The Speciality of the Name of John

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:57-66, 80*

*First Reading : Is 49:1-6*

*Solemnity of John the Baptist*

*The Speciality of the Name of John*

*1) The Name meaning of John*

The Gospel of the day makes it very clear that, He will called as John 

Both Zachariah and Elizabeth had only one name, that is John 

John means *God is Gracious* In and through John we experience the Grace of God

John's life and Mission shows that God is really gracious towards His people  

*2) Other Meanings of John the Baptist*

We can see beautiful meanings, hidden in the name of John Baptist, which shows his personality and Mission 

*J - Just Man* 

J stands for Just or Justice. John was a just man and He fought for what was just and True 

*O - Obedient Man*

The obedience of John was really marvelous. His obedience to the Mission of God and also His obedience to Jesus also seen in His preaching and in His mission 

*H - Humble Man*

Humility of John is marvelous. *I must decrease and he must increase*. This was the attitude of John. I am not worthy to untie the sandals. This shows the height of his humility

*N - Noble Man*

John was a noble man. His mission, his preaching, his way of life, His courage and His sacrifice of life for the truth shows the nobility of John 

*B - Bold/Blessed Man*

His boldness is seen in his courage to condemn the evil done by Herod. He was not frightened of Herod 

He was also a Blessed Man because of the Holy Spirit and His role in preparing the way for the Lord

*A - Austere Man*

Austerity of John can be seen in his dress, in His food and in the strict discipline of His life 

*P - Pure Man*

Purity of John is seen in his Mission for the Lord. No one can see any faults in the life of John. His mind is pure, His heart is pure and His life is pure 

*T - Trustworthy Man*

Since He was a trustworthy man, God gave him the highest responsibility of preparing the way for Messiah

He became the precursor of Messiah because of His trustworthiness to God, to his mission and to the other 

*I - Impartial Man*

We see no partiality in the life of John. He was a straightforward person. He condemned evil and upheld the truth. 

*S- Simple Man*

Simplicity of the life of John made him great in the sight of God. His simplicity is seen in His, food, clothing and in his life style 

*T - Great Teacher*

To his knowledge and to His wisdom, John is a great teacher, from whom many learnt the lessons for life, many got converted from the past life and to many he was a guide to prepare themselves to receive the Messiah

*3) Name has a meaning and Mission*

From the life of John it is clear that evey name has a beautiful and divine meaning and a divine mission 

John very well understood the meaning and mission of his name and lived accordingly. That's why His name became eternal 

What about my name?

What is the divine meaning of my life? 

What is the divine mission for my life?

When we keep names for our children, let's find out the divine meaning if those names and the mission hidden in the names 

*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 Name of John

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:57-66, 80*

*First Reading : Is 49:1-6*

*Solemnity of John the Baptist*

*The Speciality of the Name of John*

*1) The Name meaning of John*

The Gospel of the day makes it very clear that, He will called as John 

Both Zachariah and Elizabeth had only one name, that is John 

John means *God is Gracious* In and through John we experience the Grace of God

John's life and Mission shows that God is really gracious towards His people  

*2) Other Meanings of John the Baptist*

We can see beautiful meanings, hidden in the name of John Baptist, which shows his personality and Mission 

*J - Just Man* 

J stands for Just or Justice. John was a just man and He fought for what was just and True 

*O - Obedient Man*

The obedience of John was really marvelous. His obedience to the Mission of God and also His obedience to Jesus also seen in His preaching and in His mission 

*H - Humble Man*

Humility of John is marvelous. *I must decrease and he must increase*. This was the attitude of John. I am not worthy to untie the sandals. This shows the height of his humility

*N - Noble Man*

John was a noble man. His mission, his preaching, his way of life, His courage and His sacrifice of life for the truth shows the nobility of John 

*B - Bold/Blessed Man*

His boldness is seen in his courage to condemn the evil done by Herod. He was not frightened of Herod 

He was also a Blessed Man because of the Holy Spirit and His role in preparing the way for the Lord

*A - Austere Man*

Austerity of John can be seen in his dress, in His food and in the strict discipline of His life 

*P - Pure Man*

Purity of John is seen in his Mission for the Lord. No one can see any faults in the life of John. His mind is pure, His heart is pure and His life is pure 

*T - Trustworthy Man*

Since He was a trustworthy man, God gave him the highest responsibility of preparing the way for Messiah

He became the precursor of Messiah because of His trustworthiness to God, to his mission and to the other 

*I - Impartial Man*

We see no partiality in the life of John. He was a straightforward person. He condemned evil and upheld the truth. 

*S- Simple Man*

Simplicity of the life of John made him great in the sight of God. His simplicity is seen in His, food, clothing and in his life style 

*T - Great Teacher*

To his knowledge and to His wisdom, John is a great teacher, from whom many learnt the lessons for life, many got converted from the past life and to many he was a guide to prepare themselves to receive the Messiah

*3) Name has a meaning and Mission*

From the life of John it is clear that evey name has a beautiful and divine meaning and a divine mission 

John very well understood the meaning and mission of his name and lived accordingly. That's why His name became eternal 

What about my name?

What is the divine meaning of my life? 

What is the divine mission for my life?

When we keep names for our children, let's find out the divine meaning if those names and the mission hidden in the names 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Speciality and the Deeper meaning of eye and the Eye sight

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 6:19-23*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 11:18, 21-30*

*The Speciality and the Deeper meaning of eye and the Eye sight*

*1) The lamp of the body is the eye.*

This is what we find in today's Gospel

The importance of Our eyes and eye sight is highlight in today's Gospel

We can imagine the misery of a person who is blind. The entire world for him/ her is only darkness

*2) Eye and the Eye sight and the Insight*

The eye represent the eye sight or simply the sight 

This sight is very important for us to live and move in our day today life 

As we understand the importance of the physical sight, there is also another concept that is *insight*

All those who don't have this insight, can't live their life in an effective way 

*3) If your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness.*

Here Jesus not only speaks about the physical sight but the way we look at the persons,  things and realities

If I am seeing only negativy my life is filled only with negativity. This is called darkness of negativity 

My eyes sees the growth of another and I feel jealousy. This is the darkness of jealousy

My eyes see another person in the lustful sight. This is called darkness of lust 

My eyes see always find fault with others. This is the darkness of faults in us 

My eyes see, wrong ways to achieve my selfish interests. This is the darkness of selfishness

My eyes see, other as a threat for my selfish motives. This is called darkness of insecurity

Like wise we suffer from variety of darknesses because of our defective eye sight 

*4) Conscience is the eye of the Personality*

All of us have conscience and we follow our conscience in everything

Conscience sees everything in the right perspective. That why it is the light of our personality. 

