The beauty of Family Relationship in two Levels

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 20:27-40*

*First Reading : 1 Mc 6:1-13*

*The beauty of Family Relationship in two Levels*

*1) The Human Family*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the family relationship 

Family relationship begins with the sacrament of marriage and it continues in the family life 

This is one of the most beautiful relationship which exists in the World 

*2) Indispensability and Necessity of the Family relationship*

In the World, a person can exist without any type of relationship, but not without family relationship

A person has to have a mother and father. Without which life is not possible. So it tells us the necessity and the indispensability of the family relationship

*3) The end or Change of family Relationship*

Such a beautiful relationship ends with the death 

The living people are always try to relate with those who dead and gone through their memory and other things 

But the dead and resurrected people relate with us at the different level. So it is altogether a different relationship, which we are unable to explain

In any case the family relationship totally changes into a next different level of relationship

*4) God's Family*

The Gospel of the day also speaks about the family of God and the type relationship with which we will relate with God

In God's family the relationship is parent children relationship, which has no end

All will be children of God, and God will be our Father 

There is no difference in relationship. All are equal before God, and all relate ad the children of God 

*5) The interrelatedness of the Relationship*

The family relationship here on earth and the family relationship is closely connected with each other 

If the relationship of the family  here on earth is meaningful, then our relationship with God will be beautiful one 

If we have a broken relationship with our family relationship, then we can't have a good relationship with God

Every deeds and  action either deepens our relationship with God or breaks it 

*6) God doesn't break the relationship*

From the Gospel it is clear that it is human being who breaks the basic family relationship

Breaking of such a beautiful family relationship can have adverse relationship in God's family

So we need to take care if the basic family relationship in our life in order to maintain a good relationship in God's family

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

My house shall be a house of prayer

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:45-48*

*First Reading : 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59*

*My house shall be a house of prayer,*

*1) The Concept of the House*

We are familiar with the concept of the House 

One of the most loved place in our life is our own house 

House is very much related to the life of a person 

We begin our life, grow, and we die in our house 

House is a place where we become what we are today 

*2) Joy of visiting the House*

When we are far away from our house, we always desire to go back to our house 

We have a  special attraction towards our own house 

The value of our house is realised only when we are far away from the House

*3) Rich Things in our House*

There are numerous valuable things which are found in the House, which we can never buy with money and power 

The Family love 

Forgiveness

Adjustments

Concern for each other 

Sacrifice

Humility

Cooperation

Joyfulness

Happiness

These things originate only in the House and influence us in every way 

*4) House of God*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the House of God

The same logic which we apply to our house, could also be applied for God's house 

So God's House is a house of love 

God's house is a house of forgiveness 

God's House is a house of humility

God's house is a house of sacrifice

So God's House is a house of care and concern

God's house is a house of Generosity

*5) God's house is a House of Prayer*

This is what Jesus says in today's Gospel 

Among many things the priority wise prayer takes first place in our life. In the same way, prayer is the decoration of the House of God 

Nothing can replace Prayer in the House of God 

House of prayer primarily indicates what is the Purpose of prayer in our life

*6) My respect Towards the House of Prayer*

How do I see the house of prayer? 

How often do I go to the house of God? 

There is a great desire to go our own earthly house. What about my desire to go to house of God? 

Spending time in our house a joyful thing. What about spending time in the house of God ? 

House of prayer reminds us the sacredness of the house , and the its importance for the prayer. How about these things 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*

Jesus saw the city and wept over it; What about my Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week :Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:41-44*

*First Reading : 1 Mc 2:15-29*

*Jesus saw the city and wept over it; What about my Life*

*1) Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem*

There is a instant of weeping of Jesus at the sight of Lazarus death 

Today's Gospel once again brings about the weeping of Jesus in the context of the destruction of Jerusalem 

Weeping of Jesus is not a very simple thing. It has a very far reaching consequences in our Life 

*2) Why Jesus Wept?*

The Gospel says that when Jesus drew near Jerusalem He saw the city and wept over it. The reasons for the weeping could be the following 

She didn't recognize the arrival of the Messiah 

The enemies will destroy the temple and the city of Jerusalem 

The enemies will smash the children within the city of Jerusalem 

They will not leav one stone upon another within you

So there is total destruction. That's why looking at city of Jerusalem Jesus wept  

*3) Every day Jesus is drawing near to my life*

Since we are longing for the Lord, Jesus also drawing near to our life everyday, little by little

We need to realise that Jesus is drawing near to our life every day. Such a realisation will help us to live our life in a better way 

*4) What Will Jesus see in our life?*

As Jesus drwas near to our life, what Jesus will see in our life? 

Will he rejoice by looking at our life or will he weep over our life? 

If there are beautiful things then definitely Jesus  will rejoice about our life 

If there are ugly things Jesus will weep over our life 

*5) Jesus wept over Destruction*

Since Jerusalem was about to be destroyed by the enemies Jesus wept 

If my life is at verge of destruction, then Jesus will weep over our life 

Destruction of life by the enemies is a terrible thing which can happen in our life 

So how about my life? 

*6) The Enemies who destroy my Life*

Pride 

Arrogance

Anger 

Selfishness 

Revenge

Cheating 

Attachment to worldly things 

Insincerity 

All these enemies, if they are not controlled can destroy our life, which will result in weeping of Jesus 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Fear of Losing is more dangerous than losing itself

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:11-28*

*First Reading : 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31*

*Fear of Losing is more dangerous than losing itself*

*1) The Fear Complex of the Third Servant*

The Gospel of the Day presents to us, a parable where we find three servants, whom the master had given the Gold coins for the business

The first and Second servant, use the gold coin in a productive way and they multiply the Gold coins 

The third servant, didn't use the Gold coin in a productive way, because he was terribly frightened about the Master

The fear complexe changes the entire life of the third servant in a negative way 

*2) The dangers of the Fear of failure*

This is one of the worst fears a human being can have 

The moment a person is frightened about the failure, it becomes a hurdle for many things 

It becomes a hurdle for success

It becomes a hurdle for efforts

It becomes a hurdle for growth

It becomes a hurdle for creativity 

It becomes a hurdle for any change 

On the other hand life becomes lifeless, burdensome, meaningless, goalless, purposeless, and useless 

*3) Fear of Failure can terminate life*

This is the another important and serious consequences of the fear 

One of the reasons of suicide is the fear of failure 

Fear of failure also causes the violence on others. People attack the other in the contex of fear of losing power, authority and position

*4) Losing is better than fear of Failure*

Fear of Failure makes a person completely passive and blocks him/her from doing something 

People those who lose, really take risk. But this failure becomes a way for learning new things 

Losing will help a person to find out new techniques, new ways, along with much rich experience 

Once a person loses, need not lose next time. But next time he will win because of the experience 

So failure teaches us a great lessons whereas the fear of failure, teaches nothing but makes us useless 

*5) Failures are the Part of our Life*

There is no success without failure. One who does not fail, does not succeed in any way 

Failures are the stepping Stone to success. 

