The Logic of Mustard Seed in my Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:31-35*

*First Reading : Ex 32:15-24, 30-34*

*The Logic of Mustard Seed in my Life*

*1) The Power of the Mustard Seed*

From the Gospel it is clear that Mustard seed has tremendous power

First of all it is the small seed. But this smallness can be compared with silliness

Even though it is small, it is able to withstand with all the plants around it, and it can challenge other seeds as well

*2) The Smallness of the Mustard seed*

At times people also wrongly judge the capacity of the person or the thing depending on the size. 

But this logic can't be applied to the size of the mustard seed

The smallness of the seed was not a hurdle for its growth 

The smallness of the seed was not a hurdle to challenge the every situation around 

The smallness of the seed was not a hurdle to achieve its purpose 

So the mustard seed was really powerful and it was able to show its power 

*3) The seed, the branches and the Birds of the Air*

This particular aspect also shows the power of the mustard seed 

It grows into a tall tree with many branches, which are able to attract the birds of the air 

In other words the mustard seed had the power to give shelter to other beings as well 

This also shows the power of the mustard seed 

*4) Mustard seed and My life*

My life is a place for mustard seed to grow. The following could be considered as the mustard seeds in our life 

The seed of forgiveness

The seed of humility

The seed of joy 

The seed of generosity

The seed of sacrifice

The seed of Love 

The seed of appreciation

The seed of patience

The seed of service

The seed of tolerance

The seed of truthfulness

The seed of sincerity

These seeds have tremendous effects in our life 

*5) Small beginning, Big end*

This is the powerful message we get from the mustard seed 

Small beginning, but glorious end. This is what we seen in the life of the church and in the lives of the saints 

*6) St Ignatius of Loyola, Jesuit order and the Mustard Seed*

The logic of the mustard seed goes very well with the life and mission of St Ignatius of Loyola

It all started from the mustard seed in the life of St Ignatius Loyola and today it has become a tall tree, giving shelter to many people in the form of education

This is the beauty of the logic of mustard seed 

The same logic is also applied to my life. 

Am I ready to adopt the logic of mustard seed 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*

Wisdom is the greatest treasure

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:44-52 or 13:44-46*

*First Reading : 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12*

*SECOND READING - Rom 8:28-30*

*Wisdom is the greatest treasure*

*1) Solomon asks for Wisdom*

The first reading of the day, calls us to reflect about the importance of the Wisdom 

When God appeared to Solomon and asked Him to seek any favours from the Lord, He humbly asked for the Wisdom 

He says, I am your servant and still a child, unable to take this great responsibility to guide this people 

So give me the Wisdom to differentiate good from evil 

So God gave Him wisdom 

*2) With Wisdom Solomon Got everything*

The scriptures tell us that *He didn't ask  for a long life for yourself, He didn't ask for riches, He didnt for the life of your enemies, But he asked for wisdom 

The scriptures tell us that with God given wisdom he got everything, he was wise and all riches he had, because of God given Wisdom 

With God given one can attain anything in life, without which one can do nothing 

*3) Wisdom is a valuable treasure*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the precious treasure, which is hidden in the field and the precious pearl, which one finds 

In both instances  this precious treasure and precious pearl is nothing but the Wisdom itself 

Wisdom is a valuable treasure because with wisdom one can achieve anything in life 

*4) Jesus is the Precious treasure/Wisdom*

Jesus is the greatest treasure, which we need to find in our life 

Only one who realizes the value of Jesus is able to find this treasure 

One who searches this treasure and finds in life, becomes a blessed person

*5) Things needed to find the treasure*

*Humility* : The first reading show the Humility of Solomon and how he got the gift of wisdom from the Lord for his humility

*HardWork* This is also necessary to attain the valuable treasure.

 Just think of the Hard Work of prearl merchant and the other one in attaining the Wisdom 

*Sacrifice* To find out the Wisdom one has to make lots of sacrifices in attaining the same 

*Alertness* Those who postpone the things will not be qualified for the wisdom 

*Perseverance* Fast food culture does not hold good in attaining the Wisdom 

All these will help us to find the real treasure 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The celebration of the Friendship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Luke 10:38-42*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 4:7-16*

*The celebration of the Friendship*

*1) The Feast of Martha is the feast of Friendship*

In 2021, on the occasion of the Feast of St Martha, Pope Francis also asked us to celebrate the feast of Lazarus and Mary on the same Day 

So it could be considered as the feast of the family of friendship. Its a celebration of the friendship 

So the feast of St Martha can also be called as the celebration of the Friendship

*2) The need of Friendship to Jesus*

Jesus was the Son of God. Yet he felt the need of the friendship with His beloved people 

When He was criticised, attacked and humiliated by the Pharisees and the other religious leaders Jesus needed to some company to face all thses challenges 

So the family at Bethany was dear to Him, because Mary, Martha and Lazarus understood the need and value of friendship with Jesus 

*3) The superficiality of the Friendship in todays context*

Internet, WhatsApp, twitter, Instagram and face book are some of the powerful means of communication and friendship

By using these means of social communication each of us have thousands of friends and we glory in it 

But what is the real value of this friendship. Are they really mean what is to have genuine Friendship

Once some one said, I have 5000 friends in social media. But the same person, when he was admitted in the hospital, only his family members were there to take care of him. So where are the friends of Social media? 

*4) Jesus is our True Friend*

What a friend we have in Jesus  

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, 

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

 

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share

These words from the famous adoration hymn tell us the depth of Jesus' Friendship with us 

*5) Who are my friends?*

The family members at Bethany were the friends of Jesus 

That speaks about, what type of person Jesus is and what is the value of Jesus' friendship 

The Russian proverb *tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are* makes it very clear about the logic of friendship

All those who are friends of Jesus and those people whose friend, Jesus is, will be able to develop a genuine friendship and grow in it 

*6) The danger of these Friends*

Apart from the genuine friends, the excessive friendship with these things will be very dangerous to our life 

The frineship with money 

The friendship with pleasure

The friendship with bad relationships 

The friendship with social media 

The friendship with wealth 

The friendship with bad company

The friendship with power and authority 

The friendship with alcohol

The friendship with drugs 

*7) Who is my Friend?*

Jesus? 

Bible? 

Good values? 

Gospel values? 

Parents? 

Relatives?

Family members? 

