Sheep can enter only through the Sheep gate

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Fourth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 10:1-10*

*First Reading : Acts 2:14a, 36-41*

*SECOND READING 1 Pt 2:20b-25*

*Sheep can enter only through the Sheep gate*

*1) Sheepfold, Sheep gate and the Sheep*

In the Gospel of the day we have these three important concepts 

*Sheepfold* A group of sheep where sheep are together. It is a shelter for the sheep

Sheep gate is the entrance through which the sheep can go in and come out from the place where the sheep stay together 

Sheep is an innocent animal which is able to recognize the voice of the Master and follow the master but runs away from the stranger 

*2) Sheep entering through the Sheep Gate*

Sheep is kept in a secure place. This place is protected from all the sides and there is only one gate to it 

The sheep can go in and come out only through this gate 

There is no other entrance to the sheepfold. A sheep which does not want to go through the gate can't enter into the sheepfold

Such a sheep will be excluded from the rest of the sheep and it will be left alone 

*3) Jesus is the Gate of the Sheepfold*

The Gospel clearly says that jesus is the gate for the sheepfold

Since Jesus himself is the gate, all the sheep can go in and come out only through this gate 

So this highlights the role of Jesus as the gate to the Sheepfold 

*4) Jesus is the only Gate to the Heaven*

From the imagery of the gate and the Sheepfold, Jesus clearly says that Jesus is the real gate to heaven 

There is no other gate to Heaven. 

All those who would like to go to heaven must go in only through this gate 

That's why Jesus empathetically says *I am the gate for the sheep*

So sheep has no other option to enter into the Sheepfold, unless one is ready to enter through this gate 

*5) The various material of the gate of the Sheep*

Jesus as the gate for the sheep includes the following things in the gate 

Forgiveness

Service 

Love 

Simplicity

Humility

Sacrifice

Truthfulness 

Generosity

Sincerity

Prayer 

Devotion

Sharing 

All these are various aspects of the gate of the Sheepfold

*6) Am I ready to enter through the gate?*

There is no other way than Jesus to enter into the Sheepfold 

When we are in the world we forget to think that we are supposed to get ready to go to the sheepfold, that is heaven

Which can be achieved only by going through the gate, and Jesus himself is the Gate 

So am I ready to enter the gate and get into the sheepfold?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Third Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:25-30*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2*

*If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves*

*1) The loss of the sense of Sin*

"The greatest sin today is that men have lost the sense of sin.” Pope Pius XII

When you lose the sense of sin, you also lose the "sense of the Kingdom of God" and in its place - the Pope said - there emerges an "anthropological vision" where the person thinks "I can do anything.”

Pope Pius XII famously once said that "the evil of this civilization" -- our civilization--is "the loss of the sense of sin: we can do anything, we will resolve anything! The power of man is substituted for the glory of God."

*2) No Sin in me - Mentality is dangerous*

All of us are sinners. No one can say that one is without sin 

If some one develops that he/she is without sin, or one is not affected with Sin, such an mentality will lead person to doom 

Such a person will become very proud, and he/she will act as if one is God 

One may think that, one can control everything

*3) Benefits of accepting one as Sinner*

Such a person is able to reflects ones own weakness

Such a person will not depends on his own strength. But he/she will depend on God 

Such a person will remember God, and he/she will give first place to God 

Such a person also will understand the nature of Sin and its effects in ones life 

*4) Sense of Sin and my Life*

What is the sense of sin in my life? 

Am able to realise the sense of sin in my life? 

Do I act as if that there is no sin in my life? 

Do I have the mentality that whatever I do is always best and good? 

Have I become proud, because I have lost the sense of Sin?

*5) One can over come from sin only by becoming aware of its gravity*

When a person loses the sense of Sin, He/she commits more sins than before 

Only by knowing the gravity of sin, one can over come from it 

To know the gravity of the Sins one must have the strong sense of the awareness of the Sins 

So what is my awareness about my Sins??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Various Ways of Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Third Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:52-59*

*First Reading : Acts 9:1-20*

*Various Ways of Eating the Flesh  and Drinking the Blood of Jesus*

*1) Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood*

The Gospel of the day has this powerful expression from Jesus 

Eating the Flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus 

Almost five to six times this particular expression is seen in today's Gospel

So How to understand this? How to eat the flesh and drink the Blood? 

*2) Taking Jesus into our Life*

Eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus means, completely taking Jesus into our life 

This taking or receiving Jesus need not be in literal sense of eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Human Jesus 

Receiving of Jesus into our life can be at different level. We need to know the logic of this statement

*3) Various ways of Eating the Flesh and drinking the Blood of Jesus*

When some one is ready to forgive, its just like eating the flesh  and drinking blood of Jesus

When some one is ready to sacrifice His/Her life 

When some one is ready to humble oneself 

When someone is ready to serve the other 

When someone is ready to share with the other 

When some one is ready to love the other without any expectations

When one is ready to die for the sake of truth and justice

When one is ready to practice the sincerity

When one is ready to show compassion and mercy to the other 

When one is ready to work hard to achieve something in life 

All these are the various forms of eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus 

*4) It Genataes new life within us*

Jesus says *Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life*

This life can't be gained by anything unless we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Jesus through the above mentioned ways 

Eternal life, or life within is more important than the external or physical life 

Jesus' flesh and blood helps a person to develop the eternal life and the material life 

*5) Am I ready to eat the flesh and Drink the blood of Jesus?*

This particular task is very challenging and demanding

It is not so easy as we think. But it needs a lot of self discipline and commitment. 

So am I ready to accept this challenge? 

What are the above mentioned ways which I practice to eat the flesh and drink the blood?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Logic of Listening and Learning

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Third Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:44-51*

*First Reading : Acts 8:26-40*

*The Logic of Listening and Learning*

*1) Jesus Speaks about Listening and Learning*

According to Jesus, there is a close connection between listening to learning 

Jesus says *Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me*

In order to learn something, one has to listen carefully. Only then one is able to learn   something

So there is close connection, between listening and learning 

*2) Listening and Learning from the Father*

Jesus says that in order to become close to Him, one has to listen to the Father and Learn from the Father 

One who listens to the Father, is able to learn from the Father, the heavenly things, which helps the person to become close to Jesus 

The primary purpose of listening and Learning from the Father, is to become close to Jesus and to carry out the Mission 

*3) The important things which we need to Listen in our Life*

*Conscience* First of all we need to listen to our own conscience. This is because, conscience is the seat of God. God speaks to us through our conscience. So we need to listen to the conscience

*Scriptures* It is God who speaks to us through the Scriptures. So we need to listen to God, who speaks in the Scriptures

*Wise people* There are many wise and experienced people around us. Our own parents, teachers, religious leaders etc. We need to listen to them in order to learn something good

