A Balanced Focus between good and Challenging situations of Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:43b-45*

*First Reading : Eccl 11:9—12:8*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17*

*A Balanced Focus between good and Challenging situations of Life*

*1) Our Focus on Happy Things* 

In our day today life we focus on many things, especially on those things which are beneficial to us 

In this category, we also chose those things which are easily attainable and which give us maximum happiness and satisfaction

We dont pay attention to  those things which are difficult to attain, even though they are much beneficial or profitable

*2) People were amazed about great things*

People see the bright side of Jesus' life 

People saw the miraculous power, the great things, his preaching, the healing power and an extraordinary divine power 

They not only saw these great things in the life of Jesus but they were amazed at these things 

The Gospel clearly says that *they were all amazed at his every deed,*

*3) Jesus asks to pay attention on Challenging things*

Jesus' life and ministry is not only the bright or glorious side 

There is also another side which is equally important, and also the part of Jesus' life 

That why Jesus says *“Pay attention to what I am telling you.*

In a way Jesus is drawing their attention to some of the important things 

*4) The other side of Jesus' life*

Jesus draws the attention of his disciples to the following things 

The handing over the Son of man in the hands of men 

This act involves the passion, suffering, crucifixion, death and Resurrection of Jesus 

These are most difficult and challenging situations of Jesus' life. 

Jesus draws attention of his disciples to these things 

*5) Life is Mixture of Both*

From the explanation of Jesus it is very clear that, life is the mixture of glorious and difficult, challenging things 

One should realise this hard fact of life, in order to appreciate the beauty of our life 

Usually the human tendency to see the good things and to avoid the challenging situations of life 

Jesus warns us about such an attitude of ours towards life and tells us to have a balanced approach towards life 

*5) A deeper desire to become like Jesus*

After having seen both the sides of Jesus, we must have a deeper desire to adopt the approach of Jesus towards our life

Jesus' approach is one of the balanced approach, which gives importance to both the things in life 

Am I ready to adopt Jesus' in my life?? 

*6) Fear to face the challenge?*

The last sentence of the Gospel gives us the impression that the disciples were frightened to clarify the things with Jesus 

The disciples didn't understand the importance of balanced approach to life 

Neither they had the courage to ask with Jesus 

Fear made them no to embrace the challenges of life

Am I frightened to face the challenges of our life?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Who am I?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:18-22*

*First Reading : Eccl 3:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4*

*Who am I?*

*1) One of the Fundamental questions*

The Gospel of the day has this particular question

This is one of the most fundamental questions of every ones life 

Every person, at some point in life asks this question and tries to find answer to this question 

Interestingly, Jesus is asking this question with Disciples

*2) Intention of Jesus*

The intention of Jesus is very clear. In fact Jesus exactly knew his real and divine identity 

But he wanted to know what is the understanding of the crowd and of his own disciples 

So He asked this question to them 

*3) Knowing the Identity of Jesus*

This is one of the important tasks of our life 

We must know who Jesus is for me and his mission for my life 

By knowing the real identity of Jesus, we may be able to know our own identity 

Knowing our identity is very important to achieve somet is life 

*4) Who am I?*

This same question can also be applied to our life. In this context we must ask, who am I? 

First of all I am child of God, created in His own image and likeness

I am an instrument in the hands of Jesus to continue His mission 

I am another Christ, to proclaim his mission to the entire world 

I am person who has been chosen by God to live a holy and sincere life 

This is our real identity

*5) Have I forgotten my identity?*

This is the important question

The previous point tells us about our real identity. But the question is, do I know that this is my real identity?

Have I become the Child of the Worldly things instead of the Child of God? 

Have I become the child of evil things, instead of Good things?

Have I really tried to find out the real identity of my life?

*6) The greatest Loss in Life*

The greatest loss in life would be, when one loses the need and importance of finding out ones identity 

When one loses the focus on the self identity, then nothing is left in life 

Ignorance of the self is the most dangerous aspect in ones life

*7) Need of Others Help*

Jesus knew fully about his identity. Yet he asked with Jesus to find our the pulse of the people 

Asking with others about our identity is very important

Others opinion will help us in forming our identity

Am I ready to ask the opinion of others in finding out my real identity? 

Jesus proved his identity through the good and great works? 

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*

Need of Keep trying to see some Good things always

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:7–9*

*First Reading : Eccl 1:2–11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17bc*

*Need of Keep trying to see some Good things always*

*1) Herod kept trying to see Jesus*

The Gospel tells us about, Herod's worry and his efforts to see who the new prophet was 

There were lots of good and great things were happening arround Herod. So he was perplexed and wanted to see this new prophet 

Since he had already murdered John the Baptist, he was all the more worried because, some people were saying, John the Baptist had come back

So Herod was utterly in confusion. So he was worried and trying to see the new prophet 

*2) Intention of Herod*

He was trying to see Jesus not with Good intention. 

In fact he was worried about his future, power and authority

He thought, if the new powerful man comes, he may lose his Authority. 

