The greatness of the Landowner

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 20:1-16a*

*First Reading : Is 55:6-9*

*SECOND READING - Phil 1:20c-24, 27a*

*The greatness of the Landowner*

*1) The Landowner - Hardworking Man*

From the episode it is very clear that the Landowner was a hardworking man 

He got early in the morning, prepared everything for the work and went in search of the Workers 

He also went five times in search of the workers, for the work in his vineyard

This shows how much he is interested in his mission and the hardwork behind it. 

*2) The Landowner - A concerned person*

His concern towards the worker is very much seen in the episode

Going in serach of the workers at five in the evening clearly shows that he is concerned about the welbing of the worker 

Those workers who came at 5 o clock can do only one hours work. But he doesn't mind about it. He calls them and gives them the wages of entire day 

This shows the concern of the Landowner

*3) The Landowner - A Generous man*

Generosity of the Landowner is one of the main aspects which we see in the episode

The Landowner, gave more than what was needed to the workers who came after 9 am 

By giving equal amount of wages to all, he gave more to the last ones and agreed amount to the first ones 

Thus the generosity is very much seen in the life of the Landowner 

*4) The Landowner -A patient man*

The Landowner maintains his calmness in all situation

Towards the end, when those servants were grumbling, he didn't lose his temper 

He convincingly, told the worker, how he has not done any injustice

*5) The Landowner - A model for our life*

The Landowner, is a real model for all of us in doing our mission 

He is a model for hard work

He is a model for generosity

He is a model for care and concern 

He is a model for trust 

He is a model for Patience

He is a model for relationship

He is a model for justice 

He is a model for humility

*What are the qualities of the Landowner found in my life?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The miracle of Soil in the Rock or Rocky Ground

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:4-15*

*First Reading : 1 Tm 6:13-16*

*The miracle of Soil in the Rock or Rocky Ground*

*1) The Miraculous power of the Soil*

Soil is one among the great wonders created by God 

Soil is really a miracle of God, because it has tremendous power 

Soil can make a seed to sprout, it can make a seed to produce fruit 

Soil has the capacity to decay anything that is put in the soil 

When soil is mixed water it can create new life

Soil has beautiful smell. In other words soil has life, soil is life and there can't be life without soil 

Thats why soil is one of the great miracles of God 

*2) Seed Fell on the Rocky Ground*

The Gospel says that seed fell on the rocky ground grew but withered away because of the lack of moisture

If there was moisture, the seed would have produced some fruit. There was a possibility 

So seed fell on the rocky ground was not totally without purpose 

*3) Soil on the Rock or Rocky Ground*

In our daily life we have seen some plants on the rock or between two rocks 

This is because, there may be little soil between two rocks or on the rock

This soil on the rocks works as a miracle. Some times small plants or a big tree can stand from that soil 

Its really a wonderful sight to see such a view on the rock 

Two things are very clear 

*First of all* : The soil on the rock has a tremendous power 

*Secondly* The seed has the capacity to grow in soil which was found on the Rock

The survival instinct of the seed is tremendous and it is ready to produce fruit when it gets little soil 

*4) Heart and the Soil*

Like Soil, heart is a one of the wonders of God in human life 

It has tremendous capacity. Like soil, it has the capacity to bring new life and also to decay anything that is unwanted 

Heart is a symbol of love, and love is a symbol of power, creativity and life 

It has the tremendous capacity to produce fruits, when the Seed, the Word of God, falls into it 

*5) The Heart of Stone and the Little Soil*

Some hearts are like stone and rock. Nothing grows in it because there is no soil at all 

But the Most of the Stones or rocks have some joints and some hollow space filled with little  soil

The seed falls on such joints, or hollow space will certainly spout and try to produce some fruit 

Its our duty to nurture the seed and sapling so that it may produce some fruit 

*6) Need to increase the soil in the rocky ground*

Definitely when the sower sows  the seeds, some of it will fall on the rocky ground. If certain areas of my life is like a rock with little soil, I need to cooperate fully to allow the seed to produce fruit 

This will help us to increase the soil and to remove the stone from the cultivating land 

Am I ready for this great challenging work?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Corrupt minds are deprived of Truth

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:1-3*

*First Reading : 1 Tm 6:2c-12*

*Corrupt minds are deprived of Truth*

*1) Great Wisdom*

The first reading of the day gives us a special insight into the true and real source of Truth.

Every truth comes from God. Through the wisdom, we are able to grasp in our minds 

So God communicates the truths to the pure minds 

*2) Corrupt Minds*

When the mind is filled with the following things, it becomes a corrupt mind 

Verbal disputes

Envy,

Rivalry

Insults

Evil

Suspicions

Mutual friction among people

All these things when filled in the mind, mind becomes a corrupt mind 

*3) Corrupt minds are deprived of Truth*

The first reading of the day, tells about the danger of corrupt minds 

Corrupt minds are not able to know the truth 

Since mind is filled with evil things, there is no scope for the truth emerge in the mind 

Negativity only produces further negativity. So corrupt minds will hardly know the Truth. 

*4) Purpose of our life is to know the Truth*

The main purpose of our life is to know Truth. 

Unless we know the Truth, we can't follow the Truth. Unless we know the Truth, we can't achieve anything in life 

So pure mind is very much necessary to know the truth and to follow the Truth 

*5) Jesus is the Truth*

Jesus says *I am the Truth* To know this reality one should have pure mind and heart 

A corrupt mind and heart will never be able to recognize that Jesus is the Truth and He is the one who will set us free 

*6) The need of Purifying our minds*

Since purity of the mind is very much necessary for knowing the Truth, we have a great responsibility to keep our mind pure and holy 

Good reading, positive thinking and prayer will definitely help us to cultivate a pure mind, which will enable us to know the truth and to practice the 

*Know the Truth, and Truth will set you free* John 8:32

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus calls Matthew, whom no one wanted

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:9–13*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1–7, 11–13*

*Jesus calls Matthew, whom no one wanted*

*1) Matthew the Tax Collector*

Matthew is very well known as Tax Collector

Since He was by profession, a tax collector he was known as tax collector

The position of the tax collectors during time of Jesus was not very good 

Tax-collectors were despised by their fellow Jews. 

