Jesus is addressed as Carpenter

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 4th Week - Wednesday*

*Gospel : 6:1-6*

*First Reading : Heb 12:4-7, 11-15*

*Jesus is addressed as Carpenter*

*1) Is he not the carpenter?*

The Gospel of the day gives many details about the identity of Jesus. Carpenter is One among them 

In the context of the Gospel, this particular detail has a negative tone. But at the same time, the concept of *Jesus as the carpenter*  has a special message to all of us 

*2) Jesus was familiar among the people as Carpenter*

First of all this detail tells us that Jesus really worked in the locality 

He was not a man who went from place to place wasting time. But he worked daily and earned his livelihood

Secondly it is also true that Jesus became famous by His work. The very fact that they called, Jesus as the carpenter, it means that Jesus was known for his work

He must have been the best carpenter around the place who prepared various household things for others 

*3) Need to enjoy the Work one does*

By His work Jesus shows that every work is sacred and there is no discrimination

All are supposed to work and earn their livelihood. There is no question of becoming  lazy and wasting ones time for nothing 

At the same time, it is very important to enjoy the work one does. When we don't like the work which we do, then there is no love and service in the work one does. 

So it is very important that we need to fall in love with the work that we do. Then the result of work will be amazing

*4) People are known by their Work?*

Many of us are know for our work. Either for good work or for bad works 

Judas is always known as the one who betrayed Jesus. 

Peter is known as one who denied Jesus 

Thomas is known as one who doubted. That is why he is called doubted Thomas

Paul, before his conversion is known as the persecuter of the Christians

Mother Theresa is known as the Saint of Gutters for her selfless service 

Mahathma Gandhi is known as the Father of the Nation, because of the freedom Struggle

So people are known by their works, either good or bad 

*5) How do I come across to the people?*

By looking at my work what people call me? 

Do they call me as Good Samaritan? 

Do they call me a service minded person? 

Do they call me as good hearted person? 

Do they call me a generous person? 

Do they call me as spiritual person? 

Do they call me as self disciplined person? 

Do they call me as value based person? 

Do they call me a sincere follower of Jesus? 

*Or*

Do they call me as

Jealous person 

Angry person 

Cheating person 

Gossip monger

Lazy person 

Selfish person 

Useless person 

Dominating person 

Do they call me some time as Fox or with any other name??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Talitha koum, - Arise - From your Sleeping mode

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 4th Week - Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 5:21-43*

*First Reading : Heb 12:1-4*

*Talitha koum, - Arise - From your Sleeping mode*

*1) Talitha Koum - Arise*

These Words were found in today's Gospel 

Jesus is telling thses words to the Synagogue official - Jairus' daughter 

These words simply means that - *“Little girl, I say to you, arise!”* and the Girl arose from the situation and there was a totally different situation

*2) Girl was not dead but she was at sleep*

When Jesus saw the Girl Jesus said that she was not dead, but she was at sleep 

*The child is not dead but asleep.”*

In a way that Jesus raised the child from a type of sleep, which made the child inactive,  lifeless motionless and speechless

Here we need to make a difference between, the sleep and the death. 

So what we considered as death, is only a kind of sleep for God, and God is capable of awaking the person from such Sleep 

*3) The Sleep Mode*

All of us are very familiar with the sleep mode. The modern gadgets, especially the Computers, lap tops and other gadgets have the function of sleep mode 

Even though the instrument is at work, it practically becomes inactive in sleep mode 

The instrument by itself is unable to come out from the sleep mode. It needs a external force or touch to become active.

So when it receives the touch from the external source, it become active,  and it functions in the active mode 

*4) Sleep mode in Human Life*

All of us affected by the Sleep mode. When we are under the influence of Sleep mode, nothing happens in our life, and there is no change and growth in our life 

So having sleep mode in our life is not a good sign, because it becomes an obstacle for growth

*5) Sleep mode in Our Spiritual life*

Having sleep mode in our Spiritual life is a more dangerous thing than anything else in life 

Sleep mode, in spiritual life, destroys the life distracts the goal of our life 

No one can allow oneself to be under the influence of the Sleeping mode in Spiritual life 

*6) Things cause the Sleeping mode in our Spiritual life*

There are many things which cause the sleeping mode in our spiritual life 

#Pride and Anger

#Revenge and selfishness

#Gossip and loose talk 

#Jealousy and laziness

#Arrogance and insulting someone

#Lack of interest in prayer 

#Lack of seriousness about the good things 

#Criticism against others 

All these and other, evil things in our life, makes our spiritual life, in sleeping mode 

*7) Only Jesus can arise from the Sleeping Mode*

In spite of having so many people around the place, where the little girl was at sleep, no one was able, except Jesus,   to arise from the Speed mode

Finally it was Jesus, who was able to arise the little girl from the sleeping mode

So it is very clear that it is only Jesus who is capable of arising someone from the sleeping mode 

*8) Am I affected with Sleeping Mode?*

None of us can say that we are free from the influence of Sleeping mode

If so, which are areas which push me to the function of Sleeping mode? 

Let's remember that only touch of Jesus and the touch of the values related to Jesus' teaching can make us active in our life

If so am I ready to be touched by Jesus to wake up from my Sleeping mode??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Fate of the person who had an unclean Spirit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 4th Week - Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 5:1-20*

*First Reading : Heb 11:32-40*

*The Fate of the person who had an unclean Spirit*

*1) He was living in the Tombs*

The man with an unclean spirit was living in a tomb

Tomb is a place for the dead and not for the living. So it is very clear that the man with an unclean spirit had dead to many of the things in his life 

He was dead to the human nature, human relationships and to all human qualities

He was also dead to all the spiritual qualities, in his life

So he was living in a Tomb

*2) He was bound in shackles and chains*

The very fact that he was bound in shackles and chains, he was not a free person. He was a slave

Only animals are bound in chains. Since the man with an unclean spirit, was bound in chains he had become the animal

So unclean spirit makes a person to live in the state of animality and not as a human person 

*3) He was powerful*

The attitude of the person shows that devil or unclean spirit has tremendous power to destroy  a person 

#No one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain.

#In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed

#No one was strong enough to subdue him.

This information from the Gospel shows the power of the unclean spirit 

*4) He was bruising himself with stones*

This shows the attitude of hurting oneself. 

Hurting oneself and damaging the self is the primary function of the unclean spirit. 

By hurting the self, ultimately  to destroy is the intention of the unclean Spirit

*5) He was possessed with Legion*

Legion means a vast number of people or things, or a group of people 

When the unclean spirit says, that its name as *Legion* there is a group of evil spirit or group of evil things are involved 

There are 7 deadly things which form the concept of Seven deadly sins list & meanings

#Lust

#Gluttony

#Greed

#Sloth

#Wrath

#Envy

#Pride

The legion consisting of these above deadly sins are more dangerous than any other evil spirits 

*6) Am I under the influence of the unclean Spirit?*

All of us are affected with some or the other influences of evil things 

Only the gaze of Jesus will help us to overcome from such influence. 