So he wanted to find out this man, and if there is any threat for his power, then to eliminate him 

Intention was very crooked and malicious

*3) Great Things arround Us*

There are many great things which are happening arround us

First of all great many miracles are happening in our life on day to day basis 

There are many great good things happening in our families, in the life of our children, and in the life of our dear ones 

There are also good things happening in our neighborhood 

There are also good things happening in the society where we live and in the parish community, where we belong 

There are also great many things happening in the world arround us 

*4) Need to trying to see Good and great Things*

Unless we make some conscious effort we may not be able to see the great things 

First of all, we should have a clean mind and heart to see the good and great things which are happening in and arround us 

A negative mind set will not help us in finding out the good and positive things 

*5) Need of Doing good things*

In the Gospel of the day we saw,  good and great things also caught the attention of the crooked King Herod 

Good things have a power to break and enter any sorts of evil heart 

Before Good things, no evil or malicious heart can block the vision of Good things 

So, doing good can catch the attention of others, which can help us to change the situation in and arround us 

*6) Where do I belong?*

There are four categories of people we find in today's Gospel 

Jesus who was doing great and good things 

John the Baptist, who died as martyr, for the sake of truth and justice 

The Group of people who create opinion about John the Baptist, about prophets, or about Jesus 

The wicked King Herod, who wanted to see Jesus with an evil intention. A king who was disturbed by seeing Good things

Where do I belong??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Power of Jesus Over Worldly things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:1-6*

*First Reading : Prv 30:5-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163*

*The Power of Jesus before the things*

*1) The Power of the World*

There are Six things which are mentioned in today's Gospel, which appears to be very powerful in the World. 

In other words, the World runs on these things. Many think, if these things are not there, nothing can be done in our life in this world 

The Six things are the following

*A) Walking stick* This walking stick represents the Power and authority 

*B) Sack*  Sack is something which is used to collect things. This shows the greed for worldly things 

*C)  Food* Food is also something which satisfies our hunger. Greed for food is very much seen. This can also be seen in the context of sensual pleasures

*D) Money* All of us think, without money we can do nothing. Today money is power. Money is everything. There are many who consider that money itself is god. 

*“Money is the root of all evil”* 1 Timothy 6:10

*E) Second tunic* This represents unnecessary things  or extra things which are not needed for our use. The amount of dress we accumulate is reflected here

 

*F) House*  The House is necessary. But to think ones existence depends on the house one poseses can divert ones attention from the mission 

The greed for property and wealth is reflected here 

*2) The Logic of the World*

From the above things it is very clear that, one can't do anything without these above things 

That is why everyone is trying to get the maximum things to achieve something 

The world also propagates this philosophy very much 

*3) The Philosophy of Jesus*

Gods ways are not our ways. God's thoughts are not our thoughts

What we consider so valuable to achieve something in life, God considers it as nothing

That is why Jesus says take none of these above things. Go to proclaim the Good News without these things 

Something very strange and unimaginable to see from human point of view 

*4) Great Mission from the disciples*

The mission which was given by Jesus is not an ordinary mission. It is a great and challenging mission 

To such mission Jesus is sending them without any of the above things 

So naturally the question is, how to accomplish this mission

*5) Disciples are Given Priceless treasure*

In fact Jesus didn't send them empty handed to the mission

Jesus gave them something which is far more superior than the worldly things 

Jesus gave them *Divine Power and Divine Authority*

Which is 1000 times more powerful than the worldly things 

One who has this authority, needs no other things 

*6) Scope of Divine Authority and Power*

To defeat all demons and to cure all the diseases 

These two things challenge  the mission of the Lord

*Satan and Disease*

No worldly power, so called these above six things can't challenge Satan and various disease. 

But divine power and authority can destroy the Satan and every form disease

Nothing else eradicate these two evils 

*7) My dependency?*

Am I depending on the World's most powerful things? 

Am I depending on the Divine power and Authority??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Standing outside one can't see Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:19-21*

*First Reading : Prv 21:1-6, 10-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44*

*Standing outside one can't see Jesus*

*1) “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside*

In today's Gospel we have the family members who are standing out side, who wish to see Jesus 

They tried to come inside but were unable to come in because of the crowd

As a result they were not able to see Jesus from outside 

*2) Jesus didn't come outside*

It is also very clear that Jesus didn't come out to meet his family members 

Instead of coming out, Jesus gives a solution to the family members how they can come inside 

So ultimately the inside is more important than the outside 

The need to going inside is very much highlighted from the approach of Jesus 

*3) Out side and Inside*

These are two concepts - Outside and Inside, which are powerfully seen in today's Gospel 

In between these two things there is problem called crowd 

The challenge to go from outside to inside breaking the power of the crowd is very much seen 

*4) Spiritual meaning of outside and inside*

Apart from the physical meaning for these words, these words also have a deeper spiritual meaning for our life 

Inside represents the following 

Being with Jesus 

Being with Grace 

Practicing various values life, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, generosity, humility, prayer, simplicity, sincerity etc 

The Outside represents the following 

Being under the influence of devil and Satan 

Being the slave of sin 

Addiction to alcohol, power, money, wealth, sensual pleasures, drugs and to evil habits 

Practicing hypocrisy, gossip, jealousy, greed, revenge, etc 

The negative things also represent the aspect of Crowd 

*5) The Way to come inside*

Jesus gives one powerful solution, that is the Word of God 

*Those who hear the word of God and act on it.* come into the inner circle of the family 

Word of God is very powerful, which can break open any crowd and make way for us to come inside 

*The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.* Hebrews 4:12

*6) Out side the Church and inside the Church*

This thinking also seen hear 

There are some who stand outside and see inside everything bad. They criticise, and see everything bad. Nothing is good inside 

They wish to remain outside because they think nothing is right inside 

There are some inside but behave like they are outside. Nothing affects them 

*7) Where is my place?*

Am I inside or out side? 

