Is my Life, another whitewashed tomb?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:27-32*

*First Reading : 1 Thes 2:9-13*

*Is my Life, another whitewashed tomb?*

*1) Jesus on Whitewashed Tomb*

The Gospel of the day, speaks about the concept of Whitewashed Tombs

Tomb are found in the burial place. Once in a year, these tombs are cleaned and given some paint 

After cleaning and painting they look very beautiful and attractive from out side 

This is the reality we see in our day today life 

*2) Inside of the whitewashed tomb*

We can very imagine what is found inside the whitewashed tomb

Rotten thing, bad smell, left over bones and scary sight. No one would like to see inside the tomb 

But the decoration out side the tomb covers all the things, and nothing can be seen 

*3) Our Life and Whitewashed Tomb*

This is a very good imagery to reflect about our life 

The concept of whitewashed tomb applies to our life very closely

All of us look very beautiful from outside. In fact we put on a mask, which projects our life and beautiful and glorious 

Just like the whitewashed tombs which look very beautiful from outside

*4) Inside the Tomb and our inner Life*

We know what is inside the tomb

What is inside in my life? 

At times there is a possibility that these things are found inside our life

Jealousy

Anger 

Greed

Sensuality

Revenge

Selfishness

Desire for worldly things 

When these things found inside and when one tries to project oneself as holy and good, life is just like whitewashed tomb

*5) Functions and spiritual activities like Whitewashed tombs*

Most of the functions at times look like a whitewashed tombs. They look glorious, glamorous and attractive from outside 

But in reality or the inner agenda would be different. To make a showoff of ones power, ones influence, ones popularity etc 

If it happens, is not the function just like a whitewashed tomb

Spiritual activities could also take similar situation in our life

*6) Whitewashed tomb in our daily life*

This concept is very much applicable to our life in multiple ways 

Anything  we do in our life at times can take the place of whitewashed tomb

So it is very necessary to realise and to find out which are the areas which belong to the whitewashed tomb 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 contradiction between the King and the Prisoner

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 6:17-29*

*First Reading : Jer 1:17-19*

*The contradiction between the King and the Prisoner*

*1) Is Herod King?*

The Gospel narration tells us that, Herod was called as King. So he is known as King Herod 

At the out set He is King. He is the King of the Place, He has his people, soldiers, power, authority, influence, and everything 

So from this point of view Herod is a king. 

*2) Is John the Baptist  a Prisoner?*

To this question, answer is He is the prisoner

He has been put behind the bar, by King Herod for Questioning and Condemning the immoral life of King Herod 

From this point of view, John was a prisoner

*3) Who is the Real King?*

To this question when we deeply reflect, we come to know that John the Baptist is the real King 

He is the King of Courage

He is the king of justice

He is the king of Sacrifice

He is the King of Morality

He is the king of Truth 

He is the King of Love 

He is the King of conscience

One who is king of these eternal things, he/she is the real king 

*4) Herod is the Real Prisoner*

From the Gospel it is very clear that

Herod was the prisoner of his authority

Herod was the prisoner of his power 

Herod was the prisoner of his sensual pleasure 

Herod was the prisoner of his insecurity

Herod was the prisoner of the fear of losing everything

Herod was the prisoner of his wife 

Herod was the prisoner of his dead conscience

Herod was the prisoner of the falsehood

Herod was the prisoner of destruction

When a person acts on these aspects he becomes a prisoner and not the King 

*5)  King Lives, Prisoner Dies*

John the Baptist who stood for truth, justice, courage, morality, sacrifice, still lives and lives for ever 

John lives for ever through His martyrdom

Herod, who killed John the Baptist, dies eternally because of his evil things 

He is a dead man, whose name is difficult to find in the book of Life 

*6) Am I Living as King or Prisoner?*

The way of Jesus makes us real kings in the Kingdom of heaven 

The king of service

The King of Love

The King of sacrifice

The king of humility

The King of morality

The king of moral courage

The king of forgiveness

The king of simplicity

But when we follow the standards of this world 

We become the prisoners of hatred 

Prisoners of power 

Prisoners of authority

Prisoners of wealth 

Prisoners of greed 

Prisoners of publicity

Prisoners of popularity

Prisoners of pleasure

Prisoners of sensuality

Prisoners of hypocrisy

So am I living a life of King or Prisoner?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Hypocrisy Leads to Blindness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:13-22*

*First Reading : 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10*

*Hypocrisy Leads to Blindness*

*1) Jesus condemns the Hypocrisy*

In the Gospel of the day we see that Jesus is condemning the Hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees

Jesus becomes very critical and condemns directly when it comes to hypocrisy. 

This is the message that, God does not tolerate the aspect of Hypocrisy in our life. It is very dangerous and spoils our life 

*2) Hypocrisy Leads to Blindness*

In today's Gospel Jesus uses the word *Blind* three times 

Jesus calls them blind Guides

Jesus calls them blind fools 

Jesus calls them blind ones 

So the concept of Blindness is very much attached to the hypocrisy

*3) The Danger of Blind Guides*

From the Gospel it is very clear that a person with hypocrisy becomes a blind guide 

When a guide becomes blind one can imagine the danger involved in it 

Since the person himself is blind about the various things, following his/her guidance will be fatal to our life 

*4) The danger of Blind Fools*

We also see that, hypocrisy leads to blindness and that blindness makes us fools 

A fool lacks the necessary knowledge to do the normal work in a systematic way 

A fool becomes a laughing stock for many 

A fool loses his/her self respect

So hypocrisy leads to such s shameful state 

*5) Hypocrisy blinds the vision into deeper reality*

This is also very clear from the Gospel 

Since the hypocrisy blinds ones vision the person is not able to see the greater realities and the good things 

A person with hypocrisy, sees only external things and gives importance to external things 

The external show off becomes a platform to cover up the inner vacum and emptiness

*6) Am I a victim of Hypocrisy?*

Have I become the slave of hypocrisy? 

Hypocrisy makes us to act in two ways. We try to show to the world what we are not.  

Am I genuine in my relationship and in my dealings?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus is the Key to the Kingdom of Heaven

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:13-20*

*First Reading : Is 22:19-23*

*SECOND READING - Rom 11:33-36*

*Jesus is the Key to the Kingdom of Heaven*

*1) Key in Today's Liturgy*

The first reading from the book of Isaiah and the Gospel reading from Matthew speaks about the *Key* and its importance

First reading tells us *I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut when he shuts, no one shall open.*

The Gospel reading tells us *I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”*

*2) Keys Speaks about Opening and Closing*

Both the readings speaks about opening and closing of something

The first reading tells us whatever is opened by Eliakim’s can be closed by anyone and whatever closed by Him can't be opened by anyone 

What a authority has been given to Him by the Lord 

In the Gospel it is Peter, who has been given the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to Open and Close about the riches of it, in this world and to be get nourished by it for the life of the Kingdom of Heaven

*3) Jesus is the Key of the Kingdom*

Before Eliakim’s and Peter got the Keys of the Kingdom, it was with Jesus 

In fact Jesus is the *Key* to kingdom of Heaven. It means only Jesus has the Power to open and close the Kingdom God 

