The Nazarene Syndrome

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 4th Week: Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 6:1-6*

*First Reading : 2 Sam 24:2, 9-17*

*The Nazarene Syndrome*

*1) What is Nazarene Syndrome?*

It could be identified with the reaction and attitude of those people towards Jesus 

When Jesus came to his own native place Nazareth, they didn't accept him. Instead they rejected him

There are many reasons which are cited for the rejection of Jesus by his own people 

So this particular attitude could be identified some times with Nazarene Syndrome

*2) Nazarene Syndrome consists the following things*

*A) Person is  judged from where he/she comes from*

This is one of the symptoms of this syndrome

Place becomes more important than the person 

Same thing happened to Jesus. He was wrongly judged from where he came from and not on what he actually said 

*B) Person is judged from his/her family background*

Once again the family plays a very important role in this syndrome

If the family comes from a very high reputed status, that itself is sufficient. What the person actually does, it doesn't matter 

On the other hand, if the family belongs to a very low status, then whatever the person says, has no value

*C) Person is judged from the work one does*

Is he not the carpenters Son? This is how they looked at Jesus 

The work - Whether it is very high reputed work or ordinary work, the background, and other things play in deciding the worth of the person 

*D) Position is important and not what he/she says*

This is another problem of this syndrome

Position becomes a trump card. If the position is high whatever the person says, becomes a Gospel truth. If there is no position Whatever truth you say, it has no meaning 

*E) Refusal to see good things*

People those who suffer from this syndrome, don't want to see the good things in others 

They see only the negatives and criticise the same 

*F) Problem of Familiarity*

Familiarity also plays a very important role in the negative sense 

Too much of *Familiarity breeds contempt*

This also becomes a problem in recognizing the worth of a person 

*3) Am I victim of this Syndrome?*

This is a very serious question to reflect 

When it comes to my relationship with Jesus, How do I accept Jesus?

How deeply do I know about Jesus?  Or is my understanding only at the peripheral level? 

Is the attitude of those people who lived in Nazareth corresponds to my life? 

How do I come out of this syndrome?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

*1) What is Nazarene Syndrome?*

It could be identified with the reaction and attitude of those people towards Jesus 

When Jesus came to his own native place Nazareth, they didn't accept him. Instead they rejected him

There are many reasons which are cited for the rejection of Jesus by his own people 

So this particular attitude could be identified some times with Nazarene Syndrome

*2) Nazarene Syndrome consists the following things*

*A) Person is  judged from where he/she comes from*

This is one of the symptoms of this syndrome

Place becomes more important than the person 

Same thing happened to Jesus. He was wrongly judged from where he came from and not on what he actually said 

*B) Person is judged from his/her family background*

Once again the family plays a very important role in this syndrome

If the family comes from a very high reputed status, that itself is sufficient. What the person actually does, it doesn't matter 

On the other hand, if the family belongs to a very low status, then whatever the person says, has no value

*C) Person is judged from the work one does*

Is he not the carpenters Son? This is how they looked at Jesus 

The work - Whether it is very high reputed work or ordinary work, the background, and other things play in deciding the worth of the person 

*D) Position is important and not what he/she says*

This is another problem of this syndrome

Position becomes a trump card. If the position is high whatever the person says, becomes a Gospel truth. If there is no position Whatever truth you say, it has no meaning 

*E) Refusal to see good things*

People those who suffer from this syndrome, don't want to see the good things in others 

They see only the negatives and criticise the same 

*F) Problem of Familiarity*

Familiarity also plays a very important role in the negative sense 

Too much of *Familiarity breeds contempt*

This also becomes a problem in recognizing the worth of a person 

*3) Am I victim of this Syndrome?*

This is a very serious question to reflect 

When it comes to my relationship with Jesus, How do I accept Jesus?

How deeply do I know about Jesus?  Or is my understanding only at the peripheral level? 

Is the attitude of those people who lived in Nazareth corresponds to my life? 

How do I come out of this syndrome?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus, Woman, and the healing Touch

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 4th Week: Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 5:21-43*

*First Reading : 2 Sm 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30; 19:3*

*Jesus, Woman, and the healing Touch*

*1) Woman afflicted with hemorrhages*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the woman who was afflicted with hemorrhages

The woman was suffering from 12 years, and during these 12 years, she has suffered a lot, spending all her money 

The Gospel says, all her efforts went in vain, since her sickness had become worse 

*2) The Woman comes to Jesus*

When all her efforts went in vain, she didn't lose her faith 

She came to know some-how about Jesus and with great difficulty she came to Jesus 

She had firm faith that if she meets she will become well. That's why she came to Jesus 

*3) The Touch of the Woman*

Woman had great faith in Jesus. That made her to believe that, if she only touches his clothes, she shall be cured.

So with this faith and confidence, some how she was able to touch the clothes of Jesus 

And there was a great miracle. Her flow of blood stopped. She was completely healed

This is the miracle of Touch

*4) Who are all Touched?*

The Gospel does not give any information about how many touched Jesus

All we know that, only the woman touched the clothes of Jesus, and she was completely healed 

*5) Is it this only woman who touched Jesus?*

As Jesus was walking on the way, there were many people who were following Jesus 

Obviously, knowingly or unknowingly, some would touch the garment of Jesus

But interestingly, only this wonan,  was cured from here sickness.

Why, others were not experienced  the healing touch of Jesus? 

*6) Faith is the Crucial aspect in the miracle*

Along with the touch, the aspect if faith is very much  necessary

There have been many people who had touched the garments of Jesus, but none of them, except the one woman,  experienced the healing power Jesus 

Since the woman had great faith in Jesus and also about touching of the garment of Jesus, she was made well by Jesus 

Mere touch, without any faith in Jesus will not bring any miracles. 

Today we have many opportunities to touch Jesus. Various instances are, 

Eucharist

Adoration

Reconciliation

Reading scripute

Serving the needy

What is my plan? 

Do I want to touch Jesus?

After touching Jesus, what is my experience

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The different faces of the Evil Spirit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 4th Week: Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 5:1-20*

*First Reading : 2 Sm 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13*

*The different faces of the Evil Spirit*

*1) The terrible faces of the Evil Spirit*

The Gospel of the day, speaks about the various faces of the evil Spirit

What a evil spirit can do to a person? What is its power,? What is the harm it can do to human life? 