Am I with Jesus or not with Jesus? 

What is the crowd that I face to go inside? 

How do I try to go inside? What are the instruments or strategy I use to go inside 

No influence will work, but only proper and genuine way will lead to inside

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The proper place of the Lamp

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:16-18*

*First Reading : Prv 3:27-34*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5*

*The proper place of the Lamp*

*1) Lamp and the Vessel*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the burning lamp and its proper place 

In this context Jesus makes a mention of vessel and lamp under the vessel 

First of all it is not the proper place of the lamp. 

Secondly lamp can't survive under or inside the vessel

The lamp which is kept inside thr lamp finally goes off 

*2) Lamp and the Bed*

Jesus also makes a reference to the bed in the context of burning lamp 

It is very clear that, when the lamp is kept, it's light can't be seen or used by othes 

Lamp under the bed can also be the cause of some casualties 

If some one keeps a lighted lamp under the bed means, he/she is not knowing the importance of the lamp as well 

*3) Lamp on the Lampstand*

This is the right place for the lamp 

A lamp which is kept on the Lampstand can burn fruitfully

Such lamp gives full light 

Such lamp is seen by all 

Such lamp shows the right path 

Such lamp creates happiness

Such lamp is bring joy 

Such lamp is useful 

Such lamp gives beauty to the Lampstand 

*4) Lamp and Lampstand : Christ and Christian*

In the Lampstand there is a lamp 

In the Christian there is Christ

When someone separates these two, one loses its importance and usefulness 

Lamp with out Lampstand is useless 

Christian without Christ is useless 

A Christian should be a Lampstand for Christ, who is the light of the World 

*5) Life as Lamp and Lampstand*

Our life represents both these realities. Without this we have no existence 

First of all, life should a light which is the purpose of our life 

When life becomes burning light, through service, love, generosity, simplicity, sacrifice, it really makes our life meaningful and holy 

Life should also become like Lampstand which carries the lamp. As Jesus is the light of the World, He needs a stand. My life can become a good Lampstand to spread the light of Christ

How about lamp amd Lampstand 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*

Who is the Greatest? Child and Servant?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:30-37*

*First Reading : Wis 2:12, 17-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8*

*Second Reading -Jas 3:16-4:3*

*Who is the Greatest? Child and Servant?*

*1) Who is greatest?*

In today's Gospel we have this particular question

At the peripheral level it appears as a negative question. In the sense that one is trying to boast about oneself 

But there is also the positive side for this question. 

We can answer this question from positive view. The following may be some of the approach to answer this question

*2) Child and Servant*

In answering the above question, Jesus places before the disciples two images 

*Servant model* : To become great one should become servant 

*Child Model* Jesus also says, to become great one should become Child 

What is the speciality of these models 

*3) Servant Model*

Servant Model has the following qualities

Servant supposed to be faithful to the Master 

Service is the motto of the servant 

He is always available to the Master 

He is ready for any work 

He finds joy in serving the master 

Masters Glory and Success is his joy 

He does not go against the masters will and wish 

He lives and dies for the master 

That's why one who adopts these qualities will be great in the Kingdom of God 

*4) Child Model*

Jesus says, one who is like the Child will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven 

Child always trusts the Father 

Depends on the parents 

Always happy in the presence of Parents 

Not worried about silly things 

Know completely that parents will protect 

Child like Faith, child like Hope, child like trust is very important 

Child is not proud, no malice, no gossip, no revenge, no anger, no lies, no hypocrisy, no greed 

Child is clean in mind and heart 

So to have child like behavior means becoming great in the Kingdom of Heaven 

*5) We need to become great*

In the sight of God we need to become great 

Be great in forgiveness

Be great in love 

Be great in simplicity

Be great in hope 

Be great in sharing 

Be great in sincerity

Be great in service

Be great in sacrifice

Be great in generosity

Be great in sympathy

Be great in reconciliation

Be great in prayer 

Be great in devotion

Be great in sacrifice

Be great in human qualities

Becoming great in the sight of God is the real purpose of our Life

Am I ready to become great in the sight of God??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Feast of St Matthew the Apostle

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Saturday*

*Feast of St Matthew the Apostle*

*Gospel : Mt 9:9–13*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1–7, 11–13*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:2-3, 4-5*

*Matthew : From tax collector to Apostle*

*1) Background of Matthew*

The Gospel of Mark teaches us that Matthew’s name was originally Levi. 

Levi was identified as a Galilean and the son of Alphaeus. 

He was a tax collector and served Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee.

*2) Matthew and the problem of His profession*

Levi as a tax collector was not popular. Because the Romans forced the Jewish people to pay taxes. 

Tax collectors were known to cheat the people by charging more than required and pocketing the difference. 

As a Jewish tax collector, Levi would have been considered a traitor and unworthy to be chosen to follow Jesus by many Jews.

*3) Matthew means “Yahweh’s gift*

Once Levi accepts the call to follow Jesus, he is known as only Matthew,

Matthew means “Yahweh’s gift.”

For this reason, most believe *Matthew* was Levi’s Christian name.