But at times the sight of the conscience is blineded by our evil deeds, which becomes fatal to our moral life 

If the sight of the conscience is lost, then not only life here on earth becomes darkness but even in eternity our life will become a terrible darkness 

So we need to have the sight of the conscience to see the things in right way 

*5) Eye sight and the insight*

As a Christian we need to have a deeper insight or inner sight along with the eye sight 

Deeper sight or inner sight in our life helps us to see the following things, which brightens our life 

We are able to see the pain of others and help them in some way 

We are able to see struggles of others and help them in some way 

We are able to see the needy, poor, marginalized and able to serve them 

We are able to see the good and greater things in others and support them for greater works 

Such attitude brightens our life and we live like the children of Light 

*6) God's call to live in the Light*

We are called the children of light and not of darkness. 

If so what is ruling in my life? 

Darkness or light? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Two Sides of Forgiveness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 6:7-15*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 11:1-11*

*Two Sides of Forgiveness*

*1) Lords prayer and Forgiveness*

In today's Gospel we reflect about the Lords and the various aspects involved in this prayer 

Among all prayers, the prayer which was taught by Jesus to His disciples has become the part and parcel of our life, because we use this prayer very often and we believe that this prayer is very powerful 

Forgiveness is one of the important aspects of this prayer which is very much highlighted in this prayer 

*2) Forgiveness with three times and with Two sides*

The Lords prayer and the concluding remarks on the Lords prayer makes this important point :Highlights the aspect of forgiveness three times with the reference to two sides 

*A) forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us*

*B) If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.*

*But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”*

Jesus highlights the aspect of forgiveness three times here 

The two sides are : Forgiveness from God and forgiving others

*3) One Sided forgiveness*

Most of the times when we think about forgiveness, we think only one side that asking forgiveness from God

Many of us have the understanding that, by asking forgiveness from God, or by making a confession, everything is fine 

But we need to carefully read what Jesus taught us *forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;*

So the way we forgive others trespasses, God will forgive our trespasses. This we need to take very seriously

*4) It is easy to ask forgiveness from God, but difficult from the neighbor*

All of us ask forgiveness from God, for the sins we commit against others 

But when it comes to face the other to forgive others or to receive forgiveness, we find it very difficult. 

Many people are not ready to forgive others, but ready to ask forgiveness from God. 

This one sided forgiveness has no value. Forgiveness becomes very effective when we are ready to humble before others and ready to forgive

*5) Forgiving others, is the way to Gods forgiveness*

Unless we take this route or the way, we can't reach to God's forgiveness

Forgiving others is the only way and the highway, which leads to God's forgiveness

One who tries find other than this way, finds no way to God's Forgiveness

*6) Am I ready to forgive others?*

Since this is the only way, we need to think about it very seriously

Forgiveness has two sides just like a coin which has two sides. We don't find a coin with one side. Likewise there is no one sided forgiveness. One sided forgiveness is no forgiveness

So what is my attitude towards forgiveness??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Giving is the Divine Quality, Which we need to cultivate

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 6:1-6, 16-18*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 9:6-11*

*Giving is the Divine Quality, Which we need to cultivate*

*1) God gave everything without publicity*

From the beginning till the end we see, that God gives everything

He gave this beautiful nature, and all the great things in the Nature 

He gave us the gift of life, which we receive from God 

He gave His only Son, for the salvation of all

All these things happen without any publicity. God gives silently and to each person he gives and gives 

*2) The Entire Nature gives without Publicity*

We can take anything in the nature. Evey little thing in the nature has the beautiful quality of Giving

Flowers give fragrance

Nature gives beauty

Water and Air gives life 

Trees give fruits 

Birds sing the glory of God

All without any publicity and any attention

*3) Publicity is Found only in Human Beings*

There are billions and billions of creatures in the World which are created by God 

Among them Human being is considered to be the crown of creation, having the image and likeness of God

None of the creatures in the nature look for publicity or attention

But if there is only one being in the nature which craves for publicity and attention, that is Human Being 

*4) Publicity in Almsgiving*

The Gospel of the day speaks about three important pillers of Christian Spiritulir, prayer,  fasting,  and almsgiving

Jesus also speaks about the concept of Publicity in the context of these things 

First of all, these things are done, for the sake of Spiritual growth and to establish a loving relationship with God and neighbor. 

In such a situation, the concept of publicity does not arise

If at all, it is there, it is created and promoted by Human beings themselves 

*5) Publicity and Spirituality don't go together*

It is very clear that these two things are opposite to each other

Doing something for the sake of publicity has no value when it comes to these things 

Over and above, when a person does these spiritual things for the sake of publicity, it loses its value and effect. So it becomes an exercise which has no power to change our life 

*6) Giving is a divine Quality*

Since giving is found in the very nature of God, it is a quality of God 

By adopting this quality in our life, we follow the logic of God and we become little more like God 

Giving without publicity needs a deep spirituality and convictions

*7) Give and expect something from God*

The Gospel clearly states that, Giving without any publicity, is very much needed. But at the same time one can expect some reward from God, for the good deeds

God always generous in giving and rewarding. That why Jesus says *whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."* Matthew 10:42 

So the question is, from whom do you expect the reward?

From God or Human beings?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

We need to be careful about the persecutors, who are Hidden within our life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:38-42*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 8:1-9*

*We need to be careful about the persecutors, who are Hidden within our life*

*1) The Logic of the Persecutors*

Persecutors are those who always prevent some good works in our life 

Persecutors are those who are frightened about the good things and the change that comes with the good things 

Persecutors are those, who think that everything can be controlled through violence, fear and force

Persecutors are those, who have hidden selfish motives, which ultimately results in the  destruction of everything from all sides 

*2) Inside persecutors are more dangerous*

Within our life, there are many persecutors who are hidden, who make our life more miserable and terrible

Since these inside persecutors work in a silent mode, at times it is very difficult to know their presence and evil effects in our life 

Since they work within ourselves without our knowledge, they become very dangeous to our life 

*3) Various Inside Persecutors*

Pride is a inside persecutor

Jealousy is a inside persecutor

Revengeful attitude  is a inside persecutor

Gossip is a inside persecutor

Selfishness is a inside persecutor

Anger is a inside persecutor

Hatred is a inside persecutor

Greed is a inside persecutor

Various addictions are the inside persecutors

*4) Double dangerous effect of Inside persecutors*

First of all they persecute the self and don't allow any growth or changes to take place 

Secondly these inside persecutors also persecute the others who live in our vicinity. In other words they also persecute the other 

So ultimately these inside persecutors, persecute everyone and destroy everyone 

*5) Prayer as antibiotic*

Jesus says, only prayer can save us from these inside persecutors. 