But the Generosity, Love and Trust of God is so deep, he gave those keys to 

Eliakim and Peter

This is the greatness of God 

*4) Jesus as the Key of the Kingdom of Heaven Opened so many Things*

Jesus as the Key, opened Love 

Jesus as the Key, opened Forgiveness

Jesus as the Key, opened Humility

Jesus as the Key, opened Service

Jesus as the Key, opened Truth

Jesus as the Key, opened sacrifice

Jesus as the Key, opened salvation

Jesus as the Key, opened God's Mercy 

Jesus as the Key, opened divine  friendship

No power on earth can close these things from the Life of the Human beings 

*5) Jesus as the Key of the Kingdom of Heaven Closed so many Things*

Jesus as the Key, closed Hatred

Jesus as the Key, closed revenge

Jesus as the Key, closed Death 

Jesus as the Key, closed greed 

Jesus as the Key, closed arrogance

Jesus as the Key, closed hypocrisy

Jesus as the Key, closed jealousy

Jesus as the Key, closed gossip

There is no place for these above things in the Kingdom of Heaven 

*6) We are Given the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven*

Like Peter all of us have been given keys of the Kingdom of heaven in the sacrament of Baptism

All the above mentioned things are the various keys of the Kingdom of heaven. We are suppose to  use them and try to open the kingdom of God, in order to enter into it.

Am I able to use these keys in responsible ways to open the Kingdom of Heaven?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Authority/Power and Responsibility go together

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 21:1-12*

*First Reading : Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17*

*Authority/Power and Responsibility go together*

*1) The Chair of Moses*

The Gospel of the day, makes a mention of the Chair of Moses 

This chair symbolizes the position and power of one who occupies this seat 

In fact it was believed that Moses is the Author of Torah - the first five books of the Bible and His seat symbolizes the concept power and position

This seat was occupied by the Scribes and Pharisees who take the place of Moses in teaching the people 

*2) Moses and the Scribes and Pharisees*

Moses believed what he preached and practiced what he taught to the people 

Therefore Moses is considered to be the great person whose example has to be followed by all 

Where as about the scribes and Pharisees Jesus says, learn what they teach since they are on the seat of Moses, and they teach what is right, but not to follow their example

This is because, they don't practice what they teach. This leads ones life towards hypocrisy

*3) Power and responsibility go together*

When some one has the power to do something, he/she also has the responsibility of doing what he/she preaches to others 

The dichotomy between what is practiced and what is preached shows our real personality 

This is the another form of hypocrisy. Jesus condemns such a type of hypocrisy 

*4) Who is the example for my Life?*

There is a strong warning in today's Gospel about the people whom we chose as our hero's 

Much of our life is influenced by those hero's in our life. If so who is my Hero? 

A person who is hypocrite, and if I take such a person as my hero, my life also will be affected by this hypocrisy

All saints had Jesus as their hero, and all generous people have their, hero as Jesus 

The question is who is my model or Example?

Righteous person will change our life 

So whom do I want to follow? Who is my best example for life? 

Where does the good things come??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why the Commandment of Love is greatest?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 22:34-40*

*First Reading : Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22*

*Why the Commandment of Love is greatest?*

*1) It was Love that made God to create the Human Being*

From the Scriptures it is clear that, God created Human being out of Love 

At the same time we are created by God to Love Him and Love one another

So Love is the force which works as a medium between God and Human beings 

*2) It was Love which is responsible for Jesus to come into the World*

The Gospel of John clearly tells us that, *For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”* John 3:16

What we see is that, it is the Love which was responsible for Jesus to humble himself and to assume the Human Nature 

*3) Jesus says Love as I have loved you*

This one of the rarest statement in which Jesus is giving his own example and asking us to do the same 

So it is the Love which Jesus is telling us to do as He loved us. There is no another  equal statement about doing what Jesus did

*4) It was Love which made Jesus to die on the Cross*

What is the power which Jesus led to offer himself to die on the Cross? The direct answer is the power of Love 

Ultimately His love for the Human kind led him to accept the cross, carry the cross, accept the humiliations and finally to die on the Cross

So the Power of Love is seen in the Cross

*5) If Love is removed nothing remains*

If one removes love from the family, family does not exist 

If one removes love from ones life, relationship doesn't exist 

If one removes love from friend, friendship collapses

If one removes love from work, it becomes a burden 

If one removes love from learning one can't learn anything

If one removes love, then the values like, sacrifice, generosity, service, forgiveness, humility, simplicity, does not have any place in our life 

*6) Love is the foundation for everything*

Nothing works without love 

Nothing remains without love 

Nothing can live without love 

Love is life, love is power, love is strength, love is energy, love is creative and love can achieve anything.

Therefore love is the First and important commandment

Am I ready to love as Jesus loved?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Come and See - Am I Ready?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20 Week : Thursday*

*Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle*

*Gospel : Jn 1:45–51*

*First Reading : Rv 21:9b–14*

*Come and See - Am I Ready?*

*1) The background of Come and See*

In today's Gospel we have this important phrase *Come and See*

When Philip told *We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”* to Nathanael, He replied saying *“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”*

To this reply of Nathanael, Philip tells him *“Come and see.”*

*2) Nathanael's Opinion about Nazareth*

Nazareth was a city roughly 55 miles north of Jerusalem. During the time of Jesus, the Jews held those from Nazareth, a city within the region of Galilee, in low esteem. 

Nathanael’s mocking question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” foreshadows the fact that Jesus would be mocked more earnestly by others (cf. John 7:42). 

Psalm 22:6–7 describes the Christ as being “scorned by everyone, despised by the people” as “they hurl insults, shaking their heads.” Isaiah 53:3 describes the Christ as “despised and rejected by mankind.” It is possible these passages are the prophecies to which Matthew alludes in his statement “He would be called a Nazarene.”

Jesus was foolish and weak and lowly and despised in the estimation of this world (cf. John 19:1–5), and to top it off, He was from Nazareth. Jesus is the ultimate example of God utilizing the weak (according to human standards) to shame the wise (also according to human standards) for the purpose of glorifying Himself.

*3) Nathanael's Willingness to Come and See*

We see the background why Nathanael said *What good can come from Nazareth?*

Yet he was ready to come and see what was happening 

So he accompanied Philip and came to meet Jesus 

*4) Reaction of Nathanael after seeing/meeting Jesus*

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards Him, Jesus said *“Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.”*

This comment might have made Nathanael to think about His own personality and also the person of Jesus 

After talking to Jesus Nathanael realises that Jesus is not an ordinary man. That is why he says *“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”*

Jesus also tells Him that *You will see greater things than this.”*

All these things happened because he was ready to come and see for himself about the things which he heard from Nathanael

*5) Coming and Seeing is the way for the revelation of greater Things*

This is very clear from the life of Nathanael

To come and see, one needs humility and one needs to verify the pre conceived ideas in order to know the correct things 

Nathanael did the same, and the greater things of divine nature was revealed to him

*6) Come and See - are you ready?*

Come and see in the Scriptures - You will see greater things

Come and see the Eucharist - you will see greater things 

Come and see the confession, you will see the beauty of God's mercy 

Come and see service, you see God in it 

Come and see the sacrifice, generosity you will see the heavenly richness in it 

Come and see the family, you will find the treasure in it 

So are you ready to come and See?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The argument and Logic of the Labourer who came first