*4) Change of Name and Change of the Person*

When God made covenant with Abraham, He changed his name from Abram to Abraham

Jesus also change the name of Simon to Peter, which means Rock 

Here we see Levi becomes Matthew which means *“Yahweh’s gift*

Change of name is also reflected in the change of the persons 

Abraham, Peter and Matthew had new perspectives after they had divine encounter

*5) Matthew as “Yahweh’s gift*

After Matthew replied to the call of Jesus, Matthew really became  *“Yahweh’s gift* to every one 

He became gift to himself because he got a opportunity to change his life, to have encounter with Jesus, became one among 12 apostles and became great writer. This is really a  “Yahweh’s gift" to Himself 

Secondly He became Yahweh’s gift" in the hands of Jesus. He become one of the powerful Evangelists who communicated the Good news of Jesus to the entire world 

Thirdly Matthew became "Yahweh’s gift" to us. Because of the great treasure that is the Gospel written by him, which is a divine treasure for us 

Finally he is *Yahweh’s gift"* to the entire universe and to the human kind. The Gospel which he wrote will remain for ever and many will inspire from it 

That is the power of "Yahweh’s gift"

*6) "Yahweh’s gift" is always best*

God gives us best gift. Matthew was given best gift which has eternal value 

We treasure this gift everyday when we read the Gospel

Like Matthew, Jesus also gives us the best gift to build the Kingdom of Heaven, here on earth.

Am I using the God given gifts for the greater glory of 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 always found with God and Human brings and not with the Things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:1-3*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 15:12-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 17:1bcd, 6-7, 8b and 15*

*Jesus is always found with God and Human brings and not with the Things*

*1) Jesus with Team*

The primary purpose of Jesus' coming into this world was to establish the Kingdom of Heaven

Secondly to liberate the human beings from the clutches of sin and Devil 

So Jesus started his mission proclaiming the Good News and giving a call for the conversion of life 

In this Mission Jesus had a great team of 12 Apostles and also other disciples

The team consisted men and women of Goodwill, who would support and work for the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven 

*2) Jesus was with either God or People*

It is interesting to see that through out his life we find Jesus in two places 

Either he was alone with God, spending time in prayer and having personal conversation with heavenly Father

If not with the Father, Jesus was found with his disciples or with needy people, helping them in their needs 

Apart from these two places, (Spent time with family too) Jesus was not seen in any other place 

*3) Jesus was never seen with the Things*

On the entire Gospel we hardly find Jesus with things. 

Jesus only used things for his mission and not for anything else. 

He was not at all attached to any of the things

This is the very important point to be noted 

*4) Present Generation with Things*

The present day generation has a very crucial problem. The problem is withdrawal from God and from human brings and attached to the things 

Going away from God is very much seen today. People hardly spend time with their family members and their loved ones 

Major part of the time is spent with the things 

*5) Things in the present day World*

Major part of the time is spent in mobiles, computers, social networking sites, socila media and other modern gadgets 

All these gadgets have made people to live in isolation, taking them away from God and people 

Major part of days time is spent with things, which was unheard off, few years back. 

Such things were not present during Jesus' time 

*6) Major Complications*

Today the system is reversed. People are found more with things than God or with Human beings. As a result we have new crisis, which is destroying the future of our children 

Many children are addicted to Mobiles and the things which are found in it. As a result they are not able to study, concentrate, have some definite goal in life. 

Many are addicted to mobile games, dangerous things, which provoke to commit suicide, no moral values, loose life and purposeless life 

This has become a major problem

*7) Things can't replace anything*

There is no alternative for God and Human beings especially the family members 

Those who spend time with God and with people will never lose the purpose and aim of their life 

How about my relationship with God, Human beings and with things??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Who is this who even forgives sins?”

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:36-50*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 15:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28*

*“Who is this who even forgives sins?”*

*1) Who is this person?*

In the Gospel of the day, we have  this particular question, which speaks about the identity of Jesus 

This question can't be answered with one word. 

There are number of people appear in today's Gospel scene. Each one sees Jesus in diffent ways 

Let's try to analyse each one of them 

*2) Jesus and Simon the Pharisee*

Simon the Pharisee considered Jesus as one of the great prophets. 

But when the sinful woman came and touched the feet of Jesus, he changed his perspective about Jesus 

He said *If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.”*

Simon the Pharisees Jesus could not talk to sinners, could not aporach the sinners and the sinners could not touch Jesus 

*3) Jesus and the Sinful Woman*

To the Sinful woman, Jesus was the merciful friend, who understands her inner being 

To the sinful woman Jesus is the one who forgives her sins, gives her new life and he is the real saviour 

To the sinful woman Jesus is the friend of sinners and gives new life if one really repents his/her sins 

*4) Jesus and the debtors*

There are two debtors in today's Gospel scene

Both were not able to pay back what was due. That's why they ask for the generosity of the Master

So Jesus or the Master is the one who shows the generosity, when the servants are in difficulty 

In turn the debtors are able to love the master in a sincere way for his generosity

*5) Jesus and others at the table?*

These people asked one question *Who is this who even forgives sins?”*

Among them some might have doubted saying only God can forgive sin. Jesus can't forgive sins 

Others might have been surprised to hear the words *Your sins are forgiven*

A few might have been happy that finally there is one who can forgive sins 

So, to the crowds Jesus is the one who has the capacity to forgive sins, to  others he can't forgive sins

*6) Jesus and Me*

The same question is before me

Who is Jesus for me? What is my answer? 