They were an ever-present symbol of foreign oppression.

They used cruel methods to become wealthy at the expense of their countrymen, and they worked in close association with Gentiles. 

For these reasons, tax-collectors were treated as the lowest class of sinners.

*2) Jesus calls Such a unaccepted man*

By analysing the above things, Matthew was a person who was unaccepted and unwanted person in the Jewish circle. 

Since Jesus was a Jew, Jewish people could never imagine that Matthew is being called by Jesus and Matthew becoming the disciple of Jesus

But the reality is that Jesus calls such a unwanted and unaccepted man to become his follower. Something unimaginable 

*3) Change in Matthew*

The call of Matthew by Jesus gives a *U Turn* to His life 

On the spot he decides to follow Jesus and leaves everything 

Such a bold decision from Matthew, changes His life and he becomes the ardent follower of Jesus 

*4) From Matthew the Tax- Collector to Matthew the Evangelist*

Matthew the Tax Collector becomes the Matthew the Evangelist

The most unwanted and unaccepted man becomes most wanted and accepted in the History

This is the power of Jesus' call 

When Jesus calls, He calls with a definite purpose which makes the person to change the life and to commit oneself for the mission of Jesus 

*5) Jesus' Call for me*

Like Matthew all of us are called by Jesus. That's why we are the followers of Jesus 

Matthew left everything and became the disciple of Jesus. What about me? 

Unless we leave everything behind like Matthew, change will not come in our life. Matthew's life had tremendous change, because he left everything and followed Jesus 

Am I able to take the example of Matthew? 

*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 Jesus, throughout the World

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:31-35*

*First Reading : 1 Tm 3:14-16*

*The Power of Jesus, throughout the World*

*1) Jesus : believed in throughout the world*

The first reading of the day from the first Letter to Timothy, tells about the power of Jesus throughout the World 

Jesus is the person who is believed in throughout the World 

This shows power of Jesus and also the need of Jesus to the entire World 

*2) Jesus is a powerful Name*

Among all name, Jesus is the most powerful name 

In Jesus' name, demons take flight and devil is defeated 

The influence of the name of Jesus very visible because, the *Name Jesus* has become know name by billions of people all over the world 

So its a known and very powerful name throughout the World 

*3) The Cross : Throughout the World*

Today in evey corner of the World there is Cross

Cross is the presence of Jesus and it is the sign of salvation to all 

Cross represents the sacrifice of Jesus and the unconditional love of God to the entire Humankind 

Today we can see the power of the Cross throughout the world 

*4) Christians are throughout the World*

Christians are the followers of Jesus 

They are found in every corner of the World 

The very fact that there is a Christian, there is Jesus 

So Jesus is believed by the believers throughout the World 

Jesus is the king of the Universe, believed by all 

*5) Various ways of Believing in Jesus*

One who loves Jesus, believes in him 

One who forgives

One who serves 

One who sacrifices

One who humbles 

One who practices truth 

One who practices justice

One who has concern 

One who is compassionate

One who is helpful 

One who has good heart 

All those who practice these values believe in Jesus 

*6) How do I believe in Jesus?*

Is it only through the words? 

Is it only through the external gestures? 

What are my personal convictions about Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Weeping in the Context of Death

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:11-17*

*First Reading : 1 Tim 3:1-13*

*Weeping in the Context of Death*

*1) Mother Weeping at the death of her Son*

In the city of Nain we see a weeping mother at the death of her only Son 

The body of the son was being carried to the graveyard for burial

At this situation, the mother weeps and mourns for the loss of her son

*2) The Weeping Mother encounters Jesus*

Loss of the Son and the mourning mother meets Jesus 

Jesus says *don't weep* Then he understands pain of the mother, which makes Jesus to work miracle and restores the dead man back to life 

This is the result of woman's weeping and mourning at the death of her Son 

*3) Death of the Beloved Son*

This was a hard reality for the woman to accept - the death of her Son

This concept can very well be applied to our life. There are so many areas in our lives, which might have died. Some of the examples are as follows 

The death of patience

The death of humility

The death of sincerity

The death of service

The death of simplicity

The death of purity of thought and deed 

The death of love

The death of generosity

The death of concern 

The death of faithfulness

The death of discipline

The death of punctuality

The death of hope 

The death sacrifice

The death of smile 

The death of concern towards the Nature 

Apart from this there are also other areas where death would take place in our day today life 

*4) Weeping and Praying with Hope*

The mother from Nain wept and prayed for the life of her dead son. Jesus grants her favour 

There are many areas which are mentioned about might have been dead in our life 

With the help of Jesus, dead things can be raised to life 

When value system fails in our life, we need to weep and ask Jesus to restore it 

In our life the concept of death and raising to life has very close relationship 

When the humility is dead, we need to weep and ask Jesus to raise it up 

When sincerity, sacrifice, forgiveness, love, service, hope, commitment, responsibility, generosity, goodwill, is dead, we need to weep and ask Jesus to raise it up 

*5) Am I ready to, weep and work for giving life?*

The *death concept* is not limited to physical death alone. So there are also other areas where the effect of death may be felt 

In all areas of life we need to check whether any areas in our life is dead. 

If thet are true, am I ready to weep and ask Jesus to restore into life, what was dead? 

What are the ways which I will use to raise to life what was dead in our life along with Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The effect of considering someone as valuable person

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:1-10*

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

*The effect of considering someone as valuable person*

*1) Slave was valuable person to the Centurion*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the various effects, when someone is considered as the valuable person to us 

The Centurion, a person with high position and status considered his slave as valuable person

This attitude of the centurion itself is something exceptional and shows the heart of the centurion

*2) Various effects of considering someone as valuable person*

It takes away the discrimination in the relationship. The master- slave relationship turns to be friendly relationship

The centurion, goes out of the way to save the person. This can happen only when one considers another as valuable person 

He seeks the Help from others. He asked elders of the Jews to help him in whatever way possible

He also expreses his deep faith in Jesus, eventhough he was not belonging to the Jewish community

The centurion stood by the bedside of the dying slave. Master is at the service of the slave. This can happen only when the other is considered as valuable person 

The centurion uses his power and authority to heal his slave. Using ones authority for the sake of slave can happen when other is considered as valuable

The centurion considers himself as unworthy person. What a humility of a person who was in high position in the society. Such a great confession of his self happened for the sake of the slave. Again such a great thing can happen when the other is considered as valuable person

*3) To Jesus, everyone was valuable*

Therefore he went in search of one sheep which was lost 

Therefore he committed himself for the upliftment of the needy, poor, marginalized, exploited, and unwanted people 

For Jesus everyone was valuable 

*4) Who are valuable persons in my life?*

We consider parents are valuable persons in our life. How do we carry our our responsibility towards them when they are old and sick? 

