out His hand towards me to say something about me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 12:46-50*

*First Reading : Zec 2:14-17*

*Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Will Jesus stretch out His hand towards me to say something about me?*

*1) Jesus stretches out His hand towards His disciples*

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus has this beautiful gesture of stretching out His hand towards His disciples

We have many occasions where Jesus stretches out his hand for different purposes. For example

To heal the blind man

To cure the sicknesses of the people 

To bless the children

To help some one in need 

To save Peter from drowning in the water 

But Today we have a special instance, where Jesus stretches out His hand to say something about His disciples

Jesus says that they are His Mother, brothers and Sisters

*2) A feeling of the Family*

The disciples are not blood relate to Jesus to become the family members 

Without being blood relatives, they became the Family members 

In fact, Family is created not with the blood relatives but out side the Blood relatives (Husband and Wife) 

So this gives us an opportunity to become the family members of Jesus 

*3) Criteria to become the Family members of Jesus*

One must be with Jesus 

One must follow the teachings of Jesus 

One must follow the word of God

One must ready to love unconditionally

One must be able to forgive, sacrifice,  share, serve, and must be able to Humble oneself for the sake of the kingdom of God

*4) What will Jesus say about me?*

Today if Jesus stretches out His hand towards me, what will He say about me? 

Will He say that I am His brother, Sister, Mother? 

Will he say to me that I am a good Samaritan? 

Will He say that I am the Lost sheep now found by Him? 

Will He say that, I am the one who has been chosen by Him to continue His mission? 

Will He say that I am the faithful servant? 

Will He say that I am the servant who used the talent to multiply it? 

Will He say that, *For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.*

Now enjoy the kingdom of God

So what He will say about me?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

A Real King is the One who saves and protects others

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Sunday*

*Our Lord Jesus Christ - King of the Universe*

*Gospel : Lk 23:35–43*

*First Reading : 2 Sm 5:1–3*

*SECOND READING - Col 1:12–20*

*A Real King is the One who saves and protects others*

*1) He Saved others*

These words are found in today's Gospel

In fact these words come from the enemies of Jesus 

These words show the real mission of Jesus and the spirit of His Kingship

Jesus knew that the primary duty of a King is to save others at the cost of ones own life 

*2) Save Yourself*

Twice these words come to Jesus from His adversaries

These words come as a challenge to prove His divinity and power 

But Jesus never used His power for His own sake. He used His power always to save others and protect them 

*3) Various ways through which Jesus saved others*

By forgiving their crimes 

By sacrifyimg His own life 

By Loving others - enemies 

By curing the sickness of the people 

By giving the right knowledge and direction

By serving others 

By showing unconditional love to others 

By praying for others 

By feeding them 

So there are multiple ways, through which Jesus has saved the entire mankind 

*4) The Kingship of Jesus*

It consists in forgiveness, humility, love, service, sacrifice, curing, comforting the others, and finally dying on the Cross for others 

So there is no other King than Jesus who practiced these values with its genuine meaning 

*5) Kingship in my Life*

We are called upon to practice the kingship Jesus by practicing the values of Jesus 

These values make us genuine followers of Jesus and to build the Kingdom of God here on earth 

Where is my King? 

What makes, - something and someone -  in My life to accept Jesus as my King

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Resurrection has only one relationship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 20:27-40*

*First Reading : Rv 11:4-12*

*Resurrection has only one relationship*

*1) Various types of relationships*

As we are living in this world, we have many types of relationship. Some of the examples are as follows 

Parents-Childern relationship

Husband -wife relationship

Master servant relationship

Friendship relationship

Family relationship

Work - colleague relationship

Blood relationship

Religion based relationship

Language based relationship

Culture based relationship

State based relationship

Worship based relationship

*2) Relationship in resurrected life*

The Gospel gives us some glimpses of this relationship

No marital relationship

No death in that life 

They are like angels 

They are the children of God 

From this we can conclude that there is only one type of relationship in heaven 

God the Father and we are His beloved children like little angels 

This is how we exist in the new Jerusalem

*3) What do we do that?*

We will be in the presence of God 

We will be praising unceasingly, at all times 

There is no sadness, tiredness, no pain and no loss 

Its a special feeling where we will exist for eternity 

Since all of us related to God, primarily we become the children of God and there is no other relationship

*4) Will I be worthy for this relationship?*

This is a very important question to reflect upon 

It is true that there is a resurrection and a new relationship with God

But  am I worthy for that relationship? 

