The Value of the Talent

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 25:14-30*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 1:26-31*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21*

*The Value of the Talent*

*1) The parable of the talents*

Today we reflect about the parable of the talents 

This very parable focuses on the value and the importance of the talent 

The entire parable revolves arround the concept of talent, its value, its use and returns one can achieve from it 

*2) The Value of the talent*

During the time of Jesus one talent means 34 kgs of Gold 

In other other words, it is the wages that could be paid for 20 years of labour 

The first servant got five talents, it means 170 kgs of Gold 

Second one got two talents, it means 68 kgs of Gold

Third one got one talent, that is 34 kgs of Gold 

*3) The attitude of the Giver*

The one who gives these talents must be very generous person 

Secondly the person had great trust in the servants, to whom he would give 

Thirdly he is interested in the wellbeing of the servants. That's why he gave such great talents 

The givers trust and generosity must be appreciated very much 

*4) Two types of response*

The first two servants upon receiving the costliest talents, devised a beautiful plan to invest the talents and to make profit out of it 

The third one had very negative approach. He buried and with out using it, returned to the giver 

Burying and giving back without using it, is a insult ti the giver and foolishness from the part of tha servant

*5) The value of the God given talents*

The parable invites us to reflect about the value of God given talents 

God does not give very cheap talents. The value of God given talents, can't even imagine and the worldly standards are unable to value its worth 

The gift of life, the capacity of the senses, sight, ears, nose, skin and feelings are great talents of God to us 

Have I ever realised the value of these sacred talents? 

*6) The use of the talents*

The entire parable hinges on the concept of talents and use of the talents

The faithful are the ones who took the risk, worked hard with a sincere heart to make profits 

The unfaithful are the one who buries their talents, don't take any responsibility or risk to invest the talent, and return to the master with out using it 

Here hardly one speaks about the profit and loss 

What is seen here is, how one uses his talents. Profit and loss secondary

*7) How about my talents?*

Judgement is severe to those who bury the God given talents and frightened of the loss or failure 

Use of talent is more important than  profit and loss

What is the style of using my God given talents

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Need of the Seriousness in our Work

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 25:1-13*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 1:17-25*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11*

*Need of the Seriousness in our Work*

*1) The Parable of the Ten Virgins*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the parable of Ten Virgins 

Among many lessons, the need of the seriousness in our work, appears to be one of the important lessons 

Finally the seriousness in ones work will help him/her to achieve the goals 

*2) The Wise Virgins*

The wise virgins symbolises  how one has to pay attention to ones work 

The goal is very clear, that they wanted to meet and welcome the bridegroom and to participate in his banquet 

For this they had to prepare themselves. The preparation involving the following

The need of the lamp 

The need of the oil 

The need of extra oil 

Coming to  the meeting place 

Good condition of the lamp 

The wise virgins paid attention to all these things. They foresaw all these things and brought along with them 

*3) The Foolish Virgins*

As the name indicates, they were really foolish in their approach and preparation for meeting the bridegroom

They took the lamp but didn't take the oil 

They didn't prepare well for the meeting of the bridegroom

They were depended on others 

Last minute they became alert, but it is useless 

This shows unpreparedness and negligence from the part of the foolish virgins 

*4) The end result*

The result is very clear. The wise virgins who were ready, when the bride came, were given the chance to enjoy with him 

Those virgins who were not ready or who neglected their responsibility, were left out without anything 

Such is the result of those who prepare and those who do not prepare 

*5) Last minute preparation is Useless*

This lesson is very clear from the parable

The foolish virgins who prepared at the last moment had no favours in anything 

So, last minute preparation does not help. Thid makes us to reflect about need of discipline and preparation in anything we do 

*6) What is my Role?*

Where I am in terms of seriousness of my work? 

Do I belong to the group of wise virgins or foolishn virgins? 

What are the areas which I need to pay attention in my life? 

What is the oil I have to burn the lamp 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*

John the Baptist, The Real King of the Truth

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Thursday*

*The Passion of St John the Baptist*

*Gospel : Mk 6:17-29*

*First Reading : Jer 1:17-19*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17*

*John the Baptist, The Real King of the Truth*

*1) The King in the Event*

Today's Gospel mention about a king and whose name is also given 

The King's Name is Herod, who had imprisoned, John for challenging his Moral life 

*2) The Prisoner*

In the Gospel scene John is shown as the prisoner, because he is in the Prison. 

King Herod had put him in prison. So John is seen as the prisoner in the Gospel scene 

*3) The Real King*

But a careful analysis and the spirit of the Gospel shows a totally different equation 

John emerges as the Real King. Because king is the one who is courageous. John was a courageous man, who feared no one except to God 

The real King is the one who can speak truth in all circumstances. John is the one who spoke the truth courageously and powerfully

King is the one who is able to sacrifice his life for others. John is the one who sacrificed his life for others 

A real King is the one who can live a moral life and who can preach about morality. John is the one who preached about moral life and lived a upright moral life 

A real king is the one who can condemn the evil and uphold the truth. John is the one who condemned the evil and upheld the truth 

*4) The coward Prisoner*

John is not the real prisoner. The so called King Herod is the real prisoner and Slave 

Herod was the prisoner and slave of His emotions

Herod was the prisoner and slave of Herodias, who controlled him from her manipulative and wicked attitude

Herod was prisoner and slave of sensual pleasure. So he sold himself to Salome, by making her foolish promises 

Herod was prisoner and slave of power, ego, position authority and status. Such imprisonment through these things led him to murder the innocent and holy man 

Herod was a prisoner and slave of worldly things. That's why he didn't give importance to the voice of the conscience and to right things. 

Herod was the prisoner and slave of His identity before the so called elite people. So he didn't want to say no to the evil things. Finally he yeilded to the grave sin od murdering the Holy man 

Such a terrible prisoner or slave can never be a King

*5) The dead Herodias*

From the scene it appears that John is the dead person. Physically he might have dead 

But the real dead person was the Herodias, because 

She was dead to the conscience

She was dead to the truth

She was dead to the morality 

She was dead to the forgiveness

She was dead to the sincerity

A person who was dead to these above things, is really dead to life. His/Her life has no meaning in any context 

*6) My Life*

How about these characters in my life 

Am I a king of my life.

The so called King Herod, but who was the prisoner of many things, could never be a real king 

John the Baptist who appears to be a prisoner, but emerges as the Real great King of truth, justice and morality

Herodias, who is the evil incarnate, appears to be one who succeeded in fulfilling her revenge against John, but dead for ever 

Is my life like Herod, John the Baptist or Herodias??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Life As the Whitewashed Tomb

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:27-32*

*First Reading : 2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 128:1-2, 4-5*

*Life As the Whitewashed Tomb*

*1) The Reality of the Whitewashed Tomb*

All of us are very familiar with the whitewashed tombs

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the whitewashed tombs in the context of the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees 

As Jesus says, whitewashed tombs appear beautiful from out side. But from inside the bones and filth is found 

This is the reality of the whitewashed tombs 

*2) Reasons behind whitewashed tombs*

First of all to identify the tombs 

Secondly, to cover all the filth and the foul smell. So that unpleasant things can be covered 

Thirdly to remember the persons who have dead and gone 

*3) Duel standard of whitewashed tomb*

Whitewashed tomb is used as one of the best examples by Jesus to show the hypocrisy of scribes and Pharisees 

From out side they are attractive, colourful, gives a soothing feeling and creates a great feeling 

But in actuality, inside there are lots of unwanted, waste, dry bones are found. 