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 20:1-16*

*First Reading : Jgs 9:6-15*

*The argument and Logic of the Labourer who came first*

*1) All labourers got equal wage*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Labourers who came to work in different times 

Some came at dawn, some at 9, some at 12, some at 3 and some at 5

All these labourers were invited by the landowner, to work in his vineyard

After doing the days work, all got the equal days wage. There wasn't any difference

*2) Day's wage was fixed only to the first Group*

It is clear from the Gospel that, the day's wage was fixed only to the first group which came in the morning

All those who joined later, to those master had told that  *You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’*

So master speaks about just wage but not the day's wage 

From this, it is very clear that the just wage is less than the day's wage since the hours of work differs accordingly 

*3) The first group of labourers didn't tell that they have been given less*

From the grumbling of the labourers, it is very clear that they never said that they have been given less

In fact master has given what was agreed upon as the day's wage

So master has not failed in giving the days wage. He has given the day's wage to these labourers

The labourers also clear that they have been given the day's wage perfectly, that is why they didn't tell that they have been given less 

*4) The problem of the first group of labourers*

The first argument : *Last ones have worked for only one hour*

Second argument *you have made them equal to us,* 

Third argument *We have faced the entire days  burden and the heat.*

No where they argue that they have been given less

Thier argument is *others got more*

*5) If others get more, what is your problem*

You have not been given less. You have been given what was agreed upon. 

Others got more. Be happy that others also got more. What is the need of feeling jealousy about others getting more? 

What do you benefit by being jealous about others goodness? 

*6) The first group of labourers lost their reputation without any reason*

From the parable it is very clear that the first group of labourers lost their good reputation with master

There is no guarantee that they will be called tomorrow for the Work

The jealousy of this group made them to lose everything, their name, their reputation, their work and the peace of mind

*7) Dangerous mentality*

The mentality of the first group is very dangerous

Since it is founded on jealousy about others wellbeing and about master's generosity, it destroyes the person who fosters the jealousy

Either to the Master or to the other group of labourers, the reaction of the first group does not effect in any way 

Only the jealous group is affected very badly. So it is a dangerous mentality

Do I feel jealous when I see some one's attitude of generosity? 

Do I feel jealous when I see my neighbors growth? 

Am I frightened of considering some one as my equal?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:23-30*

*First Reading : Jgs 6:11-24a*

*The Call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon*

*1) The Queenship of Mother Mary*

Today we celebrate the feast of the Queenship of Mother Mary 

As we celebrate this feast, it calls us to reflect about the calling of Mary, Her Mission and her Queenship

There is a close connection between the call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon, who comes in today's first reading 

*2) Who is Gideon?*

He is one of the Judges in the Old Testament, from the tribe of Manasseh

He was called by the Lord, to save Israelites from Midianites and Amalekites who looted the Israelite crops and animals 

He is considered as one of the great heros of Israel because, like Mosses he had the confrontation of the divine *Face to face* and recalls Jacob's wrestling with the Angel

*3) The appearance of Angel*

To both Mother Mary and Gideon, the angel of the Lord appears and communicattes the message of the Lord 

The angel addresses Mary as *Hail Mary Full of grace the Lord is with You* and *one who found favour with God*

To Gideon, the Angel says *“The LORD is with you, O champion!”*

The appearance of the Angel becomes an important part of their call and mission 

*4) The lowliness of Mary and Gideon*

Mary considered herself and Humble servant of God. In Her Magnificat Mary says *God lifted up the lowly*

Gideon says *My family is the lowliest in Manasseh, and I am the most insignificant in my father’s house.*

*5) Both were called for great Mission*

Mary's call was to save the entire human kind, through Jesus Christ. For this mission Mary offered herself and became great in the sight of God

Gideon was called by the Lord, to save His people - the people of Israel from the oppression of Midianites and Amalekites 

*6) Both were given a sign*

When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Mary She asked *How can this be?*

Then the Lord gave the Sign that She will conceive with the Power of the Holy Spirit

When the Angel appeared to Gideon, he asked for a sign. The things which were brought by Gideon were placed in the rock, and fire from above consumed them. It became a great sign from the Lord 

*7) What is my call and Mission?*

There two great models in today's liturgical celebration. Mother Mary's call and Gideon's call 

How do I react to these divine call? 

Everyday the Angel of the Lord, calls us through various events, through various people, through incidents of our life. How do I react to the call of God? 

How do I respond to the mission which is given by God? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

You shall not steal

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:16-22*

*First Reading : 1 Jgs 2:11-19*

*You shall not steal*

*1) One of the Great commandments*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the various commandments of the Lord 

*You Shall not steal* is one among the 10 commandments of the Lord 

We need to think seriously about this commandment, since there is a possibility of going away from this commandment

*2) Stealing of Things*

The moment we think about stealing we always think about the things which we steal from another person

At times our understanding is only restricted to the things out side. So whenever some one takes the things which belongs to another, without their consent, we term it as stealing

But is there a any other meaning in this particular commandment.? Does it apply only to the external things or other things also?

*3) Stealing of Someone's happiness*

Stealing can also be applied to many other things other than external things 

There are people who steal other peoples happiness, by hurting them and involving in gossips

Any incident which makes others sad means one is stealing the happiness of others. This also goes against the commandment of the Lord 

*4) Stealing of someone's name*

This is also very common in today's world. Using someone's name for the sake of business and profit without their knowledge

People use some ones good name of reputation for their personal gain 

Today many people hack the face book account or create face book account in some one's name to steal money and other things 

*5) Stealing of someone's service*

This form of stealing is also very common in our communities

When some one's takes the credit for the service of another, without acknowledging their service, it amounts for stealing their service 

When some one takes for granted the service of another it amounts for stealing their service 

*6) Stealing of someone's House*

When some one interferes in the affairs of another's family, automatically, there comes doubt and misunderstanding

This is equal to stealing the family of another person, the happiness of another family, the Harmony of another family etc 

Unhealthy relationship with another family may result in the stealing of another's family and house 

This also goes against the commandment of the Lord 

*7) What are the things I steal in my daily life?*

Do I steal some one's good name? 

Do I steal some one's service?

Do I steal some one's hard work? 

Do I steal some one's sacrifice? 

Do I steal some one's love for selfish purpose? 

Do I steal the happiness and joys of others? 

Do I steal the generosity of another person? 

Do I steal the skills and talents of another? 

Do I steal the time of another person for my selfish purpose?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The various challenges in the Faith Journey

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel :  Mt 15:21-28*

*First Reading : Is 56:1, 6-7*

*SECOND READING Rom 11:13-15, 29-32*

*The various challenges in the Faith Journey*

*1) The Cabnnanite Woman's Faith Journey*

The Gospel of the day, highlights the faith journey of the woman 

She came with the hope of getting something from Jesus. But her journey was not so easy. It was tough and challenging one 

At the end, we see, the woman comes out as the woman of great faith. She not only received the favour, but she also became a model for faith - a woman of faith 

*2) The Silence of God*

This is first great and disturbing challenge the woman had to face 

She came with a great hope. She shouts with the loud voice, thinking that she would get the favour

One side we have the Shouting of the woman, requesting Jesus to cast the demon out from her daughters life 

On the other hand we see that Jesus did not say a word to her in response 

So the silence of Jesus might have disturbed the woman in a great way 

*3) The indifferent attitude of the Disciples*

We also see this as the another great challenge in the faith journey of woman 

Those people who were around her, could have helped the woman who was begging for a favour. 