People who are working for our welbing in our surroundings. Do I consider them as valuable person to me? Do I talk to them? Do I give them a smile? 

Those who are doing sanitation work, are valuable to us. Have I realised this fact? How do I see them? 

Those who are working in our houses, institutions, organisations are valuable persons. Have I realised thier value in my life? 

My life largely depends on others and their services. But have I realised this fact? Do I consider them as valuable persons? What is my relationship with them?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Uncountable Nature of Forgiveness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:21-35*

*First Reading : Sir 27:30-28:7*

*SECOND READING -Rom 14:7-9*

*The Uncountable Nature of Forgiveness*

*1) Seventy Seven Times or Seventy times Seven*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the importance of forgiveness

The Gospel refers two important numbers *Seventy Seven times* Or *Seventy Times Seven* 

So there is a question what are these numbers? Is it seventy seven times have we to forgive?

*2) Uncountable Nature of Forgiveness*

The statement from Jesus in today's Gospel clearly shows  us the nature of Forgiveness 

Accordingly forgiveness can't be counted and given. In other words it is simply uncountable when it comes to forgive others 

Smothering very beautiful and also very important to understand the nature of forgiveness

*3) God does not count When it comes for forgiveness*

There is no counting in God when it comes to forgiveness

One fine example is the sacrament of confession

No one keeps the count of the number of times we go for confession. Neither the priest will ask about the number of times one goes for confession

More the times one goes for confession, better it becomes in the life of the person 

All these shows that God does not count forgiveness in any situations

*4) Forgiveness Through sacrifice of Life*

God's forgiveness is very closely connected to the aspect of sacrifice

In oder to forgive the humankind and to save from the eternal damnation, Jesus had to sacrifice his life on the Cross

Jesus washed our sins through his precious blood and saved us 

Jesus forgave our sins by dying on the Cross, by scarifying his life and giving his last drop of blood

*5) Forgiveness has tremendous Power*

Among many things in our life, forgiveness has tremendous power because it can change ones life 

Many times what we consider as impossible things, become possible only through forgiveness

Forgiveness can change the direction of ones life, it can repair the relationship, and it can build human families 

*6) Forgiveness is difficult*

As we think about forgiveness, it is not so easy as we think to forgive 

One has to go against ones own human nature and put on the divine nature to forgive another person especially our enemies 

That is why it is difficult to forgive

*7) Not to go against the Nature of Forgiveness*

By counting the times we forgive another we go against the very nature of forgiveness

By not forgiving also we go against the very nature of forgiveness, because God never denied any one to forgive

He is ever ready at any moment and any number of times to forgive us

If so, how about me? Am I able to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness

*Forgiveness is uncountable*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

House and the Foundation

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:43-49*

*First Reading : 1 Tm 1:15-17*

*House and the Foundation*

*1) House and the  foundation*

In today's Gospel we have two houses built by two different builders

Both had built with a purpose. They wanted to live there for long time 

They had built the houses not to get collapsed during rain and flood but to remain for some years. So that they could live there 

But one house remained and the other house collapsed. The simple reason is the problem with foundation

One had strong foundation and other had weak or no foundation

*2) House without Foundation*

The house without foundation could not remain for long time 

When the rain and flood came it simply collapsed and everything was destroyed 

So we understand the importance of the foundation

No house will survive without foundation

*3) Word of God and the Foundation*

A person who listens the Word of God, but does act according to it, or does not allow the Word of God to act in his life, is a person who built his house on the sand without foundation

Since there is no foundation it can't stand long. Whatever is heard is forgotten easily and it does not change or affects in his/her life in any way 

*4) Various things which work as a foundation in our life*

The sacrament of Baptism 

The Early faith life taught BT the parents 

The prayer life and family prayer 

Disciplinned way of life at early age 

Sacrament of Confession

Participating in the liturgy 

Learning the values 

All these things work as a foundation in our Christian life 

*5) My Life - Foundation  - House*

My life is like a house. It needs a strong foundation to use it for the mission of the Lord 

What type of  foundation my life has? 

On what my life rests? Is it a strong foundation or weak? 

Is it a foundation based on holy stones or earthly stones? 

What are the other things which I have used for foundation? 

Ultimately our life entirely on the Strong foundation. 

If so what is the foundation of my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus' Biggest gift to the Mankind - Mother

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35*

*First Reading : Heb 5:7-9*

*Jesus' Biggest gift to the Mankind - Mother*

*1) Mother is a biggest Gift in our Life*

Among all things in the world and also in our life, Mother stands first in our life 

There is nothing in this world which can replace the Mother 

Mother is the only one gift which we value so much in life. 