Therefore we need failures to become strong and to succeed. 

We need training to accept failures and then to succeed.  

Unless we accommodate failures, no change will happen in our life.

*6) Fear of Failure in Children*

Today in the competitive world, the element of fear of the failure is seen in an alarming way 

The unhealthy competition beginning from education and in other areas are pumping this fear in the innocent minds of the children 

Is this fear of failure is really affecting to me and my family? 

What can I do to come out of this? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Brothers and Sisters of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 12:46-50*

*First Reading : Zec 2:14-17*

*The Brothers and Sisters of Jesus*

*1) The brother or Sister of a well-known Person*

In the World we see that there are famous and renowned persons because of thier extraordinary achievement 

For example, Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi, and others 

Because of their inspired life, they have their own place in the Society

Not only that, their brothers and sisters also get a higher significance and importance because they are brothers and sisters of such a great person 

*2) Brothers and Sisters of Jesus*

This is a great achievement and well as a great opportunity to become the brothers and sisters of Jesus 

How nice and great to become the brother or sister of Jesus 

Automatically it raises our dignity, importance, status and our role in the society

So it is really a great opportunity to be called as brother or sister of Jesus 

*3) Brother Sister relationship*

Brother Sister is a close and very important relationship 

It highlights the importance of family ties and closeness of relationship 

This relationship also shows many similarities between the Brothers and sisters. 

*4) How to become the brothers or Sisters of Jesus*

The Gospel of the day, gives us a simple way through which we can enter into this relationship

Jesus says *whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”*

Doing the will of God will help us to become the brothers and sisters of Jesus 

*5) What is the Will of Heavenly Father*

The will of heavenly Father can be realised in the following things 

In the Spirit of Forgiveness

In the Spirit of Humility

In the Spirit of Truthfulness

In the Spirit of service

In the Spirit of sacrifice

In the Spirit of generosity

In the Spirit of Prayer 

In the Spirit of Love 

In the Spirit of Patience

In the Spirit of Concern 

In the Spirit of Simplicity

In the Spirit of detachment from worldly things 

*6) My Relationship with Jesus*

Very important and serious question about our life 

How I am related to Jesus? 

Am I a stranger, in my relationship with Jesus?

Am I a brother, sister, worker, salave, leader, business person, to Jesus? 

Who am I to Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The alertness of the blindman

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:35-43*

*First Reading : 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63*

*The alertness of the blindman*

*1) The Blind man at Roadside*

We see in today's Gospel a blind man, who had no eye sight, was sitting at the roadside 

Even though he had no eye sight, he was very active and alert in his work 

His alertness about the situation brings a great change in his life 

*2) The alertness of the Blind man*

By sitting at the roadside he was able to sense everything that was happening 

First of all, he perceived that there was a huge crowd, which was passing by 

Secondly, we also see the blind was trying to enquire about the situation, to know what is happening in the place 

Thirdly once he knew that it was Jesus who was passing by, he became fully alert and used the opportunity to the fullest 

This shows how the blindman was alert in his life 

*3) The height of His alertness*

The Gospel tells us that people informed the blind man that Jesus is passing by 

Neither the blind had seen Jesus earlier nor someone in the crowd said in the spot that Jesus is divine healer. 

Nothing of such information was given to him. But when he heard the Name of Jesus, he knew everything about Jesus, especially his healing power 

A blind man knowing the up-to-date information about Jesus shows how alert the blind man was 

*4) Be on your guard, Be alert*

In the Gospel we have these words, which were spoken by Jesus 

Be on your guard, be alert, because you don't know when the master of the house comes 

Because you don't know when the Son of Man comes. 

The blind man, was alert, he was on his guard, therefore he met the Son of God, which brought about a great Change 

What a marvelous result of being alert in life 

*5) Lack of alertness and the Blindman*

If the blindman was not alert, then he would have lost the Golden Opportunity to encounter Jesus 

Since he was alert, it was possible for him to catch the attention of Jesus and thus to get his sight back 

We can imagine the result of being alert in our life 

*6) Lack of alertness causes huge damage*

At times it can take away our life 

At times one can lose the way of life and become slave of the evil things 

At times one can lose the spiritual thirst in life and may result in going away from God 

At times it can spoil our life and purpose of our life 

So alertness is very much needed 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Buried Talent lost for ever

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 25:14-30 or Mt 25:14-15, 19-21*

*First Reading : Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31*

*Second Reading : 1 Thes 5:1-6*

*Buried Talent lost for ever*

*1) Gospel on Buried Talent*

The Gospel speaks about the buried talent of the third servant 

Three servants were given different talents. First one 5 talents, second one 2 talents and third one 1 talent 

First two servants used the talents and multiplied the talents

Third one buried it in the mud and finally he had to give back to the owner. So lost everything 

*2) Buried things Do not grow*

We use the concept of burial when something dies  

When the animals or pet animals or the Human beings die, immediately we speak about the burial

At the same time, all of us know that buried things do not grow in any circumstances, but they get decayed over the time 

Burial means losing forever

*3) Buried Talent Lost forever*

The third servant will not get another opportunity to use the talent

Buried talent is lost forever, because it will be taken from him and will be given to the one who has already ten talents 

None of the buried  things grow. Likewise none of the buried talents will grow

Talents are not for burial but to use and to grow in it 

*4) Cause for the Burial of the talent*

*Wrong imagination about the Master*

The third servant thought that the master  *was a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.*

*Lparable and wickedness of the servant*

This also becomes one of the reasons why the third servant buried the talent 

Laziness and wickedness always try to find fault in others 

*5) Fear of Losing is most dangerous*

The third servant had this problem 

Because he was frightened about losing it, he buried the talent and returned it safely to the Master

The moment one is frightened of losing anything he/she tries to safeguard it by burying it 

*6) Without Risk, nothing is possible*

This is one of the most  powerful lessons from this parable

Nothing is possible unless we take a certain amount of risk

Risk is the part and parcel of making business

By taking risk and doing a sincere work, still one loses whatever they have, God will be more merciful towards us 

Without taking risk returning the God given  talents is a biggest crime 

Christian spirituality consists in taking risk and not sitting in the comfortable room

Am I using my talents or not?