*4) Listen and Silent*

These are the two powerful words which have same spellings 

In order to listen one has to silent from many things 

Unless one is silent one can't learn anything in life 

So silence is the foundation to listen and to learn 

*5) Jesus listened to His Father*

Jesus always listened to His Father 

He spent time in silence and in prayer to listen to his father 

By Listening to the Father he learnt everything, which helped him to achieve His goal, the goal of saving the World 

*6) Am I ready to listen and Learn*

Todays world is called *Noisy World*

In the noisy world, one has to make special efforts to listen and to learn

Most of the noise in this world always distracts us and prevents us from listening and learning 

So, this is the biggest challenge we have in our lives 

So am I ready to listen and learn the things which are eternal and enduring?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

I should not lose anything of what he (God) gave me

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Third Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:35-40*

*First Reading : Acts 8:1b-8*

*I should not lose anything of what he (God) gave me*

*1) Jesus' Mission to save everyone*

This was the mission which was given to Jesus by the Father 

To carry out this mission Jesus became man and dwelt among us 

His mission was solely geared towards, saving of the entire humankind 

Finally Jesus died on the Cross, so that he could realise the Mission which the Father had given Him

*2) God sent me also with a mission*

The mission is to love God and my neighbour and to attain eternal life 

To achieve this goal, God has given me wonderful things and qualities. They are as follows 

The beautiful life 

The intelligence

The reasoning power 

The five senses and its tremendous power 

The family 

The physical strength

The value of humility

The emotion of Love 

The value of sacrifice

The value of service 

The value of generosity

The value of truthfulness

The power of prayer 

The power of spiritual things 

The power of my mission

The opportunity to live a good and meaningful life 

*3) Have I lost these things*

In accomplishing the Mission of the Lord, He has given me tremendous things. But the question is Have I lost these things or they are still with me? 

God has given not to lose them but to use it for building of the Kingdom of God 

Unless I use these things I can't accomplish the mission given by the Lord

But the question is, where are these valuable things? Have I lost them? 

*4) Should not lose anything* 

This particular expression of Jesus tells us that, everything, that is God given is very valuable and precious. 

One can't afford to lose these things at any cost 

Anything else can be bought for money. But these God given values can't be bought or sold, for money 

Since they are so much valuable, one has to be careful to protect these things and to live a beautiful and meaningful life, to attain eternal life

*5) The demands are very high*

To achieve this goal, that is, not to lose anything that God has given us, the process demands very hard things from us 

The sacrifice

The humility

The sincerity

Sacrifice, love, forgiveness, forgiveness, etc 

Am I ready to fall in line with the demands of Jesus the master 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The deadly poison, which is given to the Followers of Jesus to Drink

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Third Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:15-20*

*First Reading : 1 Pt 5:5b-14*

*The deadly poison, which is given to the  Followers of Jesus to Drink*

*1) The mention of deadly poison*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the deadly poison, which the followers of Jesus are supposed to drink 

The poison is always harmful and those who are affected with poison, gradually lose their life 

The purpose of giving the poison to the followers of Jesus is to kill them and to stop the mission of Jesus 

*2) The various forms of deadly poison given to the followers of Jesus*

*Persecution* Which is becoming very powerful and many are victims of this poison

*Conversion* : A wrong notion and the false accusations are leveled against the followers of Jesus. The poison of conversion is very dangerous to the followers of Jesus 

*Gossip* spreading wrong information and spoiling the name of the followers of Jesus.

*The poison of destruction* Today many things which belongs to the followers of Jesus are being destroyed. 

*The poison of recrimination*  The followers are Jesus are being descrimnated for various issues. This poison is also becoming strong against the followers of Jesus 

 *The poison of Division*  This poison has affected the Church of Christ, and the followers of Jesus in a very serious way 

*The poison of Wordly Things* This is also another powerful poison which is affecting the followers of Jesus 

 

*3) Jesus is the Divine Physician*

Since Jesus our Master is the powerful divine Physician, no poison will be fatal for the followers of Jesus and to the Church of Christ

Jesus has the remedy for any type of poison, whatever it may be its power. Before the divine power, no poison can affect the lives of the followers of Jesus

No poison is more powerful than the power of Jesus the divine Master

*4) Am I frightened about the poison?*

The moment we think about poison we are frightened about it 

But the reality is that, no poison can harm the genuine follower of Jesus

As Jesus himself says *and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.*

Because Jesus is with us. As long as he is with us nothing can affect us 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Take some efforts to search and find Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Third Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:22-29*

*First Reading : Acts 6:8-15*

*Take some efforts to search and find Jesus*

*1) People were in search of Jesus*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a scene where, people are searching for Jesus 

All those people who participated in the great miracle of the feeding of the 5000 started to seeach for Jesus 

Searching for Jesus is always a good gesture, which also makes us to reflect that, without Jesus we can't live and work 

*2) People also started to do some practical things to find Jesus*

Those people not only were searching, but they took some efforts to reach where Jesus was there 

They got into the boat, and they came to Capernaum, where Jesus was there 

So taking the boat, and travelling to a place where Jesus was there, was the practical action they executed

Finally they succeeded in meeting Jesus, and the real spirit if His mission 

*3) Various ways to search Jesus in my life*

My prayer life 

Service to the humanity

Generosity

Forgiveness, simplicity

Truthfulness 

Justice 

Those who take little efforts to get into these boats and move searching  Jesus, they will surely find Jesus in our life

All the Gospel values, 10 commandments, precepts of the Church, Celebration of the sacraments, will help one find Jesus and to have His divine experience

*4) What am I searching in my Life?*

Am I searching the Worldly things or Heavenly things? 

Am I searching the perishable things or the things of eternal life 

What are the obstacles we encounter in the search of Jesus

How often we search Jesus?Is it only when I an troubled or even during the Happy time 

Disciples searched Jesus, and they fond Jesus. When I search I will find 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*

Eucharist is a Special Moment to Recognize Jesus In our Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Third Week : Sunday*

*Gospel :  Lk 24:13-35*

*First Reading : Acts 2:14, 22-33*

*SECOND READING 1 Pt 1:17-21*

*Eucharist is a Special Moment to Recognize Jesus In our Life*

*1) Disciples recognised Jesus while breaking the Bread*

The Gospel of the day, recounts the story of Emmaus, where the disciples were going back to their native place to continue their trade 

They had concluded that, everything was over with the death of Jesus 

While going back to their village, Jesus meets them. But the disciples were not able to recognize him. Finally they were able to recognise Him while breaking the bread 

*2) Preparations by the Disciples to recognize Jesus while breaking the Bread*

*A) They were discussing about Jesus*

While they were going back to Emmaus, they were discussing the passion and death of Jesus which happened just before three days 

*B) They walked with Jesus*

Knowingly or Unknowingly, the disciples walked a long way along with Jesus 

Walking with Jesus is very much necessary to recognize Him 

*C) They Listened to the Scriptures*

As they were walikjng with Jesus, He explained them about the various truths about the passion and the death on the Cross

The disciples carefully listened to it, which helped them to recognize Jesus 

*D) Requesting Jesus to stay with Us*

Finally the Disciples requested the their Master to stay with them

Accordingly,  Jesus stayed with them. 