How can I make myself worthy for such a relationship with God? 

What are the things which I should pay attention in this line?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Not to lose the focus in the journey of Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Friday*

*Dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter & Paul*

*Gospel : Mt14:22-33*

*First Reading : Acts 28:11-16, 30-31*

*Not to lose the focus in the journey of Life*

*1) Peter begins His journey by looking at Jesus*

Peter who was on the boat, when he learnt that it was Jesus, who was walking on the water, asked Jesus to help him to walk on the water 

Jesus said  *Come*. When he heard those words, Jesus without thinking anything, started to walk on the water

In fact he was able to walk on the water towards Jesus. His focus was on Jesus 

*2) Peter Loses the focus*

After he began the journey looking at Jesus, he loses the focus after some time   

The reason for losing the focus was, the strong wind and waves 

So when he changed his focus from Jesus to the strong waves, he was frightened and began to sink 

The change of the focus led to all the problems

*3) Various things which disturb our focus on Jesus*

We begin our faith journey, by keeping our focus on Jesus 

As we proceed, at times we miss our focus and we make mess of our life 

Various things which disturb our focus are following

Our attachment to the wordly things 

Greed for things and worldly things 

Too much attachment to wealth, money, power, position, authority and bodily pleasures

Arrogance, hatred, revengeful attitude, gossip, pride, selfishness, and ghetto mentality

These are the few things which disturb our focus on Jesus 

*4) Where is my Focus?*

As a follower of Christ where is my focus? 

Is it on Jesus and His teachings? 

Is it on the Kingdom values like service, sacrifice, forgiveness, faithfulness, sharing, and humility? 

Or is it on the worldly things?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus' Weeping for Jerusalem

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:41-44*

*First Reading : Rv 5:1-10*

*Jesus' Weeping for Jerusalem*

*1) Jesus and Jerusalem*

In the Gospel of the Day, Jesus looks at Jerusalem and weeps for it

He weeps for Jerusalem, because the end and destruction of it is very near 

Jerusalem was a place of God's presence. But now Jesus experiences that, the presence of God is not very powerful, because Jews  had turned the Jerusalem temple as the business centre 

So Jesus feels sorry for Jerusalem and weeps for the same 

*2) Major reasons for Jesus' Weeping*

It failed to recognise the divinity of Jesus

It failed to accept, Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah

It failed to realise and to know the ways, which leads to peace and prosperity

It failed to retain the sanctity of the place and its dignity 

It failed to maintain the equality among the people 

Moreover, business was centred in the name of God and religion in the temple

All these things finally would lead to the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. So Jesus wept

*3) Our life is like a Jerusalem*

We are living Jerusalem of our time 

Since our life is the temple of the Holy Spirit, it is important realise that we are living Jerusalem of our time 

How is the condition of this Jerusalem? 

Have I maintained its dignity and sanctity? 

*4) Jesus' visit to the Living Jerusalem*

Jesus who was travelling towards Jerusalem, is walking towards this living Jerusalem

What would be the reaction of Jesus, after visiting to my living Jerusalem? 

*5) Will Jesus weep or feel happy about the living Jerusalem?*

The same Jesus who travelled to Jerusalem, is coming to my life

So, will He weep by seeing the condition of my living Jerusalem? 

Or will He feel happy, because there is acceptance, there is warm welcome and there is hospitality?

What is the condition of my Jerusalem??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Servant with one Gold coin

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:11-28*

*First Reading : Rv 4:1-11*

*The Servant with one Gold coin*

*1) Why He was condemned?*

Among three servants, the 3rd servant was condemned by the king 

Why he was condemned? Did he waste the gold coin of the master? After all he safely returned the coin to the master 

*2) Safety of the Gold coin*

The third servant was more concerned about the safety of the coin 

That's why, he kept it safe. He kept it in handkerchief and kept in a safe place 

In fact the coin was safe and when the Master returned, he gave back the coin safely to the Master 

Still he was condemned. Why??