All these things can be seen in today's Gospel

*2) Man from the Tombs*

Tombs are meant for dead people 

Only foul smell and dead things are found in the tomb 

It is a scary place and no one wishes to remain in it 

The evil spirit takes a person to that level and makes him to suffer 

*3) He was bound with shackles and chains*

Animals are bound with shakels and chains 

In other words the evil spirit reduces a person to the animal level 

Human being becoming an animal is the greatest tragedy of Life  

*4) He was bruising himself with stones*

This is the another effect of the evil spirit

Self harm is the final effect of the evil spirit. This self harm may result in loss of life and miserable end 

This the another face of the evil spirit 

*5) "Legion is my name"*

This shows another terrible face of the evil spirit 

Legion means *many* a group of the Evil spirits 

A group of evil spirits will take control of the human life, which will make the life terrible and miserable

*6) Happy to go into the pigs*

According to the Bible, pigs are the most unclean animal among the animals 

The evil spirits beggs Jesus to send them into the pigs 

This also shows, how unclean those spirits were 

This is the another terrible face of Evil Spirits

*7) Modern Evils which posses the Human life*

There are many evils which control the human life in the modern day context 

Drugs, drinks, Food, pleasures of the flesh, addiction to  mobile and social media, desire for name, greed for money, power and position, selfishness, etc are the modern devils which which destroy the human life 

Only Jesus can save us. 

How careful I am in my life? 

Am I affected with these evil spirits? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus the destroyer of Evil

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 4th Week: Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:21-28*

*First Reading : Dt 18:15-20*

*SECOND READING 1 Cor 7:32-35*

*Jesus the destroyer of Evil*

*1) Have you come to destroy us?*

These are the words which came from evil Spirit

This shows that evil spirit clearly knew that, Jesus had the power to destroy the evil spirits 

In other words the evil spirits were frightened of Jesus because they could not stand before Jesus  

*2) Jesus is the destroyer of the Evil Spirits*

The Gospel makes it very clear that, finally Jesus casts out the evil spirits, which ultimately becomes helpless and powerless

In the Gospel we have many instances where, Jesus casts out the demons from human persons and saves them 

Jesus had the power to destroy the evil and to save human beings 

*3) Modern Evil Spirits, which rule the human life*

In the present day context we have many evil spirits, which at times rule our life and destroy our life 

The terrible evil spirits are operating in the following ways 

*Drugs* One who is addicted to the drugs loses everything 

*Drinks* another devil in the modern world which destroys the lives of millions 

*Addiction to the Mobile* it has become very dangerous to everyone's life, especially to the youngsters 

*Social Media* This also has become very dangerous, since it has entered the private life of the human beings 

Other devils like, power, position, sensual pleasures, greed, jealousy, revenge, selfishness, laziness, procrastination are other powerful evils which dominate our life 

*4) Our Fight against evil spirit along with Jesus*

As we saw in the Gospel, the presence of Jesus and His providence is very much necessary 

With our own power, we can do nothing. But with the power of Jesus, nothing is impossible 

Our fight along with Jesus can achieve any goals. So we need Jesus 

*5) Choice between destroyer of Life and Destroyer of Devil*

Jesus is the destroyer of the Evil 

Devil is the destroyer of our life

I need to choose between these two. My choice will decide my future 

Unless I give entry to my life, none of them can enter into my life 

If so what is my choice?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Types of Labourers who are needed for God's Mission

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Saturday*

*Feast of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus*

*Gospel : Lk 10:1-9*

*First Reading : 2 Tim 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5*

*The Types of Labourers who are needed for God's Mission*

*1) Request for Labourers*

The Gospel of the day has a request for the Labourers 

The Gospel says *Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest*

It is a open and personal invitation to all the followers of Jesus to have more labourers into His vineyard

*2) What type of Labourers Jesus wants*

Jesus wants those labourers who will work for bringing peace into this world 

Jesus wants those labourers who will work for justice among people 

Jesus wants those labourers who will inspire one another to love each other

Jesus wants those labourers who will work for teaching forgiveness to each other 

Jesus wants those labourers who will show the power of humility

Jesus wants those labourers who will show the power of prayer

Jesus wants those labourers who will show the importance of sacrifice

Jesus wants those labourers who will work for generosity and sharing 

Jesus wants those labourers who will go after the lost and least one 

Jesus wants those labourers who will lead a exemplary life 

*3) Shortage of the Labourers*

The request for the more labourers surely tells us the shortage of the labourers

There are only handful of people who belong to this category 

That is why Jesus once again reminds all of us to become the genuine labourers of the Kingdom of God

*4) Why we have a pray for the labourers?*

Prayer is one of the best ways to communicate with God. So through prayer we can place a request to God, for the labourers

Secondly prayer is one of the best ways to ask God whatever we need and prayer can work wonders in our life

Prayer makes impossible things possible

*5) Am I ready to become the Labourer for Jesus*

All sainsts were the best labourers who worked for the building of the Kingdom 

All those who selflessly serve to build the Kingdom of God are the real labourers 

God wishes to build the Kingdom of God, through the cooperation of Human beings. That's why he needs labourers

So am I ready to work as an disciplined labourer? 

In what type of labour I am involved, which contributes to the building of the Kingdom?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Purpose of the Power

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Friday*

*Republic Day in India*

*Gospel : John 8:31-42*

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

*The Purpose of the Power*

*1) Responsibility of the Subjects to pray for the leaders*

In the First reading Timothy tell us that, *all supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions*

By this Timothy tells us that we have the duty and responsibility to pray for all the leaders, especially those who are in high positions

As we celebrate the Republic day in India, let us pray for all the leaders of our country

*2) Duty and Responsibility of the Leaders*

The first reading also highlights the duties and responsibility of the leaders 

First of all they must ensure a peaceful and quiet life for all the subjects, irrespective of any discrimination

Secondly they must facilitate every citizen to lead a godly and dignified way of Life

*3) Power corrupts Easily*

One needs to be very careful in exercising the power which is vested in his/her hand 

Power is a very powerful tool, which can help a person to do anything. If one is not careful, the same power can make a person, proud, arrogant and dictator in exercising ones power, which will make the lives of the subjects, very painful 

In a way power corrupts easily if one is not careful 

*4) Power should be used to free ourselves from slavery*

This is the primary purpose of the power

Jesus says, all those who are the influence of sin, are under the slavery of Sin

So the spiritual powers which is given to us by Jesus should help us to free us from the slavery of Sin 

*5) How do I use my Power?*

It is easy to criticize others about their way of functioning in exercising their power

But what about myself? As a member of the family or society, or of the church, I may have certain powers. If so how do I exercise them? 

Do I use them to suppress all those who are under me? 

Do I use them to empower my subordinates? 

How do I exercise my Powers? For the betterment of the others?

Am I able to share my power? 

*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 Hold the serpents in the Hands

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:15-18*

*First Reading : Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22*

*The Power of Hold the serpents in the Hands*

*1) Serpent and its meaning*

In the Old Testament serpent represents the Evil, Devil or Satan 

The Satan comes in the form of serpent, and traps the Eve 

In the New Testament also we find serpent in the context of the temptations of Jesus

So it is identified with Satan and Evil 

*2) One Who believes in Christ will be able to pick up serpents*

The Gospel of the day tells us that one who believes in Jesus will be able to pick up the serpent 

One who is expert in handling the snakes will be able to pick up the snakes 

Once the person picks up the snake it comes under the control of the person who picks up 

So picking up the snakes simply means that the person has the power to control the snakes

*3) One Who believes in Christ, has the power to pick up the serpent*

The Gospel makes it clear that, person can bring the snake under His/Her control,  provided one believes in the power of Jesus

A follower of Jesus must possess this power of handling the snakes for  a better life 

*4) Need to handle these serpents*

The serpent of Ego

The serpent of hatred 

The serpent of selfishness

The serpent of anger 

The serpent of pride

The serpent of revenge

The serpent of jealousy

The serpent of gossip

When we believe in Jesus and practice  His values, we are able to control these serpents, which destroy our life 

*5) St Paul's Conversion*

Today we celebrate the conversion of St Paul 

This conversion comes in the life of St Paul, when he controlled, the following serpents 

The serpent of ego 

The serpent of arrogance

The serpent of wrong understanding

The serpent of anger, hatred etc 

So with Damascus experience, He was able to control the serpent, which brought about a great conversion

*6) How is my Fight with Serpent?*

Am I fighting with these above serpents? 