This *stay* helped the disciples to recognize Jesus 

*3) Requirements to recognise Jesus in the Eucharist*

Like the disciples, we must make some preparations to recognize Jesus in the Eucharist

Speak or discuss about those things, which pertains to the Jesus' life 

We need to walk with Jesus 

Thirdly we need to Listen to Jesus, very often to recognize his presence in our lives 

Fourthly, requesting Jesus to stay in our lives 

When we follow these things, definitely we will be able to recognize Jesus in everything

*4) What is my preparation to recognise Jesus in my life?*

By reading the scriptures we can recognize Jesus 

Speaking about Jesus, Listening to Jesus, walking with Jesus and staying with Jesus can be achieved by reading the scriptures and meditating open it 

So what are my preparations to recognize Jesus! 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Challenging journey in the Stirred up Sea

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:16-21*

*First Reading : Acts 6:1-7*

*The Challenging journey in the  Stirred up Sea*

*1) The sea, the waves and the Wind*

All these three things go together

One can't separate, wind and waves from the sea. 

There is no sea in this world, where there is no wind and wave. The sea is always with Wind and waves 

*2) The Troubled sea and the Disciples*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the sea, in which the disciples of Jesus were travelling through the boat 

Suddenly there was wind and strong waves which made the journey of the disciples bit difficult and challenging

The sea was troubled because of the strong waves and the wind  

*3) The characteristics of the Troubled time*

First of all it was dark. Darkness always adds to  the fear and anxiety

Secondly, Jesus was not with them. They had left Jesus and they were travelling by themselves

In the night they were scared because according their thinking they saw a ghost, which frightened them 

These are the some of the signs of troubled times 

*4) Life is like a sea*

Like in the Sea, wind, and  waves can't be separated, in life the difficulties can't be separated

There is no sea with out waves. Like wise there is no life without difficulties

There is no sea with out the troubled waters. Like wise there is no life without troubles, problems and challenges

The journey is very difficult, uncertain and challenging in the sea. Like wise, the journey of life is very challenging, uncertain and difficult at every moment

*5) The Signs of troubled times in life*

At times people see only darkness, negativity and passivity in life 

The aspect of fear and anxiety is very high 

Some people also feel the absence of God and the spiritual strength 

They feel that they are encountered by Ghost rather than Loving God

*6) Jesus is always following us*

Even though the disciples had left Jesus, He went towards the disciples to help them. Jesus always walks towards us to help us and to protect us  

Jesus was with them at the critical juncture of their life. Like wise Jesus is always with us, when we need him most in our life 

The moment Jesus was with them they reached the shore. When we are with Jesus with no time we will be able to achieve great things in life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus went up to mountain, raised His eyes and saw the Hungry People

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week  : Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:1-15*

*First Reading : Acts 5:34-42*

*Jesus went up to mountain, raised His eyes and saw the Hungry People*

*1) Jesus raised his eyes, and saw the Hungry people*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us a beautiful gesture of Jesus, where Jesus raises his eyes and sees the hungry people 

Eyes are the gifts of God. One of the purposes of our eyes to see the needy people 

Jesus is the model for us to raise our eyes and to see the needy people who are arround us

*2) Need to go the Mountain*

Jesus went up to mountain along with His disciples. Sat with them 

Then he raised his eyes and saw the needy people 

So the going up to the mountain is necessary to raise our eyes and seeing the needy people 

*3) The Various mountains, one needs to climb to raise our eyes*

Thr mountain of service one needs to climb

The mountain of compassion and pity. Jesus was filled the pity and compassion for the needy people 

The mountain of Love, which helps us to raise our eyes and see the needy people 

The mountain of sincerity, the mountain of simplicity, the mountain of humility, the mountain of care and concern, the mountain of selflessness, the mountain of reaching out others etc 

When a person is able to climb these mountains, automatically one is able to raise ones eyes to see the needy people 

*4) Efforts are needed to climb the mountains*

To Climb the various mountains, which are mentioned above, one needs lots of efforts

These mountains are based on the Gospel values, so following the Gospel values the foundational step to climb the mountains

These efforts are ongoing in nature. One needs to strive continuously, to climb the mountains

Once the person is top of the mountain, he/she is automatically able to see the needy people

*5) Which are the mountains I am trying to climb?*

Some people try to climb the mountain of worldly wealth, pomp and glory 

Others try to climb the mountain of power, money, wealth, material things and other worldly things 

A few others try to Climb the mountain of service, love, care, concern, compassion, generosity etc 

We see the realities around us according to the mountains, which we climb. 

So it is very important to reflect to which mountain I have climbed?

*6) What realities do I see around me?*

Jesus saw the needy and hungry people who were coming towards him? 

Whom do I see today around me??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Speaking of Heavenly things Vs Speaking of Earthly things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 3:31-36*

*First Reading : Acts 5:27-33*

*Speaking of Heavenly things Vs Speaking of Earthly things*

*1) Two levels of Speech*

*"Speech is power; speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel"* Ralph Waldo Emerson

A good speech can change any situation

The Gospel of the day speaks about the two levels of speeches which we witness in our day to today lives 

The speaking of heavenly things 

The speaking of Earthly things 

*2) Speaking of Heavenly things*

All those who come from above, will be able to speak about heavenly things 

The following are some of the examples of heavenly things 

*Forgiveness* Forgiveness belongs to the heavenly area. That's why Jesus was able to speak about it and able to practice it, even from the Cross

*Service* Service belongs to Heaven. That's why Jesus was able to wash the feet of His disciples. Through this he has set an example for all of us to speak about service and serve the needy in our day today lives 

*Love* Love belongs to Heaven. That's why Jesus was able to love Every one. God's love was so powerful he gave his only son 

Only those who are from heaven can speak and live in Love 

*Sacrifice* Sacrifice belongs to Heaven. It is God who made the first great Sacrifice, by Giving His Son to the World. One who speaks and does the sacrifice is clearly from above 

*Humility* one who speaks and practices the Humility is from Heaven. Jesus humbled himself up to the Cross. Humility is a heavenly thing

*3) Speaking of Earthly Things*

Those who think about this world and its glory are immersed in speaking of earthly things. Some of the examples are as follows 

One who always speaks about the power 

One who speaks about the authority

One who speaks about the position

One who speaks about the Money and ways of making money 

One who speaks about the wealth and property

One who speaks about the pomp and glory of this world

One who speaks about the ones glory and achievements

One who speaks about the  language of revenge and hatred 

One who speaks about the language of gossip and lose talk 

One who speaks about the language of greed, selfishness, domination, etc 

All these things makes a person really belong to this earth 

*4) Effects of speaking of heavenly and earthly things*

The more we think about heavenly things, we tend to speak and execute the heavenly things 

The more we think about earthly things, we tend to speak earthly things, which leads to immerse in earthly things 

Heavenly things make us better and holy persons where as the earthly things spoil our life 

*5) Which one I speak?*

What is the content of my every day speech?