*2) Jesus gave the biggest Gift to us*

We see in today's Gospel, that Jesus is giving His mother to the entire mankind as a gift 

As he was hanging on the Cross, Jesus hands over His mother to John, and gives her as gift to all of us

There is no other greater gift than this, which Jesus could have given us 

We are really blessed to have two mothers - the biological mother and the heavenly mother 

*3) Why Jesus gave his mother to us?*

At times it appears that, Jesus hands over the Blessed Mother to John, since she is alone 

It also gives us an impression that John would take care of us 

But the fact is that, Mary was handed over to John not for the protection of Mary, but to take care of the Apostles and the entire Church 

This is very clear from the life of our blssed Mother. Soon after the death of Jesus it is Mary who gathers all the Apostles and encourages them in every way 

*4) Motherly Concern of Mary*

Since the time she became the Mother of the Church, Mother of the Faithful and the Mother of the entire human kind, she is very much concerned about her children

That's why she appears now and then and guides her children from all the harm 

She protects her children from the clutches of devil and sin, through the instrument of Rosary

She protects every soul from the eternal fire through the scapular 

She fills the hearts of her children with hope, by her regular apparitions 

Our Mother is really involved in the lives of her children

*5) My Relationship with my Mother*

The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, gives us an opportunity to reflect about the sufferings of Mary and to find meaning in it 

She also an inspiration to all of us to face our sufferings in a meaningful way 

Sufferings do destroy us, but give a new meaning to our life 

If so, we can learn lots of things from our heavenly Mother 

So what is my relationship with my mother?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Cross is a beautiful, yet Challenging Ladder to Heaven

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 3:13–17*

*First Reading : Nm 21:4b–9*

*Cross is a beautiful, yet Challenging Ladder to Heaven*

*1) The use of Ladder*

In our day today life, we have seen the ladder and its use 

Ladder is something which helps us to climb up easily without much difficult

All of us have the experience of climbing the ladder 

In our day today life ladder becomes one of the essential instrument which we use for many things 

*2) Cross is a Ladder*

Cross is a ladder which was engineered by God the Father and designed by Jesus 

Jesus showed how to use this ladder in our day today life 

Jesus also showed how to use this ladder in the service of another, how to climb towards the Gospel life and how use in the context of building the Kingdom of God 

Finally Jesus also showed how to use this ladder to climb to heavenly, which is our original house

*3) Difference between a ladder and a lift*

We are familiar with both these things 

Lift easily takes us up without much efforts. One need not put much efforts to reach top 

But the defect of the lift is that, it can stop at any time, when the electricity fails lift has no use 

There is no guarantee that one will reach top with the lift 

Ladder is something which always guarantees, to take us up 

It does not need anything else to function. It functions by itself 

Moreover when there is a ladder, lift is not must. But wherever there is lift, there is always the provisions of the ladder and the staircase

*4) Our life should become a ladder to heaven*

This is the real purpose of our life 

When Zacchaeus encountered Jesus he changed his life and he became like a ladder to experience Jesus to other 

Mother Theresa's life was like a ladder through which many poor and the destitutes climbed to go to Jesus 

Tax Collector Matthew became a ladder to many to climb to the knowledge of Jesus through His Gospel

How about my life? Is it a ladder? 

*5) Cross is a three Step ladder*

The first step, the foundational step, that is God, the Love of God 

The Second Step  in the ladder is the Neighbour or the Love of the Neighbours 

The third step is, Loving oneself as one loves the other

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Reward of Heaven and Reward of the Earth

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:20-26*

*First Reading : Col 3:1-11*

*Reward of Heaven and Reward of the Earth*

*1) Jesus on the Reward of Heaven*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the reward in heaven, in the context of explaining the meaning of the beatitudes

Jesus says *Rejoice and leap for joy on that day Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.*

There are some requirements to acquire the reward in heaven 

*2) Various Requirements to gain Reward in Heaven*

Hatred from People 

Exclusion from the rest of the community

Insults from various corners 

Denounced by various people 

Humiliation in front of the Society

All these should take place for the sake of Jesus. In other words, when one boldly proclaims Jesus and then faced by these things, such a person is awarded in heaven 

This is called preparation for heavenly reward 

*3) The Speciality of Heavenly Reward*

Difficult to achieve it 

Needs lots of sacrifice

Needs a powerful commitment

One should be ready for any casualties

A reward which remains for eternity

A reward which gives eternal life 

A reward which gives salvation

A reward which fulfils the aim of life 

A rewards which makes life beautiful and meaningful 

*4) Earthly Reward*

There is also a earthly reward which many of us crave and work for it 

Earthly reward consists in wealth, money, power, position, riches, name, luxurious life, pleasures of the flesh, etc 

These come into our life and gives us a impression that they make our life meaningful. 

If these are acquired in a right and moral way, certainly they make our life meaningful. But the reward which they give us remain only for few years 

The glory of the earthly reward remains only in this world

To achieve the heavenly reward from the earthly this, we need to check what we do with the earthly things 

If they are used to serve and help the needy then the reward is eternal 

*5)  To which reward I long for?*

There are two rewards, heavenly and Earthly reward 

Where is my concentration? Which reward I desire? 

Mere desire for heavenly reward is not sufficient. One should ready to work, ready to take risk to achieve this heavenly reward.

*6) Christian must work for Heavenly Reward*

Whatever sources we have in our life, from this earth, we should use them to acquire reward in heaven 

Have I understood the value of heavenly reward? 

Am I serious about the heavenly reward? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

A Powerful Team for God's Work

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:12-19*

*First Reading : Col 2:6-15*

*A Powerful Team for God's Work*

*1) God is Team*

God lives in a Team and God is team 

Father, Son and the Holy Spirit : A beautiful and perfect for every good work 

This team is a inspiration to all of us 

*2) Team is God's first Creation*

In the book of Genesis we see the beautiful creation of God 

The claimax of the creation is the creation of a beautiful human team 

God created them as man and woman and gave a command to strengthen the unity : Be frituful and multiply

*3) God chose His People a big team : 12 tribes of Israel*

These 12 tribes of Israel represent the powerful team of the people of God 

The 12 tribes of Israel became very powerful during the time of King David 

The team with 12 tribes of Israel became a powerful team on this earth 

*4) Jesus prefers a team for His mission*

Jesus was very clear about his mission, suffering, death and resurrection

We see in today's Jesus is choosing the 12 apostles for his mission  work 

He wanted a team, where, people are able to do some works in building the kingdom of God 

Therefore he forms a group to spead the good news of the kingdom of God 

*5) 12 Apostles of Jesus*

The Gospel of the day gives us the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus 

He chose them , gave them authority, power to heal the sick and needy, thus to build the Kingdom of God

This team became very powerful after  the resurrection of Jesus, who spread the Good news

*6) The Need of team Work*

We can't survive by ourselves. We need the company of others 

Team work is the foundation of everything. Family is a team, society is a team, parish is a team 

Without the team one can't do any good works 

God works in a team, and he wants us to work in a team

Am I ready to work in a team? 