Have I buried my talents? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Title : Dishonest Judge

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:1-8*

*First Reading : Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9*

*The Title : Dishonest Judge*

*1) The Judge in the Gospel*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the judge and His ministry in the Gospel

In the beginning He was called a certain Judge in a village 

Towards the middle of the Story Jesus calls this Judge as *Dishonest Judge*

So there is a shift from the Judge to the Dushines Judge

*2) Why He is Dishonest Judge*

The Gospel gives us two reasons for his dishonesty

First of all he never fared God. Fear of God was not present in him 

Secondly there was no human respect in his judgement 

When some one removes God and Fellow beings from ones work or relationship nothing remains 

His judgement becomes irrelevant and merciless because of the absence of God and fellow being 

*3) Dishonest Judge is a very bad and negative title*

The post of *Judge* has a great respect, dignity and value 

People do value their post and they are given high respect for the nature of their work 

So a judge is supposed to give, fair and just judgement in evey case. Such judges are called good judge

But here the judge is called dishonest Judge

Its a most unfortunate title and also it brings down the morale of the Judge 

When a judge is called as dishonest Judge, it is the most disgraceful title a judge can have 

It speaks very bad about ones personality

*4) Dishonesty can be applied to other areas as well*

Like dishonest Judge, there are also other titles which are similar to that 

Dishonest Christian

Dishonest servant

Dishonest worker 

Dishonest teacher

Dishonest religious 

Dishonest Mother 

Dishonest Father 

Dishonest friend 

Dishonest partner

Dishonest cook 

Dishonest Master 

Dishonest leader

Dishonest companion 

Dishonest contractor

Dishonest Engineer

Dishonest politician

*5) What Jesus will call me?*

In the Gospel we saw that, Jesus called the judge as dishonest judge 

What Jesus will call me? 

We see Jesus is calling *You faithful Servant*

*Come you who are blessed by my Father*

Jesus also says to the servant *Well done*

In this context what Jesus will say about my life? 

Will he use the concept of *Dishonest* to any of the areas 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*

Noah, Lot and Son of Man : An emergency Call

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:26-37*

*First Reading : Wis 13:1-9*

*Noah, Lot and Son of Man : An emergency Call*

*1) The Experience During Noah's time*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the happenings during Noah's time 

The refeence of Noah always has the connection to the great Floods 

The great Flood came and it destroyed everyone except Noah and his family 

The reason is also given why they were destroyed.

People were busy with *eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage*. In other words they were busy in worldly things 

They were not aware of anything other than world things. Therefore unprepared people during Noah's time were simply destroyed through the floods 

*2) The experience During Lot's Time*

During the time of Lot, the sins of the people were great

They had gone against the nature and had committed unnatural sins, which were 

Abominable in the sight of the Lord 

They were busy in *eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building*

Fully involved in Worldly things and unnatural sins 

That's why God decided to destroy them all except the family of Lot 

*3) The experience During the time of Son of Man*

The Son of Man refers to Jesus

We are living in Jesus' time 

If so the question is, in what things are we busy 

Is my situation different from that of during Noah and Lot, were people involved in Worldly things and abominable sins? 

This is a serious question to reflect and to ponder over it 

*4) The Noah and Lot's family*

In spite of all the dreadful sins and the destruction of the Lord, Noah and his family also Lot and His family were saved by the Lord 

They were saved because they were righteous before the Lord

So the Lord Saved them. 

What about me and my family? Is my life worthy of attaining a place in Noah's and Lot's family? 

Moreover is my life worthy of attaining a place the Family of Son of Man? 

What would be the judgement of the Son of Man for me and for my Family?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

God's Kingdom is within me and Around me

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:20-25*

*First Reading : Wis 7:22b-8:1*

*God's Kingdom is within me and Around me*

*1) The Kingdom of God is among you*

In today's Gospel Jesus makes a solemn proclamation about the Kingdom of God

He Says *the Kingdom of God is among you*. So it is not somewhere far away from us. Rather it is in and around us 

Since the Kingdom of God, has direct reference to the People of God, it can't be away from us

It must be in and around us 

*2) The Signs of the Kingdom of God*

The presence of Jesus brings about the Kingdom of God

The presence of forgiveness brings about the KOG

The presence of sacrifice brings about the KOG

The presence of humility brings about the KOG

The presence of generosity brings about the KOG

The presence and acceptance of cross  brings about the KOG

The presence of patience brings about the KOG

*3) The Presence of the Kingdom Values*

The presence of Kingdom Values which are mentioned above can be seen and exercised only in the lives of Human Being 

Apart from Human beings, these values have no significance

Likewise apart from Human Beings the Kingdom of God has no relevance

So Kingdom of God is always referred in the context of the wellbeing of the Human Beings

*4) The realisation of the Kingdom of God*

The presence of the Kingdom of God among us is 100% Sure. There is no doubt about it 

But the realisation and experiencing of the Kingdom of God, should be done by us 

Unless we work for it, nothing will happen, even if the Kingdom of God is present among us 

So mere presence of the KOG, does not make any difference, unless we work for it and realise it 

*5) The purpose of our Life*

It is to realise the presence of the Kingdom of God 

We must live our life in such a way that we must experience the kingdom of God in our life and in our surroundings 

If we fail to experience the Kingdom of God, in our life, then there is no meaning for our life

So am I trying to find the Kingdom of God, which is already hidden in my life and around me? 

What are the ways which I implement to find out the Kingdom of God?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

How many lepers were healed? 1 or 10?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : 

*First Reading : 

*How many lepers were healed? 1 or 10??*

*1) The parable of the Ten Lepers*

In the Gospel of Luke we have this beautiful parable where Jesus heals 10 Lepers 

These ten lepers came to meet Jesus with the intention of cure from their Leprosy

The compassionate Jesus healed all of them and set them free from their leprosy

That is why we have a beautiful tag for the parable *The healing of the Ten Lepers*

*2) How many were healed?*

At the outset it appears that all the 10 lepers were healed from their leprosy. The Gospel also speaks about it 

But in reality how many were healed? Is it ten or one? 

This question also makes us to think about the whole process of healing. So the question is how many were healed? 1 or 10?

*3) The complete meaning of Healing*

In this context we need to think the process of healing 

The complete definition of healing could be leant from the one leper who came back to Jesus to thank for the great healing which he experienced in his life 

So the complete healing includes the physical healing and healing of mind and heart 

Physical healing was experienced by all ten Lepers. They were healed from their sickness. 