One who forgives sins 

One who loves 

One who protects 

One who is merciful

One who is the best friend 

One who is the savior

One who is the good shepherd

One who will punish me

One who will scold me

One who will judge me

One who will question me 

One who is curtailing my freedom

*Who is Jesus for me?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Generation possessed with passivity and Negativity

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:31-35*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 12:31-13:13*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22*

*Generation possessed with passivity and Negativity*

*1) Special Generation*

The Gospel of the day speaks about a special generation, which has special characteristics

Such a generation is either emotionless or filled with negativity. 

This generation instead of doing good, do lot of harm to every  one

*2) Emotionless Generation*

Two instances are highlighted in today's Gospel

When the flute is being played, using people give some kind of reaction. 

Flute is one of the finest musical instrument, which moves our feelings. Accordingly we react 

There is also another incident which tells about the feelings and emotions when some one is sad. 

Sad music or sad atmosphere creates a sad feelings in ones life 

But here is a generation which is least affected with these situations 

That is why this generation is called emotionless generation

*3) Generation of Negativity and Passivity*

Another character of this generation is highlighted in today's Gospel

Only criticism, finding fault with others and negativity is the hallmark of this generation

Two examples are given. 

John the Baptist followed a strict and rigorous ascetic life. People called him a man who is possessed with demon 

Jesus was mixing with people and eating with them. To him they called, friend of tax collectors, drunkard and glutton

So in everything there is a negative approach

*4) The generation of Scribes and Pharisees*

The above mentioned qualities are very much reflected in Scribes and Pharisees

Towards Jesus and John the Baptist their approach was one of negativity, passivity, and emotionless attitude

They criticised for everything and found fault with everything. 

Such  was the generation of Scribes and Pharisees

*5) The Present day Generation*

A special type of generation was found during the time of Jesus

We are not very far from such a generation. 

Today we have a generation, which has multiple complications.

A generation addicted to mobile, drugs, drinks, social media, reels, sensual pleasures and for worldly things 

This generation mostly appears as emotionless and reactionless generation 

This generation is least affected about the religious and other good social work 

Emotionless attitude creates a negativity, which finally leads to destructive criticism 

*6) How about my life?*

To which generation do I belong? 

A generation with various addictions 

A generation with passivity

A generation with negativity

A generation with no emotions to any situations

A generation totally confused with morden gadgets

A generation with revengeful attitude 

A generation with don't care attitude 

A generation with no interest in spiritual things 

A generation with no moral values 

To what generation do I belong??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Young man, I tell you, arise!” - Applicable to all

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:11-17*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 12:12-14; 27-31a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5*

*“Young man, I tell you, arise!” - Applicable to all*

*1) The dead man of Nain*

In the Gospel of the day, we have a scene, where a dead man was being carried out of the city for a burial

On the way to the burial ground, the dead man was encountered by Jesus 

Jesus the author of Life, says to the dead man *“Young man, I tell you, arise!”*

The dead man came to life and new life was given to Him 

*2) Beyond Physical death*

The Gospel speaks about the physical death, from which Jesus raised this young man to life 

Beyond this physical death, we can also see several forms of death, which people experience while they are still living on this earth

The death of such things is more terrible than the physical death. 

Physical death is a natural phenomena, which no one can avoid. 

But the other forms of death is more dangerous, which can destroy our life and the life of those arround us 

*3) The various forms of death*

The death of humility

The death of simplicity

The death of sincerity

The death of morality 

The death of discipline

The death of Gospel values 

The death of love 

The death of sacrifice

The death of generosity

The death of goodwill

The death of unity 

The death of forgiveness

The death of wisdom 

The death of faithfulness

The death of truthfulness

The death of patience

The death of prayer life 

The death of spiritual life 

The death of devotion 

The death of obedience 

The death of Hope

The death of these things are more dangerous than the physical death of our being 

*4) Jesus says I tell you, arise!*

This particular phrase is applicable to all of us 

As mentioned above, we are dead in many things which are very important in our life 

Jesus who is giving us special power to arise from our death, in order to have new life 

Unless we arise, we will be buried and life becomes useless. 

So all of us need the resurrection from the death of above mentioned values 

*5) Sources of New Life*

To the young man of Nain, Jesus was present in person to raise him from the death 

In our context the Same Jesus is found in different form who is helping us to rise from our dead being 

Jesus is present amidst us in the following way 

In the form of Scripture

The sacrament of reconciliation

The sacrament of Eucharist

Celebration of all the sacraments

Through the prayer and meditation 

Through service 

Through generosity

Through forgiveness

Jesus is really present amongst us through these divine things 

*6) Arising is a slow and continuous process*

Arising from the death is a slow and long process

It needs lots of harwork, discipline, commitment and goodwill 

Unless one is ready to change ones life from the evil things, arising from the death is not possible

Everyday one has to struggle with the grace of God, to have new life 

Jesus is ever ready to raise us from the death of Gospel values

But the question is am I ready to listen to Jesus to rise to new life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Effect of the Good Work

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:1-10*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17*

*The Effect of the Good Work*

*1) The Goodness of the Centurion*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Centurion,  who is good and a model to be imitated 

First of all He loved his slave. This shows the human respect he had towards others. To love a slave during the time of Jesus speaks something great about the centurion

He is doing his best to save the slave. He considered the slave as someone who is great, important and valuable to him 

The centurion also was very generous and service oriented person, because he built a synagogue to the Jews and he also loved the Jewish nation and their society

This shows the broadmindedness of the centurion. 