There is no other medicine for these inside persecutors. 

This medicine is freely available, but one should have the right disposition to allow this medicine to work on oneself 

Unless one allows oneself to be treated by the medicine of prayer, no one can overcome from these persecutots 

*6) Am I suffering from these persecutors?*

All of us suffer from different persecutors. This is the fact. 

In this context  it is very important for all of us to find out these persecutors and to counter attack with the weapon of prayer 

The more we are free from the internal persecutors, the more we grow. The more we suffer from the internal persecutors, the more worse we become 

So how do I manage my internal persecutors?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Attitude of Revenge destroys everything

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:38-42*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 6:1-10*

*The Attitude of Revenge destroys everything*

*1) The principle of Revenge*

The principle of *An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth* could be considered as the principle of Revenge 

Because one is trying to give back in the same measure one has received

This is especially in the area of bad and evil things. That is why it is called principle of revenge

*2) Both Lose everything*

In the principle of revenge none of them will gain anything. On the contrary they will lose everything

Both will lose eyes and both will lose their teeth. So attitude of revenge will result in the total loss of everything 

*3) Principle of revenge takes away the following things*

It takes away the peace of mind

It takes away the peaceful living 

It takes away the good atmosphere

It takes away ones health 

It takes away the vision for future 

It takes away ones respect 

It takes away ones relationship with God

It beaks away the relationship with others 

Finally it results in the total loss everything in every area. 

*4) Revenge is like a poison*

Keeping the revengeful attitude is just like a keeping the poisonous snake inside ones house 

Such poisonous snake will attack one day and it will destroy ones life 

Like wise the revengeful attitude, which will destroy ones life one day or the other 

*5) Principle of Love is the alternative*

Jesus gives a beautiful principle, which can destroy the principle of Revenge. That is the principle of love 

In the principle of love Jesus says *offer no resistance to one who is evil*. This is the attitude of Love. 

Only the force of love makes a person to over come from the revengeful attitude and offer no resistance to the one who does evil 

*6) Doing Good is another principle to counter attack the revengeful attitude*

Doing good to the one who does evil will be the antidote to the revengeful attitude

Jesus also did the same thing. He went on doing good. He also forgave his enemies and wished only good for them 

Such an attitude helped the evil one to change their revengeful attitude

*7) How about my Life?*

Which principle I follow in my life? 

Is it the principle of Love and doing good in all circumstances? 

Is it the principle of revenge?  

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Special Mission of the Twelve

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:36—10:8*

*First Reading : Ex 19:2-6a*

*SECOND READING - Rom 5:6-11*

*The Special Mission of the Twelve*

*1) Jesus gives them a Special Mission*

After initial training of the Apostles, Jesus prepares them for greater mission 

The Gospel of the day gives us the details of special mission of the Apostles

This special mission is relevant to all time and it is very much needed in the present day context 

*2) The Special Mission of the Apostles*

*A) To drive out the Demons*

The demons here represents all the evil things in our life 

So the mission of the Apostles consists in driving out the following demons from our life 

The demon of pride 

The demon of revenge

The demon of jealousy

The demon of hatred

The demon of gossip

The demon of division

The demon of selfishness

The demon of cruelty

The demon of laziness 

*B) Cleansing of the lepers*

Leprosy is a terrible disease, which enters slowly into the life and destroys our entire life. So cleansing of these lepers are very important in our life 

The leprosy of sin 

The leprosy of sensual pleasures

The leprosy of drinks 

The leprosy of drugs

The leprosy of addiction for things and food items 

*C) Raise the Dead*

Apart from the physical death, there are also other forms of death, from which we need to rise, in order to live our life effectively

Need to rise from the Spiritual death 

Need to rise from the moral death 

The death of these things is very dangerous to our life 

The death of conscience

The death of compassion

The death of feeling for others 

The death of the pain of others 

The death of the cry of the poor 

The death of ones reason 

The death of ones faith 

The death of ones emotions

*D) Cure the Sick*

Apart from the Spiritual sickness, there is a another world of Sickness, from which the present day generation is suffering 

The sickness of mobile 

The sickness of internet

The sickness of social media 

The sickness of identity crisis

The sickness of the loss of common sense 

The sickness of eating junk food 

The sickness of various addictions

*3) The Challenges of present day Mission*

When Jesus sent His disciples, he gave them the above mission to carry out, while doing their ministry

He also gave them the authority to carry out the mission 

The same Jesus also gives us the same mission to build the Kingdom of God here on this earth 

But this mission is very challenging. Its not so easy but not impossible. We need the power of prayer to carry out this work 

*4) Am I ready for this Mission?*

In my own life I must work like an apostle who was sent by Jesus 

The four fold mission should start in my life and only then I will be able to carry out in and through my mission for the benefit of the followers of Jesus 

So am I ready to implement 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*

Speciality of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week :  Saturday*

*Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary*

*Gospel : Luke 2:41-51*

*First Reading : Is 61:9-11*

*Speciality of the Immaculate Heart of Mary*

*1) The Purity of Immaculate Heart*

Mary was pure in her heart and Mind. God protected her from original sin and she was not affected by Sin 

That's why, Mary is venerated as having immaculate heart. 

*2) Humility of the Immaculate Heart*

Mary was humble is her approach. When she was chosen by God, to become the Mother of God, she humbly accepted the great Challenge with humility

Even after getting the chance to become the Mother of God, Mary always remained humble 

This is the greatness of the humility of the immaculate heart of Mary 

*3) The Courage of the Immaculate Heart*

Mary had tremendous courage to carry out the salvation plan of God and also to face the very hard challenges from the people around her. 

Accepting Gods plan needed a great amount of Courage since it was great task to carry out 

Secondly to face all the criticism from the society also needed a great amount of courage 

*4) Total Surrender of the Immaculate Heart*

This is seen at the foot of the Cross. 