Will I allow myself to be caught by the sight of Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Hunger and Thirst for righteousness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 4th Week - Sunday*

*Hunger and Thirst for righteousness*

*Gospel : Mt 5:1-12a*

*First Reading : Zep 2:3; 3:12-13*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 1:26-31*

*1) Hunger and Thirst can not be postponed*

In Human life, hunger and thirst are two important things which can't be postponed

Hunger and Thirst are two basic needs of our life, which we need to attend 

It is said, maximum a person can live 3 to 4 days with out water. Then he/she can't survive

*2) Hungry and Thirsty person can't sit idle*

The hungry and thirst persons will try their maximum to get something to eat or to drink

They will go in search of these things or they will ask or beg with someone to have these things 

But at any cost, the can't sit idle and waste his/her time without doing anything. 

The person has to work, and the person will work

*3) The power of Hunger and Thirst*

These two realities have tremendous power, and they can motivate a person to do any work, to achieve the goal 

These two realities will prepare a person to humble oneself to any level in order to survive 

These two realities have the power to remove any type of inequality, superiority or inferiority complex etc 

*4) Thirst and Hunger for righteousness*

Righteousness is a quality which makes a person morally right and justifiable

Righteousness, makes a person to live a good and holy life. It helps to avoid evil and achieve good

So having hunger and thirst for righteousness helps a person to live a life in morally upright way 

In fact all of us should have a strong thirst and huger for righteousness, which helps, motivates and guides us in achieving the Holiness 

*5) I Thirst*

This is a famous quote from the Bible, which was said by Jesus 

He was thirsty for the love of human beings 

He was thirsty for the salvation of the human kind

The same words *I Thirst* were used by Mother Theresa and she was really thirst for poorest of the poor people 

In other words she was really thirsty for righteousness, which motivated her to spend her life in the service of poor

*6) My hunger and Thirst*

As we reflect about the hunger and thirst for righteousness, what about my hunger and thirst? 

Am I thirsty or hungry for power, money, position, wealth, domination, pleasure, property, name, and for worldly things? 

In other words am I thirsty or hungry for service, sacrifice, sharing, generosity, simplicity, meekness, sincerity, love, forgiveness and for Gospel values? 

Am I thirsty or hungry for blessed and holy life?

I will move according to the direction of my hunger and thirst. 

So which area am I hungry or thirsty? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Life is nothing but Crossing to the other Side

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 3rd Week - Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 4:35-41*

*First Reading : Heb 11:1-2, 8-19*

*Life is nothing but Crossing to the other Side*

*1) Let us Cross to the other Side*

In the Gospel of the day we have these words. 

In fact Jesus is inviting His disciples to Cross to the other side of the sea

This Crossing to the other side either can be taken in literal sense or in a deeper or in a spiritual sense 

In literal sense it is crossing to the other side of the sea, with the help of a boat, which can be achieved without much difficulties

*2) Deeper or Spiritual Meaning*

Crossing to the other side can be understood in a deeper or in a spiritual sense

In fact, Life is nothing but crossing to the Other side 

We need to cross from this world to heaven

We need to cross from this bodily life to the eternal life 

We need to cross from this temporary life to the permanent life 

*3) Crossing is needed every day*

Crossing is not one day work or is a particular event. But crossing is needed every day 

In our daily life we need to cross from the following things 

From pride to humility

From revenge to forgiveness

From anger to reconciliation

From hatred to love 

From selfishness to service 

From self-centered life to generosity

From lust to purity 

From laziness to harwork 

From falsehood to truth 

From injustice to justice 

From despair to hope 

From hopelessness to hope 

From sin to repentance

And many more things 

*4) Need to leave behind the Crowd*

Crossing demands some important things 

Crossing needs to leave the Crowd. The disciples left the crowd and crossed to the other side

We need to leave the Crowd to cross to the other side 

The crowd of wealth 

The crowd of power 

The crowd of money 

The crowd of name and fame 

The crowd of influence

The crowd of property

The crowd of ego 

The crowd of arrogance

*5) We need to take Jesus*

The disciples took Jesus and crossed the other side 

Without Jesus it would have been difficult to cross to the other side 

Crossing always needs the company of Jesus 

We get the company of Jesus in the following things 

Meditating the Word of God

Celebration of Eucharist

Sacramental Adoration

Celebration of sacrament

Prayer life 

All spiritual things 

*6) Am I ready to cross to the other Side?*

Since life consists in crossing to the other side, we have to cross by all means 

If so, am I ready? 

Am I ready to listen to Jesus?

Am I ready to leave the crowd which pulls me back? 

Am I ready to take Jesus and Cross?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Today Jesus needs 72 people. Will I be ready for one, among them?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 3rd Week - Friday*

*Feast of Sts Thimothy & Titus*

*Gospel : Lk 10:1-9*

*First Reading : 2 Tim 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5*

*Today Jesus needs 72 people. Will I be ready for one, among them?*

*1) Jesus Appoints 72 Disciples*

The Gospel of the day has a beautiful narration about appointing 72 disciples, by Jesus for the mission 

Jesus appointed them to be sent before Him to prepare for the Mission 

They were sent two by two, and they prepared the people for the arrival of Jesus 

*2) They were sent to communicate the message of Peace*

Jesus clearly told them about what they are supposed to do in mission place

They had to communicate the message of Peace and about the arrival of the Kingdom of God

*3) No expenses are involved in communicating the message of Peace*

When Jesus sent his disciples he clearly told them, *Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way*

The above words of Jesus clearly tell us that the message of Peace is free of cost, which does not need any material resources to implement it 

*4) Today Jesus needs People*

The same Jesus who appointed 72 is in search of me and you to form  a new team, to be sent out for the mission 

He comes and asks your help and cooperation to build the Kingdom of God. What is your response? 

Will I be ready like Matthew who immediately left everything and followed Jesus or will I be like a rich man who went away with sadness, because he had plenty of wealth and money, which he didn't want to give up

So what is my response?  

*5) He is sending us before His arrival*

He sent His disciples before he went to a particular place

Today also, Jesus wants to send us before His arrival in certain houses, in the heart and mind of our brothers and sisters and in various situations. 

When Jesus sends us before His arrival we have more responsibility to communicate the message of peace and love 

We can't take this responsibility in a simpler and in a light manner

We need to be serious in our commitment. 

So, what is my response? 

Will I be ready for 1 among 72, with all the demands of the Gospel??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Republic day : Who is Ruling me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 3rd Week - Thursday*

*Gospel : John 8:31-42*

*First Reading : 2 Tim 1:1-8*

*Republic day : Who is Ruling me?*

*1) The Rule of British, Independence and Republic day*

Before 1947 we were ruled by British. In a way we had no real freedom. We were under British Rule 

In 1947 we got the independence, and we were freed from British Rule 

We become independent Nation and freedom become very important to us 

Rebulic day is an opportunity to think and evaluate, about the governance we have 

In other words it is ask oneself, who is ruling me? 