No one likes remain inside of the tomb, because of the fear, bad smell, darkness and the negativity involved in it. 

So dual standards are very clear in the whitewashed tomb

*4) Inside is more important not out side*

The tomb has existence because of the things which are inside. 

If the inside things are absent then the tomb does not exist 

Since inside things are important one should pay attention to inside things but not the outside things 

With regard to tomb, inside things like bones and  bad smell goes along with the nature. But not with the life 

*5)  Life as Whitewashed Tomb*

The whole focus of Jesus' discussion on whitewashed tomb is to teach a profound lesson on hypocrisy 

Making our life is like whitewashed tomb is the biggest tragedy of life 

We have many beautiful and spiritual images which can be applied to our life. One such example would be mustard seed 

To compare life to a whitewashed tomb is the last and worst thing that can happen to our life 

*6) No Growth in whitewashed tomb*

No growth whatsoever in the whitewashed tomb

Only decay and dead things are found. Nothing grows there. 

When life becomes whitewashed tomb, it looks beautiful only from outside but inside no growth, but decay and dead things are found 

*7) What is the image of my life?*

Jesus called the life of scribes and Pharisees as whitewashed tomb

What about my life? What he will call about my life? 

Will he call it as dead sea? 

Will he call it as house built on the sand? 

Will he call it as dirty cup from inside? 

Will he call it as, rocky ground? 

Will he call it as lamp stand?

Will he call it as Yeast?

Will he call it as salt of the earth?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Cleansing of the Cup or Dish from inside

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:23-26*

*First Reading : 2 Thess 2:1-3a, 14-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 96:11-12, 13*

*Cleansing of the Cup or Dish from inside*

*1) Challenges to clean the cup from Inside*

Jesus speaks about the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees in today's Gospel

In this context Jesus uses the imagery of the cup to show explain the vice of hypocrisy 

Cleansing of the Cup is the work that has to be done. At the same time, there are certain things which we need to pay attention in the process of cleansing the cup 

These are also could be tremed as the challenges of cleansing the cup 

*2) First of need to Empty the Cup*

To clean the cup we need the empty the cup 

It means cup is filled with many things 

Emptying cup means discarding all the things which are inside the cup

Unless one is ready to discard the things which are inside, cleansing of the cup is not possible

Some times people find emptying cup is really challenging, because they consider whatever inside the cup is the real identity and when inside is empty they feel everything is empty

This emptiness should be filled with other good things, which they find really difficult

*3) Complications of the Cup*

Cups are of different kinds and shapes. In this way, each cup is unique

Some cups are deep, some are having bottle neck, some are huge, some are transparent, some are colourful and some are plain 

At times to clean these cups  are difficult, especially if the cup is of bottleneck, or deep inside 

These are the challenges of cleansing the cup 

*4) The need of extra things to clean the Cup*

When the cup is deep or of bottleneck,  one can't clean the cup from hands. 

In such situation one needs some instruments and some detergent also 

Brush, surf, detergent and other things are needed to clean the cup. 

One can't take this work in a casual way. One has to take this task in a serious way 

*5) Dangers of the Dirty Cup*

Not properly cleaned cup becomes dirty

The dirt which gets accumulated inside the cup gradually becomes poison

Such poison, it gets into the stuff which is poured into cup or while using the cup. Finally it gets into the body, which may be dangerous for health

*6) Life as Cup*

Jesus compares the entire logic of the cup to our life 

In a larger context our life itself is the beautiful cup 

Our moral life or the conscience is the inside of the cup 

The steps which are involved in cleansing the cup, also applicable to clean the life's cup 

There are also spiritual things to clean the life's cup

*7) The Spiritual things needed*

To clean the life's cup we need the following spiritual things 

The sacrament of confession

The examination of the conscience

The humility to accept ones wrong doing

The strong prayer life 

The grace of God 

The active participation in the celebration of the sacraments 

Reading and meditating the Scriptures 

*8) The Value of the Cup/Chalice*

The life's cup also reminds the cup of Jesus or the Chalice 

No one can pass through life, without this cup 

Like Jesus one has the embrace the life's cup 

This cup is filled with the mission, liberative aspect, challenges, sacrifice, Cross and victory 

With life's cup one can find real meaning of life, if it is clean and good

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The reality of Blind Guides

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:13-22*

*First Reading : 2 Thes1:1-5, 11-12*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5*

*The reality of Blind Guides*

*1) Blind guides : A inner contradiction*

Blind is a person who can't see properly 

Such a person needs the guidance from another person for his movements 

A blind person becoming a guide, really dangerous. Because such a person will do more harm than the good 

So blind guides are the most dangerous people 

*2) Scribes and Pharisees the blind guides*

In the Gospel Jesus refers the concept of blind guides to Scribes and Pharisees 

In a way Jesus condemns them through these words 

When Jesus calls them as blind guides, they are really  blind guides who led the people away from greater good things 

*3) Why Scribes and Pharisees are blind Guides?*

First of all they had begun blind for number of reasons 

They became blind because of their arrogance, self righteousness, hypocrisy, greed for power, position and authority and their strange behavior towards Jesus 

As a result they were not able to see who Jesus really is, His values, His teaching, and his preaching 

They were not able to see Jesus as Messiah, Son of God, great healer and preacher 

As a result their sight had become blurr in knowing and accepting the reality 

*4) The Consequencs of Blind guides*

First of all they are not able to have true and necessary knowledge about the Kingdom of God 

Secondly Such an attitude does not help them to grow in any areas 

Thirdly One who follows their guidance will totally lose everything since their presumption about true things may totally go wrong 

*5) Am I a blind Guide?*

When I am blind my vision becomes blurr. 

As a blind man my thinking becomes blurr 

As a blind man my heart becomes heart less feeling

As a blind man, my life becomes a totally confused reality 

As a blind guide I do more harm than good

Blind guide is a dangerous attitude. Such an attitude one should over come

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Do you also want to leave? : “Master, to whom shall we go?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:60-69*

*First Reading : Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21*

*Second Reading - Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32*

*Do you also want to leave? : “Master, to whom shall we go?*

*1) Leaving - But where to go?*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the leaving.

There is a group in the Gospel who felt that the teachings of Jesus is hard to practice 

 *This saying is hard; who can accept it?”*

That's why this group wanted back to their former ways of life, leaving the company of Jesus 

It appears easy to leave and go. But we need to reflect the question of Jesus in different level 

So, by leaving where to go? All those who went to former ways of life, what happened to them? 