When Jesus was hanging on the Cross, she simply surrender to the will of God 

When she accepted the dead body of Jesus from the Cross, the Surrender she showed goes beyond all types of spirituality 

*5) Vision of the immaculate Heart*

After the crucifixion and death of Jesus the disciples were scattered. 

Even after the resurrection and appearance of Jesus to His disciples, the disciples were not able to think about the future course of their mission 

It is at this context Mary comes in, gathers all his disciples, and shows the vision of the future ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit

*6) Compassion of the Immaculate Heart*

Mary's Heart is filled with compassion. That is why it feels for her children

This compassion makes Mary to appear in different places and to help her children in all possible ways 

*6) Warning of the Immaculate Heart*

Immaculate heart always warned about the evil effects of the sin 

She always guided her children to be aware of the sin and going away from God 

*8) The Fight of the Immaculate Heart*

Immaculate heart always fought against the Devil and Satan 

She gave a beautiful instrument - *the Rosary* which can destroy the devil and its works 

So Rosary is the terror to the devil and its companion and the devil flees from the presence of the Rosary

*Mary My Mother make my heart like yours pure and immaculate*

*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 Jesus' Heart

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week :  Friday*

*❤️Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus❤️*

*Gospel : Mt 11:25-30*

*First Reading : Dt 7:6-11*

*SECOND READING - 1 Jn 4:7-16*

*❤️The Speciality of Jesus' Heart❤️*

*1) A Heart Which feels for others*

Jesus' Heart is so sensitive that, it felt the pain and sufferings of others 

The Gospel says that 

*When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.* Mathew 9:36

*2) A Heart Which Loves the Poor*

Jesus' heart always had a special place for the poor, downtrodden, sick, lepers and those who were kept away from the society

So it is very clear that Jesus had special place in His for those people 

*3) A Heart which sacrificed everything*

Jesus' Heart is the one which was ready to sacrifice everything

He sacrificed everything, even His own life on the Cross for the salvation of All 

A heart which shed its last drop of blood to save the mankind 

*4) A Heart which Loved Peace and Peace only*

Jesus was born with the message of peace 

Jesus lived with the message of peace 

Jesus died for peace 

And Jesus rose from the dead and brought the message of peace to everyone

*5) A Heart Which fought for the Justice and Truth*

We see Jesus' fight against the injustice and falsehood

Wherever He went He proclaimed the truth and condemned the Hypocrisy and injustice

*6) A Heart which acted like a terror for the Devil*

Devil could not stand before Jesus 

Jesus' heart was so pure and graceful, Devil could not stand in the presence of Jesus 

It appeared as terror for the Devil and that's why it had to run from the presncey of Jesus 

*7) A heart which cried from others*

When Lazarus His friend died Jesus cried 

When He saw the Jerusalem and the temple which persecuted the prophets, Jesus' Heart wept because, its desolation was very near. 

*8) A Heart Which is a Model for all*

Jesus says *Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.*

A Heart from which we can learn everything and attain the Holiness

That's why the heart of Jesus is Model for everyone

*How about my heart. Will I follow the heart of Jesus?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Anger is deadly, which destroys our Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:20-26*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 3:15-4:1, 3-6*

*Anger is deadly, which destroys our Life*

*1) Anger Brings humiliation*

The anger leads a person either to the Sanhedrin, or to the equal body, in our local context and makes us to stand as a victim 

The very fact that we have to stand in the public, for something wrong, it decreases our dignity  

So anger makes us to lose our value and face humiliations before a group of people 

*2) Anger destroys our Spiritual life*

The Gospel also speaks about the anger and the offering on the altar. 

When we are angry, our offerings are, accepted by God, our prayers are not heard by God and our spiritual exercises become ineffective

So in other words, anger finally destroys our spiritual life and we spiritually become handicapped

*3) Anger finally leads us to the Court*

Anger leads to the dispute and some times anger ends up in committing serious crimes like murder, taking revenge, destroying the property etc 

So, this is the another face of anger. Finally this dispute leads to the court and one is made to undergo all court procedures

When something goes to the court, it has its own procedures which practically destroys our life and peace of mind 

*4) Anger makes our financial condition very weak*

Once you go to the court, one has to shell out money to show that one is right and the other is wrong

In the process one has to spend lots of money to prove their views 

That is why Jesus says, *you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”*

There are people who have become beggers because of court cases which started because of anger 

So, financially, one is weakened when one fails to control ones anger 

*5) Nothing Good Happens with Anger*

So far we have seen that, no one has become great because of anger 

So anger is dangerous for ones life. It is just like a poisonous snake, kept inside the House, which can attack at any time and destroy our life 

*6) Jesus also got angry*

In the scene of cleansing of the Temple we see that Jesus gets angry and chases all those who were doing business

But Jesus never used physical violence on people. 

So it is very important to check what we do with our anger. 

Getting angry is not a problem. But what do we do with the anger is a great question

 *“Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not within everybody’s power, that is not easy.” —Aristotle.*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

God never plans bad things for us

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:17-19*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 3:4-11*

*God never plans bad things for us*

*1) “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.*

The above expression of Jesus from the Gospel, has the possibility that, some times human being may think that God is planning some bad things for us 

Jesus clearly says, *Don't think that I have come to abolish the Law*

In other words Jesus tells us that God can never plan something bad to happen to us 

God always plans best things for us. Therefore having a thought aganist such a view is wrong and we need to correct that view 

*2) Jesus has come to fulfill the Law* 

Fulfilling the law means observing the law, not only for the sake of remaining faithful to the law, but rather to have deeper convictions, and to bring about a great Change 

Jesus observing the law and fulfilled the law by scarifying his life on the Cross for our sake 

Observing the law by Jesus shows us the great plan of God to save the Humankind through  Jesus Christ 

*3) What do I think about the Law?*

What is my idea about the law or commandments? 

Do I think that they are various ways by God to control my life? 

Do I see them as burden in my Life? 

Do I think that they are curtailing my freedom? 

We need to correct our wrong thinking about the Law and commandments. So that we can grow in our lives 

*4) Jesus fulfilled the Law through His sacrifice on the Cross*

Many times Jesus said, that I have come to fulfill the law and not to abolish the law

As Jesus said, He fulfilled the law by fulfilling all the promises of God, by scarifying His life on the Cross 

So Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law and in Jesus' Sacrifice on the Cross all the laws are fulfilled

*5) We are called to fulfill the Law*

As Jesus fulfilled the law, we are called upon to fulfill the law 

These are the various ways of fulfilling the law 

By Loving God and neighbor

By trying to live a good and holy life 

By doing small sacrifices for the wellbeing of the other 

By accepting the other as they are 

By forgiving one another

By sharing whatever we have 

By following the teachings of Jesus 

*5) All plans of God are for our Good*

God never plans bad things for us. 