*3) The purpose of giving coin*

The Master gave the coin to use it and not to keep it 

Coin was not meant to keep it in safety, but to put into business and to make more profit

By not using the coin, the third servant, defeated the very purpose of giving the coin. That's why he was condemned

*4) What if only one coin had lost?*

The third servant had only one coin. Others had more 

If the only one coin loses after getting into business, what would have been the reaction of the King

The King would lose everything. But now at least he has one coin

But that is not the point here. After putting into business or working if the coin loses, not a issue 

Profit and loss are the part and parcel of business. But keeping it idle is not the purpose of gold coin 

So he was condemned

*5) No risk, no gain*

The third servant would have taken the risk of using the gold coin

But he didn't not. Since he didn't take risk, no gain. Opportunity is lost forever

We are called upon to take risk and not to sit idle 

*6) No safety zone in Christian spirituality*

We have given many talents and gifts by the Lord 

They are supposed to be put into practice, for the greater glory of God 

We are supposed to take risk in using the talents 

Gain or loss is not the issue. 

After using the talents in a genuine way, still if you lose miserably, it is not a issue 

Working with sincerity with the talents, taking risk is more important than profit or loss 

So the third servant lost his credibility in everything. That is why he was condemned

*7) What about my Life?*

What about the talents, which have been given to me by God? 

Am I using them or kept idle in safe place?? 

God does not want the talent in a safe mode. But He wants in used mode

Am I ready??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The message from Zacchaeus' short Stature

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:1-10*

*First Reading : Rv 3:1-6, 14-22*

*The message from Zacchaeus' short Stature*

*1) Short Stature is the sign of lack of growth*

First of all the shortness of Zacchaeus' stature can be taken as the lack of biological growth 

Secondly the shortness in stature also speaks about other areas where Zacchaeus had lack of growth. The areas could be the Following

*Sincerity* Zacchaeus had some issues with regard to sincerity. He was not fully grown in the area of sincerity

*Accountability* Lack of growth was also seen in this area. He was not accountable in collecting money and remitting the same 

*Spirituality* Lack of growth in the area of spirituality was also visible. Prayer, Word of God, Fear of the Lord was not fully developed in the life of Zacchaeus

*Mind and Thoughts* His thoughts were only to make money in any ways possible. He was thinking about only himself and his business. Lack of broad thoughts and right ways were already visible in him 

All these things were very powerful before He encountered Jesus. 

*2) What about my stature?*

The life of Zacchaeus calls us to reflect about our own life and attitude

There are many areas in our life to check the stature. These are the following. 

Am I tall or Short in the following areas? 

Forgiveness

Generosity

Sincerity

Sacrifice

Humility

Service

Sharing

Loving 

Praying 

Adjustments

Reconciliation

Trust and faith 

Courage and confidence

How tall am I in the above areas?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The need and importance of Having Sight

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:35-43*

*First Reading : Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5*

*The need and importance of Having Sight*

*1) Blind man at Road Side*

Since He had lost his sight, he was sitting at the road sight and was begging for his livelihood

Since he had lost his eyesight he could not move and was unable to do some work 

He desperately wanted to regain his sight. In this context he might have heard about Jesus and His power 

So, when he learnt that Jesus was passing through that way, he used this opportunity to beg from Jesus the eyesight 

He did so and Jesus was ready to work for a miracle. 

So Jesus says *“Have sight; your faith has saved you.”*

*2) Response of the Blind man after getting the sight*

First of all, after receiving the sight, He followed Jesus. One should have sight, inorder to follow Jesus 

Secondly, He gave glory to God. To give glory to God, one should have a inner sight 

Thirdly, the regaining of the sight and his great-fullness God, helped many people to give praise to God 

So our inner sight helps at times other people to gave praise to God.

*3) How is my Sight?*

The Blind man had no sight. But he has inner sight 

We have physical sight. But how sharp is my inner sight? 

Is my inner sight helping me to follow Jesus and to give praise to Him??

Have I become blind in following Jesus and giving praise to Him? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Days will come, when everything will be destroyed

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:5-19*

*First Reading : Mal 3:19-20a*

*SECOND READING - 2 Thes 3:7-12*

*Days will come, when everything will be destroyed*

*1) Every stone will be thrown down*

The Gospel gives the idea that temple is built with so many precious things 

*Some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings*

Jesus says, days will come when all these things will be destroyed

*2) Our life is also a temple*

St Paul says that *our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit* 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

If our life and Body is temple, then it is built on something. 

If this temple is built on wordly things, days will come when everything will be destroyed. 

So we need to think on what my life is built?