How is my team spirit?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Withered hand and Stretched out Hand : Withered life and Stretched out Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:6-11*

*First Reading : Col 1:24:2:3*

*Withered hand and Stretched out Hand : Withered life and Stretched out Life*

*1) Withered and Stretched out*

These are the two concepts which are found in today's Gospel 

We see a man with withered hand, who is unable to do some work, since it makes a person unable to work 

We also see the same person towards the end, whom Jesus cures and he is able to stretch out his hand. This will help him to do his daily work also to help others 

*2) Withered minds and Hearts of the Pharisees*

We also see these two groups of people in the Gospel

Their hands are not withered physically but their minds, hearts, outlook is withered 

Therefore they are not able to think what is good. Instead they think how to find fault with others, how to target the others and how to teach lessons to others through revenge

This is the typical attitude of those whose hearts, minds and outlook is withered 

*3) Like hand other things can get withered in our life*

The Gospel shows the difficulties of a person who suffered from the withered hand 

Likewise there are also other things which can be affteced. For example 

The withered mind 

The withered heart 

The withered tongue

The withered attitude 

The withered eye sight 

The withered ears 

The withered thinking

All these things defeat the real purpose of our life 

*4) The beauty of stretching out*

When the person stretched out His hand he was comfortable and was able to do all works 

Like wise when we stretch out our mind we are able think in a right way 

When we stretch out our heart we are able to feel in a right way 

When we stretch our our attitude we become friendly, generous, simple, humble and valuable 

When we stretch out our tongue we are able speak well, control the gossip

When we are able to stretch our eye sight we are able to see the beauty in everything 

So this is the beauty of stretching out 

*5) Jesus can help us to stretch out our life*

In the Gospel it was Jesus who helped the person to stretch out his hand

Like wise Jesus is ever ready to come out the various types of witheredness 

Only we need to ask Jesus through prayer and other spiritual exercises 

*6) Which are the areas need the stretching out in my Life?*

This is very important to reflect 

All of us have one or the other areas, which are withered because of various reasons 

Today Jesus calls us and tell us stretch out

Am I ready? Which are the areas in my life He is asking me to stretch out? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The importance of the Relationship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:15-20*

*First Reading : Ez 33:7-9*

*SECOND READING - Rom 13:8-10*

*The importance of the Relationship*

*1) Two agreeing on something*

The Gospel speaks about two people coming together and agreeing for doing something 

In this agreement we see the importance of the relationship. Unless the people have good relationship and they are able to agree on something, they can do nothing 

Without good relationship they can't agree on something. In such a situation they can't work together

*2) Two or three are gathering together*

This is a little bigger than two people 

Here when they come together - it highlights the importance of their relationship 

Three people coming together, praying for something good and beautiful with one heart and mind will be granted 

Moreover, wherever there is good relationship, people come together and Jesus is present among them 

*3) Preparing of the relationship*

The main focus of today's reading is about the repairing of the relationship

Jesus gives us four levels in repairing the relationship 

*First Level : Its a personal correction* This is done in a direct way. According to Jesus this is the best way to repair the relationship. 

*Second Level : Corrections through Friends* Here between two there are one or two extra persons who are experts in dealing the issue and settling it 

This is also very good where people are made to aware of their fault by a third person 

At times people are ready to listen to the third person 

*Third Level : Through a judge* This is little higher lever where there is a better control to convince the persons about their faults 

Since it is a reputed body, people are in a better position to accept their faults 

*Fourth Level : Treat Him as Gentile* This is something like, the person does not want to be in relationship

He goes out of the relationship and lives by himself. To such person one can do nothing. So leave him/her as he/she likes 

*4) Relationship in my Life*

Without relationship we can no longer live as human beings

If so, how is my relationship? 

My relationship with my God

My relationship with my beloved people

My relationship with family members 

My relationship with my neighbors

My relationship with my fellow being in that society

If something goes wrong, how do the set right my relationship?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Sabbath of the Law Vs The Sabbath of the Hungry

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:1-5*

*First Reading : Col 1:21-23*

*The Sabbath of the Law Vs The Sabbath of the Hungry*

*1) The Sabbath of the Law*

In today's Gospel we have the group of Pharisees, who speaks about the Sabbath from the law point of view 

They have limited thier understanding only to the literal sense. Beyond literal understanding they can see nothing 

That's why they see something wrong with the disciples of Jesus 

Whatever the disciples of Jesus did, became unlawful for Pharisees 

That's why they question *Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?”*

*2) The Sabbath of the Hungry*

Jesus speaks about the sabbath of the Hungry 

The real meaning of the sabbath, is not limited to the literal meaning but it consists in the deeper meaning of the sabbath

Sabbath of the Hungry consists in the following

Showing care and concern 

Showing a generous heart 

Experiencing forgiveness

Giving a helping hand 

Living a simple life 

Serving the needy 

Doing some acts of mercy 

Working for the betterment of the lowly

All these gestures of love and service, is not prevented by any sabbath  law 

The sabbath of Jesus, the sabbath of Hungry does not prevent any gesture which is done in the service of the needy 

But for the Pharisees and the sabbath of the law will find fault with these gesture of love 

*3) Last Judgment depends of the Sabbath of Hungry and not on the sabbath of the law*

The Matthew's Gospel clearly Shows that the last judgment depends on the sabbath of the Hungry 

*For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.*

This is the real meaning of the sabbath according to Jesus. Finally the sabbath of the Hungry will save us and give us eternal life 

*4) The sabbath of Law should lead to the sabbath of Hungry*

These are two important things. When Jesus emphasis the sabbath of Hungry, he is not going against the sabbath of law. Both are necessary

But when the sabbath of law nullifies the importance of sabbath of hungry, such law does not have any importance to Jesus 

So one should help the other to fulfil it 

They are complimentary to each other and not contradictory to each other 

*5) What law dominates in me?*

Is it the sabbath of law or sabbath of Hungry? 

At times the sabbath of law may be an easy excuse to escape from the real responsibility towards the needy and the poor 

In the name of the sabbath of the law, am I compromising my duties and responsibility towards the elders, children, and my neighbors? 