All the divine laws and commandments are for our good and for our salvation

All those who followed the commandments of the Lord, have become great in the sight of God. They lost nothing 

So all the teachings of Jesus  will only do good for us in any context 

So what is your response? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Our Life Should become a Lamp stand for Christ, who is the Light

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week :  Tuesday*

*Feast of St Antony of Padua and Lisbon*

*Gospel : Mt 5:13-16*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 1:18-22*

*Our Life Should become a Lamp stand for Christ, who is the Light*

*1) We have received the Light of Christ*

During the Baptism ceremony, a lighted candle from the Paschal Candle is given to us 

This Paschal candle represents the Risen Christ, and the Light is nothing Jesus himself 

So, by getting light from the Paschal Candle means, we are receiving Christ Himself in our life 

In this way all of us have, received the light of Christ 

*2) We need to spread this light*

It is not enough to receive the Light. It is very important to spread this light every where 

So it is our duty to co-operate with the Light to spread everywhere by being the Lamp stand

*3) Lamp Stand has the pride of carrying the Light*

Lamp stand should feel proud, because it carries with it a very important source, the source of light 

The lamp stand should feel proud because it can life the light to higher level 

The lamp stand should feel proud because, it is through the stand the light becomes visible, the light gets a prominent place, the light is seen by everyone and finally the stand also gets some recognition

*4) Lamp Stand helps the Light to shine and to spread its light*

In fact this becomes a mission of the lamp stand. 

When the light is kept on the lamp stand it can shine better, it can be seen by many and it can attract many 

So lamp stand contributes a lot in spreading the light of the lamp 

*5) Light on the Lamp stand is visible to everyone* 

In a way, the lamp stand makes the lamp to visible to everyone 

Lamp stand makes the vision of the lamp very clear and thus the light become more effective and creative to all those who come into contact with the lamp 

*6) My life as Lamp Stand*

Lamp stand is the model for my life. I need to play the role of Lamp Stand in order,  Jesus the light to shine from my life 

So I need the following things in my life to become the lamp stand 

I need the humility to accept and carry the lamp 

As a lamp stand I need to allow myself or my life, to shine the light of Christ 

As a lamp stand, my life should provide a proper place, to fix the lamp, who is Jesus himself 

As a lamp stand I must have the joy and willingness to carry the Lamp, who is Jesus himself

So am I ready to become the Lamp Stand for the sake of Jesus, who is the Light  of my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Challenge to clean the Heart

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:1-12*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 1:1-7*

*Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.*

*The Challenge to clean the Heart*

*1) The Wickedness of the Heart*

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? - Jeremiah 17:9-10

These are the Words which are found in the Book of Jeremiah. So one can know the gravity of the heart, when it becomes evil in its nature 

*2) Jesus on Human Heart*

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says 

*For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.*

Further Jesus says  *These are what make a man `unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him `unclean.'"*

Matthew 15 :19-20

*3) Call of Jesus*

*For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls*. Matthew 11:29

We also have a prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus *Jesus meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like yours*

So the heart of Jesus is the Model to be followed in forming our hearts  to become like Jesus 

*4) The Challenge to clean the Heart*

From the Scriptures we understand the real nature of the Heart 

On one way, there is a lot of wickedness and evil things which are found in the Human heart 

So this really poses a great challenge to every one in the process of cleaning the heart 

Unless we really make an effort to clean our heart, we will not succeed in our work 

*5) The Signs of wicked Heart*

Since every word that comes from the mouth of man, has its base in the heart, the following things show that a person has wicked heart 

The person who gossips and spoils the name of the other 

The person who always tells lies and cheats others 

The person who carries with him/her the hypocrisy in different levels 

The person who uses the bad and ugly words while one expresses the anger 

One who creates trouble for others when they see the good works in others 

A jealousy person has the evil heart 

A person who wrongly accuses another person has the evil heart 

A proud, and a indifferent person has the evil heart 

*6) June is a Heart Month*

In June we have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, since the Month is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

This devotion motivates us to clean our heart, by asking Jesus to make our heart like Jesus 

This devotion will really help us to clean our heart and the personality 

*7) Clean Heart can see God*

In the Boiling water we can see nothing 

But the water which is very cool, can reflect our own image 

Likewise a heart which boils with evil things can never see God. But a heat which is clean can see God in everything. 

Clean heart can see God in others, God in the needy, God in the poor, God in the nature and God in everything

What type of heart I have?

*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 Body and Blood of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week :  Sunday*

*Solemnity of the Most Body and Blood of Jesus : Corpus Christi*

*Gospel : John 6:51-58*

*First Reading : Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 10:16-17*

*Importance of the Body and Blood of Jesus*

*1) Greatest Gift ever*

In the History we never see a person who has given His own Body and Blood, for the salvation of many 

If at all it is done, its only by Jesus who offered totally, even with His Blood and Body 

That is why this could be considered as the greatest gift, because it is something very personal, very touching and not from out side 

*2) The celebration of the Body and Blood*

In the History we have the celebration of the feast of famous persons or saints 

But there is no celebration of the Body and Blood of any one in the History of the Human beings, except the Body and Blood of Jesus 

So the uniqueness of the feast tells us the speciality and the significance of it 

*3) The Presence of the Body and Blood*

Even Today, Jesus has given us the privilege of experience the presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus 

The Blessed Sacrament is the another eternal gift, given by Jesus to experience His everlasting presence in our life 

*4) Eucharist - The Participation in the body and blood of Jesus*

Another greatest gift of Jesus to receive Jesus everyday, in the Eucharist, as eternal food and  drink 

Eucharist helps us to receive the body and blood of Jesus in the Bread and wine, and to experience His divine presence within our hearts 

*5) Breaking - is at Center of this Celebration*

The feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus shows the important concept of *Breaking oneself* 

Unless Jesus breaks himself he can't give his body and blood. That's why He broke himself on the Cross and gave us His Body and Blood 

That's why all those who participate in the Eucharist need to break oneself to give to others 