Am I able to pick up them, in order to bring them under my own control? 

Jesus can help us in our fight against these devil. Am I ready to cooperate 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 approach of the Sower : Could it be Different?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 4:1-20*

*First Reading : 2 Sm 7:4-17*

*The approach of the Sower : Could it be Different?*

*1) The Dominance of the Seed*

The moment we hear about the parable of the sower, we always think about the seed and its fruit. 

We reflect the parable in such a way that, the seed which fell on the path, rocky ground and thorny bushes fails to produce desired fruit and we concentrate on the seed which fell on the good soil 

In a way we neglect the seed which falls on these three places and we look for the seed which fell on good soil to get some fruit 

The seed which falls on the good soil is finally hailed for  the good fruit where as the seed which falls on the other three places considered as useless

*2) Is the Seed useless?*

In no way the seed was useless or of less quality 

If the same seed had fallen on the good soil, it would have produced good fruit 

So in no way seed can be blamed. Then we need to ask who is at fault? 

*3) The approach of the Sower*

Here the approach of the sower is very important. The seed finally has to fall from sowers hand. Seed has no freedom. But sower has the freedom to make a choice for the place for the seed 

So if the sower is careful, he can definitely change the destination of some of the seeds, which may finally fall in good soil, resulting in a good produce 

So the approach of the sower becomes very important and crucial for the seed 

*4) The sowers part is very important*

Before the sower sows the seed, he can take extra efforts to prepare the ground 

He can try to repair the rocky ground, inorder to make it more fruitful ground 

He can remove all the thorns and other unwanted things, to make the ground more fruitful 

While sowing he can be more careful, so that the seed may not fall on the path ways 

Here we can see how important the part of the sower is? 

*5) I am the sower of my life*

This parable has a direct connection for my life. 

I have a greater responsibility of preparing the ground for the seed 

First of all I need to repair the  rocky ground of my life. Unless I repair it, the seed which falls there becomes useless 

Secondly, I need to remove all thorns and wild bushes from my life, to prepare a good ground 

Thirdly I need to be very careful, while sowing, so that no seed falls on the pathways, which were eaten by the birds

*6) Rocky ground and Thorns*

This becomes a great hurdle for the seed to produce the fruit 

In our life these things represent the following 

Anger

Jealousy

Hatred

Revenge 

Selfishness

Greed 

Pride, 

Excessive desire for worldly things 

Unless we remove these things from life, the seed fails to produce the desired fruit 

As a sower am I ready to adopt this new approach? 

What is my role as a sower? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Mother of Jesus - As doing the Will of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:31-35*

*First Reading :  2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19*

*Mother of Jesus - As doing the Will of God*

*1) Who is the Mother of Jesus?*

To this question, the first and the straight answer would be - Mary. 

Historically, Mary gave birth to Jesus. That's why Mary is the Mother of Jesus 

But in today's Gospel Jesus gives us another definition of the Motherhood of Jesus 

He says *Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.*

This becomes a very vast definition of the Mother of 

Jesus

*2) The qualification to become the Mother of Jesus*

Doing the will of God is the simple qualification to become the mother  of Jesus 

One who does God's will, can really become Mother, brother or Sister of Jesus 

*3) Doing the Will of God and Mary*

According Jesus definition of *Mother* Mary becomes the first and prominent in this list 

Because, she is the one who really did the will of God, to the fullest extent

By Saying *YES* to the Lord, she did the Will of Heavenly Father 

Once she said *Yes* She remained faithful to the Lord, till the end, doing the Will of God in every situation

Even in the toughest situation of Life, she did the Will of God

So, more than physical or biological motherhood Mary, the Spiritual Motherhood of Mary becomes more prominent and important to follow Jesus 

*4) Jesus is Highlighting His Mothers example*

Apparently it appears that, whether Jesus paid respect to his mother or not, when he says *“Who are my mother and my brothers?”*

But it is very clear that, to the Crowd Jesus is telling, here is my Mother, who did the will of God in everything. That's why one should follow the example of Mother Mary in doing the will of God, and following her model in our day today life

*5) Mary becomes the real Mother*

First of all, Mary is the One who gave birth to Jesus. So she is the Mother of Jesus

Secondly, Mary is the First person, who completely did the Will of God. One who does the will of God, is Jesus' Mother. Here also Mary proves herself that she is the real and genuine mother of Jesus  

That's why Mary becomes the Model for us in following Jesus and Doing the will of God 

*6) Am I ready to become the member of Jesus' Family?*

Family is a beautiful concept

Jesus invites all of us to become the members of His family, by following a simple principle, *Doing the will of God*

If so, am I ready to become the member of 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*

No one can enter a strong man’s house

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:22-30*

*First Reading : 2 Sm 5:1-7, 10*

*No one can enter a strong man’s house*

*1) We have been called to become Strong Persons*

The Gospel of the day highlights about the, strength of the person. 

The Gospel here refers to the spiritual strength of the person 

In fact we have been given a special grace in the sacrament of Baptism to become spiritually strong persons 

*2) The division by the Evil one*

Since the devil can't enter the strong house, it tries to divide the strength of the person 

As highlighted in today's Gospel, division caused by the evil one is the cause of downfall

Division ultimately weakens our strength and finally it destroys us 

One needs to be very careful about the division

*3) What makes us Strong?*

There are many things which make us spiritually strong

First of all the grace of God, through the sacrament, makes us very strong 

Secondly all the Gospel values, when we practice them we become strong persons 

The Gospe values like, humility, forgiveness, sacrifice, selflessness, service, love, prayer, sharing, concern for the needy, make us very strong persons in life 

*4) The possible evil which can divide our life*

The arrogance

Pride 

Ego, 

Selfishness

Jealousy

Revenge

Anger 

Greed 

Hatred 

All these evil things make us weak and finally they divide our life 

*5) How strong I am?*

How much us the spiritual strength of my life? 

Am I able to face the challenges of my life? 

Which are those things which divide my life? 