So there is a Transition from the slavery to freedom as we celebrate the Independence day and Republic day 

*2) The Republic day in the Gospel*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the importance of freedom. 

In the context of reflecting the freedom, Jesus is asking us whether we really free or whether we are slaves 

In other words, the Gospel is directly asking us *Who is ruling me?*

So what is my answer?? 

*3) Ruled by Sin and Ruled by Truth*

There are two categories of rule in today's Gospel

The rule of the Sin and Satan 

The Rule of the Truth and the Son 

The rule by sin and satan leads to slavery

The rule by truth and Son leads to real freedom 

*4) The Pharisees were Ruled by Sin*

In the Gospel it becomes very clear that the Pharisees were ruled by Sin of Pride and self righteousness

They are of the opinion that they were never slaves of some one in their lives 

But their very attitude shows that they were slaves of their pride, hypocrisy, self righteousness, justification, slaves of rules and rubrics etc 

So they were fully enslaved by so many things and they were real slaves of their weaknesses, which they never accepted 

*5) Jesus' Invitation to be ruled by the Truth*

Once again the question, who is ruling me will help us to find out our real worth 

Jesus calls us that we should allow ourselves to be reuled by Truth, sincerity, faithfulness, humility, justice, service, generosity, sharing, love and sacrifice

When our life is ruled by these above values, we really become the citizens of heaven, freed from all slavery 

*6) Who is ruling me??*

As we celebrate the Republic day, let's ask ourselves the above question

Who is ruling me?

Is it my ego? 

Is it my anger?

Is it my pride? 

Is it my selfishness? 

Is it my revengeful attitude?

Is it my laziness?

Is it the falsehood? 

Is it cheating? 

Is it division and destruction?? 

So Finally who is ruling me? 

Let Truth Rule us to make our life effective and meaningful

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The beauty of St Paul's Mission

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Conversion of St Paul*

*Ordinary Season : 3rd Week - Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:15-18*

*First Reading : Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22*

*The beauty of St Paul's Mission*

*1) St Paul and the Gospel Mission*

As we celebrate the feast of the Conversion of St Paul, the Gospel of the day  has the beautiful strategy of the Mission 

This beautiful strategy is used by St Paul in His mission 

Because of this Strategy His mission became successful and effective among the gentiles, and he became a great apostle of the Gentiles

*2) The Strategy of the Mission*

The strategy has the following points

*A) He drove out the Demons*

When St Paul began His ministry he had to drive out the following demons 

The demon of fear 

The demon of discouragement

The demon of misunderstanding

The demon of pharisaic mentality 

The demon of opposition from his own people 

The demon of insecurity

*B) He Spoke new languages*

The language of conversion

The language of love 

The language of forgiveness

The language of simplicity

The language of the Cross 

The language of the sacrifice

The language of service

The language of salvation

The language of sharing 

*C) He Picked up various serpents to destroy them*

The serpent of hatred of his enemies

The serpent of anger of his enemies 

The serpent of pride of his enemies

The serpent of threats from his enemies

The serpent of pressure from his enemies

*D) He drank the deadly things*

He was also the victim of the deadly things of jealousy, tourcher, suffering, physical pain

But nothing affected him

*E) He laid His Hands on Sick People*

Wherever he went he preached the crucified Christ, and laid hands on the sick people

The power of Christ was experienced by the people through the powerful healings and powerful touch by the Apostle

*3) We are called to proclaim the Gospel*

Like St Paul all of are called to proclaim the Gospel

So what is my strategy for the proclamation? 

Do I follow the Gospel strategy?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Beauty of Christ's Family

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 3rd Week - Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:31-35*

*First Reading : Heb 10:1-10*

*The Beauty of Christ's Family*

*1) The Concept of the Family*

Family is a beautiful concept where there is a Father, Mother and the Children

Family has a close relationship, specially that of a blood relationship, which keeps a family united with each other 

Family is a great support to a member, especially when a person is in crisis and when there is a problem

Family sustains the each one in the family and family plays a very important role in our life 

*2) Jesus' family goes beyond the blood relationship*

Jesus' family belongs to a different category, which goes beyond blood relationship

Since Jesus' family goes beyond blood relationship, any one can become the member of His family. So that is the beauty of Jesus' family 

Family which belongs to blood relationship is very small. But a family which goes beyond blood relationship, has no boundaries. It is a large family 

*3) Qualification to become thr member of Jesus' Family*

Any one who wishes to become the member of this family there is a scope for the same

From the Gospel we can choose the following things as the qualifications for the same 

Any one who does the will of God is the member of Jesus' family 

Any one who hears the Word of God and lives according to the Spirit of the Gospel is the member of Jesus' family 

*Whatever you do to the least of my brotheren you did it to me* One who does this is the member of Jesus' family 

One who is ready to sacrifice His life for the sake of other, is the member of Jesus' family 

One who is ready to forgive, serve others and  humble oneself is the member of Jesus' family 

One who is ready to love others, especially the enemies is the member of Jesus' family

*4) Am I qualified to become the member of Christ's Family*

From the above mentioned things, where will I stand? 

Am I able to qualify myself to become the member of Jesus' family?

Do I consider that becoming the member of Jesus' family is a great achievement of life? 

Do I value the importance of Jesus' family?

*5) Where is My family??*

To this question what answer do you have? 

A blood relationship family? 

A family based on Jesus' reaching which is Jesus' family?/

Is my family restricted to the blood relationship? 

Is my family is held up with worldly things? 

Or is my family in search of Its head, who is Jesus Christ?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of the Word of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 3rd Week - Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 4:12-23 or Mt 4:12-17*

*First Reading : Is 8:23-9:3-1*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17*

*Word of God Sunday*

*Importance of the Word of God*

*1) St Jerome on the Word of God*

When we reflect about the Word of God, immediately we remember St Jerome 

He says *Ignorance of the Scripture is the ignorance of Christ*

This shows how important it is to know the Scripture, in order to know and experience Christ 

*2) To Repent and to Change ones life*

First of the the Scripture is needed to repent and to Change ones life 

Jesus starts his mission by Proclaiming about the repentance

*“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”*

Only the Word of God can change our life and the Word of God has the capacity to change our life 

*3) For the Unity of the Believes*

Second reading of the day Speaks about the division and groups among the believers of Christ

In this context St Paul warns them about their behaviour, and to work for the unity 

Only by the inspiration of the Word of God, one can work for God and one can work for unity 

*4) To remain in our Faith*

The Expressions like  Galilee of the Gentiles, People who sit in darkness, and a land overshadowed by death has some relevance to the Use of the Scripture

Since these people were not able to have access to the Scripture, the darkness and the shadow of death had come upon them 

Such darkness and Shadow could be dispelled only by preaching the Gospel by Jesus 

So word of God, brought light in their life and  their faith was rekindled.  

*5) The great Prayer*

There is no greater prayer than reading of the Scripture and meditating it. 