What was the consequences of it? 

*2) The Question of Jesus is seen in different level*

*“Do you also want to leave?”*

This question was asked by Jesus. In today's context these are the realities who will ask this question to us 

*A) Family : “Do you also want to leave?”*

Many people think that it is too hard to follow the responsibilities of the family, the commitment to the family, fidelity to the spouses and other things as well 

Who can accept all these? So, many want to go back or to leave the family 

But what happens to all those who leave the family? 

Family, Whom shall we go? You have the future of our life? 

*B) Conscience : “Do you also want to leave?”*

There are also people who don't follow the voice of the conscience

They think it is too hard to follow the demands of the conscience? Who can accept this? 

But what is the consequence of ignoring the demands of the conscience? 

Destruction of Life

O conscience, whom shall we go? You have the knowledge of rightness and wrongness of the things

*C) Church: “Do you also want to leave?”*

To some church has become a burden. For them the demands of the church is too much, too hard. Who can accept it? 

But what is the consequences of leaving the Church? 

O Church, whom shall we go? You have the way to eternal life

*D) Life : “Do you also want to leave?”*

To some life becomes burden. They don't want to live. They feel it is too hard to face the challenges of life. Who can accept it. So, they want to end their life

But what is the consequences of ending our life? 

O life, whom shall we go? You have the meaning and purpose for our existence

*E) Spirituality : “Do you also want to leave?”*

Life can not find meaning without spirituality.

At times many feel it is not necessary. At times its demands are too much. Who can accept it? 

So ignore the spirituality. But what is the result of it? 

O spirituality, whom shall we go? You have the wisdom for holy life 

*F) Eucharist : “Do you also want to leave?”*

How can we sustain without Eucharist? 

Am I finding too hard to follow the demands of Eucharist? 

Do I feel, Who can accept it? 

What are the consequences of ignoring the celebration of Eucharist? 

O Eucharist, whom shall we go? You have the food for eternal life and to our souls

*G) Reconciliation : “Do you also want to leave?”*

Sacrament of reconciliation renews our life. 

At times people do feel the demands are too much and too hard. Who can accept it? 

So ignore them. 

But what is the consequences of ignoring the sacrament of reconciliation? 

O sacrament of reconciliation, whom shall we go? You have the mercy of God

*3) My Attitude?*

How do I feel the demands of my life? 

Do I feel it is too much or too hard, who can accept it? 

But one important question: Whom shall we go? At the end of the life, only these things can help us

We can go no where other than Jesus and above these things

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Good can come from anywhere

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 1:45–51*

*First Reading : Rv 21:9b–14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18*

*Good can come from anywhere*

*1) “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”*

This particular expression of Nathanael, gives an impression that, good can come from certain places, or from certain places, or from certain tradition 

In fact Nathanael is wrong in having such an view, which could be considered as prejudice about certain place 

Not only, Nathanael but many scribes and Pharisees were of the opinion that, Messiah can't come from certain places and from certain family 

To all such prejudices the Gospel gives a beautiful answer

*2) Good is not restricted to any place or person*

This is the first truth that one should accept 

To think that good is restricted to certain place, certain people, certain culture or to certain religions is a wrong view. 

It is not only wrong but it is a dangerous belief or attitude which can create lot of harm, chaos and confusion

*3) Good can come from anyone*

God has created all of us in His own image and likeness

So there is a basic goodness in all of us. This basic goodness is the underlying factor to say that basically all are good and good can come from anyone 

We have been created for good things and we need to bring out the goodness  in every situation 

*4) The effect of Goodness*

The Gospel not only shows that Goodness can come from anywhere but also shows the effects of Goodness 

In the Gospel the effects of goodness is witnessed by Nathanael 

First of all, he was able to overcome from his doubt and prejudistic attitude 

Secondly he was also enlightened about the greater truths about the Messiah 

Thirdly he was as able to realised his true self, that is *Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.”*

Fourthly, he was given a greater revelation that *You will see greater things than this.”*

*5) Can anything good come from me?*

This question is very important for our life 

Time and again we need to ask this question, in order to know the value of Good and our role in bringing out good 

The first answer to the above question is *Yes*

Good can come from me. I have been created for good. So my mission should include in bringing our good and good only 

Secondly, never to underestimate the capacity of anyone in bringing the good 

Good can come from children, from youngsters, from elderly, from servants, from ordinary people, from any situations and from anywhere 

As a good child of God, let's try our best to bring about good from all sides

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of the Approach

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 22:34-40*

*First Reading : Ez 37:1-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9*

*Importance of the Approach*

*1) Our Approach towards Jesus*

The Gospel of the day speaks about our approach towards Jesus 

The way we approach Jesus will be the result we will receive from the approach 

If our approach is good, we will be blessed. If our approach is filled with evil intention, we will not receive any blessings from God 

*2) The approach of the Scholar*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the approach of the Scholar

With the intention of *testing* Jesus, he approached Jesus 

Either he wanted to trap Jesus or wanted to show that he knows better than Jesus or to humiliate Jesus in front of Sadducees and Scribes 

Such was the intention of the Scholar. At the end we see, Jesus uses this opportunity to communicate the  correct teachings about the Beauty of Love 

*3) Sadducees, Scribes and the Scholars of the Law*

In Matthew Chapter 22, we have 4 instances where Sadducees, Scribes and the so called Scholars of the law approach Jesus purely with the intention of testing, trapping and humiliating him 

So their intention was very clear. In each of these above incidents they wanted to challenge Jesus with their knowledge pride and arrogance 

*4) The Hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees*

Following these things, in Chapter 23 Jesus uses very harsh words to condem their hypocrisy

Jesus calls them as, hypocrites, blind guides, blind fools, Whitewashed tombs, filled with greed and self indulgence

Finally the colour of the Scribes and Pharisees is seen in the above harsh words. 

When the approach is wrong, this is what is seen in the underneath

*5) The Correct Approach*

Nicodemus approached Jesus to know about the truths of the kingdom of God. He considered Jesus as the man with great wisdom. Finally he goes back as enlightened man 

Zacchaeus approached Jesus for a change of life. Finally he went back as fully converted man 

Mary Magdalene approached Jesus for Mercy. She experienced mercy and become first apostle to communicate the message of the Risen Lord 

The Syrophoenician woman, realised the divinity and the miraculous power of Jesus. She had come to Jesus for a favour for her daughter. She asked for crumbs. But she received the Whole bread. She became the champion of Faith. Her approach was totally a faith based one 

*6) How about my approach?*

Many times in my life I approach Jesus for different reasons? 

How is my approach? 

A faith based approach? 

A casual approach? 

Approach purely for a favour? 

Approach for a miracle? 

Approach for real experience? 

Approach out of fear? 

Approach out of frustration? 

Approach for external show? 

A hypothetical approach? 

A diplomatic approach? 

Approach for recognition? 

Approach for a chance of life? 

Approach for mercy? 