*3) Life built on worldly things*

There are many people who build their life/body on worldly things. The following are some of the examples 

Some build their Life/body on Beauty 

Some build their Life/body on power 

Some build their Life/body on wealth, money and property

Some build their Life/body on external glory and pomp 

Some build their Life/body on illigal and immoral things 

Some build their Life/body on greed for things 

Some build their Life/body on anger, revenge, gossip, pride and hatred 

Jesus says, days will come where all these things will be destroyed, and nothing will remain 

*4) Life built on Gospel values*

There are many who build their life on Gospel values

Some build their Life/body on humility, forgiveness and sacrifice

Some build their Life/body on service, sharing, love, and understanding

Some build their Life/body on prayer, hope, charity and faith 

These above things can't be destroyed by any power on earth, because they are eternal things 

So the question is whether my life is built on eternal things or destroyable things? 

*5) Terrible things to Happen*

The Gospel also tells us that there will be terrible things in life  

Example :  earthquakes, famines, plagues, wars and persecutions 

Anger, pride, revenge, hatred, greed, immoral,  and iligal things create earthquakes, wars, famine, plagues and persecutions in our own life 

These are the signs of destruction and end of our life on earth 

So earth will not end, but my life will have an end 

So will my life destroyed or saved for eternity?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Father, they are your gift to me.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 17:20-26*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1-7, 11-13*

*Father, they are your gift to me.*

*1) Jesus on the great Gift*

In today's Gospel, Jesus is speaking about His disciples

He is praying for their unity and for their safety, so that they may be able to continue His mission 

In this context, Jesus tells, that the disciples are the great gift to Him by the Father 

These are the Disciples, who were given to Him by Father and Jesus considers them as great gift from God

*2) Who are God's great gift to me?*

For Jesus, disciples were great gift by Father 

Who are God's great gift to me? 

My parents are God's great gift to me 

My siblings are God's great gift to me 

My family is a God's great gift to me 

My friends are God's great gift to me 

My Children are God's great gift to me 

People around me are  God's great gift to me 

*3) God's Great gifts within my Life*

My Body is a God's great gift to me 

My Eyes are a God's great gift to me 

My ears are God's great gift to me 

My Intelligence is a God's great gift to me 

My talents are God's great gift to me 

My Skills are  God's great gift to me 

Time is a God's great gift to me 

Peace of Mind is a God's great gift to me 

My health is a God's great gift to me 

My Work is a God's great gift to me 

My knowledge is a God's great gift to me 

*4) Purpose of these God's gifts*

Jesus used the God's gift to build the Kingdom of God

We need to use these above God given gifts, to build God's kingdom and to live a holy life 

We need to bear witness to Christ's teaching through these gifts

God given gifts need to use for God's greater Glory 

*5) Am grearful to Gift giver?*

It is God who gives every form gift to us 

What is my reaction?

Am I thankful God who is the author of my life and also the Giver of all the gifts and talents?

How do I use these gifts??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Too much involvement in worldly things and the destruction

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:26-37*

*First Reading : 2 Jn 4-9*

*Too much involvement in worldly things and the destruction*

*1) Involvement in the Worldly things*

The Gospel of the day, highlights the involvement in worldly things and the effect of it 

Worldly things, makes a person to forget the important things of once own life 

When people forget everything, especially the important things, because of the Worldly things, life runs into the risk of destruction

*2) The List of Worldly things*

The Gospel highlights the following things 

Too much of eating 

Too much of drinking 

All the time giving in marriage and receiving in Marriage

buying, selling, planting, building. These things involve lot of money and other benefits

So all these things are highly used to increase the pleasure and minimise the pain 

*3) The End Results*

In both the instances, the end result was the destruction

The flood came and those who were involved in worldly business were destroyed by the same

In other instance also those people who were involved in immoral things were destroyed by the fire 

So in any case, destruction is the end result of involving oneself too much in worldly things 

*4) What is my involvement?*

How far am I able to involve myself in good and holy things? 

Am I too much involved in the worldly things? 

Those who invlove too much in worldly things, are not able to see any other signs of warning and dangerous situations

That is what happened to, the people during Noah's time and also of Sodom and Gomorrah

Involvement in Spiritual things will save us and deliver us from all evil things 

So am I ready to involve myself in good and holy thing?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Have I become blind and deaf to the Kingdom of God?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:20-25*

*First Reading : Phlm 7-20*

*Have I become blind and deaf to the Kingdom of God?*

*1) The Search for the Kingdom of God*

The Gospel of the day, has a special intuition in the search of the Kingdom of God 

When the Pharisees asked about when the *Kingdom of God* would come, indicates the Search for the Kingdom of God

*2) The Kingdom of God is among You*

To the question and to the search for the Kingdom of God, Jesus gives a bold answer saying that *the Kingdom of God is among you*

So there is no question of coming of the Kingdom of God, when it is already found among us. 