Neighbors? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Need of Working on the Rocky Ground

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:18-23*

*First Reading : Ex 20:1-17*

*The Need of Working on the Rocky Ground*

*1) The seed fell on the Rocky Ground*

While sowing the seeds, some of them fell on the Rocky Ground 

The Gospel says, it Sprouted immediately because of the little mud and moisture

The problem was, there were lots of rocks, which didn't allow the roots to get into the ground, thus it dried and died. Could not produce any fruit 

*2) Is it impossible for the seeds to bear fruit?*

The simple answer would be, *No*. It means, it is possible for the seeds to produce the fruit which fell on the rocky ground 

But one has to rework on the ground. One has to remove those rocks, which obstructs, the roots of the seeds to get into the mud 

Once the rocks are removed, the roots can get into the mud, and the seed can produce some fruit  

*3) The Rocky ground in our Life*

Many a times our heart and mind is like a rocky ground, which obstructs the roots of the Word of God, to set in and to grow the seeds of the word of God 

In this context one has to make some special efforts to remove these various stones from our heart, which may help the seed to grow and bear fruit 

*4) Various possible stones which make our heart as rocky ground*

The stone of revenge

The stone of pride

The stone of greed 

The stone of arrogance

The stone of selfishness

The stone of hatred 

The stone of gossip 

The stone of jealousy

The stone of indifference

The stone of power 

The stone of authority

The stone of wealth 

The stone of self-righteousness 

The stone of anger 

The stone of laziness

The stone of pleasures

*5) Various instruments to remove these Stones from our heart*

Simplicity

Humility

Sacrifice

Love

Discipline

Sincerity

Truthfulness

Service

Generosity

Forgiveness

Sharing 

Prayer 

Celebration of the sacraments

Courage 

*6) Am I ready to work on the Rocky ground*

First of all I need to find out, what type of heart I have 

If my heart resembles the rocky ground, then I have the responsibility to rework on this ground

I need to work in such a way that I must be able to segregate the stones from my life and throw them out 

So, am I ready to work on this rocky ground?

This rocky ground may be within my life, or within my family or within my community or within the surroundings where I live

What is my role then?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Blessed are your eyes, because they see

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:10-17*

*First Reading : Ex 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b*

*Blessed are your eyes, because they see*

*1) Eyes are precious gift of God*

Eyes could be considered as one the greatest wonders of this World. This wonder in the beautiful gift of God to the Human beings 

This is a valuable gift because, there is nothing in this world, which can substitute, the eyes

The importance of the eyes, we understand, only when it they function properly

We have to praise God, because our eyes are able to see 

*2) Our Eyes are able to see numerous Things*

From the birth, till we die, we have millions of things to see, and in fact our eyes see various things in our life time 

Eyes have the power to see the things, as long as our life continues, unless we lose our sight, in certain situations

We are able to see this beautiful creation of God, the wonderful things in this universe, the beauty of Life and many other mysterious things crested by God 

*3) Our Eyes become blessed when following things happen in our life*

When we are able to see the pain of others 

When we are able to see the needs of others and help them in some way 

When we are able to see God in the Nature 

When we are able to see the sacredness in everything that God has created

When we are able to see the presence of God, in another human beings 

When we are able to see the wellbeing of another person 

When we are able to see good things in our own life and in the life of others 

When we are able to see the blessings of the Lord in our own life 

So we are supposed to see these things. Only then our eyes and our eye sight is blessed  

*4) Our Eyes are Blessed, Because*

We are able to see Jesus in the Eucharist

We are able to see Jesus others 

We are able to see Jesus in the needy 

We are able to see Jesus in the poor 

We are able to see Jesus in sick and dying 

We are able to see Jesus in the persecuted

We are able to see Jesus in the exploited 

*5) Mere Eye sight is not sufficient*

A follower of Christ should have a deeper insight other than the physical sight 

Mere physical sight is not enough to see Jesus in and around us and in the beautiful creation of God 

Only a deeper sight, or Spiritual sight enables a person to see Jesus in everything 

Blessed are those and blessed are the eyes, which are able to see Jesus in everything and the innumerable  blessings of God in our Life 

*6) What do my eyes see?*

This is a very serious and relevant question in our life 

What do I see? Is it only the negative and bad things I see everyday and blame everyone? 

Do I see only the weaknesses of others and criticize them? 

Do I see the evil that is present in the Wold and I allow the evil to rule my life? 

Or do I see the goodness in everything and I admire God? 

Remember  *We become what we look at most.* - Hugh Prather

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The importance and Need of Sowing in places other than Good Soil

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:1-9*

*First Reading : Ex 16:1-5, 9-15*

*The importance and Need of Sowing in places other than Good Soil*

*1) Seed sown  in Four places*

The parable of the Sower, clearly shows us the seed sown  on four different places 

Seed on the path way or footpath

Seed on the rocky ground 

Seed on the thorny bushes

Seed on the good soil 

Seed fell on the good soil produced the yeild in different level. Some 100, Some 60 and other 30 

*2) The seed on the other places*

Seed fell on the pathway, rocky ground and the thorny bushes, failed to yeild the desired results 

So we often think that, the seed fell on these places were mere waste. 

We also think that if the sower was careful he would have sown all the seeds only good soil, so it would have yeilded at least some fruit  

According to the Human logic it is perfect. But is there any meaning in it? 

*3) The importance of sowing in other places*

It is easy to sow the seeds on the good soil and to get the fruit 

But it is difficult and challenging to sow the seeds in places other than good soil and to get the fruit 

Jesus not only sowed the seeds of the Kingdom of God, on the good soil but He sowed in other places as well 

*I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5.12*

This is the meaning of sowing in places other than good soil 

*4) Christian Spirituality consists in sowing also in places other than good soil*

As a good farmer, a Christian should sow in the seeds of the Kingdom of God in all the places 

Because at least some seeds may spout and yeild some fruit, if not 100 fold 

The mission of Jesus consists in taking risks and sowing in these places 

If one fails to sow in these places, we fail to take the challenges in doing our mission 

Sowing only in good soil and getting fruit is doing only the minimum

But we are not called to do the minimum. But to take risk and doing our mission 

*5) Some examples of Sowing in places other than Good Soil*

Continuously praying for the conversion of the political leaders without losing the hope 

Trying to love our enemies, with the hope of making friendship

Trying to change our life everyday, in spite of our weaknesses

Serving others without any rewards 

Offering oneself to face any persecutions for the sake of Christ 

Trying to spread the values of Christ, where Christ himself is not accepted 

Trying for forgive a person, who believes only in revenge 

Trying to humble oneself, before a proud person, who does not believe in humility

Loving a person who always try to hate you or belittle you 

Trying help a person who always wished and did only bad things for you 

*6)  Am I ready to sow in places other than good soil?*

This is a big challenge to all of us 

Since our mission and spirituality consists in sowing in these places, we are invited to take risks and to try in new soil to sow the seeds of the kingdom of God

So am I ready for this new venture?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What do you wish?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Matt 20:20-28*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 4:7-15*

*What do you wish?*

*1) Important question in today's Gospel*

This question was asked by Jesus to mother of the sons of Zebedee

She went with a special request to Jesus. So Jesus asked this question

In fact Jesus also asks us this particular question, in every situation. So what is my reply 

*2) Jesus Wished the Salvation of the Mankind*

This was the primary wish of Jesus. Accordingly He worked hard to accomplish this mission 

To accomplish this mission, He preached the good news, He performed the miracles, He cured the Sick, He chased the devils and He went on doing good 

Finally He wished to shed his last drop of blood, by dying on the Cross to save the Mankind 

*3) The mother of the sons of Zebedee, wished position and authority for her children*

From today's Gospel context it is very clear that, the Mother of James and John, wished power and position in the Kingdom of God 

She wished a very high political carrier to her children. 