*If I am strong, no evil can enter into 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 trade of Fishing in the Kingdom of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:14-20*

*First Reading : Jon 3:1-5, 10*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 7:29-31*

*The trade of Fishing in the Kingdom of God*

*1) Jesus called Fishermen*

Today's Gospel speaks about the call o first disciples 

Jesus called His first disciples from the sea of Galilee, who were busy in catching the Fish 

Peter, Andrew, James and John are the First Disciples, who were expert fishermen 

*2) Things needed for Fishing*

First of all they should have a boat for fishing 

Secondly they need and strong net, which can be used for fishing 

Thirdly there should be a sea with verity of fish, which can be used for fishing 

Fourthly one should know the art of fishing to catch the huge amount of Fish 

*3) Fishers of Men*

The disciples here a strange concept from Jesus. They hear Jesus saying *Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.*

The fishermen might have wondered about the new trade, which involves the fishing of men 

How to treat human being as fish, might have been the big question to the disciples

But Jesus teaches them this new trade 

*4) How to catch men?*

Like catching the fish from the sea, Jesus will teach them to catch men 

In the kingdom of God, fishing the men would imply the following things

*Sea* - is this vast world 

*Fish* is nothing but the billions of people in the World 

*Boat* Jesus can be considered as the boat, who can carry us to catch the Fish

*Net* The net represents a tool which is needed to catch the fish. The net of love, sacrifice, humility, forgiveness, sharing, simplicity, prayer could the possible effective nets to catch the men 

*5) Invitation to becomes fishers of Men*

Jesus who called the first four  disciples, from the fisheries folk, today still Jesus calls each and everyone of us to becomes fishers of men 

With Gospel values or Gospel tool, one can become an effective, fishermen, for the sake of Jesus 

Am I ready to follow Jesus and to become an effective, tool in his hands to become fishers of men? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

He is out of his mind.” - Why?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:20-21*

*First Reading : 2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27*

*“He is out of his mind.” - Why?*

*1) He is out of His Mind*

The Gospel of the day has this peculiar statement 

This statement is referred to Jesus 

Interestingly, this comment comes from His own relatives and family members

In ordinary understanding, it simply means that one is mentally not sound or mentally imbalanced person 

*2) Various reasons for this Argument*

He broke the Sabbath laws to give a man rest from his disability by healing him. So according to Pharisees, He broke the Sabbath

He spoke directly to demons and cast them out. That's why he was accused that he is possessed by devil 

He forgave a paralytic of his sins by simply saying he is forgiven. They believed only God can forgive. So how can he forgive? He must be out of His mind 

He mixed himself with Tax collectors, Sinners, prostitutes, Samaritans, widows and also with women. Such things were unheard during His time. So he must be out of His mind 

He chose a bunch ordinary people who were uneducated, fishermen, tax collectors and having ordinary status in the society.  He chose such people as future  leaders. That's why he was out of His mind. 

By all accounts He looked insane! That's why they said, he is out of His mind 

*3) The logic of the World and the Logic of God*

The Logic of God, appears to the World as abnormal and insane 

The Logic of the World, does not corresponds to the Logic of God. Those people who saw,  Jesus from the Worldly logic saw him as an insane person  

One has to have a different logic to understand the Logic of God. From the World Logic,  if one tries to undu the Logic of God, it appears abnormal 

*4) Comments from His own Relatives*

This particular, thought is coming from, His own relatives, which was more painful than anything else

His own people could not understand him, his mission and his approach

Those people who could have supported him, spoke against Him, saying *He is out of Mind*

*5) Out of Mind Approach*

One who wishes to Follow Jesus, one has to be ready to face the above approach, that is out of mind approach

*Only Out of mind* approach to a follower of Christ will help to follow Jesus and to proclaim Jesus 

Am I ready to face *out of Mind* approach in my life? 

Am I ready to have such a title for the sake of Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Significance of the Mountain, in Choosing the Apostle

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Friday*

*Gospel :  - Mk 3:13-19*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 24:3-21*

*The Significance of the Mountain, in Choosing the Apostle*

*1) Jesus went up to mountain*

The Markan Gospel makes it very clear that, Jesus went up to Mountain

*Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.*

In this context let's analyze the importance of the Mountain in choosing the Apostles. 

*2) Significance of the Mountain*

In the Scriptures, God and mountain are closely related with each other 

In fact many of the things starts from the mountain

Abraham was asked to go to mount Moriah to sacrifice his son 

God gave 10 commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai

God came down and gave His divine experience to Moses in the mountain

Prophet Elijah experienced God, at mount Carmel 

Jesus was transfigured at mount Tabor 

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray 

Jesus died on Mount Calvary 

Jesus went up to heaven from Mount Horeb 

So mountain has close connection with God 

*3) Divine experience in the Mountain*

Mountain is considered as the dwelling place of God 

Mountain is a place of communicating God's message to the people 

Mountain is a place, which is near to God 

Mountain is a place where Jesus spent his time in prayer

Mountain is a place of meeting God 

Mountain helps us to experience God 

*4) Call of His apostles from the Mountain*

The Gospel of the day gives us an impression that, Jesus chooses his Apostles after he went up to heaven 

Prior to this, Jesus had spent the whole night in prayer in the mountain, to choose His disciples

So there is close connection between the mountain and Choosing of the Apostles

*5) Various lessons from this Gesture*

Going up to the mountain by Jesus and then by the disciples, shows where they should focus thier attention and their direction of the mission 

Mountain significes the presence of God, place of prayer and experience of God. The apostles life and mission should be guided by these divine Value

Mountain always shows up word movement. Likewise the Apostles should show up word movement, it means growth in everything, for example, prayer, relationship, mission etc 

Mountain also signifies the closeness to God. Apostles should remain close to Jesus 

*6) Mountain in my Life*

Every day Jesus calls us to the divine mountain, that is the Holy Place, to the house of God - The Church 

What is my attitude to come to this mountain? 

How familiar  I am about this mountain? 

What is the significance of this mountain to 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 power of the Good Works

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:7-12*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7*

*The power of the Good Works*

*1) The Large number of people who came to meet Jesus*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the large number of People who came to meet Jesus 

These people came from different places. The Gospel also lists out the places from where people came from. The places are the following 

People followed from Galilee and Judea 

Many others came from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan

People also came from Gentile cities like, Tyre and Sidon.

This shows that people have travelled from diffent places to see Jesus 

*2) How did these people came to know about Jesus?*

Like present day means of communication, there weren't any such means of communication during the time of Jesus 

Today we have social media, internet, WhatsApp and other means of communication, which are capable of communicating the message within no time 

But Jesus' time didn't see these means of communication. Yet people gathered in large numbers 

The Gospel gives us the secret of powerful communication 

*People had heard about what Jesus was doing*

*Doing something good* has tremendous impact on others 

*3) People had only heard about Jesus about His works*

All those people who came to Jesus to hear and see what Jesus was doing, had heard about Jesus earlier 

The Gospel clearly says that, *Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him*

This particular gesture of the people show us the power of good works of Jesus 

*4) Good works speak louder than words*

Today people use social communication platforms to communicate the various works done either by individual or by the organisation

But the Gospel shows us that Good works in themselves are the powerful means of communication 

Good works of people simply spreads from one person to another and from one place to another 

There is no greater powerful tool of communication, other than good works in themselves

*5) The Good works of Jesus*

The Gospel says that *Jesus went on doing well*

Jesus had only one objective, that is to do good 

He cured the sick 

He gave eyesight

He casts out devil 

He consoled people

He forgave the sins

He gave his life for others

He gave life to others 

He saved others 

The list is endless 

*6) What are my Good Works?*

Góod works speak very powerfully about my life. If so what are my good works? 