Is it about the heavenly things or is it about the earthly things? 

Spiritual revival can take place only by speaking heavenly things and practicing it. 

So what is the content of my speech?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Two sides of God's Love

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Jn 3:16-21*

*First Reading : Acts 5:17-26*

*The Two sides of God's Love* 

*1) God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son*

God's love culminates in Giving His only begotten Son 

So, the first aspect of God's Love is Giving His only begotten Son 

The genuine Love always accompanies with Giving the most valuable thing. In the case of God, it was His only Begotten Son

Genuine Love always demands that you give something, that you offer something, and that you sacrifice something

*2) Genuine Love should benefit others : Second Important thing*

The intention of God's love is very clear *so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.*

God's Love always for the benefit for the entire Human Kind. God's love is not for God's sake

This is the Second aspect of God's unconditional Love. 

*3) Love without these two things becomes hypocrisy*

When love does not sacrifice anything, and when love does not benefit to any one such a feeling is not love, but it is a hypocrisy

Love should always accompany the most sacrificial thing or the total commitment and such commitment for a particular cause, which should help others 

*4) Two Aspects in Married love*

First of all the self commitment and the self offering to the spouse. Marrital love demands that the spouses give each other their life totally and unconditionally

Such a commitment is for a particular cause, by Which the new life emerges, new family comes into existence, the Holy Church gets strengthened, to build the Kingdom of God, here on this earth 

*5) Two aspects of Love in Religious Life*

A person who falls in love with Jesus, thet be ready to offer His/her self to totally to the Lord 

As God offered His Son, we are supposed to offer our self to the Lord 

Such a commitment is for the benefit of the Church and for the mission of the Lord

So these two aspects are beautifully seen in any form of genuine Love 

*6) How about my Love?*

Is there a total and complete commitment to the cause to which I am in love with? Either family, or the religious life or any other mission to spread the Kingdom of God? 

Who is benefiting out of my life? 

Is only me? Is it only my close family circle? Or is the genuine needy person, with whom I am ready to share the fruit of the  commitment of my love??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Wind and the Holy Spirit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Jn 3:7b-15*

*First Reading : Acts 4:32-37*

*The Wind and the Holy Spirit*

*1) The reference to the Wind in today's Gospel*

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus makes a mention about the Wind 

Jesys says *The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes*

What is the significance of the Wind. Why Jesus is speaking about the Wind

*2) The wind and the Holy Spirit*

The wind which is referred by Jesus indicates the reality of the Holy Spirit

And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting (Acts 2:2).

And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22)

So it is very clear that wind refers to the Holy Spirit

*3) Wind can't be seen*

No one can see the wind. But one can feel the presence of the wind 

We are unable to predict from which side the wind comes and to which side it is moving. 

Like wind, the Holy Spirit can't be seen. But one can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit

Like wind, we don't know how the Spirit comes and where does it go 

*4) The effects are seen*

Only with the effects one can say that the wind exists 

When the wind comes there will be some effects. Some things will move from one place to the another, some trees will swing or they may fall, some times it can destroy some of the things 

Like Wind, the Holy Spirit also can be experienced only through the effects 

The effects are the real witnesses of the presence of the Holy Spirit

*5)  With out wind, life is impossible*

No one can think of the life without wind 

In other words, wind is nothing but the life itself. 

Likewise without the Presence of the Holy Spirit, one can't survive spiritually and grow in Holiness 

Holy Spirit is nothing but the Life itself 

*6) Wind can't remain in a passive way*

Wind is always creative and it produces some or the other effects 

The very fact that the wind comes means, there will be some effects 

Like wise the Holy Spirit is always effective, and creative. 

It produces some or the other effects 

*7) Effect is unpredictable*

Wind has terrible power and its effects are unpredictable some times 

Like wise, the Power of the Holy Spirit is unimaginable. It can create any effects in our lives 

We need to become the wind filled or Spirit filled persons in life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Birth from Water and Spirit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 3:1-8*

*First Reading : Acts 4:23-31*

*Birth from Water and Spirit*

*1) Unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God*

In today's Gospel Jesus presents to us a new form of Birth, that is the Birth through water and Spirit 

All those who would like to see the Kingdom of God, should be born of water and Spirit.

If so, what is the significance of this Birth? how to understand this 

*2) Birth from Water*

First of all water has the quality of cleaning the dirty things. 

Secondly, Water has the Quality of giving Life to someone or to the living beings 

So, birth from water will help us to cleanse our dirty self and to clean yourself 

Secondly, the Water gives us a new life, which can be called as life from above and not from bellow 

*3) Birth from Water and Baptism*

For Christians, the Baptism the birth from water 

We use water in Baptism. This baptismal water, cleanses the person from the original sin and all other sins and makes his life immaculate and clean 

Secondly this baptismal water, gives us new life, that is the faith life, Christian life, life in Christ

This is what is meant by the birth from Water 

*4) Birth From Spirit*

The Spirit is always from above. 

When some one is born from the Spirit, he/she becomes holy, pure and good 

The Apostles who were born from the power of the Holy Spirit, they became, courageous, confident, enlightened, and were filled with the things from above and not from bellow 

A person who is born of the Spirit, is always influenced by the Holy Things, Gospel values, and divine things 

Such a person does always what God wants and not what the world wants 

*5) The Kingdom of God and the New Birth*

Unless one is born of the water and Spirit, one can't see the Kingdom of God, one can't exp the Kingdom of God and one can't think of the Kingdom of God 

So the New birth is the entry into the Kingdom of God. 

Gospel values are the ways to enter into the Kingdom of God 

So the new birth is necessary which helps us to follow the Gospel ways which leads us to the Kingdom of God 

*6) Am I ready for the New Birth*

We need to wash ourselves now and then through the Water of the sacrament of reconciliation

Only then we can think of entering into the Kingdom of Heaven 

So am I ready for the New Birth??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The experience of the Risen Lord in the community

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week : Sunday*

*The Feast of Divine Mercy*

*Gospel : Jn 20:19-31*

*First Reading : Acts 2:42-47*

*SECOND READING - 1 Pt 1:3-9*

*The experience of the Risen Lord in the community*

*1) The appearance of Jesus to His disciples*

The first part of the Gospel, recounts the incident of Jesus' appearance to his disciples

When He appeared to His disciples he said *Peace be with You*

He also gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to forgive the Sins of others 

Jesus said *Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”*

*2) Thomas missed the Experience of the Risen Lord*

In fact Thomas was not with the community of the disciples

Since He was not with the disciples, he missed the divine experience of the appearance of Jesus 

The main reason is that he was not with the company of other disciples

*3) Strength of the Community*

Community has its own importance

In todays Gospel we see the importance of community because those who were with the community they experienced the Risen Christ