What is my approach to Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Feast : The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Feast : The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:26-38*

*First Reading : Is 9:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8*

*Queenship is the Highest Honor for the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*1) Queenship of Mary*

We celebrate the Queenship of Mary in Marian Litany and in the Glorious Mystery

In the Litany we say *Queen Assumed into Heaven*

In the Glorious Mysteries we  read in the Fifth Mystery *Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

These two instances clearly show us the Queenship of Mary and Her Importance in the Salvation history

*2) Possible Reasons for the Queenship of Mary*

*A) Mary's Role in the Salvation History*

First of all Mary played a major role in the Salvation History 

Through her the author of our salvation came into this world

That's why Mary is real Queen 

*B) Mary's Deep faith*

In Mary we see a great personality of Faith and Hope 

Her faith was so deep, which made her to accept every situation of her life as the will of God, as the part of God's plan 

Such a deep faith makes Mary a real Queen 

*C) Mary's Humility*

There is no comparison for Mary's humility 

After the humility of Jesus, Mary is the best example of humility 

In spite her greatness as the mother of the Saviour yet She remained as a humble servant of God 

Her Humility is the road to her Queenship

*D) Mary's unwavering commitment*

Once she said *Yes* to the Lord, she never looked back 

She never complained, never questioned, never Grumbled at any situation especially in the difficult situation 

This shows her unwavering commitment to God's plan. That's why she is real Queen

*F) Mary's womb - The First tabernacle*

Mary First received Jesus in her Heart and then Her womb

The dwelling place of Jesus is the Tabernacle

Since Jesus dwelt in the Womb of Mary, the Womb became the tabernacle for Jesus 

This is also another reason why Mary is considered as Queen 

*G) Mary's YES to the Lord*

The *Yes* of Mary brought a new revolution in the Human  history

The *Yes* of Mary divided the History of this world into BC and AD 

The *Yes* of Mary brought the Son of Mary to this World 

The *Yes* of Mary opened a new world in the Human History

That's why Mary is the Queen 

*H) Mary's Unifying Strength*

From the beginning till the end Mary remained as a unifying figure

After the death of Jesus Mary kept the Apostles together

At the Pentecost, Mary brought all the Apostles together, which resulted in the reception of Holy Spirit

So Mary is seen as the Unifying Queen for the Apostles

*I) Mary's Motherhood*

The Motherhood of Mary is a special feature of Mary 

She not only the Mother of Jesus, but the Mother of God, Mother of the Church and the Mother of everyone 

The Litany tells us the vastness of the Motherhood of Mary 

Such an aspect makes Marya great Queen 

*3) Queen of Heaven and Earth*

The Queenship of Mary extends to everywhere, to the Heavens and to the Earth 

Such is the power and importance of the Queenship of Mary 

*4) Queenship of Mary and My Life*

How do I see the Queenship of Mary? 

Have I understood the role and importance of Mary in salvation History and to my life? 

Queen is a great Person. She became queen by doing God's will, doing good and holy things. 

Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Earth calls me and every one to Become the Kings of Good and Holy things, by doing the Will of God. 

Am I ready?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

God's Mathematics

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 20:1-16*

*First Reading : Ez 34:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6*

*God's Mathematics*

*1) All are Equal*

The parable of the labourers in the Vineyard, conveys a powerful theme that is all are equal to God 

The person who worked for whole day and the person who did the one hour work, received the same amount 

This shows God does not make any partiality or does not treat the last one in a different way 

The last one also considered as equal to the person who worked for the whole day 

*2) God Cheats no one*

At the peripheral level it appears that God was not just in giving equal amount. That is our calculation 

But careful analysis shows that, He gave the first worker who worked for the Whole day, what was agreed for the daily wage 

In no way the owner gave less than what was agreed. So there is no cheating 

To the last he gave more. This shows God's generosity.

This clearly shows that God never cheats any one 

*3) He is always Generous*

This is another characteristic of God's mathematics

He always gives more than what was due. To the last he gave the entire days wage, which shows the Generosity of God 

*4) He gave according to the agreement* 

We also hear in the parable that the first one who received their days wage, which was fixed earlier, started to grumble the owner

They didn't say that the owner has given less. Their argument is that the last ones got more 

So the owner didn't go against the agreement. He followed the agreement perfectly well 

*5) Not Hours, But attitude counts*

In God's mathematics, the Hour of works has no place 

One can't be judged according to the hours of work one does 

In God's mathematics, the attitude, the behavior, care, concern and belongingness counts a lot 

That is how the mathematics of God works 

*6) No one can claim by Right*

The Labourers who came first were trying to argue with the owner to claim the benefits of the situation 

To their claim, they go nothing, but had to bow down to the mathematics of God 

This clearly shows no one can claim anything from God, as if something is some ones right. 

From God everything is a free gift and one should have a right disposition to receive the gift

Have I understood the mathematics of God?

How my mathematics is different from the mathematics of God? 

How can I adopt the mathematics of God 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*

Entry to the Kingdom of Heaven and the Riches

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:23-30*

*First Reading : Ez 28:1-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab*

*Entry to the Kingdom of Heaven and the Riches*

*1) Entry into Heaven*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the aspect of entry into heaven 

Who can enter heaven? Is the common question which is asked by many at various occasions 

While answering this question, Jesus gives us a very important information about the link of Entry into heaven and the Riches 

How does the riches become block in the entry into heaven is the main topic of today's Gospel 

*2) Most loved thing, becomes a obstacle*

*Riches* are the most loved thing in this world by human beings 

In other words by and large human beings love the material possessions rather than anything else in this world

Such a lovable things becomes the hurdle in entering into the heaven

That's why Jesus warns about the riches of this world

*3) It will be hard for one who is rich*

Rich and Riches always go together

Jesus does not say that rich do not enter into heaven

But Jesus says it will be *hard* for the rich to enter into heaven

So even the rich can enter the Heaven, provided one is not attached to the worldly possessions

Hard means one has to make lots of efforts, one has to struggle a lot in entering the Heaven

*4) The problem with the Riches*

Worldly riches is not bad. It is a God's gift to the entire humankind 

Such riches become problem, when it is used for selfish purposes, when it is not shared with others, when one is too much involved in material possessions, it turns out to be hurdle than a blessing to enter into heaven

Our disposition towards the riches will decide whether wealth is a blessing or a hurdle? 

*5) Why Riches become hurdle to Rich?*

When a person becomes the rich, or one who has the desire to become rich, His?Her attitude matters a lot 

Usually the person who is addicted to the riches, forgets to honour God

God and spiritual things become secondary value and wealth is given the primary place 

Such an attitude becomes a hurdle to enter into heaven

*6) Hurdles on the entry to Heaven*

From the Gospel it is clear that for the rich the riches become the hurdle to enter into heaven

This does not mean that all poor will enter into heaven 

Like rich, poor people may be having some other hurdles to enter into heaven

In other words, all of us have various hurdles to enter into heaven

So, what are the hurdles which I encounter in my day today life, in entering into heaven?