Accordingly she came to influence Jesus, since on their own they were unable to get those positions

*4) The Disciples wished to become great*

There are many instances where disciples were involved in the discussion of who will be the great among them 

They wished to become great among them 

This is the primary reason why the ten became angry with the two, who wished to have the primary positions in Jesus' Kingdom

*5) The Wish for Worldly things*

This is the strong desire in every one of us 

The wish for power, money, position, recognition, beauty, authority, wealth, material things, name and fame, bodily pleasures, is very much rooted in human nature 

So every one wishes to have these things  

*6) The Wish for Divine and Spiritual things*

The opposite of worldly things is the wish for spiritual things 

It is also true that the wish for spiritual things is also rooted in human nature. But one has to fight over the wish of material things to strengthen the wish for divine things 

The moment, the wish for worldly things becomes strong, the wish for divine things loses its force 

*7) Our Mission and Our Wish*

Our spirit for mission in life depends on what we desire 

If we desire worldly things, our work will be towards achieving those things 

If my wish is for divine things, then my whole focus and mission will be according to the standards of Gospel values 

*So what is my wish? Is it for worldly things or for Divine things?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Lift up your staff : A miracle instrument in the hands of Moses

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 12:38-42*

*First Reading : Ex 14:5-18*

*Lift up your staff : A miracle instrument in the hands of Moses*

*1) The Staff of Moses*

The Staff of Moses, also known as the *Staff of God* is a staff mentioned in the Bible as a walking stick used by Moses.

This Staff was used to produce water from a rock, was transformed into a snake and back, and was used at the parting of the Red Sea.

*2) The burning Bush and the Staff*

At the burning bush, God asks a simple question to Moses : *What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.*

*The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.*

 *Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.*

This is how the Staff in the Hands of Moses gets the power to work miracles 

*3) Moses was asked to lift up the Staff to work Miracle*

In today's First reading we see that, God asks him to lift up the Staff, when the People of Israel Cried to the Lord, in the anguish

Accordingly Moses lifted the Staff over the Red Sea, and there happened a great miracle of separation of Water and creating a Way for the people to cross to the other Side 

The Staff in the Hands of Moses Worked as a miracle instrument

*4) Moses' Staff and Our Life*

God transformed the rod, in the Hands of Moses as the Miracle Staff, which helped him as well as the people of Israel to know the Glory of God, and the protection from the evil one 

Like wise God has given us many things, which symbolizes as Gods' Staff, which works many miracles in our life 

The Scripture is the Staff of God

The Faith is the Staff of God

The forgiveness is the Staff of God

The sacraments are the Staff of God 

The Eucharist is the Staff of God

The prayer  is the Staff of God

Humility  is the Staff of God

Divine Love is the Staff of God

Generosity is the Staff of God

Cross is the Staff of God

Sacrifice is the Staff of God

*5) Life up the Staff*

This is a technical expression in our context 

Lifting up the Staff symbolizes the Use of the Staff or the rod

The moment Moses lifted up the Staff, it worked as a miracle instrument

When we lift up or use the above mentioned instruments as God's Staff, they work wonderful miracles in our life 

*6) Am I ready to use God given Staff?*

The Staff of God is very powerful and it works as miracle instrument in our life 

The only condition is that we need to lift it up or we need to use it in our daily life 

So  am I ready to lift this God given Staff and use it in my daily life, to experience God's Glory?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Protection of Good seeds from the Weeds

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:24-43 or 13:24-30*

*First Reading : Wis 12:13, 16-19*

*SECOND READING - Rom 8:26-27*

*Protection of Good seeds from the Weeds*

*1) A Man sows Good seeds*

The Gospel of the day speaks about a farmer who sows good seeds in his field 

The intention of the Farmer is very clear, that he wanted to have good fruits from the good seeds 

Unfortunately there appears the weeds among the Good seeds, which was the work of an enemy 

*2) The need of the protection of the Good seeds*

From the parable it is very clear that, it is not enough to sow the good seeds. That is only the first step 

The second important step is to protect the good seeds from the evil one or from the enemy

Unless one protects the good seeds from the enemy,  the good seeds will have trouble in yielding 

*3) The enemy is very Active*

No one had informed the enemy about the sowing of the Good seeds. Still the enemy came to know about it and it came and sowed weeds among the good seeds and went away 

This shows how active the enemy or the Satan is? It keeps the track of every good seeds and the good work, and becomes very active to destroy the good seeds 

That's why we need to become very active in protecting the Good seeds 

*4) Sowing of Good seeds in our life*

All of us are good in sowing good seeds in our own life, in our childrens life and in our families 

Yet some times the result is very negative. Especially in the life of our children so many bad things happen 

Even though we have sown only good seeds in their life, some times we forget to protect the good seeds and good plants. As a result many bad things happen in our life 

*5) Various ways of protecting the Good seeds*

There are many ways through which we can protect the good seeds from the enemy. These are the following things 

Reading of the Scriptures and reflecting on it, will give new wisdom to protect the good seeds in our life 

Personal Prayer life, a sound Spirituality, A strong discipline, observing the Moral values, living ones life according to the Gospel values, forgiving one another, humility, living a life of simplicity, and trusting God in everything

All these above mentioned things will help us to protect the good seeds and to yield best fruits in our life 

*6) How about my Life?*

What seeds have I sown  in my life? 

How far I take care of the seeds which are sown  in my life? 

What are the various challenges, which I face in protecting the good seeds? 

What types of seeds I sow in my family, in my neighborhood and in the society?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Weeping of Mary Magdalene at Absence of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 15th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 20:1-2, 11-18*

*First Reading : Sg 3:1-4b or 2 Cor 5:14-17*

*The Weeping of Mary Magdalene at Absence of Jesus*

*1) The Weeping Mary Magdalene*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a scene, where Mary Magdalene is Found weeping 

She is at the Tomb of Jesus and since she could not find Jesus, she started weeping 

*2) The Absence of Jesus disturbed Mary Magdalene very much*

When people are so frightened or disturbed they weep 

Here Mary Magdalene weeps because, the absence of Jesus disturbed her very much 

Because She had loved Jesus very much and she could not bear the separation from Jesus 

*3) Absence of Jesus makes life meaningless*

This is what happened in the life of Mary Magdalene

It appeared to Mary Magdalene that life has no meaning without Jesus. 

The absence of Jesus was a terrific moment in the life of Mary Magdalene

*4) Various things causes for the Absence of Jesus in our life*

There are many things, which result of Jesus in our life 

A life filled with greed 

A life dominated by selfishness

A life controlled by, money, power, wealth and pleasure 

A life governed by blind authority 

A life involved in revenge, and anger 

A life which is busy in gossip

A life which is fostred by jealousy

A life which gives least place to prayer and spiritual things 

All these things takes away  the presence Jesus in our life and our life becomes meaningless

*5) Do I become aware of the Absence of Jesus in my life?*

Mary Magdalene, clearly knew the absence of Jesus

She knew what it was to experience life without Jesus. 

Awareness of the absence if Jesus is the most important thing in life, to change our life 

Since Mary Magdalene felt the absence of Jesus, she went in search of her

What about me? 