What people say about my works. 

Do they have good opinion about my work or not? 

*My works define my life*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Have I Found my way to the treasures in Heaven?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:16-26*

*First Reading : Eph 6:10-13, 18*

*Have I Found my way to the treasures in Heaven?*

*1) The Purpose of our life*

All of us have  one purpose in common, that is to go to heaven 

All the scriptures speak about haven and also shows the ways to go to heaven 

The Gospel of the day speaks about the treasures in heaven and the way to reach the destination

*2) The Way to the treasures in Heaven*

In the Gospel,  there comes a young man who wanted to know the way to achieve the treasures in heaven

 Jesus shows the way at two levels 

*First* of all Jesus tells the young man, to keep all the commandments

*Secondly* Jesus asks the Young man to give everything to poor and then to follow Him 

From these views it becomes very clear that the way to heaven and way to the treasures in heaven passes through the poor and needy people 

 

*3) Riches are the opportunity to find way to the treasures in Heaven*

Riches belong to God. Riches are the valuable gift to God to us 

The very purpose of our riches is to find way to the treasures in heaven

If our riches don't help us to find our way to the treasures in heaven, then such riches are useless and worthless

So riches are God given golden opportunity to find out the way to the treasures in Heaven

*4) Poor are the Direct way to the treasures in Heaven*

It is said that *The way to heaven passes through the neighbors compound*

In today's Gospel Jesus gives us a better definition *The way to the treasures in Heaven passes through the life of the poor people* 

Jesus is showing this wonderful way to the treasures in Heaven 

So, if one wishes to acquire the treasures in heaven, one has to find his/her way through the life of the poor people 

*5) Am I ready to accept this Way?*

Many people even after realising that the way to the treasures in Heaven passes through the life of the poor people, are not ready to go through this way 

The Young man who came to Jesus to find out the way, finally came to know the way.

But he didn't want that way to follow. He wanted an alternative way. But there isn't an alternative way. Either you accept the way or you reject the way 

The Young man didn't accept the way, that's why he went away sad 

*6) A direct and most Assured way to the treasures in Heaven*

Jesus' life itself is the great proof for this position 

Giving up whatever we have, and sharing with the poor, will create a direct and simplest way to heaven 

Am I ready to travel in this way to attain treasures in heaven??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Hunger on the Sabbath day: Which is greater?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:23-28*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 16:1-13*

*Hunger on the Sabbath day: Which is greater?*

*1) The Importance of the Sabbath Day*

In the Old Testament, Sabbath was very important 

Observing Sabbath was the highest value 

Sabbath would take the first place, in any circumstances, or situations or in any context 

There is no question of compromise, in observing sabbath in any situation

*2) The Question of Hunger on Sabbath Day*

The Gospel of the day, discusses about two main things.

One is sabbath and the other one is Fasting 

According to the scribes and Pharisees, these two things do not go together

But Jesus says and proves that there is no inner contradiction between these two and both have their significance in life 

Each one should be understood in a context, with the spirit of the law and not according the literal meaning of the law  

*3) Spirit of the Law and not the Letter of the Law*

From todays Gospel, Jesus makes it very clear that, spirit of the law is very important and not the letter of the law 

When we follow the spirit of the law, it involves, love, concern, care, relationship, friendship, and other Gospel values 

When we follow the letter of the law, we give more importance to the law and not to the Human beings 

For Jesus, human beings come first and law comes later 

*4) Law and Love*

These two things are clearly highlighted in today's Gospel

Jesus speaks about love, but those who find fault with Jesus give more importance to law

In Love there always involves the spirit of the law. But when Law is followed to its letter of the Law, there may not exist love 

*5) Call to go beyond the spirit of the Law*

The entire discussion on today's Gospel, presents to us a great challenge,  to understand the spirit of the law

To understand the law, according to the letter of the law may be easy. But to understand the law according to its spirit is difficult

am I ready to follow the law according to the spirit of the law? 

Jesus always followed the law according to its spirit.

What about me?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

New wine for the New Year

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:18-22*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 15:16-23*

*New wine for the New Year*

*1) New Wine in Today's Gospel*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the new Wine 

In the context of fasting Jesus speaks about this new Wine 

 How do we understand this new Wine 

*2) Jesus and His Teaching - New Wine*

First of all the new wine implies to the teachings of Jesus 

Jesus' teachings are always something new and need new ways of out look in order to understand them 

So the entire teaching of Jesus represents the New Wine 

*3) New Wine in our Life*

New wine also implies many aspects in our life. They may be following

New outlook 

New thinking

Forgiveness instead of revenge

Love instead of hatred 

Humility instead of pride 

Service without returns 

These are few examples of New Wine  

*4) New mind, new heart and New Being*

In our life mind and heart plays a important role 

Our thinking and our feelings shape our life 

When our mind and heart becomes new, we become new beings 

Am I ready to accept the new wine 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 called to play the Role of John the Baptist

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 1:35-42*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20*

*We are called to play the Role of John the Baptist*

*1) John the Baptist*

He came before Jesus to prepare the way for the Lord 

He came and prepared the way for the Lord, by asking people to change their lives 

He preached the message of conversion of heart and mind, and to change thier life. Accordingly, they changed their lives and waited for the Messiah

*2) Role of Role the Baptist*

The Gospel of the day, speaks about the Role of John the Baptist

First of all he know who Jesus was. 

Secondly, he introduces Jesus to his two disciples 

He says *“Behold, the Lamb of God.”*

With these words, John gives the right knowledge about Jesus to his disciples 

John also encourages His disciples to follow Jesus 

*3) Duel Role we need to play*

First of all we need to speak about Jesus. Inoder to speak about Jesus, we should know about him. John knew who Jesus was, and he could say about Jesus as the Lamb of God 

Secondly, We have a duty to inspire and encourage others to follow Jesus. John did the sane thing. As a faithful disciples of Jesus we have the responsibility towards this task 

*4) Why Jesus is the Lamb of God?*

First of all lamb is a very innocent animal. Jesus has this quality of innocence in his life 

Secondly, lamb is a sacrificial animal. Jesus became a sacrificial person, on the Cross, for the salvation of entire humanity

Thirdly, the lamb is a simple animal which does not take revenge. Jesus has no revenge but only love 

Fourthly, lamb always obeys its master. Jesus obeyed His heavenly Father from manger to the Cross 