Let the sabbath of hungry find the real meaning of the sabbath of law

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Mary means Mother, Admirable, Responsible and Yes of Mary

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week : Friday*

*Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Gospel : Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 or Mt 1:18-23*

*First Reading : Mic 5:1-4a*

*Second Reading : Rom 8:28-30*

*Mary means Mother, Admirable, Responsible and Yes of Mary*

*1)  The Birth of Mother Mary*

Mary is one among three persons whose birthday we celebrate in the liturgical celebration 

Jesus, John the Baptist and Mother Mary 

This shows how important this event is, in the  life of the Church and also in the lives of the believers 

We feel proud to celebrate the birthday of our blessed Mother and our heavenly Mother 

*2) M - stands for Mother*

Each letter of our blessed mothers name will tell us the speciality of our Mother 

M means the Motherly concern of Mary 

Today Mary has become the heavenly Mother of every believer 

Motherly approach is out standing in the life of Mary 

As a Mother she takes care of the entire Church and protects it  from all harm 

Her motherly  concern is very much seen in the apparitions of Mary 

She appears to the man kind to guide and to protect her children from sin and devil 

*3) A - Stands for admirable*

We admire those people make extraordinary achievements in life 

In this regard, Mary stands at the first place 

She is admired for her mission, for her commitment, for her humility, for her trust in the Lord, for her simplicity and for her courage 

She is admired by every race and every tongue, not only in the history, but for eternity

That's why Mary is admirable

*4) R - Stands for the Responsibility*

Mary's responsibility is something very great because the entire salvation of the Mankind starts from her *Yes*

Her responsibility to take the risk, in conceiving Jesus, in raising up Jesus, in protecting Jesus and following Jesus in his mission and finally to the Calvary is unimaginable 

Mary not only took the responsibility but remained faithful until the responsibility was carried out 

*5) Y stands Yes of Mary*

The Yes of Mary has become a centre word through out History, because of its significance

Mary had the freedom to day *no* Yet she said *Yes* to the Lord  

This *Yes* has changed the entire History of the Mankind. That's why this *Yes* is very significant and important

This *Yes* has made the Life of Mary as the Mother of God and the Mother of the entire human kind 

This is a *Yes* which has revolutionised the entire  human thought and History 

*6) We are called to become Mary*

Like our blessed Mother all are called to imbibe the Motherly qualities in our life 

Like of Mother we are called upon to do our mission in an admirable way 

Like our Mother we are called upon to be responsible for the tasks which are assigned to us 

We are called upon to say *Yes* to the Lord when it comes to do the will of God.

So am I ready to become M-A-R-Y?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Lowering our nets into the sea of family

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 5:1-11*

*First Reading : Col 1:9-14*

*Lowering our nets into the sea of family*

*1) Peter and His companions working all through the Night*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the work of fishing by Peter and His companions 

They were expert fishermen. All through the night they tried to catch some fish. But they cought nothing 

Their labour was in vain. Therefore they concluded thier work in the early morning 

*2) Lowering of the nets again at Jesus' Command*

Peter lets the nets into the sea, at Jesus' command and to their surprise, they got a huge catch of fish 

At this, Peter realised that it was Jesus who is miracle worker and a holy man 

*3) Peter needed the Help of his companions*

The Gospel is very clear that, when they lowered their nets at Jesus' command, they caught a huge fish and the nets were about to tear and boats were in danger 

So they called their companions and they came. The team work made their mission easy and meaningful   

*4) Jesus' says lower your nets in the sea of Family*

Like Peter when we lower our nets in the family, without Jesus we gain nothing and there is no growth

At the command of Jesus when we lower our nets into the family, we catch a huge amount of fish, which at times we are not able to imagine

*5) Need help from others*

Peter needed help from others

Like wise when we lower our nets into the sea of family we also need the support from others to carry out our work 

Without the support the family net will damage, and the family boat will sink

Only with the team work the mission of the family can be accomplished

*6) Various nets one should lower in the family*

The net of responsibility

The net of parenthood

The net of sacrifice

The net of faithfulness

The net of patience

The net of humility

The net of forgiveness

The net of love 

The net of generosity

The net of hardwork

The net of sincerity

When these nets are lowered in the sea of family, we need the support of all the family members, to pull out the net and to segregate the good from the evil one 

Am I ready to lower the various nets in the sea of family at Jesus' command?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Departure from the Synagogue and the Good deeds

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 4:38-44*

*First Reading :  - Col 1:1-8*

*Departure from the Synagogue and the Good deeds*

*1) The synagogue and the departure from the Synagogue*

The first sentence of today's Gospel speaks about the departure of Jesus from the synagogue

Synagogue is a place of worship, where Jesus had come to pray and to read the scriptures

Synagogue also a place to spend time with God and to have divine experience

After having read the scriptures, and spending sufficient time with the Father, Jesus is now ready to leave the synagogue for further mission

*2) Healing ministry of Jesus*

After Jesus left the synagogue, he goes directly into Simon's house where he cures the mother in law of Simon, who was suffering from fever 

 Then he spent whole day in healing ministry, where many people came to him and he healed them all 

*3) Synagogue and the Healing ministry*

There is a close connection between these two 

The strength for the healing ministry comes from the synagogue 

The strength for serving the people comes from the synagogue 

So there is a close connection between the what is happening in synagogue and the ministry thereafter in the surroundings

*4) Synagogue - in my context*

There are many places where synagogue experience can be experienced 

The holy places like churches, pilgrim centres, prayer halls, the altar at home and the gatherings where people come to pray 

These places give us divine experience to do our mission 

*5) Where do I go from the Holy place?*

All of us come to Sunday services. What happens afterwords,? 

All of us attend the novenas, retreats, praying rosaries and other spiritual exercises. What happens afterwards? 

Is there any connection between the holy places and my daily life and activities? 