This is the highest form of prayer. Jesus always spent time in such prayer 

This is the only prayer which can drastically change our heart and mind

*6) Not yearly Celebration but Full Year Celebration*

As we celebrate the Word of God Sunday, it should not become a yearly phenomena

When it becomes a yearly phenomena, only once a year we think about it and we celebrate it like a annual feast 

Word of God Sunday is not a annual feast but, full year celebration

So we need to change Word of God Sunday into every day *Word of God day* and every moment is *Word of God moment*

Only then we can really fill ourselves with the spirit of the Gospel

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

He is out of his mind' - Why?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 2nd Week - Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:20-21*

*First Reading : Heb 9:2-3, 11-14*

*'He is out of his mind' - Why?*

*1) Who said this?*

From the Gospel it appears that the close family members and relatives said the above words about Jesus 

Other than these, there might have been many people who were observing Jesus and his way of going about, might have judged Jesus with this above opinion 

There might have been also pressure from the people to call Jesus as a person who is out of his mind 

*2) The various Reasons for the "Out of mind" conclusions*

People saw in Jesus a different person who always challenged many traditional but unreasonable customs. So they called Jesus as a person who is out of mind 

People also saw Jesus who was mixing with sinners, tax collectors, public sinners, sick people and marginalized

People also saw in Jesus a person who challenged the religious leaders and the elders 

Jesus also gave new meaning to sabbath

Such things made them to conclude, that Jesus is out of His Mind

*3) Gods mission needs out of Mind attitude*

In the normal circumstances, one can't follow Jesus very closely 

To leave the house, the  beloved parents, property and other valuable things, and to follow Jesus without anything, needs a out of mind attitude

To challenge the worldly standards, and to fight with the Worldly things,in order to renounce worldly things, such has desire for name, fame, richness, wealth and pleasure one needs out of mind attitude  

*4) Jesus and out of His Mind*

The way of Jesus' mission needs the out of mind attitude

#To accept the Cross

#To carry the Cross 

#To forgive ones enemies 

#To go after one leaving the 99

#To eat with Sinners 

#To touch the Sinners and lepeors 

All these things needs a different out look 

This out look from the worldly point of view becomes *out of His mind*

But from the mission point of view, no difference what so ever. 

*5) The Mission Mind is out of ones mind*

The mission mind is viewed by others in terms of out of ones mind

The world is unable to understand the mission mind. For the world the mission mind is out of ones mind 

*6) Need to go beyond ones natural reasoning*

Going beyond the natural reasoning will help us to follow Jesus and to do his mission 

Going beyond ones natural reasoning is equal the out of ones mind 

Am I ready to go beyond my natural reasoning??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Jesus went up to the Mountain to call His Disciples?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 2nd Week - Friday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:13-19*

*First Reading : Heb 8:6-13*

*Why Jesus went up to the Mountain to call His Disciples?*

*1) Mountain is Gods place*

There is a close connection between God and mountains in the Bible

Mountain is identified with God's presence. 

God gave 10 commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai

God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son at Mount Moriah 

God appeared to Elijah at Mount Carmel

Jesus was transfigure at mount Tabore

Jesus died on Mount Calvary

*2) Jesus Goes up to Mountain*

By Going to the Mountain Jesus is choosing a holy place with the presence of God for the beginning of an important mission 

Mountain is always a place for the presence of God. So with the presence of the Abba Father, Jesus chose His disciples

By Jesus going up to the Mountain, the disciples were also made to Go to the Mountain to begin their mission with Divine Power. 

*3) Mountain is in a higher place*

So Jesus when calls His disciples from the mountain, Jesus calls His disciples to a 

#higher mission 

#Higher standard of life 

#Higher values 

#Higher our look 

#Higher relationship

#Higher generosity

#Higher sacrifice

#Higher service 

#Higher motivation

#Higher Love 

#Higher reconciliation

#Higher thinking 

#Higher Listening 

Christians are people who are called for the Higher Spiritual life 

*4) Bible is a Mountain*

The Holy Bible is nothing but the Holy Mountain

This Holy Mountain has presence of God, the powerful words of Jesus and other Holy things 

Every day Jesus calls us to climb this mountain, to experience God 

By reading Bible and trying to practice these in our lives, we become the people of the God and followes of Jesus the Master 

*5) Are you ready to climb the Mountain*

Our Lord, calls us everyday to climb the Mountain

If so,  am I ready to climb the Mountain of the Lord, to experience Him? 

What are the efforts I make to climb the Mountain 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*

Jesus asked His Disciples to have a boat ready for Him

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 2nd Week - Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:7-12*

*First Reading : Heb 7:25—8:6*

*Jesus asked His Disciples to have a boat ready for Him*

*1) Jesus' Request to have a boat*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a scene, where Jesus is at the Sea shore and a large number of people had gathered from different places 

All these people had come to meet Jesus, to hear the Word of God and to get rid off from their sickness

At this moment Jesus asks His disciples to have a boat ready for Him, so that He could preach the Gospel to the people who had gathered there.

*2) Jesus needs a boat even Today*

Jesus who is totally involved in the Mission of the Father asks a boat from the disciples

The same Jesus who is equally or more involved in the mission of the Father, today asks me to have a boat for Him

What is my response to the request of Jesus?

What type of boat I have with me to offer to Jesus? 

*3) The following things could serve as boat from my life*

In fact,  boat helped Jesus  to proclaim the Good News of the Lord 

 The following could the boat in my life 

The boat of my willingness

The boat of my humility

The boat of my service 

The boat of my sacrifice

The boat of my generous heart 

The boat of my good thought 

The boat of my pure heart 

The boat of my pure mind 

The boat of forgiveness

The boat of courage

The boat of simplicity

The boat of love 

The boat of kindness

All these boats will help Jesus to proclaim the Good NEWS through my life 

*4) Need of boat - a participartory  method*

Jesus could have done His without the boat also

Jesus had the capacity for the same

Still Jesus asks his disciples to have a boat, which shows the participatory method, where Jesus involves his disciples in His mission 

This involvement is a training for them, and to work as a team. So Jesus showed that Mission work is a team work and not a individual work 

*5) Where is my Boat?*

I need to keep ready the boat for Jesus

Where is boat? 

Is it in a good condition to use for the mission? 

If not in a good condition, how long I need to set it right? So that Jesus can use the boat?? 