*2) People Listen to Him*

Since the centurion was good, the effect of this goodness is seen in different ways 

When he asked some favour people immediately obliged for the same

When the slave of centurion was not keeping well, he asked the help of some elders. Immediately they went out of their way to help the centurion. 

This is what happens when some is good to the others 

*3) People Request on behalf of Him*

When the people went to seek for a favour for the centurion with Jesus, first they spoke very well about the centurion

Secondly they also praised the  centurion for the good works done for the community

Not only that, they urged Jesus to help this man, because he was good. 

Goodness had tremendous impact on others 

*4) Jesus' willingness to go to His House*

When things were communicated to Jesus, immediately Jesus started his journey towards the centurions house 

He didn't ask any questions, but simply started his journey. The goodness of the centurion is also the effect of Jesus' response towards the centurion

*5) The great favour to the centurion*

Jesus does a great miracle for the centurion. 

The slave of the centurion was completely healed and he was able to function well 

The goodness of the centurion made Jesus to heal the slave 

This is the power of the goodness

*6) The Appreciation by Jesus*

Towards the end we also see that Jesus is appreciating highly about the goodness of the centurion

Jesus was amazed and  says *“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”*

This shows that Jesus made the centurion as the model to be imitated, for his deep faith in Jesus 

*7) Good Works are very Powerful*

Good works have tremendous power. Its effects are very powerful. At times they change the persons and change the situations 

Good works are like rain. They never fail to produce fruit 

How about my good works?  Do I try my level best to do good works, without any selfish motives, for the good of the others?

Good works always brings is a good brand to our personality and to our image 

*Do good for others It will come back to you in unexpected ways.* By Aman Mehndiratta

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus' Understanding of Christ and Peter's Understanding of Christ

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 8:27-35*

*First Reading : Is 50:5-9a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9*

*Second Reading - Jas 2:14-18*

*Jesus' Understanding of Christ and Peter's Understanding of Christ*

*1) Crucial Question*

In today's Gospel we find one of the crucial questions about the identity of Jesus 

Jesus asks this question to His Disciples 

*“Who do people say that I am?”*

*“But who do you say that I am?”*

Both these questions were answered by the Disciples. To the second Question Peter gives the following answer *“You are the Christ.”*

Jesus appreciated Peter for this answer

*2) Peter's understanding of Christ*

Though Jesus appreciated Peter for his reply, Peter's understanding about Jesus was one of Royal Jesus 

Jesus who will, build his kingdom, Jesus who will be the king, Jesus who will reign and all the disciples will have key posts in His Kingdom 

The idea of Peter almost goes along with the idea of the political Messiah, whom Jews and other people were waiting for

*3) Jesus' understanding of Christ*

In the Second part of the Gospel, Jesus gives the real identity of Himself 

Christ is the one who will Who will suffer a lot while establishing the Kingdom of God here on earth 

Christ is the one who will be rejected by his own people because, he will not meet their expectations or He will challenge them 

Christ is the one who will be killed by the scribes and Pharisees, supported by his own people in a violent way for the sake of justice and for the liberation of the souls 

Christ is the one who will be buried and will be raised by the Father on the third day, to conquer the evil and death 

One who wants to follow Jesus must go through this way of life 

This is the real identity of Jesus 

*4) Peter's unwillingness to Accept Christ*

When Jesus revealed his real identity, Peter was not ready to accept such a challenging Christ 

That why Peter rebuked Jesus saying *Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”*

So Peter didn't want a Christ who will suffer and die on the Cross

Peter's unwillingness to accept a suffering Christ shows that his understanding of Christ was quite different from that of suffering Christ, as explained by Jesus 

*5) The consequences of Peter's attitude*

When Peter showed the unwillingness to accept the suffering Christ Jesus tells him *“Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”*

Jesus does not subscribe to the idea of Peter, who wants to avoid the sufferings and challenges and wants only glorious things 

Such an approach has no place in the kingdom of Jesus 

*6) How about my Approach?*

Two approaches are very clear 

The approach of Jesus which involves Cross and the way of the Cross, which is challenging but sure of reaching the goal and having victory

The approach of Peter, which avoids all challenges and the Cross itself, which may not achieve the goal of our life, appears to be colour and easy 

Which Jesus I would like to follow? 

What is the understanding of Jesus I have? 

Am I ready to accept the Crucified Christ? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Cross : a Sign of Unity*

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 3:13–17*

*First Reading : Nm 21:4b–9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38*

*Second Reading - Phil 2:6–11*

*Cross a Sign of Unity*

*1) Cross - Unity of God and Man*

Cross becomes the instrument to unite God and Man 

With the Cross, new life begins and the unity which was broken between God and man, because of sin, was restored. So Cross is a sign of Unity 

The wooden cross, which was prepared by human beings also represents the entire humankind on the Cross

*2) Cross : Unity of the Universe*

The wooden cross, represents the nature from which the wood was used. 