Am I under the influence of the hurdles, which hinder my entry into heaven?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Detachment is the way towards Perfection

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:16-22*

*First Reading : Ez 24:15-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21*

*Detachment is the way towards Perfection*

*1) Jesus speaks on perfection*

In the context of answering the question, raised by the young man Jesus says *“If you wish to be perfect*

This particular aspect shows that there is a way to become perfect in our life, which demands a particular path to follow in our life 

*2) Detachment is the path towards perfection*

When Jesus speaks about the perfection in ones life, Jesus also shows the path towards perfection

Jesus says *If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”*

This particular view of Jesus clearly shows that unless one has the willingness to practice the virtue of detachment, one is not able to attain perfection

Detachment is at the centre of perfection 

*3) Mere practice of the commandments are not Sufficient*

The Young had practiced all the commandments which Jesus had mentioned 

The Young man says *“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”*

If Jesus had not answered further to this question, it would have been very clear that the practice of the above commandments, which Jesus had mentioned, would have become the criteria for perfection 

Since Jesus further says *If you wish to be perfect* it shows that in spite of practicing the commandments, he lacked something to become perfect 

So mere practice of the commandments are not sufficient for perfection 

*4) practice of the commandments and the detachment*

From the Gospel it appears that, the practice of the commandments is easy but the way of perfection is difficult, which is the total detachment 

The spirit of the commandments consists is avoiding something and doing something. 

The spirit of perfection is total giving up everything trusting in the Lord and following Jesus 

This is the real meaning of detachment 

*5) Attachment and Sadness*

The Gospel of the day says at last that *he went away sad,  for he had many possessions*

He was so much attached to his possession, which he was not willing to give up 

This attachment to his possessions, finally brings about a great sadness, which results in going away from Jesus 

Ultimately the attachment to worldly things, brings about sadness and breaking the relationship with Jesus 

*6) Detachment at the centre of Christian Spirituality*

Jesus was not attached to any of the things of this world. So he was ready to move from one place to another and was able to do lots of work

With attachment to the worldly things, finally brings about greed and ends up in sadness

Detachment was at the center of Jesus' ministry

All saints practiced this virtue of detachment 

Detachment also needs a great amount of discipline and the aspect of sacrifice

Am I able to detach myself from the undue attachment to this worldly things? 

How does the detachment works in my life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The True Value of Eternal Food

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:51-58*

*First Reading : Prv 9:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7*

*Second Reading - Eph 5:15-20*

*The True Value of Eternal Food*

*1) St Augustine on Eucharist*

When we eat the normal food, it transforms into the one who eats. It gives him the physical strength. With this strength he is able to work, and do his/her daily works 

But the Eternal Food, that is the Body and Blood of Jesus; one who consumes it, it transforms the person into the image and likeness of Jesus 

This eternal food transforms the person, to become like the one, whose body and blood is received through the Eucharist

*2) Benny Hinn on Eucharist*

It is the Eucharist and the Strong faith on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, differentiates Catholics from all other Christian groups 

There are more Eucharistic miracles in Catholics Church than in any other churches 

The Spiritual wellbeing and the good things, that happen, when one celebrates the Eucharist and receives Jesus in the Holy Bread and Wine, do not happen in any other places and through any other means 

Because Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Jesus. This is the power of the Eucharist

*3) One needs True Wisdom to Understand the mystery of Eucharist*

The first reading from the Book of Proverbs, speaks about the true Wisdom

Wisdom Has built her House with Seven Pillars. These seven pillars are nothing but the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. They are 

Wisdom,

Understanding, 

Counsel, 

Fortitude, 

Knowledge, 

Piety

Fear of the Lord

Through these Seven pillars one can understand the mystery and the value of Eternal Food 

*4) Viaticum - Food for the Journey*

This is a special privilege which we find in the Catholic Church, in the context of Eucharist 

A person who is in danger of Death, the Eucharist is given as a food for the journey 

This journey towards the eternal abode. 

This clearly shows that Eucharist takes a person to the eternal abode 

Eucharist gives a chance for the person to participate in the eternal banquet

Eucharist shows the way to the  person to the eternal Home 

So, this is the eternal value of the Eucharist

*5) The Power of the Eucharist*

It is a true bread came down from heaven 

It is the flesh of Jesus himself, having the quality of eternal life 

One who receives it, will not die, but lives for ever 

No life, without Eucharist. It only gives the real life, a life which has no end 

It has the power to raise one on the last day to eternal life 

*6) Availability of the Eternal Food*

For us Christians this eternal food is available at every Eucharistic celebration

It is a great privilege and Honor for us to have this eternal food, through the Eucharist 

One needs to prepare himself to receive this food in a worthy way. 

St Paul Says *whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord* 

*For all who eat and drink, without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement against themselves* (1Cor 11:29-31)

How do I prepare myself to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? 

Have I realised the value of Eucharist, in terms of eternal life? 

What is my reverence to the Eucharist?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Important mission of Bringing Children to Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:13-15*

*First Reading : Ez 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32*

*Responsorial Psalm : PS . 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19*

*The Important mission of Bringing Children to Jesus*

*1) One of the important duties of Marriage*

During the Nuptial rite, the mission about bringing Children to Jesus is highlighted 

The sacrament of Matrimony highlights, that bringing children to Jesus is one of the important duties of the parents 

This also shows how important this mission in our life 

*2) Jesus on Bringing children to Him*

The Gospel speaks about people bringing children to Jesus 

The reaction of Jesus is very important. 

First of all he rebuked His disciples for not allowing the people to bring their children to Him 

Secondly he openly tells that the children should be allowed to come to Him 

Thirdly Jesus plays his hand over them and prays for them 

This shows the importance of children bringing them to Jesus 

*3) As Teachers and Elders*

Apart from the parents the elders and teachers have a grave responsibility to bring the children to Jesus 

Because most of the times children will be with the teachers and with immediate elders, apart from the parents 

Unless we take the responsibility, this mission becomes impossible 

*4) Various ways of bringing children to Jesus*

At the earliest stage, teaching them about Jesus in our houses 

Showing the images of Jesus and telling them its importance 

Bringing small children to the altar at home, after the payers and making them to kiss the statue of Jesus, Mary and other Saints 

Teaching them the catechism 

Encouraging them to read the Bible 

Telling them to lead the prayer and Rosary at home 

Sending the children to Sunday catechism

Taking efforts to communicate the message of Jesus in a creative and attractive ways 

*5) Failure to bring children to Jesus*

This is a serious issue that needs more attention 

At times responsibile people forger their duty of bringing children to Jesus 

At times like the disciples they become the obstacles in bringing children to Jesus 

Failure in bringing children to Jesus leads to serious crisis in life 

When the children grow they get into all sorts of crisis and get into all sorts of evil habits 

Gradually it may end up in a big tragedy in life 

That's why the mission of bringing the children to Jesus is very much important

*6) My Responsibility*

In bringing children to Jesus what is my responsibility? 