How large is my boat? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Come Forward

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 2nd Week - Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:1-6*

*First Reading : Heb 7:1-3, 15-17*

*Come Forward*

*1) The man with withered hand was in the crowd*

The Gospel of the day has a beautiful imagery of calling the man with a withered hand to *come forward* by Jesus who was in the Crowd

In order to get rid of his sickness he had to come forward

In fact the man with withered hand came forward and Jesus healed him from his sickness

This *coming forward* has a deeper meaning and relevance to our life 

*2) Crowd mentality does not go with Christian Spirituality*

In the Synagogue there was a crowd who had come to listen to Jesus

The heard word of God becomes effective only who comes forward from the crowd to have a different way of life 

As long as one remains with the crowd no changes will take place 

That's why coming forward is very important to live the values of Christian spirituality

*3) Crowd represents the Following things*

People those who watch carefully to accuse some one 

People with hypocritical mind and heart to find fault with others 

People with the mind set to use the religious laws and religion for their personal benefits 

People who come together to destroy or to kill the one who does good works 

People who seek the help of others for evil works 

People filled with hatred and revenge

People who rejoice at the fall of others 

These are different faces of Pharisees, who represent each one of us in different context 

*4) Come forward from where?*

We need to come forward from crowd of evil things, hatred, revengeful attitude, pride, hypocrisy

We need to come forward from the crowd of those who try to find fault with others every time, from those who practice the double standards in their life 

We need to come forward from the crowd of those who misuse the religion for their personal benefits 

*5) The Reality of Withered hand*

The man with withered hand shows a great lesson to us 

All of us are affected with various things which results withered heart, withered mind, withered attitude, withered thinking, withered talk, withered service and withered humility

When something is affected with *witheredness* it can not function in a perpoer way, which results is serious faults in our life 

Withered mind, heart, attitude, thinking more dangerous than the withered hand 

*6) Am I ready to come forward*

Coming forward from the above crowd  is a challenging work. 

Unless we come forward we will not able be able to get rid from our witheredness

So its very important to come forward. 

*Jesus says to me come forward*

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*

Feeding the Hungry is the religion of the Scriptures/Sabbath

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 2nd Week - Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:23-28*

*First Reading : Heb 6:10-20*

*Feeding the Hungry is the religion of the Scriptures/Sabbath*

*1) The issue of Hunger*

The Gospel of the day speaks about hunger in the context of fasting and observing the Sabbath

Both, Sabbath and fasting are very important for Jews

In fact Jesus also valued the sacredness of Sabbath and the importance of fasting 

But Jesus highlights the aspect of Hunger more than the sabbath and the fasting 

So it is very clear, when the aspect of real hunger comes it takes precedence over everything

*2) Feeding the Hungry is not unlawful in any context*

Feeding the hungry is a noble act. Such a noble act can't be considered unlawful in any context 

That is why Jesus defends this particular act of feeding the hungry even at the cost of sabbath and fasting 

*3) Feeding the hungry is the real meaning of Sabbath*

For us Christians the sabbath is the celebration of the sacrifice of Jesus, which is Eucharist

Eucharist is nothing the breaking the oneslf and feeding the hungry 

We all who are spiritually hungry, take Jesus in the form of bread, to satisfy our spiritual hunger 

So Eucharist is nothing but feeding the hungry 

*4) Feeding the hungry takes the first place*

Among all the good and charitable works, feeding the hungry takes the first place 

Jesus always gave importance to feed the hungry. He performed miracles to feed the hungry 

More than the physical hunger Jesus highlighted the spiritual hunger and the need of Spiritual food 

*5) How do I look at this concept?*

What is my role in feeding the hungry? 

How does it becomes meaningful and intelligible in my life? 

Does this noble act take first place in my life? 

What can I do to know the real meaning of feeding the hungry? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

God's Call is the Continuous and unending Process

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 2nd Week - Monday*

*Feast of St Joseph Vaz, The Apostle of Sri Lanka*

*Gospel : Mark 1:14-20*

*First Reading : Is : 52:7-10*

*God's Call is the Continuous and unending Process*

*1) The Call of the First Disciples*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the incident of calling of the First Disciples

Simon Peter, His Brother Andrew, James and John were the first disciples of Jesus whom He called from the Sea Shore, to become the fishers of men 

All of them followed Jesus and they proclaimed the Good news of God

*2) God's Call, A mysterious thing*

Since the creation of the World God has called millions and millions of people to continue His mission 

He calls people according to the situation and context to continue the Mission 

The entire Bible is nothing but the story of Gods calling of different people and their willingness to work for the Lord   

*3) The Call of St Joseph Vaz*

As we celebrate the feast of St Joseph Vaz, He was born on April 21, 1651 in Goa.

He was ordained in 1675.  Since then he continued the mission of Preaching the Gospel

After some years, He went to Sri Lanka and preached the Gospel, facing all the challenges and finally he died in the same country

*4) God's Call Today*

Today also God calls different people from different context to continue His Mission 

Like the First disciples of Jesus and St Joseph Vaz, there are Thousands of people who are called and consecrated by God, to build His kingdom on this earth

So God's call has a continuous and unending process. Thats why we say in God's call there is a mystery aspect involved 

*5) My Call*

Like first Disciples of Jesus, today Jesus has called me to continue His mission

The very fact that I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus, God has called me for a special mission 

I need to understand the importance of this call and need to cooperate with God's plan to spread His Kingdom

So my life should not become a counter witness to the Gospel values and to the call of God

So am I ready to spread the Kingdom of God? 

Does my life and my daily works help in building the Kingdom of God??

*6)

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Jesus is called Lamb of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 2nd Week - Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 1:29-34*

*First Reading : Is 49:3, 5-6*

*SECOND READING 1 Cor 1:1-3*

*Why Jesus is called Lamb of God*

*1) Various Characteristics of the Lamb*

Many of us have seen the Lamb. Lambs have the following characteristics. 

#Lamb is a humble animals

#Lamb is an innocent animal

#Lamb is a obedient animal 

#In lamb there is no hypocrisy

#Lamb does not attack 

#Lamb does not take revenge

#Lamb is an animal used for sacrifice

#Lamb is a kind and lovable animal 

#Lamb follows the Master 

*2) All these above things are reflected in Jesus*

The above characteristics are seen in the life of Jesus 

Jesus is meak and humble in heart 

Jesus is obedient to the Father 

Jesus is kind and loveable person 

Jesus listens every prayer

Jesus does not take revenge

Jesus is a simple and humble person

Jesus is a compassionate person

The above things show us that, Jesus' life reflects the nature of the Lamb

*3) Jesus is the Lamb of God*

This title goes very well with Jesus 

Jesus' death on the Cross, and the way he died on the Cross is the main event which makes Jesus as the Lamb of God 

Jesus blood purified the entire humankind. Lambs blood was also used for purification from the sin 

*4) We are called to follow the Lamb of God*

We need to follow the footsteps of the Lamb

All the qualities which are found in Lamb and in Jesus, we need practice in our life 

Only then we will really  become the genuine followers of Jesus 

By my works and the way I live my life, in which name  people will call me??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Need of a Physician to the Sick

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 1st Week - Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:13-17*

*First Reading : Heb 4:12-16*

*The Need of a Physician  to the Sick*

*1) The Healing ministry of Jesus*

After the Baptism of Jesus, we continuously hear about the various healing incidents performed by Jesus 

Thus Jesus Shows how important the healing ministry is. 

In fact Jesus had come to heal the entire humankind from various sicknesses. This shows how Jesus is doing His ministry which touches the hearts and minds of people 

*2) The connection between the Physician and the Sick*

Wherever there is sickness, there the physician is. 

Both these things are closely connected with each other 

There is no need of a physician if there is no sickness. And if there is a sickness, by all means we need a physician

Jesus the divine physician and the healer. We are wounded with various kinds of Sickness. So we need to go to Jesus who is the divine healer. 