But the people around her, instead of helping her, wanted to send her off, so that they are relieved of the trouble and shouting 

They only thought about getting rid of the problem and not solving the problem

The indifference, non cooperation, unwillingness to help the other when in need, are the other great challenges faced by the woman in her faith journey

*4) The great Humility and Patience required*

In the faith journey her humility and patience was tested to the maximum 

She had to listen and accept that she was a gentile woman, who has no part in the salvation brought by Jesus 

She had to listen and accept that, she must be ready to accept the scraps which falls from the master's table

She had to accept that, she is a non Jew, and not eligible for any favour from the Jews

All these challenges and humiliations she had to undersgo in her faith's journey  

*5) The Modern day Challenges*

The silence of God and the indifference from those people who are around us are the greatest challenges we are facing today in our faith journey

The silence of God, to the prayers of the faithful, in various persecutions happening in our country,  is really a great challenge to digest to all of us 

The non cooperation and the indifferent attitude of those people who are around us, and who are in power and in responsible position is the another great challenge to our faith journey 

Apart from these, there are other challenges which are to be faced by us, in our faith journey

*6) The Temporariness of Jesus' Silence*

When we look at this episode, its very clear that, the silence of God was only for some time 

The silence of God made the woman to ask again and again and finally the woman's prayer is answered 

She was rewarded more than what she wanted. This is the God's way

*6) How deep is my faith?*

There are challenges in living our faith 

We will face the silence of God as we face the challenges

So what is my response? 

Will I question God about His silence? 

Will I be impatient till he answers my prayers? 

Will I give up? 

How deep is my faith?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Decide today whom you will serve.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : *Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:13-15*

*First Reading : Jos 24:14-29*

*Decide today whom you will serve.*

*1) A choice for the Yahweh*

In today's Gospel, Joshua, is urging the people of Israel to make a choice between Yahweh and the gods beyond the rivers and the in Egypt

So the people of Israel made their choice for Yahweh, because they had seen the mighty works of the Lord. 

In a way, the people of Israel made a right choice, by remaining faithful to Yahweh, who was the God of their forefathers and also the God who delivered them from the slavery of Pharaoh

*2) The command "Decide today whom you will serve" is still valid for us*

In the Gospel of the day Jesus says, *You can't serve God and Wealth*

This command tells us that we need to make a choice between the Real God, who created heaven and earth, and the gods of this world 

The choice has to be made *today* which shows the urgency and at every moment 

In choosing, one can't postpone for tomorrow

*3) Gods beyond the river*

The first reading of the day has this particular expression

The same expression is seen the Gospel, in terms of the gods of this world 

So the gods of this world could be seen in the following 

For some money is god 

For some wealth is god 

For some position is god 

For some worldly things are god 

For some beauty is god 

For some talent  is god 

For some knowledge is god 

For some power is god 

For some thier body  is god 

For some pleasure  is god 

For some name and fame is god 

For some the power to  mesmerize others  is god 

*4) Who is my God?*

This question we need to ask every day 

This is tells us, in my daily life, whom do I depend? 

Is the worldly things I believe or any other things?

When I have to decide to make a choice, what is my choice? 

*5) My Choice for My Lord*

This choice is a challenging one 

Choice for my Lord, needs a discipline, sacrifice, service and humility 

The choice for the Lord, also includes the Cross, and struggles of daily life 

But one thing is sure, my choice for my Lord, always brings 100% results in my life 

The choice for the Lord, and remaining faithful in the choice, eventually leads to the Victory

If so what is my choice for today?

*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 Remembering the great and mighty deeds of the Lord in our Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:3-12*

*First Reading : Jos 24:1-13*

*The Need of Remembering the great and mighty deeds of the Lord in our Life*

*1) Joshua Remembers the Great deeds of the Lord*

Joshua the successor of Moses gathers the elders and Leaders, judges and the officers and the people of Israel to communicate the mighty deeds of the Lord 

The following are the mighty deeds 

The call of Abraham from the land where other gods were worshipped 

God made Abraham to move in the entire Cannon

God gave Isaac to Abraham

God gave Jacob  and Easu and finally they landed to Egypt during the time of Joseph 

The way God protected them from the famine and drought 

The election of Moses and deliverance of Israel from the slavery of Pharaoh

Lord delivered, Israel from the power of Amorites 

Lord delivered, Israel from the men of Jericho

Lord delivered Israel from Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites

Finally the Lord gave them the Land, which was filled with Honey and milk 

*2) The greatness of the Lord is made known*

By remembering all these great and mighty deeds of the Lord, the people of Israel are made to remember these great and mighty deeds of the Lord in their life 

By recalling and remembering these mighty deeds, it was easy for them to become grateful to God 

It was also made them to realise the mighty power of the Lord

It also made them to establish and loving relationship with the Lord

It also helped them to remain faithful to the Lord

*3) The importance of the mission of Joshua*

Joshua gathered all the people of Israel in order to make them to realise the mighty deeds of the Lord and to know His mighty power 

This is a great mission to proclaim and to make known to the others the mighty deeds of the Lord 

Primarily our life consists in remembering the mighty deeds of the Lord, and being grateful to the Lord 

*4) The primary aim of Christian spirituality*

Primarily our spirituality consists in remembering the great deeds of the Lord and proclaiming to the others 

When we remember the mighty deeds of the Lord we become grateful to God, we become active and we become more service minded persons to work for the Kingdom of the Lord 

*5)  The Memorial of the Eucharist*

The Eucharist is nothing but the memory of God great deeds for the mankind 

It is the Love story, between God and human beings 

It is the memory of great sacrifice, unconditional love, and his great gift to evey human being 

*6) Do I remember the great deeds of the Lord in my Life?*

How often I remember the great deeds of the Lord in my Life? 

What are the Changes which I experience when I remember the mighty deeds of the Lord? 

How about my responsibility of communicating the great deeds of the Lord to others?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The accounts of our Life : Check your receipts and payment account

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:21–19:1*

*First Reading : Jos 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17*

*The accounts of our Life : Check your receipts and payment account*

*1) The System of accounting*

These days many are taking about final accounts of the institute, organization, NGOs, companies, business firms and individual persons 

This accounts helps us to evaluate and to know the sources and income and the ways through we incur expenses

The gospel of the day speaks about the accounts and the owner who wishes to settle the accounts with his servants 

This model is also applied to our life and we need to apply this model to our life in order to see the rich resources of our life 

*2) The Receipts of our Life*

God is the main source of our income. Everything we have in our life comes from God 

Our life, talents, skills, intelligence, wisdom, physical strength, internal organs, the sense organs, and every other things we have comes from God 

The Nature also another source of our income. The fresh air, the food that we eat, and so many other things come from the nature 

The fellow being is the another important source of our income. The relationship, love, care, concern, family life, belongingness everything comes from the fellow being which is a great source of our income 