Am I able to recognise the absence of Jesus in my life? 

What can I do, when I face such situations? 

How can I regain the presence of 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*

Something greater than the temple is here

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 15th Week: Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 12:1-8*

*First Reading : Ex 11:10-12:14*

*Something greater than the temple is here*

*1) Temple for Jews*

Jews considered temple is a important place, where God dwelt 

For them Jerusalem temple was everything. God dwelt in that temple and that's why every Jew would visit the Jerusalem

Such a temple was meant only for Jews. Other could not enter into it. Others had separate place. Where Jews entered others could not go 

*2) Temple politics*

During the time of Jesus such politics was there. 

Today we have worst temple politics than ever. 

Each caste has their own temples and lower caste person can't enter into temple area 

Today we have worst violence in the name of religion and in the name of temple. 

Temple become unholy when a lower caste person enter into it, and there starts a violence

*3) Does God stay only in the temples?*

Today the religion has restricted God into certain place in the temple

There is also the restrictions for entry to enter the temple 

According to the human thinking, God is present only in the temple 

Jesus refutes this thinking and Jesus says there is God outside the temple 

*4) Jesus says He Himself is the Temple and the presence of the Divine*

Jesus is both the temple and the presence of the divine 

So God is not restricted to only temples and certain places. He is found everywhere 

*5) Human body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit*

This is what we read in St  Paul's Letter 

He says *Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit* 1 Cor 6:19

If body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, Presence of God is also found in Human being 

*6) We recognise God in temple, but in others?*

All of us find God in the temples and we believe in it and it is true 

But what about in others? We the same people who recognise God in temples, fail to recognise God in others 

This is the biggest crime of the Humanity. As a result we have violence, fights, killings and destruction in the name of God 

Going to the temple and hating the neighbor, and involving in violence in the name of God is a hypocrisy and false spirituality

Am I victim of Such a Spirituality? 

Humanity comes before than devotion and the love for temple

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Land Flowing with Honey and Milk

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 15th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:28-30*

*First Reading : Ex 3:13-20*

*Land Flowing with Honey and Milk*

*1) The meaning of Milk and Honey*

Israel is referred to numerous times in the Bible as “a land flowing with milk and honey,” indicating its abundant fertility

a life of slavery is constricted and oppressive, while living in freedom in Israel is wide and spacious.

A land so fertile that it flows with milk and honey stands in contradiction to the place of oppression.

Milk and Honey is also the symbol of nourishment. So will nourish his people both physically and spiritually

*2) Purity of Milk and Honey*

Milk is considered to be pure. 

Honey is also considered to be pure 

So milk and honey represents the concept of purity and the Israelites have been called to this new level of their moral life 

Apart from this both these things are having good nutrients which help to keep up ones health 

The new land will be very nutrient in both ways, for their bodily life and also for their spiritual life 

*3) Combination of Milk and Honey*

Milk is a product of animals and honey is a product of plants. 

 “milk and honey” together represent completeness and harmony.

We do know milk often has ties to fertility, so the milk could point to the abundance of the land. Honey tended to represent delight, joy, sweetness, and pleasure. This combination could imply that Israel would no longer experience a time of bitterness and barrenness when they entered the Promised Land.

*4) Multiple use of milk and Honey*

Both these milk and honey has multiple use in our day to day life 

They are also have medical power 

These two are considered very useful and necessary things in our life 

So God is leading us to a land where there is milk and honey 

*5) Today God is leading to the fertile land where there is milk and Honey*

Today we are lead towrads the land of Bible, because it has the qualities of milk and honey 

Other Gospel qualities like, service, sacrifice, forgiveness, generosity, simplicity, authenticity are like the promised land, where there is flowing of milk and honey 

The question is, am I ready to allow myself to be lead towards the promised land, where there is milk and honey? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Moses was Chosen by God?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 15th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:25-27*

*First Reading : Ex 3:1-6, 9-12*

*Why Moses was Chosen by God?*

*1) The Israelites in Slavery*

The Israelites were under the slavery of Pharaoh. 

He torchered the people Israel in cruel way and wanted to suppress their strength and population

So they had to face a cruel persecution from Pharaoh 

At the same time the people cried to God, and God heard their cry. So to save the people of Israel God chooses Moses and sends him to deliver His people 

*2) Moses to Have the Eyes of God*

God says to Moses *I have truly noted that the Egyptians are oppressing them.*

This is what God has seen, the sufferings of His people 

Now when God calls Moses to deliver His people, Moses is called upon to have the *Eye of God*

To see the sufferings of Israelites

To experience the sufferings of Israelites

To get first hand experience of the sufferings of His people 

So Mosses Should have the *Eye of God*

*3) Moses to have the ears of God*

God says to Moses *The cry of the children of Israel has reached me*

Now God is calling Moses to have the *Ears of God*

By having ears of God, Moses can really hear the cry of the people 

By having the ears of God, Moses can hear the pains, sufferings, persecutions and their deepest cry for the liberation

Once Moses is able to hear their cry, with ears of God, he can really work for them 

*4) Moses to Have the Heart of God*

It is the Heart of God, which experienced the pain of the people 

It is the Heart of God, which moved with pity, when people suffered under Pharaoh

It is the Heart of God, which moved with compassion to see the miserable state of His people 

So Meses is called to have the Heart of God, and to experience their pain and to liberate them 

*5)  Moses to have the Mouth of God*

God Chose Moses as a prophet, to speak on behalf of God to Pharaoh

So Moses need to have the mouth of God, to communicate the message to Pharaoh

In fact Moses, had the eyes of God to see the sufferings to the people, he had the ears of God to hear the cry of the people, he had the heart of God, to experience their pain and he had the  mouth of God to speak the truth to Pharaoh

*6) How about My Life?*

We are called upon to have the eyes of God to see the sufferings to people 

We are called upon to have the ears of God to hear the cry of the people 

We are called upon to have the heart of God to experience the pain of the people 

We are called upon to have the mouth of God to speak the truth courageously

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*

Am I able to recognise the mighty deeds in my Life?

GOSPEL Thoughts

Ordinary Season : 15th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:20-24*

*First Reading : Ex 2:1-15a*

*Am I able to recognise the mighty deeds in my Life?*

*1) Jesus Speaks about the mighty deeds*

There three cities which are mentioned in today's Gospel

Chorazin,  Bethsaida, and  Capernaum

Jesus reproaches all these three cities because, the people of these town failed to recognize the mighty deeds done by Jesus and to change their life 

*2) The mighty deeds of Jesus in these Towns*

The mighty deeds of Jesus involve the healing of the sick, healing of various people from their sicknesses, like mental and bodily illnesses. 

Mighty deeds also involve various miracles and the spectacular, teachings of Jesus 

Mighty deeds also involve the liberating people from the clutches of sin and devil 

Yet people failed to recognize these mighty deeds and did not change their life

*3) mighty deeds in my Life*

My life itself is a miracle

I am able to see. What a miracle of God 

I am able to hear, I am able to smell, I am able to smell, I am able to taste, I am able to digest whatever I eat, I am able think, I am able to walk, I am able to feel, I am able to love, I am able to serve, I am able to sacrifice, I am able to move my hands, I am able to breath etc.