So there is close connection between Jesus and us

*3) Without Health, One can do Nothing*

Health takes primary place in our life 

Nothing can replace health. People are ready to do anything for the sake of Good Health 

As long as good health there is good health we can do any work.

*4) Physical and the Spiritual Sickness*

Along with physical sickness we also suffer from spiritual sickness

Spiritual sickness is more dangerous than the physical sickness

Only Jesus can heal the spiritual sickness. That's why Jesus says, I have come for the sinners/sick people 

In this context Knowing of ones sickness is very important. Only when one knows about ones sickness one can find the remedy for the same

*5) Jesus the Divine Physician*

Along with the bodily sickness, Jesus can heal our spiritual sickness

That's why Jesus is the divine physician who can liberate us from all kinds of Sickness

*6) The Divine Physician and Matthew*

Matthew was suffering from spiritual sickness. 

In such a context, he encounters the divine healer 

When Jesus heals his spiritual sickness, Matthew becomes new person and His life changes 

That is the power of Spiritual healing by Jesus 

*7) All of us Sick*

We all suffer from Spiritual sickness, more than bodily sickness

Real transformation comes only when our spiritual sickness is healed 

Like Matthew we need to follow the Divine Healer, who calls us in times, through diffent people, and in different context 

When we follow like Matthew we can experience the divine healing power and we can become new persons 

So are you ready to follow the divine healer?  

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Break open the roof above or around oneself to meet Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 1st Week - Friday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:1-12*

*First Reading : Heb 4:1-5, 11*

*Break open the roof above or around oneself to meet Jesus*

*1) The scene of breaking the roof*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us the scene of breaking the roof of a house where Jesus was preaching the Word of God

The broke open the roof, in order to reach to Jesus or to bring the paralytic to Jesus 

After opening the roof, they lowered the paralytic man, before Jesus, whom Jesus healed from his paralysis

*2) The need of breaking the Roof*

Breaking the roof was a unusual thing. 

Usually people don't break open the roof 

But in an emergency situation, people do open the roof and try to reach out to one another 

In the Gospel it was an emergency situation, to take the paralytic to Jesus 

*3) Opening of the roof to reach Jesus*

This is what happened in the case of paralytic. 

In order to reach to Jesus they opened the roof, because there was no way left for them to reach 

Even in our life, the need of opening of the roof is very much needed to reach to Jesus and to experience his divine power 

*4) The various types of Roofs which we need to break open to meet Jesus*

The roof of comfortable zone 

The roof of selfishness

The roof of duplicity

The roof of hypocrisy

The roof of popularity

The roof of Sin

The roof of hatred 

The roof of jealousy

The roof of anger 

The roof of laziness

Unless we break open the roof of these above things, Jesus will not enter into out life 

*5) Are you ready to break open the roof?*

The paralytic was healed finally because they were able break open the roof, through which they were able to lower the paralytic man in front of Jesus, whom Jesus healed

If so, are you ready to break open the roof of various above mentioned things??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Leprosy was not the part of the Leper

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 1st Week - Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:40-45*

*First Reading : Heb 3:7-14*

*Leprosy was not the part of the Leper*

*1) The man with the Leprosy*

In the Gospel we see a man with leprosy disease

This disease he got it later and it was not there when he was born 

So the leprosy was not the part of the person but he got it as he lived his life 

*2) Leprosy left the Person*

The Gospel clearly tells us that the leprosy immediately left him when Jesus made him clean 

So the leaving of the leprosy is a very important pointed to be noted here 

When something leaves, it is clear that it is not the part of it. 

*3) There are many things those should leave us*

Like in the Gospel, there are many things in our lives, like that of leprosy, which should leave our life. Some of the examples may be, 

The leprosy of gossip

The leprosy of pride

The leprosy of revenge

The leprosy of selfishness

The leprosy of hatred

All these sickness of leave our life, and we should become healthy persons 

*4) Only Jesus can heal from leprosy*

The above mentioned leprosy is more worst and powerful than the physical leprosy

This  leprosy can leave us, only when Jesus commands them to Go

That's why we need Jesus who can make a difference in our life 

*5) We aquire the leprosy later*

When we are born, we are not affected by this leprosy

But as we grow, many types of leprosy take control of our life, and we function under the influence of  the leprosy

So it is our duty to invite Jesus into our life, who can chase the leprosy of mind and heart. 

6) Leprosy and the person - two diffent issues

7) Leprosy from the person can be separated

8) Leprosy alone has no power. It has power only when it mixes up with the human being. By itself it has no power

*Leprosy free life is worth Living*

*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 Rising Early in the Morning

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 1st Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:29-39*

*First Reading :  Heb 2:14-18*

*The importance of Rising Early in the Morning*

*1) Jesus rose very early before dawn*

One among many things we read about Jesus is about His Rising 

Every day He used to rise early in the Morning 

Soon after getting up, Jesus used to go to a deserted place for prayer and to spend time in meditation

Since these things are mentioned in the Gospel it is very important realise the importance of rising early in the Morning and spending time in prayer 

*2) Early Hours and prayer*

As soon as Jesus rose, He spent time in prayer 

This shows that the early hours are best for prayers 

Since early in the morning there is no disturbance, one can concentrate in a better way 

It is good to begin the day with the blessings of God, which will help us to do our work 

Since early hours our mind is fresh one can pray better 

In the early hours the entire nature and the environment is very conducive for the prayer  

*3) The Challenge of rising in the Early Hours*

Rising in the early hours for today's generation has become a challenge

In order to rise early in the morning one has to go to bed on time 

But today's generation go to bed very late and rise very later 

The famous saying *Early to bed, early to Rise* has been redefined as *late to bed and late to rise*

In fact this particular system of late to bed and late to rise has disturbed the whole system and discipline of the human life 

*4) The benefits of Rising Early*

One gets sufficient time for prayer 

One can organise the days work in a better way 

One can do lots of work when one rises early morning 

Early to bed and early to rise shows a great deal of discipline in ones life

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Have you come to destroy us?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 1st Week*

*Gospel : Mark 1:21-28*

*First Reading : Heb 2:5-12*

*Have you come to destroy us?*

*1) The awareness of the Unclean Spirit*

From the Gospel it is very clear that, the awareness of the unclean spirit about Jesus is amazing

The unclean spirit knew the following things about Jesus 

He is the Holy one of God 

He has the power over the unclean Spirits

He can destroy the unclean spirit

He is the threat to unclean Spirit

This awareness of the unclean spirit is very important. Even for us such a level of awareness is very important

*2) The effect of the Awareness*

Since the evil spirit knew the exact power of Jesus, the unclean spirit was frightened

The unclean spirit was worried about its existence before Jesus 

Since it knew the power of Jesus it simply obyed Jesus command and went out of the person 

It became powerless before Jesus 

*3) What is my awareness about Jesus' Power?*

When I reflect about my own awareness about Jesus, what is the depth of it? 