Thomas who was not with the community, lost the divine experience of the Risen Lord 

*4) Thomas with the community*

Towards the end of the Gospel we also see that Thomas was found with other disciples when Jesus once again appreaed to Thomas to clear His doubts 

This also highlights the importance of the community

To Thomas he appeared only in the community and not when went out the community

*5) Where Two or Three gathered in my Name*

This is what we read in the Gospels, said by Jesus 

*Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am l in the misdt of them*

*6) Important community link in my Life*

Family is a community

Parish is a community

Ward and members of ward is a community

All associations of the parish create a community

Catechism class is a community

Any training program in the parish forms a community

Working and serving together forms a community

So there are plenty of occasions, where we can think of community concept to experience the Risen Lord 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Encounter of the Risen Christ in Different levels

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : First Week - Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:9-15*

*First Reading : Acts 4:13-21*

*The Encounter of the Risen Christ in Different levels*

*1) The Risen Lord meets Mary Magdalene*

This is the first appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene

This is also very personal encounter of the Risen Lord to Mary 

Likewise, Risen Lords meets every one at personal level 

It is the one to one encounter of the Lord to us. It may happened to us while praying or doing our mission for the Lord

*2) The Risen Lord meets through the other*

It is through Mary Magdalene that the disciples came to know about the resurrection of Jesus 

It is through Mary Magdalene or through the other Jesus revealed to His disciples about His resurrection

Likewise the Risen Lord meets us through the other. 

The other may be our own parents, loving people, close friends, relatives and our own well wishers. 

*3) The Encounter of the Risen Lord through the strangers*

To the Disciples who were on the way to Emmaus, Jesus revealed Himself through a strangers

As a stranger He was present among them, walked with them, explained the scripture to them, understood them, and finally at their request He stayed with them 

So while breaking the bread at super, they recognized the stranger as Jesus himself 

So, at  times the Risen Lord may reveals Himself to us through a stranger. We must be alert to recognize Him and to follow Him

*4) The Risen Lord's encounter in the Community*

The Risen Lord appeared to all the Disciples when they were together

They had gathered together as a community. During this time Jesus appears to them and reveals Himself as the Risen Lord 

The community is very powerful. The Risen Lord always present in the people of God or in the Community

Therefore we must try our level best to experience the Risen Lord, in the community

*5) How do I encounter the Lord?*

At personal level

At the neighbors level

At strangers or through unknown people 

At the community level or in the family

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Generosity of the Risen Lord in revealing Himself to the Disciples

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : First Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 21:1-14*

*First Reading : Acts 4:1-12*

*The Generosity of the Risen Lord in revealing Himself to the Disciples*

*1) Jesus appears for the Third Time*

The whole episode of the Gospel speaks about the appearance of Jesus to His disciples

The important point to note here would be that the appearance of Jesus to his disciples - Third time 

Before this appearance Jesus has already appeared them for two times 

*2) Why Jesus appeared for the Third Time*

The simple reason would be, the disciples were not yet sure of the resurrection of Jesus 

When Jesus appeared for the first time they doubted 

When Jesus appeared for the second time they doubted 

When Jesus appeared for the third time, still they were not able to recognize Jesus 

So to convince to his disciples about the fact of resurrection Jesus appeared for the Third time 

*3)The Generosity of the Risen Lord*

Even though the disciples failed to recognize the Risen Lord, He did not blame them 

Instead of blaming, he showed Himself three times to his disciples, so that they could understand the real fact and they may believe in Him 

Here we see the generosity, goodness and patience of the Risen Lord, in showing Himself to his disciples

He tolerated their disbelief and was trying to take away this disbelief by showing himself many more times to his disciples

*4) 3 is a perfect Number*

We see that Jesus appeared three times to His disciples

Three is a perfect number according to bible numerology

That's why we have *three times Holy* and also other spiritual things 

So with the Third appearance, the disciples are convinced about the resurrection of Jesus 

*5) Jesus is also generous and patient towards me*

The same Risen Lord is generous and patient towards me 

Many times we also fail to recognize the Risen Lord in others and also in many situations

Yet Jesus doesn't condemn us, he does not find fault with us. But He is very generous towards us by giving many more chances to recognize Him in diffent people 

*6) My efforts to recognize the Risen Lord*

It is true that Jesus is very generous towards us. But this generosity also demands that we make sincere efforts to recognize him in others 

So, the question is what are my sincere efforts to recognize the Risen Lord, in and around me??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Are you Troubled? Why are you troubled

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : First Week : Thursday*

*Gospel :  Lk 24:35-48*

*First Reading : Acts 3:11-26*

*Are you Troubled? Why are you troubled?*

*1) The reality of Getting Troubled*

All of us get troubled for different things 

It is the reality that the emotion of getting troubled can't be separated from our life 

When we are troubled, we are confused and we don't know what to do? At the same time we also desperately look for solutions

*2) The Troubled Disciples*

In the Gospel of the day, we see the disciples of Jesus who are troubled. The reason for their may be following

They were troubled over the resurrection of Jesus because they were not sure whether Jesus is really Risen or not 

Secondly they saw the Risen Lord, but they saw Him as a ghost. They could not recognize Him

Thirdly they were frightened about the various things which happened during the passion and death of Jesus and also the post crucifixion events that is the resurrection of Jesus. That is why they were troubled

*3) Jesus' Question : Why are you troubled?*

In the Gospel of the day this particular question we can see

It's an important question because, it made the disciples to reflect and locate their problem

Unless one knows why one is troubled, one can't find the solution. 

So this particular question of Jesus is very important to see why we feel troubled in our life 

*4) Am I troubled in my Life?*

It is very important to reflect about the trouble that I am undergoing at present 

Am I troubled because of my health? 

Am I troubled because of my financial situation? 

Am I troubled because of my family? 

Am I troubled because of my carrier?

Am I troubled because of my failure? 

Am I troubled because I committed my blunders in my life? 

Am I troubled because of my social status? 

Am I troubled because of my greed, anger, gossip, revengeful attitude? 

*5) Jesus is the answer for all the troubles*

In the Gospel we see the troubled disciples

But the same Gospel also tells us that, Jesus is the one who solved all the troubles of the Disciples. 

It is very important to know that Jesus is the one who can solve any of the troubles in our life 

It is necessary that we take all the troubles to Jesus

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The accompaniment of Jesus to His Disciples

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : First Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 24:13-35*

*First Reading : Acts 3:1-10*

*The accompaniment of Jesus to His Disciples*

*1) The Disciples on the Way to Emmaus*

After the death of Jesus the disciples thought that everything is over. Since their Master had died in cruel way, they had lost hope in everything

That is why they were returning to their native place, Emmaus 

So they had already started their journey to Emmaus and they were on their way to Emmaus 

*2) Jesus' Accompaniment to His Disciples*

Since the disciples were very sad, they had lost hope in everything. 