As a parent, as a teacher, as a religious or as an elder what is my role in bringing the children to Jesus? 

Have I become any time a obstacle to any one, in bringing others to Jesus? 

Is my life worthy of bringing others to Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What God has joined together, man must not separate

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:3-12*

*First Reading : Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 or Ez 16:59-63*

*Responsorial Psalm : Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6*

*What God has joined together, man must not separate*

*1) God who works for Unity*

One of the important aspects which we see in the Entire Bible about God would be, *the God who works for Unity*

From the book of Genesis till Revelation, we see the various efforts and plans of God to bring back the Human being to unity with the divine 

In spite of grave failures from the part of Human beings God never stopped bringing people back to the unity 

The core message of Salvation History is nothing but the Unity or joining man and Divine for the betterment of the Humankind

*2) The tendency to Separate by Human beings*

The tendency to separate, to break away, to go away, to reject is very much seen in the nature of Human being 

The first man on Earth, Adam and Woman Eve, had this strong tendency, and broke the original unity by committing the Sin 

Since then, even today the tendency separate is very much visible in every aspect  of our life 

*3) The separation in the Family*

In the Gospel of the Day Jesus highlights the aspect of separation in the family 

Family is one of the First thing, which God created in the World and brought man and woman together

The unity between Human beings and God starts from the family

This is one of the reasons why Jesus is highlighting the unity in the Family

If the unity of the family is lost or if the family is broken then there is nothing is left in ones life 

That's why Jesus is highlighing the importance of the unity of the family

*4) Sacraments are the ways of Unity*

The broken unity is continuously is united by God, through the sacraments 

The sacrament of Baptism is one of the important, sacraments which units the human being to God

This is the first step of God to unite human beings. 

So God continuously working to have unity with human being

Like wise all other sacraments, are primarily celebrated for acquiring the unity with God 

The celebration of the sacraments, shows how much God works for the unity with Human Being 

*5) Broken Unity and the Loss*

When the unity is broken, the loss is not for God, but loss for the human beings 

With broken unity, the human being suffers a lot 

When the unity is lost, everything is lost 

So maintaining unity is one of the important aspect in our life 

*6) Unifier or Divider*

God always works as unifying factor 

Devil always works as the dividing factor 

What is my role, in maintaining the unity? 

We need the grace of God to work for unity and to maintaining the unity 

How about me? Am I a unifying person or dividing person?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The meaning of True Freedom

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Assumption of Our Blessed Mother and Independence Day*

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:39-58*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 45: 10, 11, 12, 16*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 15:20-27*

*The meaning of True Freedom*

*1) Dual Celebration*

Today we have two important celebrations 

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven - Body and Soul 

The independence day of our Country 

Both these feasts highlights the importance of true freedom in our life 

*2) Freedom of Mind*

True freedom consists in freedom of mind. Mary had this freedom

This freedom helps us to know the difference between what is right and what is wrong 

With the Freedom of mind one is able to judge the situation and the events in a right way 

Freedom of mind always helps the person to think in a right way and to choose the right things 

As we celebrate this feast let our minds be free from ignorance, false teaching, fasle thinking, biased opinions and destructive ideologies 

*3) Freedom of Heart*

Unless the heart is free from evil things one can't enjoy true freedom and liberation 

At times heart becomes the dustbi of all unwanted things which makes the heart to lose the freedom 

Jesus says *those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.* Mt 15:17

Unless one frees the heart from evil things one can't enjoy the real freedom 

As we celebrate the great feast of freedom, let us try our level best to free our hearts from, jealousy, greed, evil habits, anger, pride etc 

*4) Freedom of Soul*

The bondage of the Soul is one of the main aspects which is spoken in every religion and in every scripture 

All our good deeds are focused on freeing ones soul from the bondage of sin 

Only a liberated soul is able to experience the Love, Mercy, holiness, and blessings of the Almighty 

Mary was and is an example for the freedom of the Soul 

Her magnificat shows the her soul was a liberated soul which experienced Gods love and mercy 

As we celebrate this feast let us free our soul from the bondage of sin, evil things and from the cravings of this material world 

*5) Benefits of True Freedom*

One is able to experience God 

One is able to know the will of God 

One is able to choose the right thing

One is able to make right judgement 

One is able to carry out the good acts 

One is able to reach out others in every situation

One is able to think about common good 

One is able to motivate and inspire others 

One is able to sacrifice his/her life for others 

One is able to love his/her enemies

*6) Internal freedom and External Freedom*

External freedom is freedom from external forces which curtail our movements. This is the freedom we got on August 15, 1947. Even today we enjoy this freedom 

Internal freedom is more important. It is a freedom of heart, mind, and soul. 

Such a freedom makes our life meaningful 

No one can give us this freedom unless we work ourselves with the grace of God. 

We should strive to have such a authentic freedom, which helps us to liberate ourselves from all bondages 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The fate of the Arrogant

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:15-20*

*First Reading :  Ez 9:1-7; 10:18-22*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6*

*The fate of the Arrogant*

*1) The Gospel on Arrogance*

When we read the Gospel, it is very clear that the arrogance of the person who commits  mistake is clearly seen 

The Gospel highlights the diffent levels of corrections, which the person has to accept 

When the person fails to accept the corrections at all levels such a person is considered as Gentile, which is the result of Arrogance

*2) Fraternal Corrections*

This is the first level of corrections which we get when we commit mistakes 

This fraternal corrections come from our own teachers, family members and or friends at one to one level 

A humble person is able to reason out the corrections and that helps the person to correct ones faulty ways 

*3) Corrections with witness*

Some times the person who commits the mistake may not be able to accept his/her fault 

In such cases the persons fault is shown through the witness either two or more 

When three or more people say the same thing, with regard to the mistakes, it is accepted that such a mistake has happened from persons side 

This is another opportunity for the person to accept ones fault to change ones life 

*4) Corrections at the Community Level*

This is the larger way of correcting ones fault 

When community tells a person about the fault, it must be true, and person has to accept his/her fault 

Failure to accept the fault at this level leads to serious consequence for the person

*5) One is treated as Gentile*

Failure to accept the fault at all levels leads one to consider as Gentile

Gentile could be the one who does not believe in God,  who is considered unclean, who is considered as great sinner, one who is not eligible for God's salvation, one who is not the part of God's folk 

This is the fate of Arrogance

*6) My response to the Corrections*

How do I respond to the corrections? 

Do I accept the corrections or do I ignore them? 

Arrogance in no way helps the person to achieve anything. But it destroys ones whole life 

On the other hand humility always lifts the person and makes a great person 

Am I the victim of arrogance? 