*6) What Happens in the Eucharist*

Eucharist is the best available form of the Body and Blood of Jesus to us 

By participating in the Eucharist 

We are fed with eternal food, which is necessary for our souls 

We are given new life 

We are made to experience the divine presence within ourselves

We are made to remember the great sacrifice of Jesus 

We are made to follow the example of Jesus 

We are inspired to serve others like Jesus 

We are inspired to spread the Kingdom of God 

We are strengthed to live a holy and sincere life 

Finally we are chosen for the eternal life to live with Jesus forever 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Seats of honor in synagogues/Churches/Holy Places

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:38-44*

*First Reading : Tb 12:1, 5-15, 20*

*Seats of honor in synagogues/Churches/Holy Places*

*1) Importance of the Synagogue*

First of all Synagogue is a holy place, which is used to hear the Word of God, to Proclaim the Word of God, to learn the Scriptures and to spend time in prayer

For a Jew, synagogue was a very important place of prayer and praising God 

It was considered to be very Holy, because it was connected with God and His Word

*2) Scribe Desiring a place of honour in Synagogue*

The Scribe supposed to be a learned person. He supposed to know the importance of the Synagogue and its role in Prayer 

Such a scribe a desiring a place of Honor, in such place, where one is supposed to spend time in prayer and praising God 

So this could called as the wilful ignorance of the Scribe and also a serious error from the part of the Scribe 

*3) Synagogue is a place of Honor for God*

There is no doubt that synagogue is a place where God is honored for His holiness and for his mighty power 

Synagogue gets its importance only because it gives importance to God and his goodness

It is right to recognize that the synagogue is a place of honour of God, and we must thank and praise God for His greatness and mercy 

*4) Church is a Synagogue in present day context*

Like synagogue was very important to Jews to experience God, for us, the Church is a very Holy place to experience God 

Church is a place of Honor for God and not for human beings 

So only God can be honored in the Church and in the Holy Places 

*5) The Scribe and My Life*

Is there a any difference between in my life  and the life of the  Scribe? 

The Scribe desired a place of Honour in the Synagogue

 What about me? 

Has Church become a place to desire a place of honour, for my work, for my little service, for my talents, for my leadership qualities, for my abilities? 

*6) The Scribe in my Life*

As a priest or Sister do I desire a place of honour in the Church? 

As a leader, in the church, for the service that I do, do I seek a place of honour in the Church? 

As a active member of the various pious associations, for the service I render to the needy, do I seek a place of honour in the Church? 

Do I exhibit my talents and skills in such a way that ultimately convey a message that I deserve a place of Honour in the Church? 

*7) Seeking the Place of honour means, trying to take the place of God*

Those who are crazy for honour in the holy places, indirectly say, *I am more important than God*

*First me, next God*

Do I have such tendencies?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The First Reaction of Tobit, after He was able to See

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:35-37*

*First Reading : Tobit 11:5-17*

*The First Reaction of Tobit, after He was able to See*

*1) The Blind Tobit*

Tobit was a sincere person who always followed the commandments of the Lord 

He was seen in the Scriptures as a person who always risked his life to bury the dead bodies of his fellowmen 

He was punished for doing so, but he never gave up this service to his fellowmen

Such a person became blind because of the droppings of the Sparrows, while He was sleeping 

*2) Tobit in His blindness never Questiobed God*

When Such a good man, lost his eye sight, many moacked at him 

Even His wife, with anger insulted his Charitable works 

But Tobit never uttered a word, blaming any one for the misfortune he had to face 

Such was the character and faith of Tobit on God 

*3) Tobit regains the Sight*

After facing the blindness for some time, a day came when He was able to regain His sight, because of his good works and also the prayers of His family members 

It was a great moment in the Life of Tobit to regain the sight and to see the light of the eyes 

*4) First Reaction of Tobit after He was able to see*

Soon after he was able to see, He praised God for this favour 

*Blessed be God, and praised be his great name, and blessed be all his holy angels. May his holy name be praised throughout all the ages, Because it was he who scourged me, and it is he who has had mercy on me. Behold, I now see my son Tobiah!”*

He firmly believed that, it was God who worked it 

He firmly believed that, it was God who worked this miracle

So he had only one thing to do, that is to praise God, realise His greatness

*5) How do I see great Things in my Life?*

Like in the Life of Tobit there are many instances where God works wonders in our Life 

If so, what is my response? 

First of all am I able to see the Hand of God in everything that happens in my Life? 

Secondly, am I able to praise God for His greatness, like Tobit? 

Am I able to maintain the patience like that of Tobit? 

What is my reaction when I face challenges and failures in life? 

What is my reaction in life, when I see the great things in my life? Do I take the credit for myself or do I see the hand of God in it? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

We need to develop the attitude of Asking the Right Questions to the Right Persons

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:28-34*

*First Reading : Tb 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a*

*We need to develop the attitude of Asking the Right Questions to the Right Persons*

*1) The question of the Scribe?*

In the Gospel of the day, we find a scribe who is involved in asking question

The question of the Scribe is very important. He is asking a question, which is something to do with life and also the purpose of life 

In other other words, the question of the Scribe makes one to think about the real purpose of life, and the way through which one can achieve it 

*2) He asked question to the Right Person*

The Scribe asked the question to Jesus, who knew the exact answer to the Question

The Scribe might have searched answer to this question in many places or through many ways. But he was not able find an answer

Finally he found a right person to clarify the answer to his question 

*3) Need of Asking Questions*

Only when we have questions, we try to find an answer. If there are no questions, then there is no answer too 

So questions are the sign of growth. The moment we ask questions, we get an answer and thus we get the knowledge of a particular issue 

So it is very much needed to ask questions in our day today life 

*4) Questions concerning with regard Spiritual Life*

It is not enough to ask questions, but one should ask questions about important issues concerning life 

Spirituality is one of the important things which shapes our life. So it is very necessary to ask questions about spiritual life 

But the sad part of our life is that, we hardly ask any questions about spiritual life and living a holy Life 

Since our questions are very limited on spiritual matters our knowledge also remains at the peripheral level, which affects the quality of our life 

*5) What questions do I have in my life?*

How to become rich within a short period of time? 

How to become famous in life? 

How to earn money as much as possible? 

How to face competitions from others to remain at the high place? 

How to mesmerize people to achieve my individual and selfish goals? 

How to amass wealth and money? 

How to become more powerful? 

*6) The important questions of Life*

How to love God more abd More? 

How to live a holy life? 

How to know God more and More? 

How/why to forgive others? 

What is the value of sacrifice, love, generosity, sincerity,  sharing, prayer etc 

These questions are very important in life. 