*6) Holy places and Lived life*

A person who spends time in spiritual things, should also experience it's effects I the service to the mankind 

We may be good in praying and spending time synagogues but when we come out from the synagogue, we may ignore all the necessary and urgent things and may give importance to other things

Is there a hypocrisy in my life, in this regard? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Only Jesus can cast out unclean spirits

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 4:31-37*

*First Reading : 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11*

*Only Jesus can cast out unclean spirits*

*1) The man with an unclean Spirit*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a man with an unclean spirit

Surprisingly this unclean sprit recognizes Jesus and knows about the fact that Jesus can destroy this unclean spirit 

Finally it is Jesus who casts out the unclean spirit and sets the man free from the bondage of unclean spirit

*2) Am I affected with Unclean Spirits?*

Certainly yes. All of us are affected either one or other forms of unclean spirits

Some of the examples would be following

The unclean spirit of anger 

The unclean spirit of pride

The unclean spirit of greed

The unclean spirit of revenge

The unclean spirit of selfishness

The unclean spirit of lust

The unclean spirit of power

The unclean spirit of authority

The unclean spirit of ignorance

The unclean spirit of laziness

The unclean spirit of division

The unclean spirit of destruction

All these unclean spirits spoil our life and we need the assistance of Jesus to drive them out 

*3) The arrival of the Man into the synagogue*

The Gospel clearly tells us that, the man with an unclean spirit was found in the synagogue

Synagogue becomes the meeting place for Jesus and unclean spirit 

The moment the unclean spirit encounters Jesus, it simply accepts its defeat and runs away form the person   

*4) The need of coming to the synagogue*

It is not enough to have a desire to get rid of the unclean spirit, but one should have the willingness to come to the synagogue 

The synagogue symbolizes the following 

The church 

The praying place 

The altar of the house 

Coming together for service

Spending time for listing the word of God 

Reading the scriptures

Praying Rosary

Personal prayer 

Sunday Eucharist

Adoration of the blessed sacrament

The moment we come to the synagogue of above things we encounter Jesus and the unclean spirit runs away from our life 

*5) Only Jesus - this means every Good things*

Every single gesture of love or filled with the Gospel spirit brings about the presence of Jesus 

When we experience such presence of Jesus, the unclean spirit runs away from our life and we are made clean 

Finally Jesus casts out every form of unclean spirit from our life 

*6) Am I ready to collaborate with Jesus?*

All of us suffer from various unclean spirit 

Coming to the synagogue is the precondition to get rid of the unclean spirit

If so, am I ready to come to the synagogue? 

Do I feel the need of cleansing of my heart and mind by Jesus,?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of the Recovery of my Sight

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 4:16-30*

*First Reading : 1 Thes 4:13-18*

*Importance of the Recovery of my Sight*

*1) The beginning of Jesus' Ministry*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the important aspect of Jesus' as he begins his ministry in Galilee

Various aspects of Jesus' ministry is highlighted in today's reading 

One among them is the recovery of the Sight to the blind 

*2) Two types of Sight*

First of all there is a physical sight, which most of us have in our life. Yet there are people who can't even see the beauty of this creation. So we are fortunate to enjoy the beauty of this God given creation

Secondly there is another sight, which can be called as inner sight, insight, spiritual sight, higher sight or divine sight 

It is very important to check now and then about this sight because, one may lose this sight in the race of achieving many things, which are demanded by this world 

So how is this my second level of sight?

*3) The blindness of the spiritual sight*

All of suffer from this syndrome

There are many things which enter into our life, which finally blind our spiritual sight, which becomes fatal to out spiritual life 

The person who exploits the other for his selfish motives, has lost the inner sight 

The person who takes revenge has lost the inner sight 

The person who manipulates and puts others  into difficult situation has lost the inner sight 

The person who lives in a sensuality state has lost the inner sight 

The person who desires materials things beyond the limit has lost the inner sight 

The person who loves authority, wealth, money, position has lost the inner sight 

*4) We need the inner sight for the following*

To serve the needy we need inner sight 

To love our enemies

To show concern for others 

To help others 

To become a generos person

To humble oneself

To lead a simple life 

To adjust with others 

To forgive others 

To live in a peaceful situation

To carry out the above noble works one needs, the reason for the same. Only a person with divine sight or spiritual sight can find out the reason and do these things 

*5) Jesus came to restore the Inner Sight*

The main mission of Jesus is to restore the inner sight so that we can experience the divine life which is hidden in us 

Jesus restored our inner sight through, forgiveness, service, love, generosity, preaching and teaching 

Prayer is another way to restore the inner sight

Scripture is another powerful way to restore the inner sight 

Service to the needy, is another powerful way 

Am I ready to collaborate with Jesus in the missiin of restoring my inner sight?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

We are invited to Think Like God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:21-27*

*First Reading : Jer 20:7-9*

*SECOND READING -Rom 12:1-2*

*We are invited to Think Like God*

*1) Jesus' invitation to think like God*

The Gospel of the day shows two kinds of thinking. 

The thinking of God 

The Thinking of Man 

Peter was thinking like a human being and not like God

That's why Jesus corrects him and invites him to think like God 

The same invitation is also given to us 

*2) Is it possible to think like God?*

Since we have been created by the image and likeness of God, it is possible to think like God

Since we are given the share of divine wisdom and holiness, one can think like God and imitate God very well 

The psalm 8:5 says,  *You have made them  a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor*

This is the glory of the human beings in the creation order. So it is definitely possible to think like God

*3) Thinking like Human is an obstacle for God's plan*

This is very clear from today's Gospel. 

When Peter was thinking like a human being, Jesus says, *“Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”*

So the moment we think like human being we forget about God

*4) What is God's thinking*

Gods thinking is very well found in the entire Scriptures

The Ten commandments of God, tell us how to think like God

The teachings of Jesus are the best ways to understand the thinking of God 

In God's thinking the following things are found 

Justice, truth, forgiveness, Mercy, love, service, sacrifice, simplicity, authenticity, joyfulness, happiness, understanding, faithfulness, genuine relationship, unity, peace, etc 

*5) How does the Human beings think*

Jeremiah 17:9 says *The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?*

This is how human beings think. That's why it becomes an obstacle to God's mission 

Man's thinking consists in the following

Easy results

Short cuts 

No pain but only gain 

Results important but means are compromised

Greed, overlooks e everything

Selfishness

Desire to accumulate than to share 

These  things go against the very nature of God's thinking 

*6) How do I think?*

Do I think like God or like Human beings?