If the Kingdom of God is found among us, what would be its nature? Where it is hidden among us? How to know and experience the Kingdom of God in our daily life? 

*3) Various Signs of the Kingdom of God*

When one is able to smile, in Smile there is the Kingdom of God

If one is able to forgive others, the Kingdom of is really present in it 

When one is able to serve, it is the realisation of the Kingdom of God

When one is able to sacrifice ones wealth, belongings, resources, energy and if needed life itself for the betterment of the other, the kingdom of God is really present there 

Where two or three are able to gather and pray for each other, it is nothing but the Kingdom of God

When one is able to understand the other and able to adjust with the other, it is God's kingdom which works there 

When one is able to love another unconditionally, it is the Kingdom of God which is hidden in unconditional Love 

*4) Signs of the Kingdom of God and My Life*

What are the signs of the Kingdom of God, I have in my life

Have I tried to discover these signs from my life, which already hidden in my Life 

The Kingdom of God and the values of the Kingdom of God are already present in my life. My mission is to discover them and to show them to the world through my life

*5) Sensitivity is needed*

To recognise the Kingdom of God in my Life, in and around me, I need to be very sensitive, very active and need to be a good observer 

Our eyes should be active to recognise good in others 

Our ears should be active to hear the good things 

Our mouth should be a instrument to speak good things and great things 

Our mind must reason out good and great things 

Our hands and legs should be the instruments to serve others 

When we are able to do this, we are able to find the kingdom of God in and around us and within us. 

Am I ready to search the Kingdom of God within me??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Jn 2:13-22*

*First Reading : Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12*

*The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica*

*Cleansing of the Temple and overturning the Tables*

*1) Dedication and Cleansing of the Temple*

Today we are celebrating the dedication of Lateran Temple. 

Saint John Lateran is the pope’s church, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome where the Bishop of Rome presides.

In this context we have the Gospel of Cleansing of the Temple 

So dedication of that temple also reminds us about the cleansing of the Temple

*2) The meaning of the Overturning of the Tables*

In the context of cleansing of the temple we have the action of  overturning the tables

These tables were used to keep the money and used for business 

In a way these tables were found in the temples where business was going on and the money was stored in the table 

So, Jesus over turned the tables in the context of cleansing the temple, and showed that these tables, money and business had no place in the temple

*3) The deeper meaning of the tables, Money and Business*

These things tell us the importance given to the wordly things 

In the Holy place, where one is supposed to reflect about the Holy things and spiritual matters, the wordly things took the primary place and the purpose of the temple was defeated 

That's why Jesus over turns the tables and cleanses the temple

*4) Our life is a temple*

St Paul says that *we are the temple of the Holy Spirit*  1 Corinthians 6:19-20

So the temple of our life needs rededication and thorough cleaning 

*5) Overturning the tables of our life*

Since these tables are meant for wordly things and storing the wordly things, we need to overturn these tables while cleaning the temple of our life 

When one overturns the tables, all the things which are in the table, will be thrown out and the  table becomes empty 

So we need to overturn the following tables 

The table of gossip

The table of pride

The table of revenge

The table of hatred 

The table of anger 

The table of arrogance

The table of laziness

The table of bad habits 

Unless we overturn these tables we may not be able to cleanse the temple of our life

*Am I ready to overturn the  wordly tables of our life??*

*6)

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why we are unprofitable Servants

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:7-10*

*First Reading : Ti 2:1-8, 11-14*

*Why we are unprofitable Servants*

*1) Profit is a business term*

Whenever we speak about profit, there should be some kind of business. 

Only with the Business we calculate the profit we get and the risks involved in investment

People invest in only those things in which they are confident to make profit

*2) With God no business or Profit*

Our relationship with God is not a business relationship

We can't deal with God, in terms of business and in the basis of getting the favours for our service 

The principles of business and the aspect of profit can't be applied to our relationship with God 

*3) We can't make God as debtor*

In any circumstances, God does not become a debtor. 

Debtor is a person who owes money or things to another 

By doing good things in our life, we don't make God as debtor. 

So God owes nothing. One can't make God as a debtor, through our  good works

*4) We are doing only the duty*

As Human beings, we are servants of God. 