But only one was healed from the physical, psychological and spiritual perspective 

One who was healed from all the areas, was able to come back and thank the Lord for the healing 

So the complete healing also includes a grateful heart, which was found in 1 leper 

So according to this theory it was only one who was completely healed. Others were partially healed  

*4) Ingratitude is the biggest Leprosy*

We see in the life of 9 lepers who forgot to show a grateful heart to Jesus 

Only one had grateful heart, who came back and thanked the Lord 

 The ingratitude of the 9 lepers could be considered a greater spiritual leprosy than the physical leprosy 

Such a leprosy is more dangerous than the physical leprosy

So all 9 were suffering from this great leprosy, the leprosy of ingratitude

*5) Need to give more importance to Spiritual Leprosy*

The spiritual leprosy is more dangerous than the physical leprosy

It needs a special mdicie which none of the doctors of this world could prescribe

Only the divine physician Jesus can prescribe the medicine for spiritual leprosy

So it is necessary to pay attention to uproot the spiritual leprosy

*6) The List of Spiritual leprosy*

The ungrateful heart 

The indifferent attitude 

The jealousy heart 

The proud and boastful behavior

The narrow mentality 

The arrogant behavior

The uncontrollable anger 

The revengeful behavior

The selfish attitude

The attachment to position, power, wealth and pleasure

Am I ready to uproot these things which causes spiritual leprosy 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*

We are unprofitable servants

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:7-10*

*First Reading : Wis 2:23:3:9*

*We are unprofitable servants*

*1) Servant With Duty*

The Gospel speaks about the Servant and the duty

The servant does his duty. In return the Master does not show any gratefulness, because both Master and the servant know that it is the part of ones duty 

There is nothing special in it. So the Master need not show any gratefulness to servant and servant should not expect any gratefulness from the master

*2) The concept of unprofitability*

This concept tells us that every work is as a service

Jesus says that every labourer deserves his/her wage 

Wage and profit are two different things 

Here the servant is paid with the wage. But his work is not profit making business 

It is a service oriented work. 

*3) God's work and  Profit making Business*

These two works do not go together. They belong to different realms

That's how the concept of unprofitability comes in 

God's work is done not for the profit but as a service

So with God's work one should not expect any profit. 

Unprofitability is the hallmark of God's work 

*4) The great challenge  of unprofitability*

The world runs after profit and profitable business

People hardly think about unprofitable business or Service oriented work 

So the influence of profitable business also seen in God's work 

So there is a real challenge to make God's work as service without making it as a profitable business

*5) Unprofitable Servant*

A follower of Jesus is purely a unprofitable servant 

First of all, it tells us that not to make God's work as profitable business

Secondly, the followers of Jesus should have service motives in every work and not the profit 

The acceptance of the concept of unprofitability, helps the followers of Jesus to serve better, and to become witnesses of Jesus in an effective way. 

Am I convinced that, I am a unprofitable servant of Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Mustard seed uprooting the Mulberry Tree

GOSPEL THOUGHS

Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:1-6*

*First Reading : Wis 1:1-7*

*Mustard seed uprooting the Mulberry Tree*

*1) The Size of the Mulberry Tree*

The Sycamore-mulberry tree has a damaging and invasive root system.

The root system spreads far and deep.  It grows quickly; with roots that densely DOMINATE the surrounding soil areas. 

These roots can cause foundational problems to whatever is planted nearby. 

Apparently, it does not penetrate foundations; but it so affects the surrounding soil of the foundation, that it can create problems for  other plants 

*2) The symbolic meaning of the Roots of mulberry tree*

Definitely here the roots or the mulberry tree stands for negative things in our life 

The strong roots of sin could be identified with the roots of mulberry tree. Likewise there are many other things which represent the roots of mulberry tree. This could be the following 

The roots of the desires of flesh

The roots of pride 

The roots of beauty 

The roots of arrogance

The roots of self-righteousness 

The roots of anger 

The roots of selfishness

The roots of authority

The roots of desire for money 

The roots of position

The roots of wealth 

The roots of these things grow like the roots of mulberry tree in our life 

*3) Size of the mustard seed*

Mustard seed has special significance in the Bible 

We have a parable of the mustard seed, where it sprouts and then grows into a tall tree 

The branches of this tree are used by the birds of the air to create their nests 

So mustard seed represents  a simple beginning and  powerful growth 

*4) Need of Strengthening the roots of mustard seed*

The only one way to control the roots of mulberry tree is to strengthen the roots of mustard seed 

The moment the roots of mustard seed become powerful, it can control the roots of mulberry tree 

This is very challenging mission but not impossible

*5) The symbolic meaning of the mustard seed*

The mustard seed represents the following things in our life 

The seed of prayer 

The seed of devotion

The seed of love

The seed of simplicity

The seed of humility

The seed of forgiveness

The seed of service

The seed of sacrifice

The seed of generosity

The seed of patience 

The seed of tolerance

*6) Seed has the capacity to grow*

Seed always represents growth in our life 

It always represents the upword growth in our life 

Seed always represents the creativity and has the capacity to replace something 

*7) Mustard seed uprooting the mulberry tree*

This is the spirituality of Christian life 

Jesus through the Cross, uprooted the tree of sin, which was planted by the Satan 

May uprooted the tree of disobedience by using the simple seed of obedience 

Before the seed of faith, the seed of evil has no life 

Before the seed of service, the seed of corruption has no life 

So there are planty of roots of the mulberry tree in and around us, which we need to uproot by the power of mustard seed 

Am I ready for this mission? 

*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 Oil in our life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 32nd Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 25:1-13*

*First Reading : Wis 6:12-16*

*SECOND READING 1 Thes 4:13-18 or 4:13-14*

*The importance of the Oil in our life*

*1) The Gospel on the Oil*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the oil and its importance in our day to day life 

In the context of Marriage Jesus speaks about the use of oil in the celebration of the oil

Oil can decide the entire mood of celebration. Those who were with the oil were able to participate in the celebration. Whereas those who didn't have oil were deprived of the marriage celebration

*2) The flasks of Oil*

Those wise virgins took the flasks of oil along with the lamp 

The foolish had only the lamp, which might have had a little oil 

But the flasks of oil clearly indicates a separate container which was used to carry the oil 

So flasks of Oil clearly indicates the extra oil which was needed for the wedding celebration 

It also speaks about the alertness and thr preparedness to face any casualties

*3) Symbolic meaning of the oil*

Oil stands for our *personal relationship with God*. This could be one of the best explanations of oil 

Oil is also the symbol of the *Holy Spirit.* Presence of oil indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit

Oil stands for *Character and Christian values*. Such a oil makes our life meaningful and happy 

Oil stands for *Spiritual Capital* If the Spiritual capital is powerful then spiritually we become very rich 

Oil also stands for our *Christian Faith* which we have received at the time of Baptism. Need to check this oil very often

Oil stands for *Forgiveness* Such a oil helps us to celebrate life. Absence of such oil makes our life miserable

Oil stands for *Gospel values* like humility, truthfulness, trust, hope, love, service, sacrifice, cooperation, patience, tolerance etc 

*4) Oil which can't obtain at the last moment*

a) a good relationship with God, which can't be obtained at last moment

b) good character, which needs a long preparation

c) merits from good deeds of sharing, forgiving love and humble service done to others.

 d) Faith, which can't be achieved at the last moment

*5) Oil : Which you can't borrow from others*

Oil also stands for certain things in our life, which we can't borrow from others 