The tree represents the entire universe. When Jesus embraced the Cross and died on it, the unity between God and the Nature becomes very Strong

*3) Cross which carried Jesus*

The Cross which carried Jesus becomes the external sign and symbol to the entire world 

Today anywhere in the World the moment we see the Cross, it unites, the Christians and we take pride in accepting Cross as our great Symbol 

With one Cross, the entire world, the Christians, form one family. Cross becomes a powerful symbol of unity to the entire world

*4) The Cross will remain forever*

The moment Jesus died on the Cross, it became a eternal symbol

Since Jesus is eternal, Cross becomes eternal

Since Cross can't be separated from the life and mission of Jesus, Cross will remain forever 

So Cross creates a new unity with eternity, which is our destiny

No one can destroy the Cross, and its power 

*5) The Carrying of the Cross*

First Jesus carried the Cross to the Mount Calvary

In the Mount Calvary, Cross, carried Jesus 

Today both Cross and Jesus, have become the sign of hope, new life, unity, eternal life and Holiness

With one Cross, Jesus united many things for our sake 

*6) Cross a Sign of Multiplication*

(➕) This symbol always increases and it never deducts 

It does not increase the (➖) minus things. In other words, Cross will not increase, the negative things. Cross does not have a formula to increase (➖) minus things 

➕ represents the positive things and the increase. Like wise Cross represents the positive and the increase of positive things 

When there is unity Cross exists (➕). It increases everything

When there is disintegration cross does not exist. But only  (➖ ➖) independent things exists

Cross increases the happiness

Cross increase the love

Cross increases sacrifice

Cross increases humility

Cross increase the truthfulness

Cross increases service

Cross increases holiness

Cross increase the generosity

Cross increases forgiveness

Cross increases goodwill

*7) Cross A Ladder to Heaven*

Cross is a ladder, prepared by Jesus, which easily connects Heaven and Earth 

The engineering of this ladder is so fantastic and marvelous

This ladder is shortest in the World, which connects the longest distance 

It has two beams with one step in the middle, which connects the Longest distance 

One who is able to climb this first step is able to climb the ladder and reach heaven 

The first step is rather long and has more distance than the top part. 

One who climbs the first step can easily enter the Heaven, since from the first step to heaven the distance is very Short

Cross is also a two dimensional ladder which connect both God and the Neighbor. 

The Vertical ladder connects man to God 

Horizontal ladder connects one to his/her neighbor

I take pride in the Cross of Jesus. I am lucky to embrace the Cross of Jesus, which is the instrument of my Salvation

*➕Hail Holy Cross of Jesus➕*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Wooden Beam in my Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : *

*Gospel : Lk 6:39-42*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-27*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6, 12*

*Wooden Beam in my Life*

*1) Jesus on Wooden Beam*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the wooden beam 

Wooden beam is a long and strong piece of wood. 

Such a piece of Wood found in the eye can block the complete vision 

In such a situation, a person can't see anything 

*2) Wooden beam in Mind*

Some time we also find a wooden beam, in our mind. 

Such a beam blocks our thinking power and fail to make good decisions 

Wooden beam in ones mind, makes a person narrow minded, rigid in thinking, and crooked in his/her thinking

*3) Wooden beam in Heart*

Wooden beam paralysizes ones feeling 

Such a person is called heartless person, a person who has no emotions

Such a person becomes hard hearted person, whose approach becomes mysterious

*4) Wooden beam in the ears*

Such a beam impedes the power of hearing 

A person is not able to hear the good things, can't hear the cry of the other, can't hear pain of the other 

*5) Wooden beam in Hands*

When one carries the wooden beam in ones hands, he/she is not able to use his/her hand for any good works 

A person is not able to use the hands for service, for helping others or for doing good works 

*6) Wooden beam in Shoulders*

When one carries the wooden beam on ones shoulders, he/she can't carry some one burden at any cost 

When the shoulders are ready heavy, how one can give his/her shoulders to others 

*7) Wooden Beam in the neighborhood*

This wooden beam will block all the healthy relationship with the neighbors

Such a beam will result in the increasing the enmity and revengeful attitude

*8) Wooden beam in ones behavior*

In such situations, ones behavior becomes very rude and merciless

This causes pain and suffering to evey one 

*9) The Wooden Beam*

When it comes to our life wooden beam could be the following 

Hypocrisy

Jealousy

Pride 

Revengeful attitude

Selfishness

Arrogance

Ego 

Vested interests

Unfaithfulness

Greed 

How about wooden beam in my life? 

What type of wooden beam is causing trouble 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*

Why we have to stop judging others?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:27-38*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 23-24*

*Why we have to stop judging others?*

*1) The Process of Judgement*

Judgement is done in the Court 

The so called judgement takes long time 

The accused person is called to give reply to the accusations 

The witnesses are called to ask their opinion about the crime 

After the long procedure, finally the judge pronounces the judgment, after much deliberation

No judgment is given without any evidence or based on one persons opinion 

This is the process of judgment

*2) The Way we judge others*

Ours is the quick and immediate judgement. We judge persons based on what is seen or heard at the peripheral level 

Some times we don't even try to verify the information which we have, but simply judge based on information we have 

At times our judgment is purely based on partial information. Judging a person of limited information may lead to serious problems

*3) Judgment belongs to God*

Since judgment needs a full and authentic information, one can't easily judge another person 

Only God has complete and apt information. Therefore only God can judge a person correctly 

God's judgments are always true and perfectly right 

*4) If You judge where is the time for Love?*

Mother Teresa says *If you judge people, you have no time to love them*

In no way judgment helps a person in any way. But loving people can change them 

*5) Effects of Judgment*

The ultimate result of judgement is pain and disunity 

The relationship is broken, the minds and hearts are broken, sadness entres, revenge grows and leads to injustice