Like any other servants, when we do something good,  we too are doing only our duty. Nothing more nothing less

We can't expect a reward or favour or a profit for the work that we have done for the sake of building the Kingdom of God 

So finally, we are doing only our duty, as servants, which does not become the part of business and profit 

The duty is outside the profit and business.

So in this context we become unprofitable servants 

*5) Unprofitable servants and selfless servant*

The central meaning of the above expression *Unprofitable Servants* is nothing but, selfless service, with out expecting any reward or profit

So our service should go in line with the unprofitable ways, in order to become selfless service

When you don't expect anything in return, for the services you have put in, one becomes unprofitable servants, provided ones mind, heart and soul is holy 

*6) Am I a unprofitable servant?*

All of us are called to become unprofitable servants 

That is why we can't make as debtor of our life, by doing some service. 

All the works which we do, we need to do it as our duty. 

Duty, does not involve any kind of profit, or recognition. It is done out of love for the other

Do I expect profit for everything that I do? Or do I do as a duty without expecting anything in return?

So am I a profitable servant or unprofitable servant???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Power of "I am Sorry"

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:1-6*

*First Reading : Ti 1:1-9*

*The Power of "I am Sorry*

*1) I am Sorry in today's Gospel*

The above phrase comes into today's Gospel Reading. 

Even in our day life we use this phrase many times or we hear from some ones mouth.

So it is very important to reflect the power of this phrase and to use it, even in our life many times 

*2) The Power of I am Sorry*

First of all, it puts an end to the quarrel, dispute, misunderstanding 

It turns the enmity into friendship

Its brings back the peace of mind which was lost due to various reasons 

It saves lots of our resources, energy and money 

It perfects the relationship 

It helps to forgets all the bad things, hurt feelings and revengeful attitude 

It changes destruction into something good

Many times it helps the person and the others to change their lives and to live a holy life. 

*3) Things required to say I am sorry*

Some people find extreme difficulty to use, the above phrase

Only those people who realise that they are liable to make mistakes can utter these words. 

Some people think that they are always right. To such people, can't say these words 

Above all, a great amount of Humility is needed to express these words 

*4) One can't enter eternal life without these words*

These words are like gate through which one can enter into heaven

Since all the Human beings are liable for making mistakes, these words are very important to our life 

If some one thinks that one can enter into heaven without the help of these words, he/she is seriously mistaken about this view and one may lose the eternal reward because of this wrong attitude 

*5) How far I use this phrase?*

As we know that this phrase is a magical one. It changes our life drastically from one position to another 

If so how far I am able to use this phrase? 

Is it a familiar phrase to me and an alien phrase? 

Do I really mean when I say that *I am sorry* for something? 

Does it change my life in any way? 

Have I inspired anyone through this phrase? 

What are the changes that have taken place in my life, in my family and in my surroundings, by using this phrase? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Life after Death

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 20:27-38 or Lk 20:27, 34-38*

*First Reading : 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14*

*SECOND READING - 2 Thes 2:16-3:5*

*Life after Death*

*1) Resurrection is the Main Theme*

The main theme of today's Liturgy is the *Resurrection* 

The First reading from the Book of Maccabees, highlights the importance of Resurrection. 

7 Brothers die martyrdom, with the Hope of Resurrection

The Gospel reading also mainly focuses on this particular theme. There is resurrection after our death 

*2) Glimpses of Life after death*

Once the readings confirm that, the resurrection is a reality, it goes on explaining how the life after death 

Few things are highlighted

*A) They are like Angels*

This is the first information we have about life after death 

Angles don't have physical body. So there is no pain in our life 

Secondly, Angels are always holy beings. We will also enjoy this holiness after our resurrection

Thirdly, angels are always in the presence of  God. So after death we will always be at the presence of God

Fourthly, They are ready at any time for the mission of the Lord. They are working for God at any time 

Lastly Angels always spend their time in praising and thanking the Lord. 

*B) The type of Relationship*

In the world we have many types of relationship

Father and Children

Mother and Children

Husband and wife 

Friendship 

Teacher and student 

Master and servant 

Colleagues etc 

None of these relationship will be found in the next life

First of all we will be relating to God 

We will be all equal spirits before God. There is no high and low relationship among us. We will be all equals before God

Since we will be all equals before God, there is only one type of relationship among us and we are all relating to God Himself 

*C) No death Further*

All those who participate in the resurrection, they are not affected with death any more 

Resurrected people have no elements of death. So there is no death for them 

*D) Children of God*

Once again, resurrection makes us the members of God's family 

Its a great privilege to become the Children of God. 