The oil of forgiveness

The oil of humility

The oil of patience

The oil of simplicity

The oil of love 

The oil of sacrifice 

The oil of service

The oil of goodness

*6) Oil : You can't depend on others*

There are many things which we can't depend on others to enter into the marriage celebration

You can't borrow humility from others 

You can't borrow service from others 

You can't borrow goodness from others 

You can't borrow generosity of others 

You can't borrow smile from others 

You can't borrow joyfulness from others 

You can't borrow happiness from others 

You can't borrow goodness of others 

You can't borrow good relationship from others 

*7) The Oil we lack in our Life*

Oil of kindness

Oil of compassion

Oil of forgiveness

Oil of patience

Oil of sympathy

Oil of wisdom

Oil of love 

Oil of hope 

Oil of humility

We need to strive ourselves to fill the flasks of our life with the above oils

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The mission of Separation in our life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 25:31-40*

*First Reading : Is 61:1-3abcd*

*The mission of Separation in our life*

*1) Jesus on Separation*

In the Gospel of the day Jesus speaks about the separation

The separation of Good and and Bad 

The separation between right side and left side 

This separation is very important even in our life 

*2) The separation of right and Left side*

In today's Gospel we also see the separation based on right side and left side 

Right side depicted as good and left side is depicted as bad 

Accordingly we see the judgement by the Lord. Right side people are those who do good and left side people are those who do evil 

*3) The separation of Good and Bad*

The separation also based on what is good and what is bad 

This also shows the importance of separating good from bad and finally treating the bad in a different way 

Good is rewarded, whereas the bad is condemned for destruction

*4) The importance of Right Side*

In the Bible right side has deep significance 

The Son of man always sits at the  right side of God 

The thief on the right side was saved and entered into the kingdom

The people on the right side were blessed By the Lord 

Right hand is used to  bless the people 

*5) Things needed for separation*

In order to separate good from bad we need the following things in our life 

The power of prayer

The power of forgiveness

The need of humility

The need of truthfulness

The need of love 

The need of service

The need of selflessness

The need of simplicity

The need of accepting ones weakness

The need of sacrifice

The need of genuineness

*6) Destruction of the Bad things*

The Gospel also speaks about the destruction of the bad things 

Ultimately all the bad things are destroyed and good things are rewarded

By separating the bad things from our life we can destroy them very easily 

That creates the need of separation of the good from bad. 

Am I working sincerely towards the separation of good from the bad?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What is that people hear about me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week :Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 16:1-8*

*First Reading : Rom 15:14-21*

*What is that people hear about me?*

*1) What is this I hear about you?*

The Gospel of the day has this particular question

A rich man had a steward, who was given in charge of looking after the property and the accounts

The steward, manipulated the accounts and was not sincere about showing the accounts 

The owner got the information about his manipulation. In this context the rich man asks about the 

steward *What is this I hear about you?*

*2) We are all Stewards*

The steward is appointed by the owner. Like wise all of us chosen and appointed by God

The responsibility of the steward is to look after the affairs of the Master, maintain a correct account and finally submit the whole account to the Master

Like God's Steward, we are suppose to take care of the mission which was entrusted to us, and to submit the accounts to the Master 

We are the Stewards of the God given life. We are supposed to take care of this life, maintain a correct account of our life and to submit it when the owner asks for it  

*3) What is that, God hear about my life?*

Since we are the Steward of God, we have the responsibility, of submitting the fare account

So reflecting about my responsibility, what would be the answer for the above question? 

What is that God is hearing about my life? 

Will God hear from my life, that  He/she is a sincere or faithful person! 

Will God hear from my life that He/she is very committed person, humble person, lovable person, reliable person etc 

*4) What is that people hear about my Life?*

There are people around me. I can't live in an island. If so whatever I do, it will create some opinion about me among them 

If so, that is that people speak about me and others hear about me? 

Do they say that he/she is a very helpful person, simple, sincerer, lovable, forgiving and joyful person?

Will they say that he/she is a God fearing, prayerful, forgiving, just, truthful and generous person 

Or will they hear about me others saying  that he/she is very proud, arrogant, angry, revengeful, money minded, selfish and self centered person

*5) What is my  conscience hear about my life*

Conscience is my inner voice, which always speaks about my life 

Voice of the conscience is the genuine source to know the real situation of my life 

If so, what is that I hear about my life from my conscience? 

Am I able to hear the voice of the conscience? 

*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 Lateran Basilica

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Thursday*

*The Feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica*

*Gospel : Jn 2:13-22*

*First Reading : Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12*

*The need of Driving out the,   animals and money changers from the temple area, by Using the Whip*

*1) Business in the Temple Area*

Today as we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Gospel speaks about the use of the temple for business

During the Passover feast, temple was being used for the business more than for prayer and to experience God 

In this context Jesus enters into the temple and drives out the the business people along with thier things 

Jesus uses the Whip which was made out of cords to drive out the animals and business people 

*2) Life is a Temple of the Holy Spirit*

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

Since our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we need to maintain the decorum of this temple 

The temple should be the instrument to experience God and to praise God 

But at times our body may become centre of business to achieve our own selfish purpose

In such case we need to use the Whip made out of cords to drive out this business

*3) The possible Business which may take place in our life*

When a person gives His service only for money. In other words every service is charged

*Bribe* is another sophisticated way of turning our life into a business centre 

Using God given talents for money and not for service and to praise God 

Using ones profession only for money and not for service 

When the beauty of the body is used to show onself, to make money and to gain material benefits, body becomes a business centre 

*4) Things which work like a Whip of Cord*

Jesus used the whip to drive the business people and animals from temple area 

We need the following whip made out various cords  

The whip of prayer

The whip of Eucharist

The whip of Rosary

The whip of Forgiveness

The whip of sincerity

The whip of love

The whip of generosity

The whip of care 

The whip of concern 

The whip of humility 

The whip of service 

The whip of discipline

The whip of sacrifice 

The whip of trust

*5) Rededication of the Temple*

This particular feast also calls us to reflect about the rededication of the temple 

The body as the temple of the Holy Spirit need to rededicate everyday

By rededication, we become aware of the purpose of this temple and to live our life in an effective way

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The need to prepare and calculate the Resources to construct the Tower of Holy Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:25-43*

*First Reading : Rom 13:8-10*

*The need to prepare and calculate the Resources to construct the Tower of Holy Life*

*1) The Preparation to construct the Tower*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the construction of a tower and the preparation involved in it 

To construct a tower, one needs various material, personnel, and the various machinery 

All these includes the costs. That's why, a thorough planning, and preparation is needed to calculate the total cost of the project 

*2) Preparation and Calculation needed to construct the Tower of Holy life*

The purpose of our life is to live a holy life, to praise God  and to see His wonderful things in our life 

Holy Life is like a big tower which needs a long preparation, a good planning and lots of resources 

All these things will help us in building the tower of Holy Life. 