Are these not the mighty deeds of the Lord in my life? 

Think that you are not able to breath? How much money one has to spend for oxygen, and the instruments which are needed as the support for breathing

In life time, so far with out any problem I am able to breath. How to explain this miracle? 

Am I able to find miraculous aspect of God in these things? 

*4) What is my Reaction?*

People of those three cities failed to recognize the God's mighty deeds in their life 

What about me? Am I able to recognise the greatness and miraculous aspect in these things? 

The moment we recognise these as the mighty deeds of God in our life, automatically our life changes and we become grateful to God, who has given these things to us. 

So what is my response? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Sword of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 15th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:34—11:1*

*First Reading : Ex 1:8-14, 22*

*The Sword of Jesus*

*1) The Functioning of the Sword*

All of us have seen the sword. Usually sword is seen in the context of violence and cruelty

In this context how to understand the concept of sword? 

In fact sword is an instrument, which cuts the things apart 

It is a device to separate one thing from another 

Sword is also the symbol of power and authority 

*2) The Sword of Jesus*

The sword of Jesus is quite different from the worldly sword. 

The worldly sword is made up of some metal things and it is hard and strong

But the sword of Jesus is not made out of some metal things rather it is made up of some divine values which is more powerful than the worldly sword 

*3) The various swords of Jesus*

The sword of forgiveness

The sword of service 

The sword of friendship

The sword of healing

The sword of miracles

The sword of prayer 

The sword of divine word 

The sword of humility

The sword of love 

The sword of sacrifice

The sword of Cross 

The sword of Eucharist

The sword of simplicity

The sword of courage 

These are the various swords which were used by Jesus, in His ministry, which worked as powerful tools in building the Kingdom of God

*4 ) The Word of God as the Sword*

Hebrews 4:12 says, the Word of God is a double edged Sword 

It says the *Word of God is Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”*

It cuts the Right from the Wrong and separates the Good from Evil 

Those who use this sword, they can cut bad things from thier lives 

*5) Prayer is the Powerful Sword*

This sword works as a powerful tool in our life 

The sword of prayer cuts the devil and destroys its activities

The sword of prayer cuts and separates from our life, the bad habits like greed, jealousy, anger, pride, arrogance, revenge, gossip, selfishness, worldly desires, desires of flesh, and craze for money, power and wealth 

The sword of prayer helps us to separate all the evil things from our life 

*6) We are soldiers of Christ*

We call ourselves as soldiers of Christ

A soldier should have a sword 

A soldier of Christ primarily fights against the Satan and devil and his kingdom. So these above mentioned swords are very powerful in defeating the Satan and destroying his kingdom

*7) My Life and Jesus' Sword*

Jesus has given us variety of swords

Am I familiar with these swords and the power of these swords? 

How often I use these swords in my Life? 

What type of sword we have in our life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Various Seeds, We are supposed to saw in and around our Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 15th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9*

*First Reading : Is 55:10-11*

*SECOND READING -Rom 8:18-23*

*Various Seeds, We are supposed to saw in and around our Life*

*1) The important things in the Parable of the Sower*

The seed

The sower 

The field or the Place 

Water 

Weather 

These are important things in the parable of the Sower 

*2) The various seeds one has to sow*

When it comes to our life the entire parable of the sower is nothing but the reflection of our life 

Accordingly, we ourselves are the sower, to sow various seeds in and arroud our life 

These are the various seeds we should have in our life 

The seeds of hard work 

The seeds of sacrifice

The seeds of service 

The seeds of hope 

The seeds of love 

The seeds of generosity

The seeds of humility

The seeds of sincerity

The seeds of prayer 

The seeds of devotion

The seeds of knowledge 

*3) The Fruitfulness of the Seeds*

The above all seeds are good and have a capacity to produce the fruit

But the seeds fell on the pathways, could not spout 

The seeds fell on the rocky ground, didn't have sufficient roots

The seeds fell on the   Thorny bush, didn't have favourable atmosphere to produce fruits 

The seeds which fell on the good soil, produced diffent level of fruit, some 30% some 60% and some 1OO% 

*4) As parents what type seeds we sow in the family?*

Sowing is the important process, which can't be postponed or cancelled

If so, what do I sow in my family? 

Is it the seeds of hard work? 

Is it the seeds of tough life? 

Or 

Is it the seeds of easy and comfortable life? 

Is it the seeds of things oriented life? 

Is it the seeds of hi fi life? 

Is it the seeds of short cut ways? 

Is it the seeds of laxity of discipline? 

Is it the seeds of worldly things?  

*5) Seeds produce fruits according to its quality?*

Seeds produce exactly about its own quality 

Good quality seeds will produce good fruits 

Lower quality seeds will produce, lower quality of Fruits 

What is the quality of the sown seeds in and around 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 Logic of Counting the hairs of our head

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:24-33*

*First Reading : Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a*

*The Logic of Counting the hairs of our head*

*1) Counting of the hairs of our head*

Jesus speaks about the Counting of the hairs of our head 

The question is, is it possible to count the hairs of our head 

So far no one has succeeded in counting the hairs of our head. Nor it is possible to count. 

Humanly speaking it is an impossible task 

For God it is possible to count and in fact God knows the count of every hair in our head 

*2) The Uncountable things in our life*

Hair is an example to reflect that there are numerous uncountable things in our life. For example 

We are unable to count the blessings of God

We are unable to count the happy moments of our life 

We are unable to count the experience of God in our life 

We are unable to count the number of God's forgiveness in our life 

We are unable to count, numerous ideas we have in our life 

We are unable to count the heart beat of our heart 

We are unable to count the number of  pluse we have in our life 

We are unable to count the working of human brain 

We are unable to count the workings of human life  

*3) God knows everything. We can't hide anything*

The very fact God knows the exact count of the hair of our head, it is clear that God knows every detail of our life 

This also reveals that, we can hide nothing from the knowledge of God. If some one r

Thinks that one can hide something from God, he must reflect about the knowledge and wisdom of God in counting the hair of our head 

*4) Hair is a small thing*

In our life hair is a very small thing, but it has its own importance

But God values even the smallest thing in our life 

Nothing is taken for granted in our life 

In fact Jesus says, the Kingdom of God, based in the little things 

The yeast, the seed, the net, lillies  of the field, the two copper coins, these are the reference to the Kingdom of God

So small things are very important in our life 

*5) Lessons from the hair*

God knows everything. Nothing is outside the knowledge of God 

Give attention to the small things in life 

Our inability to count the hair, shows that we are unable to count many good things from God 

Hair gives beauty to life. We should try to beautify our life through good things 

The cut hair grows. Like wise we should grow when we are cut through the challenges and crisis in life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Power of the Name of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:16-23*

*First Reading : Gn 46:1-7, 28-30*

*The Power of the Name of Jesus*

*1) Jesus means Saviour*

The Word meaning of Jesus is one who saves. In other words this words means *To deliver* *to rescue*

Because of this meaning we call Jesus as our saviour 

According to the name of his Name, Jesus saved the entire human race through his mission, passion death and resurrection

*2) The Name of Jesus and the Followers*

After the death of Jesus, the followers used the name of Jesus to cure the sick, to cast out demons, to raise the dead, and to spread the Kingdom of God 

Wherever the disciples went,  by using the name of Jesus, they were able to perform miracles and great things 

These things show that, the name of Jesus is very powerful 

*3) The name of Jesus is a great challenge to the Worldly powers*

The name of Jesus and the mission in the name Jesus, will help the poor, marginalized, downtrodden, and the oppressed

Since the mission in the name of Jesus, empowers the powerless, it becomes a threat to the powerful, who oppress the poor and the weak of the society

Therefore the name of Jesus is a threat to the powerful, who inturn attack those who work in the name of Jesus 

*4) Those who work in the name of Jesus will be targeted*

This is what Jesus says in today's Gospel. 