Children are taken care by the parents. So also after resurrection we are taken care by the Lord 

*3) Death is certain*

Every living being has to die one day or the other 

Death is certain but not final. Resurrection is the Final 

By death we rise to eternal life 

*4) Life after death and my life*

Each day I spend in my life I become close to death and resurrection

How far I am prepared for the same? 

How often I think about Life after death? 

Life after death, is my main concern?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The real Purpose of Earthly Wealth

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 16:9-15*

*First Reading : Phil 4:10-19*

*The real Purpose of Earthly Wealth*

*1) Eternal Benefit / Eternal life*

Wealth is the Gift of God. Every sort of wealth comes from God. The real source of Wealth is God 

Since every wealth comes from God, it has a specific purpose. The purpose is, it should help a person to achieve the final purpose of His/Her life. 

The final purpose is - Eternal Life

So ultimately Wealth Should help us in attaining the eternal reward or Eternal life 

*2) Ways through which one can achieve eternal life by using the God given wealth*

The Gospel gives us the several ways. They are the following

*A) Make Friends through the Wealth*

The Gospel says, we should use the wealth to build a healthy relationship and friendship with others 

In order to build such a friendship one should do the following things 

Need to share ones wealth with others 

Need to help others, when they are in needs 

Need to remain humble and need to be compassionate towards others 

Need to use the wealth for good purpose and not for evil purpose 

When one helps the other with the wealth one has, he can create a lot of good friends around Him 

*B) Trustworthiness*

This word comes in the context of, earthly wealth 

One should use the  trustworthy ways to make wealth and to spend the wealth 

Therefore the Gospel says about trustworthiness in small things and big things 

So trustworthiness is an attitude of life. It is a way of living ones life. So when a person is trustworthy, use of the wealth also will be according to just ways 

*C) Use of the wealth as a servant and not as a Master*

When, wealth becomes a master, it will dictate us and we have to obey according to its command 

When wealth becomes a master, it will control us and we can't control it 

So treat the wealth as servant. When wealth is a servant it can listen to you and one can control it as one wants 

*3) No one can take wealth*

Whatever may be the worth of the wealth, one can't take wealth when one departs from this earth 

Only the fruit of the wealth one can take. Good use of the wealth will create a good fruit and evil ways of using ones wealth will create evil things 

So ultimately we take good or bad from the use of the wealth and not wealth as such 

*4) Various types wealth we have*

Material wealth, which includes money, gold, ornaments, property, etc

Power, position, influence and authority

Knowledge, skills, talents, shrewdness

Public speaking, organising abilities etc 

All the skills which we have 

These  above things belong to the wealth which we posses in our life 

*5) How do I use my wealth?*

Definitely I am gifted with lots of wealth 

How do I use it? 

Is it for my selfish purpose? Or doing some service or reaching out to others? 

How do I feel at the end of the day about my wealth? Happy, sad or guilty? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Be careful about the Wolf, Which enters into my Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 10:11-16*

*First Reading : Rom 12:3-13*

*Be careful about the Wolf, Which enters into my Life*

*1) Beware of the Wolf*

The Gospel of the day, gives us a warning about the wolf, who comes to kill the sheep 

The work of wolf is to attack the sheep and to kill them. 

So wherever there is sheep there is wolf. There is some kind of connection between sheep and wolf. 

*2) Competency to handle the Wolf*

In facing the attack of the Wolf, there are two categories of people mentioned in the Gospel

One is the *Hired man* He does not bother about the sheep. For him, his life is more important than the life of sheep 

So he doesn't face the attack of the wolf. But allows the wolf to attack the sheep. So that he may be safe 

*The real Shepherd* One who is ready to face the attack of the Wolf

For him the life of sheep is more important than His own life 

So he is ready to lay down his life, for the sake of the Sheep 

Sheep is safe under his care 

*3) Wolf in our Life*

We are constantly attacked by various wolves in our lives 

Satan the main wolf 

The wolf of pride 

The wolf of anger 

The wolf of arrogance

The wolf of revenge 

The wolf of laziness

The wolf of cheating 

The wolf of selfishness

The wolf of gossip

The wolf of duplicity 

The wolf of hypocrisy

The wolf of lack of faith

The wolf of hatred 

*4) Call to become good Shepherds*

A good shepherd does not allow the wolf to attack in any way 

We are called upon to become good shepherds so that the above wolves may not succeed in attacking the various values in our lives 

As long as we play the role of good shepherds, no wolf will succeed in our lives 

*5) How vigilant I am?*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about my readiness to face the attack 

The wolf may come at any time. I must be ready to face the attack 

So how much vigilant I am?