*3) Resources Needed to Construct the Tower of Holy Life*

*A well disciplined Prayer life* First requirement to build the tower of Holy life 

*Moral Integrity* This is also equally important to build the tower of Holy life 

*Hard work with sincerity* This becomes the foundation of the tower of Holy Life 

Other resources like, humility, simplicity, hope, love, charity, generosity, forgiveness, truthfulness, cooperation, knowledge, sacrifice, sharing, are other resources which are needed to build the tower of Holy life 

*4) The Tower can't be hidden*

A tower always shows itself to every one. It can't be hidden at any time 

In fact the tower always attracts people to itself and has the capacity to create a kind of wonder at those who watch it 

The tower of Holy Life, not only shines before others, but it is able to attract people and also able influence to follow the discipline of the tower of Holy Life 

At times it becomes a reference point, which can show direction and guidance. The same logic is applied to the tower of Holy life 

*5) The Tower of Holy life and My Life*

How does the tower of Holy life is built in my life? 

Is if built on the Strong foundation called sacrifice, service and Love? 

The logic of the Cross is very much necessary to build the tower of Holy life. If so, what is the Role of the Cross of Jesus in my life, in constructing the tower of Holy life? 

Have I ever calculated  the available resources to build the tower of Holy life? 

Have a ever used all the talents, skills, resources like time, opportunities and other things to build the tower of Holy life? 

*6) The tower of Material life and the Tower of Holy life*

Many of us are busy in building the tower of material life, by using the every opportunity and the available resources 

Even some time people manipulate the whole resources to build the tower of material life

How about the tower of Holy life? How eager I am in building the tower of holy life? 

Finally the tower of Holy life, not only remains for ever but it connects us to the heaven and reaches us to heaven 

Where as the tower of material life, can't reach us to heaven. It collapses like a Tower of Babel 

*7) Tower of Holy life is like a ladder to Heaven*

This is the simplest and straight ladder to heaven 

One who succeeds in building the tower of Holy life is able to construct a ladder to heaven 

Once the ladder is ready, one can easily travel to heaven without much difficulty. 

How is the ladder of my life? How is the tower of Holy life 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*

How do I respond to the invitation of the Lord/King?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:15-24*

*First Reading : Rom 12:5-16ab*

*How do I respond to the invitation of the Lord/King?*

*1) Gospel on invitation*

Invitation plays a very important role in our life 

For every function beginning from Christening till the death anniversaries we have variety of invitation to different functions 

With invitation we invite our beloved people to participate in our Joy and celebration

*2) Jesus on Invitation*

In the New Testament we have variety of invitations by Jesus 

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Mt 11:28

You are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:40

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink* John 7:37

‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Mt 25:34

He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Mt 14:29

Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; John 1:39

"Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." Mt 6:30 

In today's Gospel we hear *Come, everything is now ready.*

So there are multiple invitations by Jesus to join with him, in his Joy and Happiness

*3) Response to the Invitation*

The Gospel of the day also calls us to reflect about the response to the invitation

The first one asked for and excuse because he was involved in the purchase of property. At times attachment to the property makes people to ignore the invitation and failing in responding

The second one was involved in the business of things or animals. His love for things did not allow him to respond to the invitation of the Master

The third one was just married. He might have been carried away by the sensual pleasure, which didn't allow him to respond to the invitation of the master 

In a way these are symbolically show us, that  the attachment to above things, take us away from responding to the Lord's invitation

*4) Jesus' daily invitations to us*

Evey day Jesus gives us invitation to many things 

Invitation to forgive

Invitation to love

Invitation to smile 

Invitation to serve 

Invitation to pray

Invitation to sacrifice

Invitation to help

Invitation to show concern

Invitation to practice patience

Invitation to share 

Invitation to respect

Invitation to adjust 

Invitation to tolerate

Invitation to behave as human being 

*5) How do I respond to the Master's Invitation?*

What is my response?

Do I respond or just ignore the invitation? 

What are the real challenges in my life, to respond to the Master's invitation?  

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The beauty of the Reward from God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:12-14*

*First Reading : Rom 11:29-36*

*The beauty of the Reward from God*

*1) Jesus on reciprocal reward*

Jesus begins today's Gospel with the concept of reciprocal reward 

Jesus talks in the context of hosting a dinner to friends, relatives, family members  and wealthy neighbors

Jesus says, whenever one hosts a dinner to the members of this circle, they will invite inturn for the meals 

So whatever one has given will get it back from the close circles

*2) Hosting a dinner to the Needy*

Further Jesus speaks about hosting a dinner to the needy, especially to the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 

Whenever one shares the meals with them, they are not in a situation to call back and host a dinner in return 

So whatever one shares does not get from the people from those with whom he has shared his meals 

*3) Reward is definite*

There is doubt about it. Jesus says *And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”* Mt 10:42

This statement of Jesus shows that even a slightest good deed will be rewarded by our heavenly Father 

So whenever one hosts the dinner for the needy, the reward comes from elsewhere, and  not  from needy people 

*4) The reward from God*

This is a beautiful concept which is found in today's Gospel

Jesus says, *blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”*

So, every good deed is rewarded by God 

*5) The speciality of God's reward*

It lasts forever. It is a eternal reward. This reward saves us and gives us, eternal life 

God's reward also shows us that we are just and righteous people. 

Only good and holy people are eligible for God's reward 

*6) Reward from our fellow being*

Such a reward gives us only temporary satisfaction

Reciprocal reward from our fellow being, nullifies the Reward from God 

When the other repays for my service, God has nothing to repay for my dervie

But this reward, has only temporary satisfaction

*7) From whom do I expect rewards?*

If I am expecting from my fellowbeing, God has nothing to reward for me 

If I am expecting from God, then I must learn give selfless service without expecting any Reward. 

It is better to expect reward from God than from human beings 

So from Whom do I expect the rewards? God or Human Beings?  

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Philosophy of Chair

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:1-12*

*First Reading : Mal 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10*

*SECOND READING - 1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13*

*The Philosophy of Chair*

*1) The Role of the Chair*

All of us are familiar with the Chair and we use chair in different situation

But Chair in this particular context refers to a different meaning 

Here Chair represents the concept of Power, position and the responsibly

In our daily life we see the struggle for Chair, especially in the political circles 

Chair also takes a very important place in every ones life 

*2) Chair/Seat of Moses*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Chair or seat of Moses 

Moses’ seat refers to the authority that the scribes and Pharisees hold as teachers of the Law and religious leaders. 

When Moses was Israel's leader he spoke to the people as God's representative and taught them according to the word of God.

*3) The Chair of Moses and the Scribes and the Pharisees*

THE religious leaders in Jesus's day inherited, Moses’ position as the teachers of the Law, but they were so far from God when it came to being examples of love, mercy, and faith. 