Am I a arrogant person? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Joy of the Lost Found

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14*

*First Reading : Ez 2:8-3:4*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131*

*The Joy of the Lost Found*

*1) The Search for the Lost one*  

The Gospel of the day speaks about the search for the lost one 

One among 100  sheep is lost on the way. The Shepard leaves the 99 and goes in serach of the 1 

This shows the importance of the 1 sheep which is lost and also the love of the Shepherd for the lost one   

*2) The joy over the lost found*

We see a special joy in the heart of the Shepherd when he finds the lost sheep 

Once he finds the lost sheep, the sheep also becomes very dear to the Shepherd 

Some how the shepherd feels the special attraction and the love towards the lost sheep 

The shepherd also keeps a special watch on the lost sheep because he loves the lost sheep more than the other sheep 

*3) The realisation of the Value*

It is our experience that most of the time the value of the particular thing is realised when the thing is lost 

In the absence of the thing we realise its worth. That's why when we get back the lost thing, our joy becomes double

*4) Our life Experience*

Our life teaches us a very profound lesson with regard to this aspect 

Due to some accident when we lose our health, we suffer a lot 

But when we get back our health, we really feel happy because we realise its worth

*5) We are lost due to Sin*

Due to sin our position is just like the one sheep which lost the way 

As the shepherd seraches for the lost sheep, our Lord, the Good Shepherd searches us every day through various ways 

Various sacraments God's different ways through which our Lord searches us to find our way back to home  

*6) The Joy in Heaven*

The Joy experienced at the finding of the lost thing is not only experienced by the lost Sheep but also the Shepherd 

Jesus says *there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.*

So heaven becomes more joyful than anyone else over finding the lost one  

*7) Our Joy, when we come back to God*

The joy we feel after we come back from the confessional, after our confession, will never be able to find in anything else in this world 

The joy which we feel when we accept our fault with true spirit, can never be bought by any amount of money in this world 

Blessed is the one who experiences this type of joy in ones life 

The Lost found joy is the greatest treasure which we can enjoy in our life 

Only the *Lost Found joy* can open the doors of eternal life 

What about the reality of *Lost Found Joy* 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*

Lessons from Jesus paying the Temple Tax

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 17:22-27*

*First Reading : Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14*

*Lessons from Jesus paying the Temple Tax*

*1) Sons are free from paying the Taxes*

In the context of paying the taxes, one question is answered clearly 

Whether the Sons are subjected to pay the temple tax or not. It is clear from the passage that the sons are exempted from paying the taxes 

They enjoyed this freedom 

*2) Jesus is the Son of God*

This is the highest sonship of Jesus 

He is the Son of the most high, who is above every law of this world 

Accordingly no law can subject to Jesus since he is the master of every law 

So Jesus is in no way subject to pay the temple tax 

Yet he pays the tax. This is the beauty of Jesus. This gesture of Jesus teaches us a profound lesson for our life 

*3) Reasons behind Jesus paying the temple tax*

*A) Avoid Trouble for tax collectors*

Jesus didn't want the tax collectors to put into trouble. So to avoid this trouble Jesus pays the temple tax 

*B) To avoid offence and Misunderstanding*

This is the another reason why Jesus paid the temple tax. Committing offence puts us into to trouble. We need to be careful about committing offence

*C) To become a model for Others*

By paying the temple tax Jesus projecting himself as a model for others to follow. Paying the temple tax is the duty and one must do it joyfully with grumbling and putting others into trouble 

*D) A great lesson of Humility*

Paying of the temple tax also shows the humility of Jesus. He humbles himself before this earthly kings, even though he was not subjected for such a thing. A great lesson of humility is found in this gesture of Jesus 

*E) Obedience*

Jesus teaches another important lesson, the lesson of obedience. By paying the taxes, Jesus is obeying the civil authority. This highlights the aspect of obedience in our day today life 

*F) A new challenge for human authority and power*

Usually power and authority is associated with control and dominance. Jesus gives us a different model 

Jesus is above the earthly kings and their authority. Yet Jesus uses his power and  authority for service and not for dominance. 

By paying the temple tax Jesus also highlighting the servant leadership and not the authoritarian dictatorship 

*4) My responsibility towards my Duty*

How do I perform my duties? 

Do I put others into difficulty by not doing my duty? 

Do I offend others by not doing my duty? 

By doing a little more, do I set myself as example for others? 

Do I avoid trouble or creat trouble with regard to my duty? 

How do I fulfill my obligations towards the temple, which is the part and parcel of my life? 

How do I see the gesture of Jesus paying the temple tax?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Need of Living Bread for Eternal Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:41-51*

*First Reading : 1 Kgs 19:4-8*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9*

*Second Reading - Eph 4:30-5:2*

*Need of Living Bread for Eternal Life*

*1) Hunger is a reality*

One of the things which we experience in our day today life is Hunger 

No one can deny the reality of Hunger. It is an existential reality 

Neither one is able to postpone the reality of Hunger. There are many things in our life which we can postpone, but not the Hunger 

The main activities of our life, or of the daily work is mainly centred around gathering some food for our survival 

So hunger is a reality which no one can deny 

*2) The Spiritual Hunger*

As we experience the physical hunger, there is also another form of hunger which we call it as the spiritual hunger 

All of us experience this hunger in our life at one point of our life 

We believe that we have soul, which needs to be fed with the spiritual food for the  survival of Spiritual life 

No one can deny this hunger. So spiritual hunger is also a reality which we need to pay attention 

*3) Jesus on Spiritual Hunger and Spiritual food*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the spiritual hunger and the Spiritual food

This spiritual food can be offered only by the one who has come from heaven 

Jesus is the only one who has come down from heaven and only He can give this spiritual food which sustains us spiritually for eternal life 

*4) Eucharistic Spiritual Food*

The spiritual food which Jesus offers to us is nothing other than His own body and Blood, which he has offered on the cross, at mount Calvary

The Eucharist is the way through which we are given the body and blood of Jesus 

Through the form of bread and wine we receive the body and blood of Jesus 

Therefore there is no other greater way to receive the body and blood of Jesus than Eucharist 

*5) Other forms of Spiritual food*

Apart from Eucharist we also have other ways through which we can receive the body and blood of Jesus or the Spiritual food 

The sacrament of reconciliation

The reading of the word of God and meditating it 

Spending time in prayer, especially in personal prayer 

Spending time in the service of the needy

Doing some good works for the betterment of the other 

Doing little sacrifices for the greater glory of God 

All these activities nourishes our soul and spiritually we become very strong 

*6) The disaster of Eternal Death*

Without food, bodily death is certain 

Without spiritual food the death of the soul is certain 

The death of the soul is the greatest disaster that can happen in ones life 

The eternal death would be the worst think that can happen to any one 

Therefore, feeding the soul, with Spiritual food should be the priority of our life 

There is nothing which can substitute the food for the soul other than the Eucharist and good works 

Have I realised the importance of feeding the soul in my life 

At the end of our life, only the spiritual food that counts 

At the end of our life only the life of soul counts. 