They were on their way to Emmaus. Here Jesus accompanies them to encourage them in all ways 

But the disciples could recognize that it was Jesus 

*3) What Jesus did while accompanying His disciples*

First of all He joined them in walking the distance

Secondly he asked some questions, to clarify their doubts 

Thirdly He listened carefully while they shared their hearts feeling 

He explained the scriptures in meaningful way 

He also decided stayed with them 

He was ready to eat with them 

Finally he broke the bread and reveled his real identity to his disciples 

*4) We are called upon to play the Role of Jesus*

We are the people of the Risen Lord. All of us experience the Risen Lord in one way or the other 

But there are many like the disciples on the Emmaus way, who need accompaniment, in order to recognise Jesus and, proclaim the good news 

So am ready to play of the Risen Lord?

*5) Accompanying some one is not easy task*

Accompanying some one, when it is very urgent and needed one must be ready to any situation

Such a work is not easy.

Accompanying some one, is very challenging, time consuming and involves a great sacrifice

If so am I ready to accompany some one when in need? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Presence of the Angel at the Tomb

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : First Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel :Jn 20:11-18*

*First Reading : Acts 2:36-41*

*The Presence of the Angel at the Tomb*

*1) The Presence of the Angel*

There is always something Special at the presence of the Angel 

Either to communicate a powerful divine message or to witness a miracle 

The presence of the Angle at the annunciation, or angel appeared to Joseph to communicate a message 

So here also angels were there to communicate a powerful message 

*2) Angels at the head and Feet of Jesus' body*

The Gospel of the day clearly tells us that there were two angles at the tomb

One is at the head and other at the feet 

In fact angels were guarding the Body of Jesus 

God had appointed the angles to take care of the body of Jesus 

*3) Angels Communicate the resurrection Message*

We see near the Tomb, angels conveyed the message of resurrection to the Women 

It was the angels who communicated the message to the women 

In other words it was angels who proclaimed the message of the resurrection

*4) Angels are Holy Creatures*

As we know that Angels are Holy Creatures of God 

So Holiness of Angels and the proclamation of Jesus' resurrection has close connection

Unless one has some kind of Holiness one can't proclaim the resurrection of Jesus in an effective way 

So holiness is needed to proclaim the Good news 

*5) We need to play the Role of the Angels*

First of all like angels we need to proclaim the resurrection news to every one 

Secondly angels, encouraged the women to believe in the Good News of Resurrection. We need to encourage every one to believe in Resurrection of Jesus 

Women were frightened. But the presence of the angels made the women comfortable and they were at ease because of the angels

So also our presence must make others comfortable

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Jesus asked His Disciples to go to Galilee?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : 1st Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 28:8-15*

*First Reading : Acts 2:14, 22-33*

*Why Jesus asked His Disciples to go to Galilee?*

*1) 80 miles Distance*

It is learnt that Galilee is 80 miles far away from Jerusalem 

Infact all the events of the life of Jesus - passion death, and resurrection took place in Jerusalem. 

It would be easy for the disciples to meet Jesus in Jerusalem rather than in Galilee

Still Jesus asks them to go to Galilee. Why? 

*2) Galilee means to Roll*

The name Galilee is derived from the Hebrew galil which comes from the root גלל ("to roll")

To roll means to go forward 

So, this place has some significant value for the resurrection of jesus 

To roll means to pass over from one phase to another phase 

So Jesus rolled from death to life 

Jesus rolled from darkness to life 

Jesus rolled from defeat to victory

Jesus rolled from despair to hope 

Jesus rolled from earthly life to eternal life

*3) The need to roll or to pass over*

To see the Risen Christ we need to go to Galilee

Once again Galilee in our life is *to roll* *to pass over*

We need to roll from sin to holiness 

We need to roll from darkness to life 

We need to roll from despair to hope 

We need to roll from revenge to forgiveness

We need to roll from pride to simplicity

We need to roll from selfishness to service

*4) To Roll is a continous process*

To roll is not a one moment 

It is a continous and every day process

To roll is to witness some growth, which happens in a gradual way 

To roll over is to struggle every day to do some good or avoid evil and to do good  

*5) Other important points about Galilee*

It was a native place of almost all the disciples

Jesus had performed many miracles and also had preached about many things in Galilee

Jesus also starts His ministry from Galilee. Now the new mission he entrusts once again from Galilee

Galilee was more safe for the Disciples than Jerusalem. In initial days, disciples needed protection from Jews, who crucified Jesus in Jerusalem

*6) The Disciples were already on the Way to Galilee*

Soon after the crucifixion of Jesus, some of the disciples had already left to their native place out of fear of Jews 

So it waa easy for the disciples to gather in Galilee rather than in Jerusalem

So this is also one of the reasons, why Jesus asked his disciples to meet in Jerusalem

*7) Am I ready to Roll*

The Risen Lord invites each one of us to go to Galilee 

Going to Galilee means to roll, to pass over from old ways of life to new way of life

*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*

Meeting of thr Risen Lord on the Way

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Easter Sunday*

*Gospel : Matthew 28:1-10*

*First Reading : Acts 10:34a, 37-43*

*Meeting of thr Risen Lord on the Way*

*1) Jesus met them on their way*

The Women had come near the tomb to see the  body of Jesus

To their surprise they see the empty tomb and they could not find the body of Jesus

But at the same time they saw an angel and learnt that Jesus had risen from the dead

So they ran back to Jerusalem to convey the message

On their way back they met the Risen Lord, who greeted  them while returning from the Tomb

*2) Women were Running back to proclaim the Good News*

It is very important to know that  why the women were running back? 

To communicate some good news to the disciples

When they were running back to Jerusalem, Jesus met them and gave them a new experience of the Risen Lord 

*3) Risen Lord meets us when we run for good things*

The Running of the Women from the tomb to Jerusalem for a purpose - to communicate the good news 

Jesus rewards their good purpose by appearing them and greeting them 

So when some one runs for good work the Risen Lord gives his experience to others 

*4) My Race*

All of us running for different purposes 

When our purpose ia good and the Risen Lord meets us  on our journey

So in our day today life the Risen Lord meets us gives us His divine experience

*5) The Direction of my Race?*

The women were running from the Tomb towards the new life 

Where do I run in my life today. Towards the tomb or away from tomb  

Right direction is always awarded with the meeting of Jesus 

In Wrong direction I can't meet Jesus

So, where do I run? 

Which direction I am moving? 