*5) Where can I become John the Baptist?*

First of all in my family, towards my family members

Secondly in my Neighborhood and to my friends 

Thirdly in the society, where I live and have my being 

Am I ready to become John the Baptist, while carrying out my responsibility? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus is the only Divine Physician

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 1st Week: Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:13-17*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1*

*Jesus is the only Divine Physician*

*1) Sick needs a physician*

The Gospel of the day makes a reference to the physician in the context of Sick people 

Jesus says *“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.*

So wherever there are sick people, physicians are present. Likewise wherever there are physicians, sick people do visit them 

So there is a close connection between the sick and the physicians

*2) Jesus as the best divine Physician*

From the Gospel of the day, it becomes very clear that, Jesus is one of the best divine physicians, the world ever saw 

As a divine physician Jesus could heal the bodily sickness as well as the spiritual sickness 

As a divine physician Jesus had tremendous power to help the sick people 

*3) Wonderful works of Jesus the Physician*

Jesus as physician healed all kinds of Sickness 

Jesus healed the lepers, and people who were suffein from  different ailments 

He healed the paralytic

He healed the blind people 

He healed the dumb people 

He healed the deaf people 

He healed the lame people 

He healed a woman from hemorrhage

He healed a woman from the guilt of adultery

He healed Zacchaeus from the guilt of bribe 

He healed the young man from death - widow of Nain

He healed Lazarus from sudden  death

Jesus also healed the sicknesses of the Soul and mind  

*4) People Come in serach of best Physician*

It is our experience that people are in search of the best physician

Jesus is the Best physician, the World has ever seen 

That's why millions and millions of people come to Jesus for physical as well as for spiritual healing 

The is nothing which is impossible for Jesus the physician to treat 

One who comes to Jesus is the really a blessed one 

*5) Have I realised the power of Jesus the Physician?*

First of all I must know about the best physicians, to approach them 

In this context, what is my understanding, about Jesus the physician? 

Am I convinced that Jesus can heal me from any sickness? 

As a sick person am I ready to approach Jesus?

*6) The mission to become a physician*

Jesus calls all His followers to become the physicians in our daily life 

To heal those who suffer from lack of love 

To heal those who suffer from pride 

To heal those who suffer from revenge

To heal those who suffer from fear 

To heal those who suffer from hurt feelings 

To heal those who suffer from anger 

To heal those who suffer from jealousy

To heal those who suffer from hatred 

To heal those who suffer from selfishness

To heal those who suffer from guilt and sadness 

Am I ready to become a physician?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Child, Your Sins are forgiven: Have we ever realised the power of these words

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 1st Week: Friday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:1-12*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a*

*Child, Your Sins are forgiven: Have we ever realised the power of these words*

*1) Your Sins are Forgiven*

These beautiful words are found in today's Gospel

They are beautiful and powerful, simply because, no human being ever on this earth will be sad, or regret or will disappointed, when one hears these words either from God or from a anointed person 

*2) No God has ever directly said, except Jesus*

No God has ever spoken Except Christian God, in the person of Jesus the above words 

The paralytic is really a blessed person to hear these beautiful and consoling words, from Jesus, which brought about moral and physical healing 

These words when it comes from God, can really change our destiny of life 

*3) The Sacrament of Confession*

Even today we have ample opportunity to hear these words 

The same Jesus speaks to us, through the Anointed priests, the above words 

Every time, every confession, at any corner of the world, with any gravity of sins, ends with these beautiful words *Your sins are forgiven, go in peace*

*4) The eternal Reward depends on these words*

All of us believe in life after death, that is eternal life 

The above words are like the door, for the eternal life. Unless one passes  through this door, one can't enter into eternal life 

So these words are very much linked with eternal life, and one is unable to unlink it 

*5) "U" turn for Life*

These words give us the *U* turn for our life 

The thief on the right side on the Cross, pleaded Jesus. Jesus simply said, *your sins are forgiven and today you will be with me in paradise*

Jesus saves the Woman who caught in adultery, and forgives her sins, which totally turns her life 

The Samaritan women experiences the forgiveness of Jesus and changes her life 

Mary Magdalene, experienced the forgiveness of Jesus at Simon the Pharisees house, and she became the best follower of Jesus 

These words can bring *U* turn in our life  

*6) If Your sins are not forgiven??*

Let's imagine the riverse position, where one experiences non forgiveness, what would be His/Her fate 

*Your sins are not forgiven* Can He/She go in peace  

Can he/She think of entering into eternal life? 

It becomes a purposeless life, waste life and useless life 

If this happens, we lose everything. In other words, anything may be very costly, becomes valueless and useless in life, since they can't take us into eternal life 

*7) If one has not heard these words  here ....*

If one fails to hear these words, while one is still alive, there is no guarantee that one will be able hear in the next life 

The more we hear these words here, the more or in a powerful way we will hear these words there, which will take us into eternal life 

Which would I prefer? To listen here, as a preparation for the next world? 

Or would I wait for the end of life, and then get into trouble? 

*8) Do I desire to hear these words very often?*

How happy I am to hear these words? 

Have I understood the value and importance of these words in my life? 

Confession is the best opportunity to hear these words

How blessed I am, if I am able to hear these words,at the last moment 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*

Leper teaches us How to approach God?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 1st Week: Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:40-45*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 4:1-11*

*Leper teaches us How to approach God?*

*1) Leper in the Gospel*

The leper in the Gospel could be considered as model for approaching God 

In other other words he could be considered as the model of Praying, when we come before God

*2) Various Gestures which are found in the approach of the Leper*

*A) He comes to Jesus*

This is one of the important aspects in the life of leper 

The decision to come to Jesus shows the faith of the leper in Jesus, that Jesus is capable of healing him 

Going to Jesus should becomes the first important aspects of the prayer

*B) The gesture of Kneeling*

The Gospel says that *A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him*

The gesture of kneeling communicates a powerful message, because kneeling means 

Humility

One is nothing before God 

Right disposition to receive the favour 

Complete dependence on God 

Surrounding oneself to Gods power 

Ones helplessness shown to God 

Ones willingness to follow God 

*C) The Gesture of Begging*

He came and begged with Jesus, which indicates

Total helplessness

Total surrender to God's will

Total dependence

The poverty of the person 

The persons readiness for anything 

The last resort of survival 

*D) God's Will be done*

We pray in Lord's Prayer, *Thy Will be done*

So here is a leper who translates this prayer into his life when he says *If you wish, you can make me clean*

The leper says I want to be clean, not my will, but according to your will 

This is called real prayer 

Accepting God's will in the primary aspect of Prayer 

*E) Allows God to touch Him*

The leper allows Jesus to touch Him 

The divine touch is the integral aspect of prayer 

Finally the prayer of the Leper was heard by Jesus and answered by Jesus

*3) The Power of Leper's Prayer*

The prayer was so powerful, which moved Jesus 

He was moved with pity 

He stretched out hand towards him 

He touched him 

He prayed over him 

He wished him for the cure of the leprosy 

He also gave some instructions

All these happened because of the powerful prayer of the leper

*4) How powerful my Prayer is?* 

After having analysed the prayer of the Leper, now the question is, how is my prayer life? 