We need to be very careful about the Devil and Sin which continuously work for the death of the Soul

How do I take care of my Soul???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Aspect of Dying in the grain of Wheat

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eighteenth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 12:24–26*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 9:6–10*

*The Aspect of Dying in the grain of Wheat*

*1) Life and Death in the grain of Wheat*

Today's Gospel speaks about the mystery of the grain of wheat 

Jesus speaks about the death and life of the grain of wheat. It appears that there is some contradiction whenever he says life and death together 

But the dying aspect is very important in order to have greater life 

*2) Dying aspect of the grain of Wheat*

There are many things which die in the grain of wheat 

The external shape of the grain of wheat dies 

The skin of the grain of wheat does 

The colour of the grain of wheat dies 

The grain becomes two pieces. In a way the unity of the grain of wheat dies 

A externally died grain of wheat can't be preserved. 

The grain of wheat loses its *grainness* when it dies to create life 

*3) Grain of wheat dies to live in a fullest way*

The purpose of the grain is to produce new life. In this process the grain dies to so many factors which are mentioned above, but it produces new life 

The grain of wheat loses its *grainness* but it produces new life 

Unless losing this *grainness* or unless it dies to its external appearance, it can't produce new life 

So death is the means of new life 

Through death new life is produced 

*4) Dying factor in our life*

Jesus applies this simple logic from the nature to our life 

Our life is just like the grain of wheat, which has the potential power to produce better quality of life 

Only by dying we can achieve this process. There is no short cut to produce life, without dying to certain things 

So dying factor is very much applicable our life, in order to produce new life 

*5) Dying areas of Our life*

There are many areas to which we need to die in order to improve the quality of our life, especially the spiritual quality 

I must die to my anger 

I must die to my greed 

I must die to my pride 

I must die to my revengeful attitude

I must die to my selfishness

I must die to my comfortable zone

I must die to my hypocrisy

I must die to my laziness

I must die to my sin 

I must die to my ego

Dying to these things will create a new life which will help us to have God experience in our life 

*6) St Lawrence died to many things*

He died to his comfortable life 

He died to his selfish interests

He died to his own will 

He died to his plans

He died to his desires 

He died to his sins 

He died to his greed 

That's why he became a great Martyr, who lives even today and for ever

Death brought a new life, which can never be destroyed by anything in this world 

Am I ready to die in order to have new life???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Take up your cross, and follow me

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eighteenth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:24-28*

*First Reading : Na 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7*

*Take up your cross, and follow me*

*1) Jesus is not talking about Wooden Cross*

Whenever Jesus speaks about the Cross, we immediately get the image of the Wooden Cross, which Jesus carried to the Calvary

Carrying of the Cross is really a difficult task and during Jesus' time it was an insult and humiliation to the person, because of the significance of the punishment attached to the Cross 

So no one would wish either to carry the cross or to die on the Cross

It was the last thing which a person can expect for the criminal things done 

So when Jesus speaks about this Cross it has different meaning and it goes beyond the mere wooden Cross 

*2) Other Meanings for Cross*

The concept of the cross can be seen in the following area 

*Sacrifice* is the biggest cross, which one has to carry everyday, if one wants to follow Jesus 

*Rejection* The cross of rejection is has to be carried since one is given this cross very often when one serves the Lord 

*Persecution* The cross of persecution is very much alive in our surroundings today. This cross is the integral part of Jesus mission 

*Humiliation* The Cross of humiliation comes very often to all those who follow Jesus. There is no other way than to carry it for the sake of Jesus 

*Failure* At times the Cross of failure comes like a huge waves. One has to carry this cross for the sake of Jesus 

*Uncertain Path* This cross can not be avoided by the followers of Jesus. The weight of the cross of uncertain path is heavy and it needs special strength to carry it. 

*No to bodily pleasure* This cross at times becomes heavier than any other cross. Moreover this cross has to be carried throughout our life, which makes our life at times very challenging. 

*Detachment* One has to carry this cross regularly to remain close to Jesus. The cross of  Detachment has a greater role in all our commitments in following Jesus 

*3) Wooden Cross is easy to carry*

Jesus carried the wooden cross only for few hours 

He suffered a lot while carrying this cross

Jesus also remained on this cross only for few hours. Then he was brought down from the Cross

Jesus was with the cross, once he was condemned to death till he was taken down from the Cross, after his death 

This is the story of the physical wooden cross in the life of Jesus 

*4) Lifelong Crosses*

Wooden cross, had it's role to play for few hours. 

But the above mentioned Crosses are not meant for few hours, but they are meant for entire life 

To carry the Wooden cross one needs physical strength. But to follow the cross of the Gospel value one needs strong mental courage, moral courage, conviction and discipline

Carrying the  life long crosses are more, challenging and heavier than the wooden crosses 

*5) The reward for life long Crosses*

There is a great reward for all those who carry these above crooses throughout their life 

Every cross is very important and carrying thses crosses will change the quality, goal and destiny of our life 

These crosses bring about a great reward, which no worldly things will be able to give us 

No power on earth can substitute these crosses in ones life. Every one has to to carry these crosses

Eternal life is the reward for carrying these crosses willingly, in our day today life

Am I ready to carry the cross and to follow Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Definition of Satan

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eighteenth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:13-23*

*First Reading : Jer 31:31-34*

*The Definition of Satan*

*1) Satan in Today's Gospel*

In the Gospel of the day we have a reference to the Satan 

In fact Jesus is rebuking Peter, by saying *Get behind me, Satan* for his opinion on the Suffering death and resurrection

Jesus explanation also involves what are the activities of the Satan and what it does 

*2) One who is obstacle for God's plan*

In responding to Peter, Jesus also gives a new definition of the Satan 

One of the Works of the Satan to bring the obstacle for God's Holy Work 

The same Satan tries to bring a obstacle for Jesus through Peter 

*3) Does not allow one to think according to God's mind*

Another evil thing which the Satan does is, it does not allow us to think according to God mind 

Since Satan is working against God, it can't accept God's will 

So through its crooked ways it will not allow us to think and act according to God's will  

*4) Encourages to think according to Human Desire*

Human desire is always filled with selfishness and greed 

One who thinks according to worldly way, can't think about God and His Holiness 

So human desire for easy life, pleasurable life and immoral life is very much found in our life 

The moment we are controlled by the Satan our attention fully goes into the Worldly things 

*5) Christ without Cross*

Another tactics of Satan is to separate Christ and the Cross

There is a indissoluble unity between Christ and the Cross. No one can separate these two realities. 

Satan work is to show these are two realities and to avoid the Cross so that people may not reach to Christ

*6) Happiness without pain*

The Satan uses this shortcut method for happiness. 

Avoid all pain and try to get happiness

In reality it can't happen. *No pain means no gain*

Satan convinces that to have happiness with out pain. Such an attitude makes the follower desperate when one does not get the happiness

*7) Satan is within Us*

In the beginning Jesus praised Peter for His great answer about the messiah. Here he was Rock 

Towards the end we see, the same Peter is addressed as Satan 

Both were found in Peter. 

So the Satan is arround us or at times it is within us.

Such a Satan continuously works within us trying to destroy our true self 

Jesus says *be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour* 1PET 5:8

What is my attitude towards Satan??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*