Will I be able to meet Jesus on my way back to Jerusalem?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Return from the Tomb to proclaim the Risen Christ

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Holy Week : Easter Triduum: Holy Saturday*

*Gospel : Luke 24:1-12*

*First Reading : Rom 6:3-11*

*Return from the Tomb to proclaim the Risen Christ*

*1) Women at the Tomb*

Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and other women had gone to the tomb early Sunday Morning

On their arrival to the tomb, they see unusual things, which left them is dismay and surprise

The tomb was open and the body of Jesus was not found 

Immediately two angels appeared and told about the reality of empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus  

*2) The Return of the Women from the Tomb*

When they received the news of the resurrection, they immediately returned from the tomb and met the disciples and proclaimed the Good news resurrection

The returning of the women from the tomb and proclaiming the good news has a close connect to our life and especially to our spiritual life 

Unless we return from the tomb we can't proclaim the good news 

*3) The significance of the Tomb*

Tomb is meant for burying the dead 

Tomb has only the dead things, rotten things and foul smell 

For many, tomb is a scary place and it creates a kind of despair, fear, anxiety and other negative feeling 

The atmosphere of the tomb is not conducive to proclaim the good news 

So returning from the tomb is very necessary to proclaim the good news 

*4) The return from the tomb in our Life*

To proclaim the Good news of resurrection we need to return from the tomb even in our life 

From the tomb of pride 

From the tomb of laziness

T

From the tomb of anger 

From the tomb of revenge

From the tomb of arrogance

From the tomb of ego and selfishness

From the tomb of gossip and sin

Unless we return from these tombs we can't effectively proclaim the good news of resurrection

*5) Am I ready to return from the Tomb?*

This returning demands a lot in our life

This returning is not very easy. Its very challenging and difficult but not impossible

But this returning will change our life and we will be able to proclaim the good news in an effective way

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Logic of the Cross

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Holy Week : Easter Triduum: Good Friday*

*Gospel : John 18: 1-19: 42*

*First Reading : Is 52:13-53:12*

**SECOND READING : Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9*

*The Logic of the Cross*

*1) What is the Logic of the Cross*

In simple way one can say that the Logic of the Cross is, Turning bad into good, curse into blessing, death into life and defeat into victory

Through Jesus the Cross gets  this turning point 

Jesus is the One who fixed this Logic to the Cross 

*2) Examples of the Logic of the Cross*

First of all cross was the symbol of death, cruelty, punishment, humiliation, pain and defeat 

Such a Cross gets a different meaning after the death of Jesus 

Today Cross is considered as the symbol of God's power, symbol of faith, victory, life, hope and entry to heaven

Today its not a symbol of fear but it is the symbol of courage 

It is symbol of happiness and Joy 

*3) Turning bad into Good*

The spirituality of tgr Cross, Turning point 

Turn worst into best 

Turn bad into good 

Turn evil into good 

Turn pride into humility

Turn arrogance into hospitality

Turn gossip into good news 

Turn hatred into love 

Turn 

So turning is the best logic of the Cross

*4) Am I ready to follow the Logic of the Cross*

Cross changes our life 

Cross changes worst into best 

Cross turns defeat into victory

Cross, 

Change is at the Centre of the cross

*5) The Logic of the Cross demands the Following things*

Courage

Faithfulness

Determination

Commitment

Humility

Love 

Sacrifice

Service

Forgiveness

The Cross is the Symbol of Hope of Change

*May it change our life too*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Feast of Washing

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Easter Triduum - Holy Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 13:1-15*

*First Reading : Ex 12:1-8, 11-14*

*Second Reading -  1 Cor 11:23-26*

*The Feast of Washing*

*1) Holy Thursday - Washing Ceremony*

One of the important rites which we perform on the Holy Thursday is Washing of the Feet 

Considering this event, one can call the celebration of the Holy Thursday as the Washing Celebration

The Symbolic washing by  Jesus has a deeper meaning to our life  

*2) Washing By Water*

Holy Thursday Jesus washed the feet of His disciples with the Water 

This beautiful incident is recorded in todays Gospel

All the details about this washing - Washing by the Water is recorded in the Bible 

*3) Washing By Blood*

On the Holy Friday the same Jesus Washes not only the feet but the entire person or the entire humanity through His Blood 

By shedding the Last drop of His blood on the Cross Jesus washed the sins of the Humankind with His blood 

So, Friday becomes *Good* because Jesus washed the sins through His blood. 

So it is a celebration of the Washing through the Blood

*4) Washing though the Blood and Water - Divine Mercy Jesus*

On Good Friday we begin the Novena of Mercy Jesus 

On 2nd Sunday of Easter we celebrate the feast of Divine Mercy 

The Divine Mercy Jesus clearly shows the importance of Water and Blood through the White and red rays 

So the Mercy of Jesus washes the Entire Human being through the water and blood which comes out from the heart of Jesus 

*5) Sacrament of reconciliation and the Celebration of Washing*

Today the Washing celebration of the Heart and Mind of the Human beings take place though the sacrament of reconciliation

The same Jesus who washed the feet of His disciples, washes the hearts and minds of His followers through the sacrament of reconciliation 

Once again even in the Sacrament of reconciliation the Water and Blood take very significant role in forgiving the sins of the people and giving them new life 

*6) My role in the feast of Washing Celebration*

Even today Jesus is ready to wash our hearts and minds 

What is my response? Will I say like Peter *You will never wash my feet*

Am I afraid of participating in the feast of Washing? 

*7) No participation without Washing*

Its very clear that, without washing no one can participate in the banquet of the Lord 

Jesus says *Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me*

So *Washing* is very important in our Life 

*If So, What is my opinion?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Misuse of Money and Kiss

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - Holy Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 26:14-25*

*First Reading : Is 50:4-9a*

*The Misuse of Money and Kiss*

*1) The importance of Kiss*

Kiss is a symbol of Love and and a close relationship

It shows the intimacy, closeness and a family relationship 

*2) The Misuse of Kiss by Judas*

Judas used a symbol of Love to betray His Master 

This is a most dangerous thing that can happen in ones life 

A enemy taking a revenge is not a big thing, because he/She is enemy 

But a friend betraying another friend through a symbol of Love is the most wicked thing that one can witness in life 

*3) The Misuse of Money*

The greed for money leads one to misuse money or for the selfish purpose 

Judas misused the Money and He used crooked and wicked ways to get money 

He used all the money for his personal gain and personal needs. He hardly thought about others 

*4) The result of the greed for money*

First of all He took courage to betray His master which eventually led to the crucifixion of Jesus 

A innocent man was put to death because of the Judas' greed for money 

Secondly, Judas himself destroyed his own life. Greed for the money finally led, him to commit suicide 

So misuse of Money finally destroys everyone 

*5) Betraying through Kiss is the Most worst thing in life*

Since Kiss is the Symbol of Love, Judas turned the symbol of Love for betraying 

Symbol of Love is turned into a wicked thing 

Symbol of Love is turned for greed for money 

Symbol of Love is used to evil things 

The belief of one person on another is simply destroyed 

It happens in an most unexpected way. Because the context is Love and the situation leads the worst thing 

That is why it is the most dangerous thing

*6) What is their in my Life?*

Does the Kiss of Judas influence me at any time? 

Am I party to Judas' Kiss in my family life? 

Does the kiss of Judas disturb me at any time? 

Kiss of Judas is the most dangerous thing - do you agree with this? 