Am i ready to ask and find out an answer so has to live a good and upright?  

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Sarah's planning to hang herself, But she had second Thought

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:18-27*

*First Reading : Tb 3:1-11a, 16-17a*

*Sarah's planning to hang herself, But she had second Thought*

*1) Sarah's Fate*

Sarah was Raguel’s daughter, who had the trouble of the wicked demon Asmodeus

Even though she had married 7 times, before she could begin her married life, the demon, Asmodeus, killed the husband 

So, Sarah was very sad about this. Over and above she had to face the abusive words and insults from from one of her father’s maids.

So she was very sad and wanted to hang herself and end her life 

*2) Sarah's Second Thought*

*A) People would level this insult against my father*

Because of the Suicide, the parents will have to face many things from others 

It will be an insult to the parents 

*B) Sorrow to the Parents in the Old Age*

This is the another important factor which came to the mind of Sarah 

The parents will really suffer in the old age, which make their life miserable

Because of these two reasons Sarah's reconsidered her plan of hanging herself and prayed to the Lord

*3) Prayer at Such moments is heard by God*

When Sarah was in deep trouble which made her to take a further step to end her life, but thinking about the parents, she not only changed the plan, but also eagerly prayed to the Lord 

Prayer at such moment was heard by God, and at once God sent, one of the Arch Angels to help Sarah and to deliver her from the bandage of the Demon Asmodeus 

*4) Remember the Parents*

One of the great lessons which we learn from the life of Sarah is, remember the parents when some one has to take extreme steps in life 

Think of their fate, their tensions, their worries, their humiliations, their struggles of facing the society, because of their own children

When we get such an enlightenment, we will always reconsider the act, which we take in without thinking its repercussions

*5) Modern Suicides*

The youngsters, at times commit sucir, for silly reasons 

For failing in exams, for paternal corrections about the use of modern gadgets, for getting little changes in life 

But they hardly think about the situation of their parents 

Let us think about our parents and then let's decide what we want to do 

*6) Moden Things which are equal to Suicide*

Children involving in social evils like, drugs, robbery, public scandals etc 

The present day problem of intercaste marriage which parents find very difficult to accept 

Complete Neglect of the Parents by the Children

All these above things heavily add to the grief and sadness to the parents 

So think about the parents before you venture into these things

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Repay to God, What belongs to God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth Week :  Tuesday*

*Gospel :  Mk 12:13-17*

*First Reading : Tb 2:9-14*

*Repay to God, What belongs to God*

*1) Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”*

In the Gospel of the day,  we have this beautiful thought by Jesus 

In this context, let us focus our attention on those various things which belong to God, and which we are supposed to pay back to God

*2) Various Things Which belong to God*

*A) Our Life* Our entire life belongs to God. We have received this beautiful life from God. Its our duty, that we need to reutun this beautiful life, with good things to God 

By living a good and moral life 

By committing our life, for the spread of the Gospel

By spending our life for the service of the needy 

*B) Our Soul* God has given us a beautiful and Holy Soul, to experience His divine presence in us 

Its our duty to maintain the cleanliness and holiness of the Soul and to return it with its original beauty to the Lord 

*C) Our Talents and Skills* All the talents and skills we have recevi from the Lord. So we are supposed to repay those things to the Lord

By using our talents and skills to do good work 

By using our talents and skills to help some one 

By using our talents and Skills in the service of the needy 

By using our talents and skills to preach the Gospel of Christ 

These are the ways through which we repay the Lord, the Good things God has given us 

*D) Our Mind* Mind is the center of knowledge and wisdom 

When we use this knowledge to educate some one, when we use this knowledge to teach about the kingdom of God, when we use this knowledge to know the Truth, to fight for justice, to reach the ignorant, to fight for the rights of the people, we repay the Lord, the gift of our mind to the Lord

*E) Our Heart* Our heart belongs to God. Heart is the symbol of Love and emotions

When we love our neighbors, and enemies like Jesus, we repay the value of Heart to the Lord 

A compassionate heart, a crying heart, a heart which wishes good things to others, a heart which is able bear with one another, a heart which shows only the sweetness of Love, are the various forms of heart which we repay to God 

*Time* It belongs to God, and it is the gift of God to me. How much time I give to the Lord? 

*Nature* This beautiful Nature belongs to God. The same God has given me this beautiful nature. What type of Nature I give back to the Lord? 

*Family* Family belongs to God. It is a Gods gift to me. My parents are Gods gift to me. 

What type of Fatherhood and Motherhood I repay to the Lord? 

*3) What do I have in my Life to repay to the Lord?*

This is a very serious and important question in our life? 

In fact everything in my life is  God's gift to me. 

If so, what do I have in my life to repay to the Lord? 

Generosity?

Love?

Service?

Holy Life?

Humility?

Sincerity?

Sacrifice? 

Forgiveness? 

Total commitment of Life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Greed is the deadly face of Evil, which completely destroys a person

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:1-12*

*First Reading : Tb 1:3; 2:1a-8*

*Greed is the deadly face of Evil, which completely destroys a person*

*1) Tenants who lost the sense of responsibility and the Gratitude*

In the Gospel of the day, we see a group of tenants who had been entrusted with a special responsibility

But the tenants forgot their important responsibility, and they became irresponsible tenants

Those tenants also should have been grateful to the master, who prepared a finest vineyard, and gave them to look after

Such was the attitude of the Master, but the tenants showed a very harsh attitude on ingratitude and they became blind to their responsibility

*2) Desire to have more leads to greed*

The primary problem the tenants had was, the *Desire to have More and to become rich in short period of time*

This uncontrolled desire to have more, automatically led them to strengthen their greed, which made the tenants to have short cuts in achieving their goal 

Finally the greed led to forget their responsibility and to show a attitude of ingratitude towards the Master 

*3) The greedy tenants*

When the tenants became so greedy to have more, they planned to achieve their goals through evil means 

So greed led them to use evil ways in achieving their goals

Their greed was so strong that they wanted to take over the entire vineyard of the Master through illegal means  

*4) The height of the Evil committed by the greedy tenants*

The greed to achieve the vineyard of the master led them to implement the evil ways 

Accordingly, they ill treated all the servants of the Master, who came to collect the produce, as a rent from the tenants 

Finally the owner sent His own Son, to collect the produce. But the greedy tenants killed the son of the master, thinking that they would get everything, what was belonging to the Master 