How do I approach God? 

How do I see the aspect of coming to Jesus? 

What is my disposition when I ask something from God? 

 Am I able to kneel when I come before God? 

Approach with humility or demand for favours from God? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Synagogue experience, Simon's House and Sick Mother in-law

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 1st Week: Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:29-39*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20*

*Synagogue experience, Simon's House and Sick Mother in-law*

*1) Synagogue is a place of Prayer*

Jesus went to synagogue either for praying, or to proclaim the word, or to preach and teach people 

Synagogue becomes a prime place during the time Jesus for above said purposes

Jesus also spent lots of time in the synagogue in prayer which helped him to have the deep divine experience 

So synagogue is always connected with encountering God with Divine experience

*2) From Synagogue to Simon's House*

This is clearly mentioned in the Gospel

There is an important point to note in this gesture of Jesus 

The Abba experience of Jesus from the synagogue, in a way leads Jesus towards people 

It leads Jesus to the house of Simon, - House visit 

It leads Jesus to do something for the needy and sick people 

It leads Jesus to spend His precious time with the people 

This is the effectiveness of the prayer 

*3) Synagogue experience and Healing of the Sick*

Jesus went to the house of Simon, because his mother in-law  was down with fever 

He prayed over her and fever left 

So synagogue experience not only lead Jesus to visit the people but also to heal the people 

*4) Eucharist - The Synagogue experience*

Today we have three celebration of Eucharist, as a memorial of Jesus' ultimate love 

On our part we consider Eucharist as a great sacrament, and we participate with great devotion

But what is the effect of the  celebration of the Eucharist in my life 

What happens after them celebration of the Eucharist?

Does it inspire me to visit the needy, to help the sick and suffering? 

*5) Celebration and Living of Eucharist*

This is what we see in the life of Jesus 

What is experienced in Synagogue, he lived among the people, especially with the needy 

We devoutly celebrate Eucharist. But its practical aspect remains out side the Church 

Unless we practice the practical aspect of the Eucharist our does not become complete

*6) How do I live my Eucharist in a practical way?*

Does my Eucharist lead to service? 

Does my Eucharist lead to forgive? 

Does my Eucharist lead to have healthy relationship? 

Does my Eucharist, lead to share my resources? 

Does my Eucharist, take me to the needy people? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Fight between Good and Evil

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 1st Week: Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mark 1:21-28*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 1:9-20*

*The Fight between Good and Evil*

*1) The Fight Between Good and Evil*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the fight between Good and Evil 

Jesus, who is the embodiment of Good, represents all Good things from God 

There was also a mention of the Unclean Spirit, which trying to control the man. It also created some trouble for the man 

*2) In Fight, Good Wins*

The Gospel also presents to us the fight between good and evil

The unclean spirit is not even able to stand in front of Jesus

The Unclean Spirits were frightened about Jesus because he had the power to destroy the unclean spirits. 

That's why they were frightened about Jesus 

*3) The presence of Jesus trembles the Unclean Spirit*

The moment the unclean spirit, realised the presence of Jesus, the unclean spirit began to frighten about Jesus. Because he had the power to destroy them. That's why the unclean spirit asks Jesus *What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?*

The presence of Jesus is the best remedy for controlling the Unclean Spirit

There are variety of unclean spirits in our surroundings. Only the presence Jesus can help us to get rid from the unclean spirits 

*4) Things needed for the presence of Jesus in our life*

Friendship with Jesus through 

Prayer 

Service

Love 

Sacrifice

Generosity

Humility 

Forgiveness

Truthfulness

Charity 

Simplicity

Commitment 

Exemplary Life 

Reading of the Scriptures 

*5) Evil has no independent existence*

Without human cooperation evil has no power 

It can work only through human cooperation 

By itself it can do nothing

That's why we need to be very careful, not to give any entry to evil in our life  

*6) What about my Role in the Fight?*

The battle between good and evil is still alive in various forms 

The battles  happens within our life, in our surroundings, in the family, in neighborhood, and in the society

So what is my role. Which one I prefer?

What can I do have a powerful fight against the evil spirits?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Jesus took Baptism in the River Jordan?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : Week 1*

*Baptism of the Lord*

*Gospel : Mk 1:7-11*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 5:1-9*

*Why Jesus took Baptism in the River Jordan?*

*1) Baptism is for Sinners*

We take the Baptism in order to save ourselves from the Original Sin 

Jesus had no sin. Baptism was not necessary for him. Yet he received, because he took upon himself the entire sins of the humanity u

Upon Himself and received Baptism from John

Thus He instituted the sacrament of Baptism for the forgiveness of sins of the people of God

*2) Its a reminder for us*

Baptism of Jesus is a reminder for all of us that we are sinners 

All of us need the saving grace of God, in order to have salvation

The Baptism of Jesus reminds us every time that we need to depend on God, and only God can save us.

*3) Jesus' Baptism and Water*

In the River Jordan, When Jesus entered to take Baptism, the Water becomes blessed because of the divine power of Jesus 

Thus the water of the entire universe, becomes a instrument of Baptism, which would wash away the sins of the Humanity

Since then, Water is used in the sacrament of Baptism, in order to  wash away the sins of the humanity 

*4) Baptism of Jesus reminds us the need of Humility*

Jesus was God. Absolutely there was no need of Baptism. Yet he took baptism from John 

This shows the importance of humility. So Jesus' Baptism also reminds us the need and importance of humility in our life 

*5) Anointing of the Holy Spirit*

Jesus didn't start his ministry all of a sudden. He prepared himself well for the ministry 

Baptism becomes a important event to begin His public ministry 

At Baptism, he was anointed with the Holy Spirit, Which strengthened him for His commitment 

Baptism of Jesus also reminds us the need of anointing of the Holy Spirit

*6) Revelation of Trinity*

At Baptism the entire Trinity was present. It speaks many things about Godhead

The unity which is needed for ministry

The revelation of the Trinity 

The role of each person of the trinity 

Involvement of the entire trinity in the redemption work 

We can't live with out trinity 

Let the Baptism of the Lord, inspire us to learn these thruths and to live a holy Life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Various responses to the Manifestation of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  :Epiphany of the Lord : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 2:1-12*

*First Reading :  Is 60:1-6*

*SECOND READING Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6*

*Various responses to the Manifestation of Jesus*

*1) Meaning of Epiphany*

Epiphany means a moment of sudden and great revelation or realization.