At the same time, the History has proved this fact 

Over and above the incidents which are taking place in and around us, prove that those who work in the name of Jesus are hated and persecuted   

This is the integral part of the mission of the Lord 

*5) Name of Jesus is a threat to the evil powers*

The name of Jesus is so powerful, no evil power can stand before the name of Jesus 

Jesus is the one who saves or delivers his followers from the clutches of the evil power 

*The authority of the name of Jesus causes every knee to bow in reverence Everything and everyone will one day submit to this name—in the heavenly realm, in the earthly realm, and in the demonic realm.  And every tongue will proclaim in every language: “Jesus Christ is Lord Yahweh,”  bringing glory and honor to God, his Father!* Philippines 2:10-11

Have I realised the power of the name of Jesus? 

What are the challenges I face in my daily life for sake of the name of Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Jesus says carry no bag for the Journey?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:7-15*

*First Reading : Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5*

*Why Jesus says carry no bag for the Journey?*

*1) To avoid extra luggage*

One of the reasons why Jesus tells them not to carry the bag, is to avoid the luggage. 

Extra luggage will always make their journey difficult and tiresome

So to make their journey little more comfortable and also to have quick movements, they needed to avoid carrying any bag or luggage

*2) Bag is a symbol of Receiving*

Empty bag always the symbol of receiving something

So to avoid the wrong message they had to avoid carrying bag with them 

In fact disciple is the one who gives to others and not one who receives 

So by not carrying the bag, they could give the message of giving and not receiving

*3) Bag is also the symbol of Accumulating*

It is a symbol of hoarding and storing for the future 

A disciple is the one who should not store or hoard the things, because it goes against the spirit of the discipleship

Instead of accumulating a disciple is called upon to give to others. Generosity is the primary value that a disciple should practice in order to follow Jesus 

*4) Faith in God alone*

By avoiding to take bag along with them, Jesus is calling them for a higher level of trust and confidence in Jesus 

Its an open challenge to His disciples to keep their trust and confidence in God, rather than on the things of this world 

Ultimately God is our Hope. This powerful message becomes very clear when Jesus says, no bag for the journey

*5) Various bags, which hinder our mission*

There are variety of bags in our life, which hinder our mission for the greater glory of God 

The bag of desire 

The bag of wordly ambition

The bag of recognition

The bag of name and fame

The bag of honour 

The bag of wealth & money 

The bag of  greed 

The bag of selfishness

The bag of revenge

The bag of intolerance

*6) Am a slave of various bags?*

In today's Gospel Jesus clearly tells us to give up all sorts of bag, which increases our worldly luggage, resulting in distraction in our mission for the Lord 

So it is highly recommend to give up these bags and to free ourselves to work for the Lord

If so, am I ready to free myself from these bags tk work for the Lord? 

Am I ready to detach myself from these worldly bags? 

*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 Authority of the Apostles over Unclean Spirits

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:1-7*

*First Reading : Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a*

*The Speciality of the Authority of the Apostles over Unclean Spirits*

*1) Jesus gives them the Authority*

In the Gospel of the day we see that Jesus is giving them a special authority over the unclean spirit to drive them out 

Before sending them for the mission, Jesus empowers them with divine authority to do their mission in a fruitful way 

This shows that Jesus always empowers His people to do their mission  

*2) Authority over Unclean Spirits*

This is a special authority, which was very much necessary for their mission 

Most of the times, it was these unclean spirits who were obstructing the mission of the Lord 

Since they were given the authority, they were able to control the unclean spirits and to drive them out from people 

*3) The existence of Unclean Spirit*

These unclean spirits at times control our life. They are the following 

The Unclean Spirit of pride, The unclean Spirit of avarice [greed],

The unclean spirit of  envy, 

The Unclean spirit of wrath

The unclean spirit of  lust,

The unclean spirit of gluttony 

The unclean spirit of sloth

These are most powerful unclean spirits in our life 

*4) Jesus has also given us the Power over these unclean Spirits*

Like the Apostles, Jesus has empowerd all of us with the Authority to drive out these unclean Spirits

We have receive this authority, through the sacrament of Baptism to derive out these unclean Spirits

The celebration of the sacraments, service to the needy and the simplicity of life gives us the special authiy to drive out these unclean Spirits 

*5) The Fight/mission is continuous*

The mission of driving out these evil spirits, is continuous

There is no rest for this mission. Only those who are ready to fight everyday, with God given authority, one can drive out these unclean spirits from our life 

*6) My Life and Unclean Spirits*

which are the above unclean spirits, control my life? 

How do I deal with them?

Do I use the God given authority to drive these evil spirits from my own life? 

Am I a victim of these evil spirits? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Those who See God, their life is preserved

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:32-38*

*First Reading : Genesis 32:23-33*

*Those who See God, their life is preserved*

*1) Jacob's Fight with God*

The First reading of the day, speaks about the, Jacob's fight with God 

Without knowing the identity of God, Jacob faught whole night and he was victorious

Finally, Jacob realised that It was God, who came in the form of person and faught with Him    

*2) The Reaction of Jacob*

When he realised that It was God who faught with Him, He said *For I have seen God face to face and yet my life is preserved*

He also changed the name of the place, since he encountered the Lord, who change Jacob's name as *Israel* 

*3) Benefits of Seeing God*

Jacob was blessed by the Lord. This is the reward which, Jacob received since he was able to see God 

Secondly, His name was changed, from Jacob to Israel, which shows the change in Jacob. So seeing God, brings about a great change in ones life. Israel means *God preserves*

Seeing God also benefited in changing the name of the place as Peniel. Peniel means *Face of God*

*4) We are blessed to see the Lord, everyday*

Eucharist is a great mystery where we see the Lord face to face 

By seeing Lord, in the Eucharist, our life is blessed, our life is preserved and our life becomes meaningful 

Seeing the Lord is a great moment in our life. Its a great privilege given to the followers of Jesus 

*5) Other areas where we can see the Lord, face to face*

The forgiveness is the face of God

The mercy is the face of God

The sacrifice is the face of God

The Love is the face of God 

The poor are the face of God 

The exploited are the face of God 

The generous are the face of God 

The suffering are the face of God 

The persecuted are the face of God 

*6) Purity of Life needed to see the face the Lord*

Only those who are good and genuine are able to see the face and face the person 

A lier will never see the face while facing the person 

It is only the just and sincere persons who can look at the eyes and face while they encounter the other 

So purity of Life is needed to see the face of the Lord

Am I ready to see the face of God?? 