They were severe and strict in their interpretations and applications of the Law but they themselves were not subject to those interpretations or applications

There was perfect balance between what he taught and what he practiced, when it comes to Moses. But there is a contradiction, when it comes to the life of Scribes and Pharisees about what they preached and practiced. 

*4) Chair in Christian Spirituality*

In the Christian spirituality chair represents responsibility, service and humility 

Chair is not merely a symbol of power, but power for service and to liberate the neighbor from the bondage of slavery of sin, sickness, poverty and difficulties

Chair is Christianity represents work for the Lord, to build the Kingdom of God, to become shining examples of the Gospel and to work for the mission of the Lord 

*5) Respect for those who are on the Chair*

Jesus says *do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you*

Chair has a place and one who is on the chair should be respected 

At the same time, it is also the responsibility of the person who is on the chair to do his responsibility with utmost sincerity

*6) All of us are on the Chair*

In our day today life, in one way or the other we are on the chair, which make us to think about our responsibility 

Being the parents we are on the chair

Being the leaders of the community we are on the chair

Being the leaders of various associations we are on the chair 

So it calls for us to exercise our duty with utmost sincerity

At the same time we need to remember that 

Chair is not for personal glory

Chair is not for enjoying the power 

Chair is not for manipulating

Chair is not for hidden agenda

Chair is not for exercising ones personal plans 

Chair is not for showing ones talents 

Chair is not for making money 

Chair is for service 

Chair is for good works 

Chair is for showing mercy 

Chair is for showing right direction

Chair is for love

Chair is for Gospel values 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Moving towards Higher position in Spiritual life always brings joy and great respect before others

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:1, 7-11*

*First Reading : Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29*

*Moving towards Higher position in Spiritual life always brings joy and great respect before others*

*1) Gospel on Moving towards Higher position*

The incident in today's Gospel speaks about moving towards higher position and its benefits 

Moving towards higher position indicates a kind of growth in the life of the individual person 

Only one who works for the growth can think of moving towards higher position  

*2) Higher position in material things*

All of us concerned about the material well-being of our life and we work hard to move towards the higher position, in achieving the material things 

Every individual person and and every work done by the human being, tries to move towards higher position

Using the right means and through the hardwork, if one moves towards the higher position, such a person has the fulfillment of achieving the higher position 

*3) Higher position in Spiritual Life*

Like our Material wellbeing there is also higher position in our spiritual life 

All of us are invited to move towards the higher position in our spiritual life 

Moving towards the higher position is  the real and definite goal of our life 

*4) Ways of Achieving the higher position in our Spiritual Life*

A disciplined way of prayer  life 

Every day reading of the Scriptures

Regular celebration of the Eucharist

Regularly making confession and evaluating the growth

Spending time before the blessed Sacrament

Faithful to the family prayer - Rosary

Practicing forgiveness, patience, generosity, humility, sincerity, service reconciliation

All these things will help us to move towards higher position in our spiritual life

*5) What is my Position*

With regard to my Spiritual life, where am I now? 

Am I struck in my growth or still I am moving towards the higher position? 

What are the real challenges which I face, in moving towards the higher position in my spiritual life? 

What are my sincere efforts to move towards the higher position in my spiritual life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Immediate action for Spiritual and for material things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:1-6*

*First Reading : Rom 9:1-5*

*Immediate action for Spiritual and  for material things*

*1) Spiritual and Material wellbeing*

The Gospel of the day speaks about two types of wellbeing. The spriri and the material wellbeing 

The Gospel also gives us two categories of people and the two different types of views 

*2) The immediacy for the material things*

Jesus gives two examples to show how people immediately react or respond to the material needs 

A persons response to the situation where his son has fallen into the well 

Another persons response to the situation where his ox has fallen into the well

There is no time to think about the action which is required to save either son or ox 

Spontaneously the action comes and rescue operation begins 

*3) The need of immediacy for the spiritual wellbeing*

The Pharisees and a group of people were of the opinion that, on the sabbath day, there can't be urgency for any needs 

Jesus was curing people from their physical as well as from other sicknesses

He was also helping the people for their spiritual well-being

But Pharisees were not happy with the good works of Jesus 

In this context Jesus brings a comparison between the spiritual and material wellbeing and urges the people about the urgency for the spiritual well-being

*4) Bodily wounds and Wounds on the Soul*

When it comes to the bodily wounds we are very quick to treat it and to get well from the pain and suffering 

What about the Wounds of our Soul? Are we quick in treating the wounds of the Souls?

What we do, when there are some wounds on the Soul? How quick I am in treating the wounds? 

*5) The Wounds of the Soul*

Every Sin creates a wound on our soul, and our soul suffers from pain 

Such wounds needs to be treated quickly for the relief of the pain 

The following things create wounds on our souls

Arrogance

Pride

Anger 

Gossip

Selfishness

Revenge

Fights 

Inflicting pain on others 

Treating others like slaves 

Misusing the power and authority

*6) Things which help us in immediacy in Spiritual things*

Prayer and repentance

Confession

Sacrifice

Reconciliation

Forgiveness

Patience

Service to the needy 

How quick I am in repairing the Spiritual things?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Great Reminders of All Souls Day

All Souls Day

*GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel :  Jn 6:37-40*

*First Reading : Wis 3:1-9*

*Great Reminders of All Souls Day*

*1) Dead people are not forgotten*

This particular feast reminds us that, dead people are not forgotten but they are still with us 

Death can't take away our beloved people from us. Even though bodily they are not with us, but they are with us in many other ways 

*2) Dead people live in our memory*

Memory is one of the finest powers which God has given us. With memory we are able to remember many things 

The memory of those people who have departed from us, is always present with us

So with our memory, the departed people with us and we relate with them through the memory 

*3) Dead people live in our relationship*

Death can't take away  the relationship with our beloved people 

Family ties remains forever whatever may be the case. Even death is helpless to destroy the family relationship. 

Father will remain as Father or Mother will remain as Mother. Death can't take away this relationship. We can never forget our beloved people in any situations

So the deparered people live in the relationship

*4) Tomb is not the permanent place*

This feast also reminds us that Tomb is not the permanent place 

It is a temporary place, from there we move to another place. 

Heaven is the permanent place. So we pray for the departed people, so that from the tomb they may safely reach to the permanent place which is heaven 

*5) Prayers are needed for the dead people*

The Church reminds us on this particular day that we need to pray for the departed people 

Our prayers have the power to change the destiny of the departed souls 

Prayers can help the departed souls in thier journey towards eternal abode 

So need to pray for the departed souls 

*6) Death is inevitable*

This feast also reminds us that no one can escape death 

It will have its day in our life. We have to be ready at any time. 