Is my awareness which is equal to the awareness of the unclean spirit? Or is it less? Or is it more? 

Only if I am aware of Jesus' power I can fight against the unclean spirit. If not, I will be powerless to fight against the unclean spirit

*4) Only Jesus can fight against the Unclean Spirit*

From the Gospel it is very clear that only Jesus has the power to fight against the unclean spirit

And even the unclean spirit knows about it. If there is no Jesus it can win the battle very easily and human beings can be controlled as the unclean spirit wants 

So only with Jesus we can destroy the unclean spirit. That's why we need Jesus in our life 

*5) The various faces of the unclean spirit*

The unclean spirit of Sin

The unclean spirit of pride

The unclean spirit of laziness

The unclean spirit of anger 

The unclean spirit of gossip

The unclean spirit of division 

The unclean spirit of hatred 

The unclean spirit of jealousy

The unclean spirit of revenge 

The unclean spirit of greed

The unclean spirit of selfishness

The unclean spirit of anxiety

All these unclean spirits can be destroyed only through the help of Jesus 

Are you ready to collaborate with Jesus to fight against the unclean spirits, which are found 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*

At Baptism, the Heavens are opened

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : Baptism of The Lord*

*Gospel : Mt 3:13-17*

*First Reading : Is 42:1-4; 6-7*

*At Baptism, the Heavens are opened*

*1) The Baptism of Jesus*

When Jesus took Baptism from John, in the river Jordan, it is said that the Heavens were opened. 

Now the question is why the heavens were opened? 

What is the significance of this? 

What happens when the heavens are opened??

*2) Baptism creates a direct access to God*

First of all heaven is a dwelling place of God 

When the sacrament of Baptism opens the heavens, a direct access is created between God and Human beings 

So the Sacrament of Baptism has the power to open the heavens

*3) Effect of Opening the Heavens*

A direct access is created between God and Human beings 

When Heaven opens God enters into the life of Human Beings, and makes their life as heavenly abode 

When Heavens opens God sends His Spirit to Human beings 

Apart from this when heaven opens, God sends His Mercy, forgiveness, Love, Peace, and Joy  in order to live our life according to the standards of the Gospel

When the heavens opens we experience a special power from Jesus 

*4) My Life : Heavens are opened or Closed*

On the day of Baptism the heavens were opened

How is the door the Heaven in my Life?

Is it still open to enter into the communication with God or already closed?

Along with Baptism the following things can open the doors of Heaven

Love

Sacrifice

Forgiveness

Humility

Sincerity

Generosity

Sharing etc

We need to try our level best to see that the heavens are opened to have access with God

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Deeper meaning of Going back with different Road/route

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : Epiphany of the Lord*

*Gospel : Mt  2:1-12*

*First Reading : Is 60:1-6*

*Deeper meaning of Going back with different Road/route*

*1) Three wise men*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the wise men from the East. 

They came in search of Jesus the Messiah. On the way they encountered many hardships

Even then finally they

Reached the place, on time, and they consulted about the Messiah to be born 

*2) The way which they Came was challenging*

When they began the journey, to Bethlehem, the wise men were happy

But they encountered many challenges 

First of all the King He Heard. Because of Him, they encountered many hardships

When the Star disappeared, they faced many  challenges. Apart from this many other challenges they encountered

*3) Different Route, they took*

After meeting Jesus, the wismen chose a different way to go back 

Meeting Jesus,   they chose a different route to go back . Going back with different route has deeper

Taking a new way 

Change of life

New way of life 

From Sin to Holiness 

From evil things to good things 

After the encounter  with taking different route very important in our life 

Am I ready to take the new road or new Life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Don't wait for the invitation to Help someone

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : 7th January*

*Gospel : John 2:1-11*

*First Reading : 1John 5:14-21*

*Don't wait for the invitation to Help someone*

*1) Mary was there*

The Gospel clearly says that, Jesus and His disciples were invited for the wedding at Cana

But the Mother of Jesus was there. Whether she was invited or not, we are not sure. But she was there 

*2) No one invited her to Help in the Crisis*

We see in the wedding at Cana, that no one has invited Mary to handle the situation

It is the initiative of Mary to offer some help in the midst of Crisis

So we see here, Mary simply involves herself at the time to crisis to intercede with Her Son to work for a miracle

The intention of Mary was to Help the couple to face the situation

*3) Help or Service should be rendered without invitation*

A service which is done out of love, without the invitation, has more value than the service which is done on demand 

The invitation of the Situation is more powerful than the invitation from the people 

A careful observation will help us to analyze the situation and to find ourselves what type of service is needed in a particular situation

*4) Service becomes service only when it is given freely*

A service is called service, because it is given freely

Genuine service can't be valued in terms of money and monitory value

The service of Mother Theresa can't be valued in terms money 

So service has any value, if is sold for the sake of money

*5) Jesus helped us without invitation*

Jesus came to this world and served the humanity without our invitation

He died on the Cross without our invitation

He did all this because he wanted to save the mankind from the slavery of Sin 

*6) Do I wait for invitation for the service?*

Am I a person who is ready to serve, with out any of returns? 

Am I a person who is ready to understand the situations of others and help without invitation? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I trying to please?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : 6th January*

*Gospel : Mark 1:7-11*

*First Reading : 1 John 5:5-13*

*Am I trying to please?*

*1) The meaning of Pleasing someone*

Pleasing means satisfying or appealing.

Here one tries to satisfy another by doing the will of the other, especially of one who is in the authority

Pleasing some one builds a good relationship and a good communication

At times the concept *pleasing* has negative connotation, in the Gospel context it must be seen in a positive way. Because here one tries to please God and not the Human being 

*2) Jesus is the well pleased Son of God*

Jesus is the well pleased Son, because He obeyed the will of God 

Jesus is the well pleased Son of God, because He was ready to Humble Himself to carry out the Mission of the Father

Jesus is the well pleased Son, because He was ready to lay down His life to save the Humanity

Jesus is the well pleased Son of God, because He forgave the Enemies

*3) We are well pleased Children of God*

All of us are created in the image and likeness of God, in order to live a life which pleases to God 

The mission of our life is nothing but to become well pleased Children of God

*4) Various Ways to become well pleased Children of God*

We need to live our life according to the standards of the Gospel

We become well pleased children of God, when we forgive others, when we serve others, when we try to live a genuine life, without hypocrisy, when we humble ourselves before others

We become well pleased children of God, when we are able love others, especially those who hurt us, when we are able to spend quality time in Prayer, seeking to find out the will of God, and when we become generous towards others 

We become the well pleased Children of God, when we fight against injustice, Satan, Sin, Pride, selfishness, anger, revenge, etc 

*5) Am I ready to Please God?*

Pleasing God means doing the will of God, and trying our level best to live a good and sincere life 

A person does not please God, tries to please oneself and to Satan

The goal of our life, that is the Eternal life, can be achieved only by pleasing to God

What are the ways that I practice to please God?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What Jesus will say about me??