*3) The Sources of our expenses*

Ideally these could be considered as the sources of our expenses

The daily sacrifices we make 

The struggles we encounter to live a upright life 

The generosity

The service we render 

The time we spend for the betterment of the other 

The collaboration we have for the wellbeing of everyone 

The challenges we face for the sake of truth and justice 

The tensions we undergo to do something good 

The humiliations we face for Christ 

The persecutions we face in living our faith and witnessing Christ 

These are the expenses of our life 

*4) Which side dominates?*

Technically speaks, the income side is always far great than the expenses we incur

Since God, Nature, and the fellow being is the source of our income, one can never have a loss account in ones life 

From the point, the life's account always remains at the profit level and it should remain at the profit level 

*5) Huge margin of Profit, is dangerous*

In the life's account, if some ones tries to make huge profit means, is not willing to spend any amount 

He concentrates only on receipts side and not on payment side 

Such a person becomes too greedy, and God given resources will be used only for selfish purpose 

Such an account of the life would be a big disaster

There should be a sizable amount of expenses also should be seen in life's account

*6) Life's Loss account*

This is an unfortunate account 

With all the resources one receives from the Lord, there are hardly any possibilities to have a loss account of ones life 

When a person uses the rich God given resources and incomes for evil and bad things, life's accounts automatically goes into total loss account 

The above mentioned expenses list never results in loss account but resources uses for evil things results in loss account 

A loss account of life's account results total loss in the eternity. 

So one needs to check now and then whether life's account is affected with Loss account

*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 Personal Correction

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:15-20*

*First Reading : Dt 34:1-12*

*The beauty of Personal Correction*

*1)  Jesus on Personal correction*

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus speaks about the personal corrections. 

Jesus says *“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone*

It should be noted that, among all other ways of corrections, the personal way of correcting takes the first place

So one can understand the importance of correcting another in a personal way 

*2) The Fault is not known to the other*

Always the fault happens between two persons. It their personal matter, which I'd between two 

The moment a person tries to correct another in a personal way, the fault remains only with the two 

In fact if the matter gets solved, the entire dispute, gets over, between two. No more it goes out of the two 

This is important realise that the fault of a person does not go out and one has the responsibility to solve it between them 

*3) The reputation of the good name is protected*

When the matter is solved with the person correction, the name of the person is protected and the damage to the others name can be avoided 

As a responsibile person and the follower of Jesus, one has the responsibility of protecting the good reputation of others name 

It is a noble act to protect the sanctity of others name 

*4) Personal corrections are more powerful*

Personal corrections are more powerful because, the person is able to understand the other in a better way 

They are powerful because, peaceful discussion between them is possible

They are powerful because, the parties are in a better position to make some sacrifices and compromises to settle the matter 

They are powerful because, one is able to judge in s better way about their own acts 

*5) How do I deal with the disputes?*

At times we follow the reverse oder instead of the personal order 

At times people tell Evey one in the vicinity, except the concerned person 

Telling the whole world and not communicating the concerned person can damage the good name of another and one can cause a lot of damage to the other 

*6) Which logic I follow?*

Do I follow solving the dispute at the personal level? 

Do I use this dispute to malign the name of another person? 

Do I involve in gossip, when others offend me for certain reasons? 

How do I respond to the situation? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Great things involved in Mary's Visit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Tuesday*

*Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Gospel : Lk 1:39-58*

*First Reading : Rev 12:1-6a, 10ab*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 15:20-27*

*The Great things involved in Mary's Visit*

*1) Mary's Visit to Elizabeth*

The Gospel of the day speaks about our Blessed Mother's visit to Elizabeth 

After She received the Good news from the Angel Gabriel and also leant from the angel that Elizabeth is also pregnant, hurriedly she went to meet her cousin Elizabeth and to remain with her for some time 

This visit is not a simple visit, but a visit filled with great things 

Some of the great things could be analyzed in the following way  

*2) Mary's Visit Brings Jesus*

Mary's visit to Elizabeth also brought Jesus to the house of Elizabeth

Mary's visit always brings Jesus into our life. This is one of the greatest gift of Mary to all of us 

*3) Mary's visit Brings the presence of the Holy Spirit*

When Mary visited Elizabeth, *filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* 

Do from the Gospel it is clear that Mary's visit helps us to experience the Divine power of the Holy Spirit and helps us praise God 

*4) Mary's Visit brings change in Life*

The House of Elizabeth was filled with silence. Zachariah was not able to speak. So there was a kind of sad situation in the House 

Mary's visit changes the situation of Elizabeth's house 

In fact the visit of our blessed mother changes the situation of our family and life 

*5) Mary's visit Brings Happiness*

When Mary's visited Elizabeth, the baby in her womb, leaped with Joy 

Baby John was filled with Happiness, Elizabeth was filled with Happiness, Zachariah was also filled with joy. 

So Mary's visit brings happiness in life 

*6) Mary's visit makes us to praise God*

With Mary's visit, Elizabeth started to praise God and was able to see the great things in her life 

Mary's Visit definitely, helps us to praise God and to see great things in our life  

*7) Mary visits us every day*

When we pray rosary Mary visits us 

When we do the novena of Mary, she visits us 

When we pray for her intercession, she visits us 

When we pray to Jesus she visits us 

Her number of apparitions nothing but her visits to her children, when they are in danger

How blessed and lucky we are to have such a blessed Mother 

*Happy feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother into Heaven and Happy Independence Day*

 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The lessons from the paying of Temple Tax

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Monday

*Gospel : Mt 17:22-27*

*First Reading : Dt 10:12-22*

*The lessons from the paying of Temple Tax*

*1) Was Jesus liable to pay Temple Tax?*

In fact Jesus was not liable to pay the temple tax. The reasons are very clear 

Jesus told Peter why he should not have to pay the tax: 

1. He owned the temple (Mal. 3:1).

2. He had previously cleansed the temple (Jn. 2:16).

3. He was the eternal Son of God (Mt. 16:16).

*2) The reasons for paying the Taxes*

Jesus also told Peter why he should pay the tax:

1. To maintain a good testimony: *"Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them."*

2. To increase Peter's faith

3. To illustrate His work as the second Adam

When God created Adam he gave the control over the Fish

Now Jesus the Second Adam is also having that control over every creature 

So it should be noted that the fish obyed its creator

*3) Increase of Peter's Faith*

Here it should be noted this miracle as the test of Peter's faith 

In fact Peter was an expert fishermen. And now such an expert man receiving the advice from Jesus, about fishing 

How to fish, where to fish and what type of fish to catch 

Now it is a situation where Peter exhibited His humility and listened to Jesus 

That is how he proved his loyalty to Jesus 

*4) We need to do certain things to maintain Harmony*

The paying of the taxes was purely seen an maintaining of the harmony. In other words the taxes were paid so that they do not offend others by not paying it or they don't put others into trouble

So the lesson is very clear, at times we have to go out of the way and do certain things in order to maintain harmony, even though we are not expected to do such things 

This also shows the generosity of the person 

*5) Responsibility towards the Society*

Paying of the taxes also shows ones responsibility towards the Society

Since we are living in a society, we have to duty and responsibility of maintaining the discipline of the society. 

One of the ways to do it, by paying the taxes to the Government, for the developmental works and maintaining the harmony

*6) How about my Life?*

Am I ready to Listen to Jesus like Peter, even at times I feel, I am competent in certain areas? 

Am I ready to go out of the way, to do something for the betterment of the society and to maintain the harmony? 