So this was the height of the stupidity of the greedy tenants 

*5) The fate of the greedy tenants*

The greedy tenants had a very bad, end of their lives 

The master came and killed all the greedy tenants and the vineyard was taken back from the greedy tenants

Finally their greed ended in losing their own life 

*6) Greed, results in losing everything*

In fact the greedy tenants lost everything

First of all they lost, whatever profit they would have got from doing their responsibility 

Secondly they lost their reputation and good name 

Thirdly they lost the vineyard itself 

Fourthly they lost their lives 

Finally, it proved that they lost everything they had

So,  greed results in losing everything they had 

*7) Greed is like a poison*

It is very dangerous to life 

No one can survive by having poison in life. Like wise no one can live a meaningful and peaceful life by having greed in ones life 

Greed is a self destroying poison in life 

*8) Present day Situation*

We see in an around us, many people who are succumbed by the effects of greed and lose everything in life 

Some times the greed, make some people  to steal, some people to kill others, and have illigal means, which finally takes them either in the prison or losing of their own life 

If this is the reality, even today, how do I manage the emotion of greed in my life? 

Am I too greedy for worldly things and other pleasures of life?

*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 the Trinitarian God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth  Week :  Sunday*

*Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity*

*Gospel : Jn 3:16-18*

*First Reading : Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9*

*SECOND READING 2 Cor 13:11-13*

*The Beauty of the Trinitarian God*

*1) The God's Family*

God lives in a family. Where there is Father, Mother and  the Son

Father Son and the Holy Spirit represents a beautiful family, where each one has unique role to play 

So the Trinitarian God is a family God, because He lives in a family 

*2) One God and Three Persons*

There is only One God, but there are three persons involved here 

For example, in burning candle we have the three diffent things

The flame which is seen 

The light or the brightness which comes out of the flame 

The heat which comes out when the candle burns 

There is only one candle, but three things are involved 

In the Egg we find three things 

The Outer Shell 

The White of the egg

The Yellow of the Egg

But there is only one egg

These are the simple but practical examples to know the mystery of the Trinity 

*3) The Unique Roles*

The *Father* is the creator - He is the one who created everything and one who creates everything

The *Son* is the Saviour. He is the one who saves everyone and gives them eternal life 

The *Holy Spirit* fills us with courage, purifes us and the entire church. It the Holy Spirit who protects the church in her holiness 

*4) All must Work and cooperate with each other*

One God three persons - A Triune God

All have unique role, but they have to cooperate with each other 

All play their role equally and are involved in the salvific mission 

God can't work with the absence of any one of the Persons

*5) Triune God is the Part of our Life*

We start our day with the Triune God and end with the Same Triune God 

The Sign of the Cross has the reference to all three 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

So the Triune God is invoked in every event of our life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Hands to open the gates and the self to direct the soul to Wisdom/Scriptures

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Eight Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 11:27-33*

*First Reading : Sir 51:12 cd-20*

*Hands to open the gates and the self to direct the soul to Wisdom/Scriptures*

*1) Search for Wisdom*

The first reading of the day speaks about the Wisdom 

Wisdom is nothing but the - the ability to make sensible decisions and judgements.

In other words it is the inspirational knowledge which comes from above, filled with divine quality

*2) Wisdom is found in Scriptures*

For a Christian, the first source of Wisdom is found in Sacred Scripture 

Because sacred Scripture is nothing but the Word of God, which reveal the Love of God and the Plan of Salvation to the Entire World

Since the Scriptures contain all the details for a holy and blessed life, which help the human beings to live a good and moral, which ultimately leads to eternal life 

So scriptures are the primary and the Sole Source of Wisdom 

*3) Hands need to be used to open the gates of Wisdom*

The first reading of the day has this beautiful expression 

Hands are to be used to hold the Scriptures in our hands in dignified way, and we need to open it, to enter into its richness

Unless the Scriptures are opened the treasures in it, remain hidden

So in the pursuit of searching the Wisdom, opening of the treasure of wisdom is very important

*4) Need to direct the Soul towards wisdom*

The Soul is found in the self 

The self works on the God given five senses. 

So all these five senses should cooperate with each other to direct the Soul into the treasure of Scriptures 

Apart from the Senses the Mind and Heart should come together to direct the Soul into the ocean of Wisdom 

*5) Am I ready to Guide the Soul*

The Soul is in my control

I can direct it as I wish 

But the primary duty of a follower of Jesus is to direct the Soul into the Wisdom of Scriptures 

So the self, along with the Soul is able to achieve the Purpose 

If so, am I ready to direct the Soul towards the Wisdom?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Need of Overturning the Tables of Money/business in Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Eight Week :  Friday*

*Gospel :  Mk 11:11-26*

*First Reading : Sir 44:1, 9-13*

*Need of Overturning the Tables of Money/business in Life*

*1) Jesus overturning the tables of Money/business*

In the Gospel of the day, we have a scene where Jesus overturns the tables of Money 

These tables were found in the temple, which was supposed to be a place of Worship

By overturning the tables of Money Jesus is clearly giving the message that,  there is no business in worship and in Holy places 

*2) Overturning is very important*

Once something is over turned, it can't be used for a particular purpose 

Since it can't be used for anything, it becomes a hurdle, and then it becomes easy to throw out 

So the moment something is over turned, its relevance becomes less, and it becomes useless 

*3) We can't treat certain things in life like money or business*

When money  is involved in anything, it becomes business

In life never to treat these things for money/business

Don't treat love as business or sell it for money

Don't treat forgiveness as business or sell it for money 

Don't treat service as business and sell it for moneh 

Don't treat sacrifice as business or sell it for Money

Don't treat generosity as business or sell it for money 

Don't treat relationship as business or sell it for money 

Don't treat emotions as business and sell it for money

Don't treat the human body as the temple of the Holy Spirit as means of business and sell it for money 

Don't treat your talents, skills, God given knowledge only for business or sell it only for money 

We need to careful about the above things, where we should be very careful to find out the evils of business in the temple, or in our own life, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit

*4) Over turn the Tables in ones own life*

Overturn the table of anger 

Overturn the table of jealousy

Overturn the table of selfishness

Overturn the table of self-righteousness 

Over turn the table of pride 

Over turn the table of sadness and negativity

Over turn the table of guilt 

Over turn the table of failure 

Over turn the table of over confidence

Over turn the table of ghetto mentality

Over turn the table of Revenge 

Over turn the table of gossip

Over turn the table of laziness

So we have many tables in our life, which are to be overturned in order to purify our life and to live a holy 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*