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : 5th January*

*Gospel : John 1: 43-51*

*First Reading : 1 John 3:11-21*

*What Jesus will say about me??*

*1) Jesus says something about Nathanael*

When Nathanael was coming towards Jesus, He said something about Nathanael *Here is truly an Israelite, in whom there is no deceit*

These are the powerful words from Jesus about Nathanael

These words speak the real personality of Nathanael

Since these words are coming from Jesus, they are 100% true and the personality of Nathanael also true 

*2) How nice to hear something good about our personality*

When we reflect about the personality of Nathanael, it helps us to reflect about our own personality, to think what Jesus would tell us about our personality? 

When we hear something good about our personality from genuine persons we feel happy and joyful

It is good and necessary to hear something good about our life and personality and never bad things 

*3) The need of coming to Jesus*

We heard good about Nathanael in the context of His coming to Jesus 

If he had not come to Jesus, he would not have heard such beautiful words about his own personality

So coming towards Jesus always helps us to hear something good about our own life 

*4) The ways of coming towards Jesus*

As a follower of Jesus there are hundreds of ways in coming towards Jesus. Some of them may be following

We come towards Jesus when we  Serve to the needy and downtrodden

We come towards Jesus when we forgive others, when we humble our selves, when we help others, when we become generous, when we become prayerful persons 

We come towards Jesus when we spread the Good News, through our life, when we are able to face any kinds of challenges, for the sake of Jesus 

*5) What will Jesus call me?*

Will he say that here is a good Samaritan?

Will he say that here is a true disciple? 

Will he say that here is a faithful servant?? 

Will he say to me, in whom I am well pleased? 

Will  he say to me this is my beloved son/daughter? 

Will he say to me, here is a true Christian in whom there is no deceit?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Effect of Staying with Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : 4th January*

*Gospel : John 1:35-42*

*First Reading : 1 John 3:7-10*

*The Effect of Staying with Jesus*

*1) Andrew Stayed with Jesus*

Joh the Baptist, who showed the Lamb of God to His disciples, encouraged the disciples to follow Him 

So Andrew the brother of Simon Peter and the other Disciple followed Jesus 

During the encounter, Jesus called them to stay with them. The disciples accepted the invitation and stayed with Jesus

*2) The Effect of their Stay*

Both the disciples, stayed with Jesus 

They experienced the divine power of Jesus and they realised that Jesus is the promised Messiah the anointed one 

So it is very necessary to stay with Jesus to experience, the real identity of Jesus 

*3) Andrew brought Simon to Jesus*

This is the another effect of staying with Jesus 

First of all one experiences the real identity of Jesus by staying with Jesus 

Secondly, one is able to have deeper divine experience, which makes them to work for the Lord

Thirdly, Andrew was able to bring, Simon to Jesus, whom Jesus called Peter, (Rock) who gradually became the leader of the Apostle

So, multiple divine effects are seen as the result of staying with Jesus

*4) Various ways through which one can stay with Jesus*

Prayer 

Celebration of the Eucharist

Celebration of the sacraments

Making regular confession

Doing some good work 

Involving in charity and service work 

Helping the poor 

Being a generous person 

Loving ones neighbor and enemies

Forgiving one another 

Living a good life 

Living according to the Gospel values 

*5) Need of staying with Jesus*

Jesus says *Without me you can do nothing*

Unless we stay with Jesus, we will not have any divine experience

Unless we have divine power, we can do nothing 

So, to become genuine follower of Jesus one need to stay with Jesus 

*So are you ready to stay with Jesus??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Baptism of the Water and the Holy Spirit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : 3rd January*

*Gospel : John 1:29-34*

*First Reading : 1John 2:29-3:6*

*The Most Holy Name of Jesus*

*The Baptism of the Water and the Holy Spirit*

*1) John's Baptism*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Baptism of the Water 

This is the Baptism which was given by John, in the river Jordan 

So it may be called John's Baptism

*2) Jesus' Baptism*

John the Baptist also speaks about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

This Baptism is given by Jesus. 

*3) Baptism of the Water and Spirit*

We see in the life of Jesus the Combination of the baptism of Water and Spirit 

As Jesus was baptised by John in the River Jordan, the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a Dove 

So we see the Baptism of Water and Spirit, in Jesus' life 

*4) We are Baptised with Water and Spirit*

All of us participate in the Baptism of Jesus 

We are Baptised with Water and the Holy Spirit. So the Baptism of Jesus is a very powerful weapon for all of us to participate in baptism of Water and Spirit

*5) Baptism of the Spirit*

We are familiar wity the Baptism of the Water 

But we should know the Baptism of the Spirit. 

In fact the real effect happens only when the Baptism of the Spirit takes place in us 

*6) The Effects of the Baptism of the Spirit*

All those who are Baptised with the Spirit must have these qualities

Wisdom

Understanding, 

Counsel,

Fortitude, 

Knowledge, 

Piety

Fear of the Lord.

Above all we should also excel in the following values 

*charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.*

How is the effect of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in me??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Who are You?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : 2nd January*

*Gospel : Jn 1:19-28*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 2:22-28*

*Who are You?*

*1) Who am I?*

The Gospel of the day has this question : *Who are You?*

Even though this question was addressed to John the Baptist, it is very important to apply this question to our own life and to ask *Who am I?*

This appears to be very simple question but this is one of the most difficult questions to answer

Unless we find answer to this question, our life becomes meaningless. 

Answering this question will help us to improve the quality of our life in all levels 

*2) New Year and this question*

Since we are in the beginning of the new year 2023, it is the apt time to reflect about this question

To begin this New Year in a new and effective way, this is one of the best questions to answer and to see our own life and find out our own identity

Answering this question in the beginning of new year will help us to have a right direction to our life 

*3) We have been Called to become the voice of the Lord*

As we are trying to find out our identity, the Gospel tell us that we need to become the voice of the Lord, just like John the Baptist who became the voice of the Lord

Becoming voice of the Lord means, using our voice to communicate what the Lord wants to communicate

Becoming voice of the Lord means  Putting on the heart and mind of the Lord, which help us to speak what the Lord wants to speak in and through us 

Becoming the voice of the Lord is the real identity of a follower of Jesus

*4) Becoming a sincere Person*

Who are You? When this question was asked to John, he didn't give the wrong information about His self 

Even though He was a great person, He said he was a voice crying in the wilderness, and He is unworthy to untie the strap of the Sandals. 

So He give the real identity, in which we see the sincerity of the person 

So our true identity is to become a sincere person. If some one asks us *Who are You?* we must be able to say that I am sincere person. This sincerity must be seen in our life 

So this becomes the real identity of a follower of Jesus 

*5) Who are You?*

Finally we need to answer this question

 Am I a sincere person?

Am I a humble person ? 

Am I a generous person? 

Am I a loving person? 

Am I a service minded person? 

Am I a forgiving person? 

Am I a helping person? 

Am I a praying person? 

Am I a holy person? 

Am I a person of heart? 

Am I a person of emotions? 

Am I a person who understands the pain and sufferings of others? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*