Am I ready to cooperate with my duty towards the society? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Journey Towards Jesus is a Challenging one

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 14:22-33*

*First Reading : 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a*

*SECOND READING - Rom 9:1-5*

*Journey Towards Jesus is a Challenging one*

*1) Peter's Journey with a positive Note*

When Peter saw that it was Jesus who was walking on the Water, He wanted to go towards Jesus 

Going towards Jesus is something thrilling and desired by all. So Peter also wanted to go 

So he asked Jesus. Jesus said *Come*. With this command Peter simply jumps into the water and starts walking 

He might have been surprised to see him walking on the water, because this is something new and thrilling

So with this positive note Peter starts His journey towards Jesus 

*2) Peter's Challenge*

Soon he realises the journey is not very easy 

When he saw a huge wind, on His journey, he was frightened about it 

His joy of walking on the water turned into fear and he was totally confused 

With the fear he lost the confidence, he lost his gaze on Jesus and began to sink

Peter might not expected this terrible event to happen during his journey towards Jesus 

At this point Peter began to sink in the water, a biggest challenge, in his life   

*3) The Cry of Peter*

The cry of Peter, *Lord save me* comes in the context of His journey towards Jesus 

When he found difficult to continue his journey, and when he was about to lose everything, he cries out to Jesus 

It was a crucial moment in the life of Peter, and Peter called out Jesus, and Jesus saved Him 

*4) Journey towards Jesus always filled with newness and Challenges*

We see in the life of Peter that journey towards Jesus has some special characteristics

The journey with new experience : the experience walking on the water 

The journey with something totally new, the walking on the water, a totally a new concept

The journey with unexpected new challenges : the Strong wind 

The journey with, risking ones life into the venture : jumping into the water 

The journey with total faith and confidence : walking on the water, needs a strong faith in the words of Jesus 

*5) My Journey towards Jesus*

From the Life of Peter, it is very clear, that the beginning of the journey is thrilling, joyful and something new 

Soon we realise the challenges of the journey because of the strong wind, which makes our journey so difficult

The strong wind of greed 

The strong wind of fear 

The strong wind of anxiety

The strong wind of anger 

The strong wind of weakness

The strong wind of bodily cravings

The strong wind of the desire for material things 

The strong wind of power 

The strong wind of wealth 

The strong wind of position

The strong wind of pleasure

In our journey towards Jesus these winds disturb our focus, and make difficult our journey. So we need to be very careful about these 

*6) Crying for Jesus is very important*

Challenges are very common and unavoidable

But from our part, crying to Jesus *Lord save me* is very important

In the midst of challenges, our journey towards Jesus, to whom do we cry? 

Do we cry to Jesus? 

Do we cry to magical powers? 

Do we relay on our own strength?

Do we cry for human power? 

Do we cry for money power ? 

Do we cry for muscle power? 

*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 having faith, the size of a mustard seed,

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 17:14-20*

*First Reading : Dt 6:4-13*

*The Logic of having faith, the size of a mustard seed,*

*1) Mustard seed is not a simple seed*

We have a beautiful parable of the Mustard seed, to which Jesus compares the Kingdom of God

The Kingdom God is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches” (Luke 13:18-19).

It also becomes the tallest of all trees 

*2) Faith Like Mustard Seed*

From the Above explanation we can conclude the power of the faith that of the size of a Mustard seed 

Such a faith is very powerful which can do anything 

That's why Jesus says towards the end of the Gospel, Nothing will be impossible for anyone to those who have faith that of the size of a mustrad seed”

*3) Little faith is lack of faith*

In the Gospel Jesus also refers to the Little faith of the disciples, which is unable to cast out the demons

On the other hand Jesus also speaks about the faith that of the size of a mustard seed, which is able to move the mountains 

It means the faith which is like the mustard seed is a very powerful faith and little faith is no faith at all 

So the reference to little faith means no faith at all 

*4) The mustard seed needs to grow*

It is not enough to have faith that of the size of a mustard seed 

The need of sprouting the seed, and growing like a tall tree is highlighted in the parable of the mustard seed 

So our responsibility of allowing the seed of faith to sprout in our life and allowing it to grow like a mustard seed, is very much needed and necessary 

*5) Faith can do and achieve anything in life*

In the Gospel of the day, it is through the faith Jesus casts out the demon 

It is the lack of faith of the disciples which makes them incapable of casting out the demon 

Ultimately faith is powerful instrument, which can even casts out demon. This also shows faith can do and achieve anything in life 

*6) How deep is my Faith?*

Is my faith like the disciples, which is no faith at all, and not able to get any favours? 

Is my faith like mustard seed, which has the capacity to grow and perform miracles? 

Am I ready to allow the mustard seed of faith to grow 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 Choice between the Earthly life based on material standards and the Soul

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:24-28*

*First Reading : Dt 4:32-40*

*The Choice between the Earthly life based on material standards and the Soul*

*1) The debate between the life based on worldly Standards and the Soul*

In the Gospel of the day Jesus brings about the difference between the life based on the Worldly standards and the life based on the eternal standards

On the one side Jesus shows the futility of the life which is constucted on the worldly standards and the richness of the life based on the eternal standards

Jesus also challenges to think about the great value of the life which is based on the eternal standards and the temporality of the life based on the earthly standards

*2) Life based on eternal standards gives everything*

This is the beauty of the life based on the eternal standards

At the end of the day or at the end of ones life there is a inner satisfaction and fulfillment that one has lived ones life, in a fruitful way 

Such a satisfaction no money or wealth of this world can give 

This is what Jesus says *what can one give in exchange for his life?*

*3) No wealth or power in this world can buy the life of the Soul!!!*

Many people have the idea that, money can buy anything in this world 

Definitely money can buy any worldly things. But it can't buy the eternal things or the life of the soul 

Life of the Soul belongs to different area and not to the area of money, wealth or business 

*4) Where does the life of the Soul belongs?*

The life of the Soul belongs to the following areas 

The area of service 

The area of sacrifice

The area of love 

The area of humility

The area of forgiveness

The area of sincerity

The area of generosity

The area of goodwill

The area of concern 

The area of fidelity

The area of faithfulness

The area of prayer 

The area of spirituality

The area of morality 

The area of values 

The area of discipline 

Non of these area can be bought for money and wealth. Neither they can be included in the area of business

*5) Life of the Soul is a free gift of the Lord*

God freely gives this gift to each one of us 

Those who understand the value of it they receive it with grateful heart 

It is available to everyone. This life is not reserved for only one group of people. Any one can access. 