Its very important to think like God.

All those who became great sainsts, thought like God, and lived like God. That is how they became sainsts 

The moment we think like God, it encourages us to follow in our life and we become our heavenly faith 

*Be perfect like your heavenly Father* a wonderful invitation from Jesus

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*

Third Servant Kept it safe, returned it safe : Still he was accused - Why?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Saturday *

*Gospel :  - Mt 25:14-30*

*First Reading :  -1 Thes 4:9-11*

*Third Servant Kept it safe, returned it safe : Still he was accused - Why?*

*1) Third Servant with One Talent*

In today's parable we have a Master with three servants 

The first servant received five talents, the second one received two talents and the Third one received one talent. 

The Gospel says, each one received according to their ability

*2) The Return of the talents*

All three servants returned the talents which were given by the master. None of them deceived the Master 

The first one received five, but he have back ten 

The second one received two he gave back four 

The third one received one and he returned the same one talent

So all were faithful in returning the talents 

*3) Talents were given for trading*

The Master had two purpose in his mind 

One : to use it for the business and to multiply the talents 

Second : to take initiatives to use the talents, the creative use of the talents 

The first two servants, used the talents according to the mind of the Master 

The third one didn't use the talents according to the wish of the Master 

*4) If one talents loses, the Third servant loses everything*

For the third servant there was a risk of losing the only one talent. Others at least had other talents 

So, is the third servant is justified based on this argument. Can we say that it was better to protect it, than to lose it? 

Finally he returned it to the Master without losing it 

*5) Why the Third servant was accused then?*

First of all, the only one talent was given to him, to use it, and not to bury it 

Secondly, by burying, it has absolute no opportunity to grow or to multiply. 

Thirdly : at least if he had put it in the bank he would have received the interest. That also not done 

So the third servant was accused

*6) If he had lost the talent, what would be the result?*

Losing itself is a great adventure. Only a person who is ready to lose can win. A person who is afraid of losing can gain nothing in life 

Losing is the part of life, but burying is not the part of life.

Winning and losing is the part of the game. Not to participate in game is not the quality of the sportsmen, when there is a fear of losing

*7) Life without risk is useless*

The third servant didn't take risk in life for the fear of losing. Life became useless 

God does not value us on winning or losing. He values how we participate in the game 

Losing is absolutely right. God will not condemn for losing, but he will condemn for not taking risk in life 

Take risk, if you win, you are a winner. If you lose you are a hero for taking risk. That's the Philosophy of God 

Will I be accused for not making use of the God given talents in my life in the service of my neighbour? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

My Lamp of Faith, Full or Empty?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Matthew 25:1-13*

*First Reading : 1 Thes 4:1-8*

*My Lamp of Faith, Full or Empty?*

*1) The Lamp in the Marriage celebration*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Lamp, in the celebration of the Marriage 

It is obvious why the Lamp is needed for the Marriage celebration. It is for the Light 

*2) Two categories of Lamps with Two types of people*

The Gospel makes it very clear that, there are two categories of Lamps 

First category of lamps consists of Oil in thr lamps  

The second category of Lamps have already run out off the oil. Therefore they are lamps without oil 

People with Lamps along with oil are considered wise, whereas people with lamps with out oil are considered as foolish 

*3) The Lamp of Faith*

Every Christian is given this lamp at the time of Baptism, with full oil. 

Over the years this lamp has burned and given us the bright light to live our life 

At the same time we had the great responsibility of filling this lamp with oil for its continuous burning 

So we need to check whether my lamp of faith has ran out off oil or it is full or it is half 

*4) Burning of the lamp is very important to get in*

With out this burning of the lamp one is unable to enter into the marriage banquet

Burning of the lamps also speaks about the alertness, preparedness, ready and carefully waiting to enter in 

In the parable those virgins who were ready were able to enter others could not 

Unless we keep our faith lamp burning we can't enter into heaven 

*5) My lamp with oil is very important*

There were five  lamps which were burning. But it didn't help them to get in. 

So my lamp with oil, which keeps burning is very important. 

I can't depend on some one else's lamp to get into heaven 

*6) The lamp of faith needs the following*

The oil of service 

The oil of truth 

The oil of simplicity 

The oil of love 

The oil of humility

The oil of sacrifice

The oil of generosity

The oil of forgiveness

The oil of concern 

The oil of prayer 

The oil of peace 

The oil of discipline

The oil of harwork 

The oil of trust 

The oil of faithfulness

The oil of understanding

*Is my lamp of faith is full or empty?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Stay awake for two things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 24:42-51*

*First Reading : 1 Thes 3:7-13*

*Stay awake for two things*

*1) Stay awake*

In today's Gospel Jesus says about staying awake

This is very important to know when, why and how we should stay awake and if we don't stay awake what tragedy happens in our life 

In this context the concept *stay awake* is very important concept in our life 

*2) Stay awake - the Master is Coming*

This is the first reason why we have to stay awake. The master of the House is about to arrive. But no one knows the exact time 

So unless one stays awake one can't be ready to receive the Master 

Master always comes in am unexpected hour. So one needs to be awake all the time 

*3) Stay awake - The thief is coming*

The thief also comes in an unexpected hour. The thief never comes when we are ready 

The thief sees when we are not ready, when are in slumber, when we are careless he enters and steals everything 

Staying awake means, no chance for the thief to enter  and break the house

*4) Our Master is Jesus*

Jesus is our Master and Lord

He comes in an unexpended hour 

So we need to be awake. Our Master comes to fill us with Grace and blessings 

If we are not awake we will lose all the blessings and graces from God 

*5) The thief is Satan and Sin*

Very cunning and vigilant to enter into our life when we are least prepared for the battle 

The sin and Satan always sees the best opportunity to destroy our life 

So we need to be very careful, or else we will lose everything in life 

*6)  Am I awake?*

We know why we have to keep ourselves awake 

The major problems happen in our life because we are not awake 

The greed, anger, selfishness, envy, jealousy, desire for money, power and pleasure make us inactive and lazzy in many good things 

This is the best opportunity to Satan and sin to enter in our life and to take control of our life 

So the question is am I awake to defeat Satan and to receive Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*