Do I have the courage to see the face of God

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The need and Availability of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:18-26*

*First Reading : Gn 28:10-22a*

*The need and Availability of Jesus*

*1) The need of the official*

In today's Gospel we come across an official, who is in search of Jesus 

His daughter had died. So the official had approached Jesus, for some help 

So the official was in need of Jesus in the context of his daughter's  death 

*2) The need of the Woman*

We also see a woman who also needed the divine assistance of Jesus, because she was suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years 

She came behind of Jesus with the intention of touching Him and to get cured from her Sickness 

*3) The need of the dead girl*

Even though the girl had died, she also needed the divine providence of Jesus in order to come back to life 

With out Jesus it would not have been possible for the girl to come bk to life 

*4) The availability of Jesus*

In the all above three instances, we see the availability of Jesus and His accompaniment with those who needed Him 

Whatever may be the situation, Jesus was there along with them, in sharing their pain and suffering 

The availability of Jesus makes a drastic change in the life of those people

*5) The Need of Jesus in my Life*

Only those who feel the need of Jesus, they come to Jesus 

So it is very important to feel the need of Jesus in our life 

The moment we feel the need, automatically we come to Jesus to experience his divine power 

But the question is, do I feel the need of Jesus in my life. If at all I feel the need, when do I feel? 

*6) Jesus is always available. Am I available for Jesus?*

Jesus is available always at any time. 

When the official asked, Jesus was ready at that very moment. He didn't say, *I  am busy, now not possible, come tomorrow, will see later* He never gave such lame excuses 

But He was ever ready 

Even today Jesus is ever ready to help me. He does not delay in helping his followes 

But the biggest question is, am I available for Jesus? 

Miracles happen only when I am available for Jesus 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Yoke represents the communitarian aspect of Christian life and Challenges

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:25-30*

*First Reading : Zec 9:9-10*

*SECOND READING - Rom 8:9, 11-13*

*Yoke represents the communitarian aspect of Christian life and  Challenges*

*1) Yoke Needs two oxen*

All of us are very familiar with the Yoke 

Yoke is primarily used for bringing two oxen together for ploughing the field 

With one ox, yoke can't be used. Yoke always needs two ox 

*2) Yoke Shares the responsibility*

Yoke practically divides the burden. Yoke has the capacity for dividing the Burden and helping the oxen in rendering their service

By didving the burden, the work becomes easy and one is filled with better hope to commit oneself for the particular mission 

By diving the burden the work efficiency better and we are supported by our partner to continue the mission, even in the midst of many challenges

*3) Christian Spirituality and Life is like a Yoke*

Christian way of life, places us on heavy demands to follow Jesus 

Such demands can't be fulfilled by our own efforts. We need the support of others 

While carrying out the responsibilities of Christian spirituality and Christian life, the image of Yoke, fills us with courage and hope, because this image helps us to share our burden 

In other words the image of yoke tells us that we are not alone in striving towards, building the Kingdom of God 

*4) The Other Partner for the Yoke*

Yoke always represents the two oxen or Persons 

If one side is occupied by me, who is the other partner who helps me in my Journey? 

The other partner could be the following

Jesus my Friend 

My teachers 

My family members

My friends 

My Children

My colleagues

*5) The Spiritual partners for the Yoke*

For a Christian there are plenty of Spiritual partners to lighten the burden and to share the place of the Yoke 

My prayer life 

The sacraments

The Scriptures

Various devotions

Good deeds 

Gospel values 

Sacrifices, generosity 

*6) Take My Yoke*

Jesus tells us to take His yoke. This is a challenges as well as the opportunity for a Christian

Jesus' Yoke comes in the following way 

The Cross

Forgiveness

Simplicity

Generosity

Sacrifice

Love 

Service 

*7) Yoke needs two similar Beings*

Two oxen is necessary. One ox and one horse can't suite 

Likewise when Jesus gives us His yoke, we should have the similar quality to share this yoke and to share the burden

If there is different quality then yoke becomes a instrument of irritation than sharing of the burden 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Repairing and Replacing

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:14-17*

*First Reading : Gn 27:1-5, 15-29*

*Repairing and Replacing*

*1) Two familiar terms*

Today as we advance in the technological field, we often hear about two words. They are repair and replace

In the olden days the concept of repair was very prevalent. Today people speak about replacing and not repairing 

*2) Repairing and Replacing*

While repairing, a part of the thing is modified and made to work in the system. So this is the combination of old and repaired one

While replacing, one discards the old or useless things and replaced with new things 

In replacing the entire thing becomes new and it works in a better way 

*3) Repairing and  Replacing in  Today's Gospel*

Today's Gospel speaks about these two things 

Jesus says *No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse.*

Further Jesus says *People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined.*

So here there is no question of repairing but replacing the old with new, for new things 

*4) Evil can not be repaired but need to be replaced with Good*

The theory of repairing and replacing is very much useful in handling good and bad

Bad in our life can't be repaired. The moment we try to repair it, certain amount if evil still remains in us. 

Therefore the only solution in removing the evil things in us is through replacing it with good things 

So remove the old things and replace it with new things. So there will be no issues 

*5) Conversion/Change of Life consists in Replacing bad with Good things*

All of us speak about the change of Life or conversion in life. 

This is nothing but, replacing the bad with good things 

Jesus came to replace the bad with good things. This is nothing but building the Kingdom of God 

*6) Replacing is very tedious Work*

The task of Replacing bad with Good in Spiritual life is very challenging mission 

It needs a continuous efforts and powerful determination

Only then we will succeed in replacing the bad with good things 

*7) Instruments for replacing*

One should have proper instruments for replacing the bad with good things 

In our Christian life and spirituality we have powerful tools like, prayer, celebration of the sacraments penance, sacrifice, generosity, forgiveness, humility, simplicity, love, service, are some of the powerful tools 

What do I prefer in my life? Repairing or Replacing?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Two Tables

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:9-13*

*First Reading : Gen 23:1-4, 19; 21:1-8;, 62-67*

*The Two Tables*

*1) Two tables in today's Gospel*

The Gospel of the day gives us opportunity to reflect about two tables 

*First Table* This table is found in the Tax office, used by Matthew for His daily work

*Second Table* : This table is found in the house of Matthew, most probably in the Dining Hall, where Jesus is present 

*2) Table at Tax office*

This table is used by Matthew, for collecting taxes

This table has only business and nothing else 

This table only receives from people and does not give anything

This table is filled with the motive of making profit, using any means, even the illegal means

This table does not believe in human relationship, but only deals in business

This table believes in power, position and authority. 