The only standard to this life is, one needs to follow the Gospel standards. To such, this life of the Soul is available

*6) How is the life of my Soul?*

We take care of the bodily life, which is very important

If one has the best healthy bodily life, but is always found sick with regard to the life of the soul, such a life is meaningless 

A good life of the Soul gives meaning to all situations of life,  and there is a inner beauty in living such a life 

So the question is, how is my life of the Soul? Is it healthy? Is it sickly? Or has it already dead? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Lessons from the Grain of Wheat

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel :  Jn 12:24–26*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 9:6–10*

*Lessons from the Grain of Wheat*

*1) Humility* 

The Gospel speaks about the grain of wheat falling to the ground 

This gesture indicates the aspect of Humility. The grain of wheat teaches us the great lesson of humility

*2) Sacrifice*

The sacrifice of the grain of wheat is seen in its readiness to lose itself 

When the grain falls to the ground, it loses itself, its beauty, its outer layer and breaks itself for its mission 

This shows the level of the sacrifice of the grain of wheat, and the value of sacrifice 

*3) New Life*

The grain of wheat also is the symbol of new life 

It never forgets to bring new life, by losing itself in the mud

The purpose of losing its self is to bring about new life 

So new life is the symbol of the gain of Wheat 

*4) Need of rooting itself in the Mud*

This is also very important. Unless the grain of wheat sends its roots into the mud, it can't survive 

The stronger the root, better the strength and the fruit 

The need of rooting ourself in the life of Christ is very much necessary to produce much fruit 

*5) It works on Itself*

The grain of wheat works on itself to bring about the change and the new life 

Working on oneself is very much necessary to bring about a great change and the new life 

*6) St Lawrence and the Grain of wheat*

The Gospel has this reading of grain if wheat in the context of celebrating the feast of St Lawrence 

In fact the values and the life of the grain of wheat is very much reflected in the life of St Lawrence

The Humility, the Sacrifice, the New life and His deep roots in the Christian spirituality made him to sacrifice His life for Jesus and to become a great martyr for Jesus

*7) What about my Life?*

Does it symbolizes the grain of wheat? 

Am I ready to humble myself like the grain of wheat? 

Am I ready to lose myself like that of grain of wheat for the mission of Jesus? 

Am I ready to work on myself to bring about a new life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Lord Help me : is a powerful Prayer

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 15: 21-28*

*First Reading : Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35*

*Lord Help me : is a powerful Prayer*

*1) Lord Help me*

In today's Gospel we have this particular phrase, *Lord Help Me*

This particular phrase appears to be a powerful phrase or this is a powerful prayer because, these words have tremendous power when one prays before the Lord with deep faith 

These words are powerful because, they change any situation for the better 

*2) 100% Result of this prayer*

In the Gospel we have many instances where people came to Jesus saying Lord Help me, Lord, save me, Lord, have pity on me, Lord be merciful to me 

All these phrases are the various versions of *Lord Help me*

In the Gospel we don't have even a single instance, where people go back, without getting favour when they asked Jesus *Lord Help Me*

In all the instances of *Lord Help me*  outcome is immediate result. 

Jesus heard their prayer immediately and came to their aid 

*3) Lord Help me by Canaanite woman*

The Canaanite woman had only one prayer *Have pity on me or Lord Help me*

This was her simple yet profound faith based prayer, which was addressed to Jesus 

At the end of the scene we see Jesus is hailing her faith saying *O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”*

Her prayer was rewarded  with rich favour

*4) Woman asked for scrap but Jesus gave her entire bread*

The woman was expecting only the scraps, which fall from the Masters Table

But we see in the Gospel that Jesus is giving the entire bread instead of the scraps

This shows that God gives us more than what we ask for in our genuine need 

*5) Lord help me is a great prayer because*

It makes us to completely depend on God

It makes us to realise the power of God 

It makes us to realise that God is ever ready to help His children

It makes us to develop a strong relationship with Jesus

It makes us to pray for one another 

It makes us to realise that nothing is impossible to God and even at the Last moment it can save a person from eternal fire (The Good Thief on the Cross) 

*6) My life and this Prayer*

What is the significance of this prayer in my life? 

How often I cry to the Lord, through this prayer?

What are the situations in my life where I can use this phrase even at the last moment? 

How far this phrase has worked 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*

Peter Who sees the Strong wind

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 14:22-36*

*First Reading :  Nm 12:1-13*

*Peter Who sees the Strong wind*

*1) Jesus Walking on the Water*

The Gospel of the day, clearly explains the event of Jesus walking on the Water 

When Peter realised that it was Jesus who was walking on the water, he was thrilled and at the same time was filled with Joy 

So He also wanted to follow the Master, in walking on the Water 

So, he asked Jesus to whether he also could try. Jesus said *Come*

*2) Peter's Confidence in Starting the Work*

Walking on the water is not a easy thing. Even if some one says come, one may think twice, about it, since there is a possibility of getting drowned in the water 

But Peter had no such doubt. As soon as Jesus said *Come* he simply jumped into the water and began to walk 

This shows the level of trust and confidence of Peter in Jesus 

So he began His journey with a positive note  

*3) Peter shifts His gaze*

As Peter was walking on the water, he was very happy and might have been over thrilled. With this he was moving forward 

Suddenly he shifted His gaze from Jesus to the Strong wind and wave. This wave he considered as a big problem

When he saw the wind as a problem, the problem began to swallow him, and he started to sink in the water

Seeing the issue as a problem, created a trouble for Peter 

*4) Strong wind in our life*

The strong wind happens in the life of Peter, when he was moving towards Jesus 

So journey towards Jesus is not a easy one. Its a challenging one 

We have to face many wind like situations in our life 

The wind of sickness

The wind of loneliness

The wind of weakness

The wind of sacrifice

The wind of crisis 

The wind of misunderstanding

The wind of gossip

The wind of detachment

The wind of greed and selfishness

All these winds are very strong in our life, while moving towards Jesus

*5) Where is my Gaze?*

In our journey towards Jesus our gaze matters a lot 

Our reaction towards the wind  depends on our gaze. 

When we focus our gaze on the strong wind, it becomes a big problem to handle it, and therefore we lose the battle 

When we foucs our gaze on Jesus, these situations are just life opportunities to reach Jesus in a glorious way 

A Peter who reaches Jesus by facing the strong wind is different  from and Peter who got scared by seeing the wind 

Likewise a person who faces evey situation boldly and reaches to Jesus is a different person than who lost in the problems and similar  situations 

*6) Gaze on Jesus and not on the issue*

This is the powerful message which we get from this particular gospel passage

In every situation we need to focus our attention on Jesus. As long as out gaze is on Jesus, nothing can disturb us 

If so, where is my gaze?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Responsibility towards the needy People

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 14:13-21*

*First Reading : Nm 11:4b-15*

*The Responsibility towards the needy People*

*1) The needy people around Jesus*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us a group of people around Jesus, who had come from different places 

They had come to Jesus to listen to him, and to get healed from their sicknesses

They had spent the whole day with Jesus, being with Jesus  

Now the day was getting dark, and the disciples were thinking of departing from the place. 