In other words the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi 

It is an event where Jesus manifests Himself as the King of the Universe, King of Salvation and Saviour of the World 

*2) The Reaction of Herod*

Herod didn't get a chance to see infant Jesus. But He heard he heard about the great Messiah

To this, His reaction was very negative. He could not tolerate the birth of a person who will challenge his life 

That's why, He decided to kill Jesus. Because he was frightened about loosing His own authority, power and position 

Such Herods are found even today, who disturb and obstruct the Mission of Jesus 

*3) Priests and Scribes*

These were learned people. They had deep knowledge of the Scriptures 

They could tell where the Messiah would come from, based in the Scriptures 

That is the reason why King Herod called them, and they gave a right picture about the Birth of Jesus 

Even then the priests and Scribes didn't take seriously the information about the birth of Jesus

It was very casual for them, and they didn't bother about meeting the Messiah

So this is the reaction of the priests and Scribes 

*4) The Three Magi*

These had no much knowledge like the priests and scribes

But they were wise people, who could read the signs of the time from Nature 

With one star they realised something great has happened. So they started to find out the same 

On the way they had, many challenges, problems and obstacles 

Finally the King also didn't give right information 

They could not get much support. In spite of all these thing they were determined to meet the new born Messiah 

Finally they succeeded in finding out the Messiah and Jesus revealed himself to the Magi

These Magi also brought valuable gifts to Jesus. They didn't come empty handed. This also shows their greatness and generosity

*5) How about my reaction?*

 The same Jesus who appeared to the Three Magi, and to the priest, who came to know from the Scriptures, and to King Herod from others, also appears to me and you. 

What is my reaction as Jesus reveals   himself to me? 

Is it one of King Herod? 

Is it one of the scribes and priests?

Is it like,  that of Magi of East? 

What is my reaction to the manifestation of Jesus in my life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

John's Greatness in Making way for Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : 6th January - Saturday before epiphany*

*Gospel : Mark 1:7:11*

*First Reading : 1 John 5:5-13*

*John's Greatness in Making way for Jesus*

*1) The Mission of John the Baptist*

John had come to prepare the way for Messiah 

Accordingly he had started his mission, catechising people and  asking them to change thier lives 

*Repent from your Sins, The time is fulfilled* was his warning to the people to change thier life 

Accordingly many people came and took baptism from John 

*2) Jesus' Baptism*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Baptism of Jesus 

As John was baptizing people, Jesus also came for baptism. John Baptised Jesus in the River Jordon 

With this John realised that Jesus is ready for His mission 

So He slowly introduced Jesus into the limelight and he prepares the way for Jesus  

*3) Preparing way for Jesus*

John had realised that His time is over, and that's why he introduced Jesus into the mission 

This is one of the important gestures of John 

Preparing others and giving the place for others for effective ministry is more important and it a noble act 

Such a act needs a deep spirituality and deep integrity, which we find in John 

*4) How many are ready to prepare for others?*

Like John how many of us ready to change our roles to give opportunity to others? 

This is one of the serious problems in our families, communities, in our associations and in the society

No one wants to step down and give opportunity for others 

So don't allow others to come up. By all means they have to do everything. This is not the Christian spirituality

*5)  Selfish Attitude*

The failure to prepare others and promote them shows very selfish attitude of the person 

Such an attitude does not help in any way, in doing good 

Selfish people think only they can do it and it is thier right to do it 

*6) Jesus prepare His disciples*

As John prepared way for Jesus, Jesus prepared way for His apostles 

That how the mission continues 

Preparing others and promoting others, will help everyone to come up and to serve for the good of the society 

Am I ready to follow the example of John the Baptist and Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus is the Ladder to Heaven

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : 5th January*

*Gospel : Jn 1:43-51*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 3:11-21*

*Jesus is the Ladder to Heaven*

*1) Angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man*

The Gospel of the day has this beautiful thought 

It is on the Son of Man, who is Jesus, the Angels of God ascending and descending

This gives us the impression that Jesus is like a ladder to heaven through which angels were ascending and descending 

In other Words, Jesus is the first straight ladder to Heaven 

*2) Cross is the Another Double edged Ladder*

Cross also powerful ladder through which one can climb up 

There are two beams in the Cross, which could be considered as two inseparable ladders 

First ladder connects the heaven and earth 

Second ladder connects  one heart with Another heart, or one human being with another Hunan being 

In either case there is a meeting point at the center

One can't reach God without touching the human being or human heart 

Likewise one can't reach the another heart without experiening God 

At the centre of the Ladder of the Cross, there is a meeting point, where human beings and God come together. That's the power of the Ladder of the Cross  

*3) All Gospel values are like, Straight Ladddres to Heaven*

All Gospel values are like straight ladders to heaven 

Forgiveness

Service

Humility

Truthfulness

Prayerfulness

Generosity

Sacrifice

Love

Harwork 

Commitment

So Christians have many straight ladders through which they can climb to heaven 

*4) Philip became the Ladder*

Philip is one of the simple disciples of Jesus 

Philip became a ladder first of all to Nathanael, whom he brought to Jesus 

In other words Philip became a ladder for Nathanael, through which He climbed towards Jesus and Jesus blessed Him 

Philip also became a ladder to a little boy, in feeding the Five Thousand people 

The Boy came to  Jesus through Philip, who became ladder to the Little Boy

*5)  Our Mission and Ladder*

We are called upon, to became ladders in the Kingdom of God 

Ladder helps us to climb up

Ladder gives us easy access 

Ladder can be used by many for good purposes 

If so, How about my life? 

Is it a ladder, first of all to me personally climb high? 

Is my ladder of Life helping others to climb towards Jesus ? 

Is my Life a ladder or a block? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What are you looking for?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : 4 January*

*Gospel : Jn 1:35-42*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 3:7-10*

*“What are you looking for?”*

*1) An Important Question*

This particular question which appears in today's Gospel shouod make us to pause for a while and to reflecti about the same 

In fact we need to seriously reflect about this question, since this question includes the purpose of our life, the mission of our life, the orientation of our life and the purpose of our life 

In this context this particular question becomes very important one to our life 

*2) The disciples of John*

John gave the identity of Messiah to His disciples 

Then immediately, they followed the Lamb of God 

In fact those disciples were looking for Messiah

They were looking for his close experience 

They were looking for his residence 

They were looking to stay with Him for a spiritual experience 

They were searching for the one who will give meaning to thier life 

*3) What are we looking for?*

One of the fundamental questions of our life

In my life, what is that I am really searching for or looking for? 

It may be a difficult question to answer in one word. Yet we need to find an answer for this question 

*4) Two approaches*

There are two approaches to this question. Positive or spiritual outlook. Negative or Worldly out look 

Spiritual out look 

I may be looking for the following things 

Looking for God experience

Looking for encounter with the Lord

Looking to serve others 

Looking to help others 

Looking for an opportunity to do good 

Looking for the needy people 

Looking for to find who am I? 

Looking for my own conscience 

Looking for prayerful life 

All these are spiritual things 

*Negative or Worldly things*

Looking for power 

Looking for position 

Looking for wealth 

Looking for money 

Linking for domination

Looking for pleasure 

Looking for worldly things 

*5) My Life : What I am looking for?*

As a follower of Jesus what I am looking for? 

Am I looking for Jesus? 

Am I looking for his values? 

Am I looking for the opportunities to serve the needy?

Am I looking for justice and truth? 

Am I looking for a good relationship with God, neighbor  and oneself?

Am I looking at my own conscience? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*