This table is used for achieving the selfish goal and becoming rich using any means 

*3) The table in the Dining Hall*

This table is surrounded by various types of People 

This table has the honour of accommodating Jesus and His disciples

This table does not make any differences between the groups. All types of people are found around this table 

This table gives importance for human relationships and belongingness

This table gives an opportunity to learn from the Master

This table believes in giving and sharing rather than receiving and taking from others 

This table becomes a place of conversion for many to change their lives 

*4) The Eucharistic table at Matthew's dining table*

The table which is found in the House of Matthew is not an ordinary table but a Eucharistic table 

From this table, there is a proclamation of the Word of God, the Jesus himself 

From this table there is a Eucharistic celebration where they share the meal together along with Jesus 

This table gives an opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist in the House of Matthew

How blessed is Matthew to have this table in His house 

*5) Table in my Life*

These two tables represent our life

So, going back our life, which of these tables represent my life 

Is my life similar  to the table which is kept at the tax booth? 

Is my life represents the table which is found in the house of Matthew, which is the Eucharistic table? 

Which table I prefer? Which table reflects 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*

The concept paralysis, The people who came to Help and My Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel :  Mt 9:1-8*

*First Reading : Gn 22:1b-19*

*The concept paralysis, The people who came to Help and My Life*

*1) The paralytic man and the People who brought Him*

In the Gospel we see a man who is paralyzed. A paralyzed man can't walk, can't move, and unable to do many things 

Such a paralyzed man was helped by a group of people to come to Jesus and Jesus cured him and made Him Well 

This process is very much reflected in our own life 

*2) The concept of paralysis in our Life*

More than physical paralysis, many of us suffer from spiritual and mental paralysis

The paralysis of pride 

The paralysis of hatred 

The paralysis of jealousy

The paralysis of revenge 

The paralysis of selfishness

The paralysis of greed 

The paralysis of power 

The paralysis of wealth 

The paralysis of pleasure

The paralysis of division 

Many of us are affected with these paralysis and we are not able to function to the fullest of our God given capacity 

*3) The Help from the People*

The paralytic was brought to Jesus by the the people 

In my case who are those who help me to come to Jesus? 

I must be carried by these, to come to Jesus 

I must be carried by prayer 

I must be carried by sacraments

I must be carried by scriptures 

I must be carried by generosity

I must be carried by Love

I must be carried by sacrifice

I must be carried by forgiveness

I must be carried by truth 

When I am carried by the above realities (in the case of paralytic, the people helped) I am able to come to Jesus and experience His divine touch, which will heal me from the above paralysis  

*4) Am I ready to allow myself to be carried by others?*

As a Christian, I must allow myself to be carried out by these divine realities. 

Since I am unable to walk myself and come to Jesus, it is very important for to allow myself to come to Jesus 

So what is my response? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Loss of Worldly things and Rejection of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:28-34*

*First Reading : Gn 21:5, 8-20a*

*Loss of Worldly things and Rejection of Jesus*

*1) The Good done by Jesus in the territory of the Gadarene*

Jesus enters the territory of Gadarene and he was encountered by two people 

Who were possessed by the demons 

Jesus cures them, and they were made well. Jesus drives the demon from them and gives them new life 

*2) The Loss of Swine herd*

In the process of healing the two demoniacs, Jesus allows the evil spirits to go out and to enter into the herd of swine 

As soon as the evil spirits entered into the herd of swine, the entire herd was, jumped into the water and died 

This caused the loss of swine and loss of money and income to the owner of the pigs 

*3) The Rejection of Jesus*

Since they lost the swine and also some income, the whole village came together, to request Jesus to go away from the territory

This might have happened because, people might have thought, if Jesus remains in the territory, they will lose some more things 

But they failed to see the good that has been done by Jesus or to see those two persons who were freed from the evil spirits

*4) You can't Serve God and Wealth*

This is what Jesus told in the sermon on the Mount 

This becomes true in this context. They loved their business more than the Lord 

That's why they rejected Jesus by asking him to leave the village  

*5) The need of Detachment and Loss of Worldly things*

The loss of some things were necessary for the cure of the demoniac 

Unless one considers the loss of worldly things, to accept Jesus, nothing can be achieved 

So accepting Jesus and His healing power means, one has to ready to give up something to gain something

Loss for the sake of Jesus or detachment is very much needed to achieve something higher 

When we consider the value of higher things, whatever we give up is only a insignificant thing

Unless we are ready to sacrifice a little, nothing can be beneficial

*6) What is my preference?*

People chose their daily business and rejected Jesus 

For petty things, they lost a great treasure

What about my preference?  Am I ready to sacrifice my little world to enter into the world of Jesus 

Will I choose Jesus instead of my worldly things? 

Am I ready to lose the Worldly things for the sake of Jesus? 

Nothing is more precious than Jesus. 

*If Jesus is there, then I have everything. If I have everything, but I don't have Jesus, then I have nothing*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Church is a Boat, which sails towards the Kingdom

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:23-27*

*First Reading : Gn 19:15-29*

*Church is a Boat, which sails towards the Kingdom*

*1) The boat and its Purpose*

In today's Gospel we have a beautiful boat in which, Jesus and His disciples are traveling towards the other side 

Primarily boat is meant for crossing from one side to the other side 

It helps the people to move from one place to the another

*2) Boat is always found in the Water*

Boats are always found either in the River or in the sea 

So it goes without saying that, the boats have to face all the waves and some times violent storms

It is natural for the boat to face the waves and storms and to move further and to reach to the other side 

Accordingly, the boat which is found in the sea or river is faced with violent storm and was in danger. But Jesus was able to calm the sea and the waves

*3) The Church is a Big Boat*

Church as a big boat, is sailing towards the Kingdom of God 

As Jesus was found in the boat, in the Church also Jesus is the head of the boat, who is guiding the apostles to reach the destiny

As there was violent storm in the Sea, the Church as a boat, is facing all the time, violent storms in the form of persecutions, martyrdoms, humiliations, explications and destroying the mission of the Lord 

The Church as a boat, so far was able to face all these violent storms, and sailing towards its destiny

Nothing could sink this boat so far in the History of the Church 

*4) The presence of Jesus*

The presence of Jesus in the boat makes lot of difference

The frightened disciples call out to Jesus, and Jesus was able to help them immediately

As long as Jesus is present among them nothing becomes impossible for them. It is finally, Jesus who controlled the sea

In the boat of the Church the presence of Jesus is very much found. Eucharist, the celebration of the sacraments are the concrete ways to experience the presence of Jesus in the boat of the church 

As long as Jesus is present in the Church, no waves or storms could destroy this boat 

*5) We are in the Boat, Jesus as the head*

All of us who have taken the baptism, have entered in the boat, which is church 

Jesus is the head of this boat. So we have nothing to worry 

This boat (Church) certainly will be faced by the violent storms. But nothing will destroy, because Jesus who is the head of this boat can control everything, and even the waves and storms 

*6) My Responsibility*

I need to get into this boat and need to travel along with Jesus 

I can't get down in the middle way. Such a move will be fatal 

I need to allow myself to be taken towards the destiny which Jesus indicates. 

After entering into the boat - the Church - I need to go to the destiny, which the boat moves. I can't have diffent destiny according  to my whims and fancies. 

Am I ready to take this responsibility? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*