Death has no time, date, or moment. It can come at any moment 

All of us will have to face death. So we need to prepare for death. Its very important 

*7) Resurrection & Eternal life is the Final destiny*

This feast also shows the reality of resurrection and  the eternal life which is the part of human life 

With Jesus' resurrection it is very clear that, all have the opportunity to rise and move towards eternal abode 

So this also reminds us about our preparation for the life after death

*8) Life after Death is a beautiful concept*

This concept shows the continuity and not the dead end 

Life after death, shows the second level of our life 

Here life after death also shows the defeat of death

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Way to sainthood : Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:1:12*

*First Reading : Rv 7:2-4, 9-14*

*SECOND READING - 1 Jn 3:1–3*

*Way to sainthood : Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness*

*1) Hunger and Thirst in our Life*

Every human being knows what is to experience hunger and Thirst

It is something natural to our life. 

At the same time hunger and thirst can't be postponed 

Person who is hungry and thirty can not keep quiet. He/she has to do something to face the situation

*2) Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness*

The Gospel speaks about the huger and thirst in the context of righteousness

Righteousness is a quality of being morally right and justifiable

Righteous person is the who is pure in heart and mind and he/she close to God 

Righteousness is also a close step to sainthood and purity 

*3)  Having hunger and thirst for righteousness*

This is something very special in our life 

When some one has the thirst and hunger for righteousness, it leads a person to achieve holiness

The hunger and thirst for righteousness will not allow the person sit quiet, but will make to work for it 

Such a motivation will help a person to achieve something good in life 

*4) Need to Develop hunger and Thirst*

As followers of Jesus we need to develop the huger and thirst for the following things 

The hunger & Thirst for Love

The hunger & Thirst for service

The hunger & Thirst for sacrifice

The hunger & Thirst for generosity

The hunger & Thirst for humility

The hunger & Thirst for forgiveness

The hunger & Thirst for prayer 

The hunger & Thirst for the  mercy of God 

The hunger & Thirst for patience 

The hunger & Thirst for hard work 

*5) All Saints Day : The hunger and thirst for righteousness*

All saints had deep hunger and thirst for righteousness. Therefore they became saints 

Their hunger and thirst didn't allow them to remain idle, but to work for righteousness. 

All saints day, once again reminds us to check about our hunger thirst for righteousness

*6) All Saints Day and my Name*

All saints include known and unknown  But the question is what about my name 

While honouring all the saints, am I eligible for this title? 

Will my name included in All Saints?

What should I do in order that my name be the part of all Saints?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The need and necessity of Mustard seed growing into a bush/Tree

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:18-21*

*First Reading : Rom 8:18-25*

*The need and necessity of Mustard seed growing into a bush/Tree*

*1) Bush in the Bible*

Most of the translations use the word *Tree*. The mustard seed grew and became a tree 

But New American Bible uses another word that is *Bush*. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush 

In the Bible we come across the concept of Bush in the context of the call of Moses 

Here we have burning Bush. *The burning bush represents God's intention to destroy 'sin and dispense grace'*

So it has a deep meaning to our spiritual life 

*2) Burning Bush - destroyer of Sin and Despenser of Grace*

In destroying the Sin Bush places a very important role 

Likewise the in despensing God's grace, the burning bush also plays a very important role 

So Bush is very relevant to our faith life  

*3) Mustard seed growing into a Bush*

Bush also represent the growth and strength of the seed 

When seed becomes a bush, it grows to its full strength and has the capacity to produce the fruit 

When mustard seed grows into like a bush, it can produce lots of results 

*4) Mustard seed in our life*

There are number of things in our life which can be compared to mustard seed 

The mustard seed of forgiveness

The mustard seed of love 

The mustard seed of humility

The mustard seed of service

The mustard seed of generosity

The mustard seed of sacrifice

The mustard seed of patience

The mustard seed of sincerity

The mustard seed of prayer 

The mustard seed of hope 

The mustard seed of faithfulness

The mustard seed of courage

The mustard seed of cooperation

There is a need to grow these seeds into a strong bush 

*5) The Bush of Gospel Values*

When these above mustard seeds grow into a bush, in our life we create a strong bush of Gospel values

When such great bush starts burning, it destroys all the sin in our life 

It also despenes God's grace into our life. 

So the Bush and burning bush works as a great miracle in our life 

*6) The Growth of mustard seed in my life*

Having understood the value of the growth of mustard seed, it is very important to check the growth of the mustard seed in my life 

How far the mustard seed has grown in my life? 

Which are the areas have  really grown like bush and working as burning bush in our life? 

What is the need of my life to have burning bush? 

Which are the areas in my life, which the burning bush needs to burn or destroy?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

There is no particular time, day or moment to do good : Good is Done at all time

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:10-17*

*First Reading : Rom 8:12-17*

*There is no particular time, day or moment to do good : Good is Done at all time*

*1) The Leader of the Synagogue on doing good*

The understanding of the Leader of the Synagogue, was very narrow and wrongly motivated 

According to Him, except on sabbath day, people can work or do good to others 

But on the sabbath day, since one is not supposed to work, no question of doing any type of work, including the good work 

This is the issue which is being discussed in today's Gospel

*2) Jesus on doing Good*

Jesus came to this world to do good and Jesus went on doing good 

Jesus didn't see the perticu day or time, or moment to do good 

The Gospel of the day presents to us a situation where Jesus cures a woman on the sabbath day, who was under the power of Satan for 18 years 

So, for Jesus doing good becomes the primary tasks of his mission, which can be done at any moment    

*3) Good must be done at all times*

By curing a woman on the sabbath day, Jesus clearly gives a message that, Good can be done at any moment. 

There is no particular date, time, or moment to do the good work, but at any moment depends on the need and the gravity of the situation, one can do good any time 

*4) Doing Good does not break any law*

The synagogue leader was of the opinion that by doing something good on the sabbath day, is equal to breaking of the law 

Jesus shows, by doing good no law is broken, at any moment or at any time 

So, doing good does not result in breaking of any laws 

*5) There is no Holiday for doing Good"*

From Jesus' life, it is very clear that, there is no Holiday for doing good 

All days, all moments, are equally important to do good

The concept of Holiday does not apply in doing good 

By doing good, we radiate the God's goodness to others 

*6) How about my life?*

There is only a limited time to do good. One should utilize this time in doing good 

Since there is only a limited time to do good, there is no question of thinking of doing  bad

Good works bring God's blessings. Bad works produce only bad effects in our life 

I have been chosen and sent by the Lord, to do good and only Good 

What Good do I do every day? Am I satisfied in doing good or still more good works needed to do? 

*7)  Simple Good Works*

Giving a smile 

Appreciation for good things 

Thanking for the good things 

Practicing patience

Practicing humility

Practicing forgiveness

Cooperation in good works 

Service whenever needed

Practicing generosity

Practicing discipline

Helping others 

Being with others/ needy 

Sharing the pains of others 

Giving good example

Encouragement for the little ones  

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*