How swift I am in facing the attack? 

How can I be more careful to face the attack of the wolf???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why so much emphasis on one lost Sheep and one Lost coin?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:15-25*

*First Reading : Phil 3:3-8a*

*Why so much emphasis on one lost Sheep and one Lost coin?*

*1) 100 Sheep and 10 coins*

The Gospel of the day has two beautiful parables. The parable of the Lost Sheep and Parable of the Lost coin 

The Gospel does not say that the parable of the Sheep and parable of the Coins 

The word *LOST* becomes very important in both the parables. 

If so, why this so much emphasis on Lost things? 

*2) 99 and 9*

Two parables have these two numbers. 99 sheep which didn't lose the way and 9 coins which were not lost, but are safe 

There is hardly any emphasis on the 99 sheep or 9 coins. In fact there is a negative tone about these 99 and 9. It says *99 righteous who have no  need of repentance*

*3) 1 is Highlighted*

One lost sheep is highlighted and one lost coin is highlighted

Details are given about this one Lost thing

It also tells us the search undertaken for finding out the lost things and the reaction in finding the lost things 

So, once again lost of emphasis on the lost things and finding of it

*4) All of us are like lost coin and Sheep*

All of us live in our Human nature, which is frail and bound to fall 

There is weakness in all of us. None of us are perfect 

So we belong to the category of Lost Sheep and coin

*5) Why lost things are highlighted?*

So that we realise that we too are belonging to the same group

So that we may realise that God is in search of us 

So that we may realise that, God does not want any of us to be lost and be parished 

So that we may realise what should be our attitude when we become like lost sheep and lost coin

 

So that we may realise how important we are and  how much God values us 

*6) Lost and Found*

This is something unique to these parables

No one can explain the joy and the feelings when something valuable is lost and found again 

Losing and finding something valuable, makes the thing more valuable and important in our life 

*7) Lost and Found in Heaven*

The effect of Lost and found is very much in Heaven 

The Gospel says that *Lost and Found* is very much celebrated in heaven 

So it is an encouragement to all of us, who are lost in wordly things to realise our mistake and to find the holy and good things, which will make our life holy and blessed 

Am I ready to be found by the Lord, in Doing good things??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Human Soul has a destiny

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:37-40*

*First Reading : Wis 3:1-9*

*Human Soul has a destiny*

*1) Importance of the Feast*

The event of commemoration of all the Faithful departed, indicates a very important truth of our life 

Life has a destiny and the purpose of life, does not end with life 

It indicates that there is life after death and one should prepare for the same 

*2) Cemetery is a place of Hope*

Each time when we visit the cemetery, it helps us to reflect about the other side of life 

In other words cemetery is a place where one sees the end of one phase of life and the beginning of other phase of Life 

So cemetery should be  a place where one should strengthen ones hope in eternal  life 

*3) Christ died and rose again*

For us Christians, the ultimate reference point is Christ Himself

Since Jesus died and rose again, all who follow Jesus, surely will be raised by Him for eternal life 

The resurrection of Jesus also shows the destiny of Human life

*4) Prayers for the Dead*

As we commemorate the memory of all the departed souls, we pray for the dead and offer mass for them 

Since all of us have weaknesses, through our prayer the faithful departed will be able to purify themselves to enter into heaven 

That's why we pray for the dead. It also helps us to purify our souls and to understand the real purpose of our life 

*5) The reality of Life*

Cemetery also shows us that tomorrow we will reach the same place

So this must help us to understand the Shortness of our earthly life and to think about the eternal life 

Once we realise the importance of eternal life, our life style will totally change and we will strive hard to enter into eternal life, through the narrow gate 

*6) Journey towards eternal abode*

Each moment we spend here on this earth, we become close to heaven 

Our earthly life has definite time and period. So spending each moment means we are coming close to the eternal life 

Let our earthly journey be a preparation for the heavenly life 

May Jesus help us to reach the heavenly abode

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*