How does the money play its role in my life? 

How do I handle the money?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Time and Moment of Entering the Satan into Judas's Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - Holy Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Jn 13:21-33, 36-38*

*First Reading : Is 49:1-6*

*The Time and Moment of Entering the Satan into Judas's Life*

*1) The Reference of Entering the Satan into the Life of Judas*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the entering of the Satan in the Life of Judas 

*After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him*

Till then Judas was not under the influence of Satan 

Since he was with Jesus, the Satan could not take the control of the life of Judas

*2) The important decision of Judas*

It is only after he came to know the reward for handing over Jesus to the Jews, he planned to betray Jesus 

For the reward of 30 silver coins, He made up his mind to betray Jesus and makes the final decision to execute the plan during the Last Supper 

At that moment Satan enters in the Life of Judas and Satan takes the control of his life 

*3) How the Satan enters into our life*

Satan is unable to enter into our life, unless we give the permission

Judas didn't give the permission to Satan until he decided to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins 

Once he decides to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins, and when he is ready to execute his plan, he surrenders himself to Satan and then the Satan takes the control of his life 

Unless one gives permission to the Satan to enter into ones life, the Satan is helpless. But ones it enters it destroys the entire life 

*4) The Result - When Satan enters into ones life*

First of all it takes away from the presence of Jesus, because Satan can't remain in the presence of Jesus 

Secondly, Satan leads one into darkness and not to the light. When Judas went away from the presence of Jesus it was night 

Thirdly, it leads a person to do something evil against another person. That is what Judas did 

Finally it leads a person to destroy the self itself. That is what it did to Judas. It led Judas to commit suicide, and destroy his self 

*5) Every evil act is a permission given to Satan to enter into our life*

By doing every little  evil act we invite the Satan into our life and give him the permission to take the control of our life 

All our bad habits, arrogance, pride, hatred, revengeful attitude, gossip are the various ways through which one gives permission to the Satan to enter into ones life 

*6) What is the influence of Satan in my Life*

Satan is always very active 

If the Satan has used the best opportunity to tempt Jesus himself, it will never allow His followers without tempting

Satan will use every little opportunity to tempt good and holy people to destroy them 

So one needs to be more careful about the snares of the Satan 

*7) Modern Satan*

Modern Satan has become very colorful and appealing to our senses 

It uses every other opportunity through media, internet, mobiles, social networking sites, variety of food, drinks, drugs, clothes, variety of hair styles, and the culture

We need to be more careful about the Modern Satan who enters into our life through these modern colourful ways, which are most dangerous to our life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Mary gave the best thing to Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - Holy Week : Monday*

*Gospel : John 12:1-11*

*First Reading : Is 42:1-7*

*Mary gave the best thing to Jesus*

*1) Mary Gave costly perfumed Oil to Jesus*

It is said that Mary brought one liter of oil and not little oil

It was not an ordinary oil, but oil which was prepared from genuine aromatic nard

This was a costly perfumed oil 

According to Judas it costs around three hundred days wages. It is almost 10 months salary 

All these details show us that Mary gave one of the best and costly things to Jesus 

*2) Judas was not willing to give best thing to Jesus*

Judas considered giving best thing to Jesus was a waste of Money 

In the guise of poor people, Judas wanted to use the best things for himself 

This is the attitude of Judas *Best things for me and others can have ordinary things*

*3) We are called upon to give best things to Jesus*

Those of us who follow Jesus and those who accept Jesus as our Lord and Master, are supposed to give best things to Jesus 

We need to take the example of Mary in giving the best thing to Jesus 

We give  best things to our beloved. If so, when we give best things to Jesus, we become beloved people of God

*4) Best things which can be given in this Holy Week*

Since we are already in the Holy Week, these could be the following things which could be given to Jesus 

A repentant heart 

A prayerful heart and mind 

Spending an extra hour of prayer with Jesus 

Bringing out the Simon of Cyrene from our life 

Searching the veronica from our life and trying to give a pure towel to Jesus 

A forgiving heart 

A humble heart 

A compassionate heart 

A loving heart 

A scarifying heart 

A serving heart 

A smiling heart 

A appreciating heart 

These are some of the best and costly things which we can give to Jesus during this Holy Week 

*5) Other Best things to Jesus*

Our life is a best gift which can be given to Jesus

Proclaiming the values of Jesus in our day today life is the best thing which can be given to Jesus

Bearing witness to Jesus is the best thing which can be given to Jesus 

Becoming another Christ in our way of life is the best thing which can be given to Jesus 

A symbol of forgiveness, service, generosity, humility, simplicity, truthfulness, are the best gifts which can be given to Jesus 

*6) What costly things I am ready to give to Jesus*

Obedience

Poverty

Purity 

Chastity

Humility

Justice

Truthfulness

Generosity

Repentance

Forgiveness

Reconciliation??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The speciality of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Donkey

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - Holy Week - Palm Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54*

*First Reading : Is 50:4-7*

*SECOND READING - Phil 2:6-11*

*The speciality of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Donkey*

God never missed an opportunity to use powerful symbols throughout Scripture. The triumphal entry - Jesus’ famous ride on this lowly animal reveals much about Christ’s character and purpose. 

*1) Christ is claiming His rightful place as the prophesied Messiah.*

Zechariah wrote: “Behold, your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Every Jew would know Zechariah’s messianic prophecy. That’s why the crowds hailed Jesus as their king shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9). Jesus is the true Davidic Messiah and king.

*2) Jesus rode a donkey to symbolize peace.*

In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace.

This shows Jesus is the Prince of Peace

*3) . Christ's journey on a donkey harkened back to the foreshadowing of a father sacrificing his own only son*

Isaac, a type of Christ, rides a donkey to be slain by his father Abraham on the altar (Genesis 49:10-12).

*4) Jesus' triumphal entry on a donkey symbolized God's blessing to His people.*

Jacob’s divine blessing over his son Judah includes a reference to a donkey and a donkey’s foal (Genesis 49:10-12)

Jesus is born of the tribe of Judah, eternally enthroned. 

*5)  Emissaries sent donkeys overloaded with gifts to appease the wrath of an enemy, preventing bloodshed*

Jacob sent donkeys packed with treasures to avoid the wrath of his brother Esau (Genesis 33:8). 

Abigail brought donkeys packed with food to keep David from killing her family. 

The donkey which is loaded with Jesus, finally will save us from the Wrath of sin and death 

*6) God used a donkey to speak His judgment!*

Yes, Balaam’s donkey actually warns the prophet of His disobedience

*8) Jesus demonstrated that he was the burden-bearer who came to save us.*

Baby Jesus was born in humility. Remember, a donkey carried a poor, pregnant mother named Mary all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. (Luke 2:4-7). 

This gentle beast of burden carried the Savior of the World. Jesus used the image of Mary’s donkey to connect with the common people. He came for them. 

Like donkey, Jesus bore the entire burden of our sins

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*