Those people had not eaten anything, since they had nothing with them. So they were in need of food at this moment 

*2) The reaction of the Disciples*

The disciples were thinking of dismissing the people from the spot 

They were planing to send the people to their respective villages without food 

They made the people responsible to collect their food from their respective villages 

In other words, the disciples were not ready to take any responsibilities to help the needy people in some way or the other 

*3) The approach of Jesus*

Jesus understands the situation and takes the responsibility upon himself in helping the needy and hungry people 

He tell his disciples that the people need to go from the place without food and we need to do something to feed the people 

This approach is very important in reaching out others 

The disciples were trying to escape from the responsibility, but Jesus is openly accepting the responsibility to help the people 

*4) The concept of Team Work*

Jesus would have worked miracles without any ones help, to reach out the needy people. In fact Jesus had the power to do so 

But Jesus does not do that. In his approach he involves his disciples. He says to his disciples *There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.”*

He also involves the people while working the miracle. He accepted from a boy *"Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.”*

This shows the involvement of every one and the concept of team work 

*5) How do I see my responsibilities?*

There are three approaches

The approach of the disciples : Try to escape from the responsibility

The approach of Jesus : Take or accept responsibility for the needy people and do something 

The third approach : Involve oneself in the team work to help the needy people to contribute ones mite 

So which is the approach do I implement in my life when there is a situation to help the needy? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Transfiguration is a call and Challenge to change our Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Sunday*

*Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus*

*Gospel : Mk 9:2–10*

*First Reading : Dn 7:9–10, 13–14*

*SECOND READING - 2 Pt 1:16–19*

*Transfiguration is a call and Challenge to change our Life*

*1) Transfiguration and Jesus*

The event of transfiguration, beings about the real identiy of Jesus 

This particular event reveals that Jesus is the True Son of God and sent by the Father

That's why we have in the Gospel the Words from heaven *This is my chosen Son; listen to him.*

*2) Transfiguration and the the Cross*

The event of transfiguration also, reflects the mission of Jesus and the way through which He will accomplish the Mission 

The mission is the salvation of mankind and the way is the *Way of the Cross*

The transfiguration event brings about this challenging truth to his disciples so that they are prepared to face it when it first comes in the life of Jesus and then in their own life 

So the Transfiguration and the Cross are inseparable

*3) Transfiguration and the Change*

The event of transfiguration hightlights the importance of change 

First of all, *the face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white*

Secondly there was a heavenly presence at the transfiguration event *The appearance of Moses and Elijah*, who appeared from heaven 

So the entire atmosphere gets changed at the event of transfiguration

*4) Transfiguration and the Disciples*

At the event of transfiguration, Peter, John and James were present 

They become fully awake from their slumber and came to realise the gravity of their mission, for the greater Glory of God 

So transfiguration brought about a strong, awakening in the life of the Disciples 

*5) Transfiguration and the prayer*

The Gospel clearly says that while praying the appearance of the face of Jesus changed and the clothes became dazzling white 

So prayer as seen as the powerful tool in the event of transfiguration

Praying brings about a great change and transformation in our life 

*6) Transfiguration and my Life*

Transfiguration of Jesus is a great source of inspiration to my life 

It is a call and challenge to change my life to know and experience more about Jesus, to know more about His mission and to know my own mission, and to know the importance of Cross and challenges in my own life 

The change of the appearance of the face of  Jesus should help us to change our own appearance of the face to communicate the face of Jesus to others 

Am I ready for a change 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 Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week : Saturday*

*The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major*

*Gospel : Lk 11:27-28*

*First Reading : Rev 21:1-5a*

*The Holy Church/Temple is the Symbolic Womb of Blessed Mother*

*1) Blessed is the Womb that Carried You*

These are the Words which are found in today's Gospel

A woman from the Crowd, appreciating the Mary for her mission in bringing Jesus into the World 

In fact the Womb of blessed Mother became the First Tabernacle in the world, where we have the presence of Jesus. 

In this sense the Womb of blessed Mother really becomes the blessed and Holy 

*2) The Holy Church is the Womb of our Blessed Mother*

Mary is called as the *Mother of the Church*

If she is the Mother of the Church, the Holy Church becomes the Womb of Mary where the faithful are taken care of under the Motherly protection and care of our blessed Mother 

The Church as the Womb of our mother is well protected by our blessed mother and we are safe in the womb of our blessed mother 

We really blessed to belong to the Church, which is the symbolic womb of our blessed mother, where we get everything to live and good and holy life 

*3) The Temple as the Womb of our Blessed Mother*

Today we celebrate the feast of the dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major 

A temple or a basilica has the tabernacle, which symbolizes the presence of Christ 

So the temple is nothing but the womb of blessed mother in a symbolic way where we experience the presence of Jesus 

So evey temple in the World, represents the Womb of our blessed mother, who give us generosly her son, Jesus Christ

*4) Womb is the place where life begins and Grows*

It is the womb which gives life, nurtures the life and allows to grow 

Womb is the symbol of life and growth 

So with Mary, with the catholic church and with the Holy Temple, the life of faith begins, it grows and and it becomes strong

This is the miracle of the Womb and power of the Womb  

*5) Womb is the safest place in the World*

We know from our experience, womb becomes the safest place for a child 

As long as the child is in the womb, the child is comfortable and lives in a peaceful way 

It is protected from all dangerous situations 

Likewise for a Christian or to the follower of Jesus, the Holy Church, the Temple is the safest place, because it gives every type of protection and saves us from the snares of the devil 

The Church and the Temple is the gateway to heaven

*6) Am I Blessed to be found in the womb of our blessed Mother?*

Do I feel comfortable to take shelter in the Church, which is the Womb of our blessed Mother? 

What are my challenges to remain peaceful in the Church? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Where did this man get all this?”*

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:54-58*

*First Reading : Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37*

*Where did this man get all this?”*

*1) The Wisdom and Mighty deeds of Jesus*

When Jesus came to His native place, people saw some extraordinary things in Jesus 

His unthinkable wisdom, His power to work miracles and other mighty deeds really made them ask the above question : *Where did this man get all this?*

In fact it is very good question to think about the source of His wisdom, source of his mighty deeds and the source to work miracles

*2) From where did Jesus get all these things?*

The answer to this question has many implications. They could be the following

*A) Abba Experience* :

 

Jesus was in constant relationship with the Father. So this is the primary source of His wisdom and power to work mighty deeds 

*B) Study and Meditation of the Scriptures*

Jesus from the childhood read the scriptures, studied it and reflected on it. This is the another source of His wisdom and power to work mighty deeds 

*C) Prayer*

We see Jesus spending time in prayer either in the morning or in the evening or at any major events of His life. Prayer ultimately connects one to the Father. So this became another source of His wisdom and power to work miracles

*D) Visit to the temples and synagogues*

We see Jesus very often visiting the temple and synagogue. They were the places of worship and to experience the Divine power. So this also becomes a source of His wisdom and power to work miracles

*E) The Holy Family*

We see a beautiful family of Jesus where he was brought up by Joseph and Mary. It was a divine and Holy family, which made Jesus to experience the divine Love. So this also became another source for his wisdom and to work miracles

*F) Mission for Truth, Justice and for the Kingdom of God*

This was the mission of Jesus. When some one works for these Nobel cause, God Himself provides the wisdom and power to work miracles

*3) St John Vianney*

Today we celebrate the feast of St John Mary Vianney. He is the patron saint of all the Priests and Parish priest

He was an ordinary priest, but through His simplicity and commitment he had wonderful wisdom and power to work miracles in the Place where he was sent 

The Source of His wisdom and the power to work miracles came from 

Prayer life 

Sacrifice

Fasting and penance

Simplicity

Commitment

Trust in God

Wishing the betterment of others

Selfless service 

Availability for the needy 

Concern for the poor 

Working for the greater Glory of God 

*4) What is my source of Wisdom and the power to work miracles?*

All of us are eligible for the divine wisdom and the power to work miracles. But the question is where do I seek this wisdom and power? 

Do I seek in the divine things like, scriptures, prayers and in Gospel values?

Do I seek in worldly things? If at all I look into these things in Worldly things I may not find it at all!!!!

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*