In one word the judgment leads negativity and destruction

*6) Stop Judging and Start loving*

The only remedy for bringing the unity is to stop judging others and love them 

Passing Judgment is very harmful and painful. It creates discrimination and inequality

Judgment makes some one is right and other one is wrong 

Judgment makes someone to win and someone to lose 

Since judgment leads to all complications, it is better to stop judging others

*Stop judging others and love others*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Blessedness of the Hunger

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:20-26*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 7:25-31*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17*

*Blessedness of the Hunger*

*1) Hunger for food and Food for Hunger*

Once a priest was asked to pray over meals. So he made this simple prayer 

*O Lord, give food to those who are hungry and give hunger to those who have food*

There is a lot of wisdom in this simple, yet profound prayer

If one has lot of delicious food but no appetite, food becomes useless

If one is having real hunger, but no food to eat, person will suffer

So both food and hunger is very necessary

*2) Blessedness of the Hunger*

In today's Gospel Jesus says, *Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied.*

Hunger always produces a action and reaction. 

Hunger does not allow a person to keep quiet 

Hunger makes a person to do some work and to satisfy his/her hunger

If there is no hunger, life becomes meaningless, and the beautiful things which God has created becomes purposeless 

Hunger also makes us happy when we have delicious food to eat 

If hunger is lost, then there is no interest, no energy, no creativity, no motivation in life

In this sense hunger becomes blessed in our life

*3) From Bodily hunger to the Spiritual Hunger*

Jesus not only speaking about the bodily hunger. Much more he is speaking about the Spiritual hunger and the need of it 

Unless one is hungry, one does not desire any food 

Likewise unless one is hungry for spiritual things, one may not desire the spiritual food 

This shows the need of Spiritual hunger

*4) The hunger for Spiritual things*

There are number of spiritual things to which we should be hungry

Hunger for Love 

Hunger for sacrifice

Hunger for Eucharist

Hunger for service

Hunger for humility

Hunger for simplicity

Hunger for prayer

Hunger for good deeds 

Hunger for good words 

Hunger for appreciation

Hunger for smile 

Hunger for unity 

Hunger for forgiveness

Hunger for respect

Hunger for duty 

Hunger for responsibility

Unless one is hungry for these things, one can't take these things and digest it 

*5) Need of Spiritual Hunger*

In the present day context the concept of spiritual hunger is becoming a strange concept 

Such an attitude gives rise to many serious complications, chaos and confusion

The lack of Spiritual hunger leads to destruction and emptiness 

The lack of spiritual hunger makes our life miserable and meaningless 

The lack of spiritual hunger takes us away from God, and we become the slaves of Satan 

That's why we need Spiritual hunger very much. We must pray for the real and genuine spiritual hunger

*6) How about my Hunger?*

Hunger is a existential phenomena, which can not be avoided 

If so, what is I am hungry for? 

For worldly things? 

For revenge? 

For greed? 

For gossip? 

For jealousy

For selfishness?

For power?

For Authority?

For money? 

For name and fame?

For Love?

For forgiveness?

For for Truth?

For humility?

For good news?

For sacrifice?

For service?

For generosity?

For simplicity?

For Gospel Values? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The mystery of the Names

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:12-19*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 6:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b*

*The mystery of the Names*

*1) The Name List*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the names of the apostles 

There are 12 Apostles and twelve names are given 

This is not a casual list of names but these names have special significance not only to the life of apostles but also to our life 

In fact names take us to a new world, which explores the richness of names and personality 

*2) Names represents the image*

When some name is heard, immediately the image of the person comes to our mind

The face, the smile, the height, the colour and other bodily features of the person 

In other words the entire image is hidden in the image 

*3) Names and the identity*

Names also carry with it the identity of the person 

We have a set of Christian names. The moment we hear the names we are able to identify whether he/she is Christian or not 

Names a special significance in identifing ones religion 

*4) Names a the profession*

Names also carry with it the identity of ones profession

Father, Sister, Doctor, lawyer, these give special significance to ones names 

Some people are known by the name of their profession

This is the power of the names 

*5) Names and History*

Names also carry with the the History of the person 

When we hear the name Hitler, the history of his cruelty comes to our mind 

The name of Mother Theresa, brings the history of Service, the history of the  revolution of her love to the humanity comes in 

*6) The Name Peter and Judas*

The name Peter brings to our mind, His call while fishing, his three years of life with Jesus, the denial of Peter, the cry of Peter, the Leader of the Apostles, the first pope of the Church and the great leader of the Church. Everything is found in the name 

The name Judas, reminds us, the betrayal, the suicide and Villain character of Judas. 

*7) Names positivity and Negativity*

Certain names bring to our mind positive thoughts. For example Jesus, Mother Mary, pope Francis 

Some names bring to our mind negativity. Example Nero, Herod, Pilot etc 

*8) Names have power*

This power either because of the position one enjoys in the society

More than this some names have spiritual power, whose names bring about healing and peace 

So names a healing power 

The world of names is tremendous. It opens a new universe behind one name 

If so what is the significance of my Name? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Stretch out your Hand

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:6-11*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 5:1-8*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 5:5-6, 7, 12*

*Stretch out your Hand*

*1) Jesus on withered hand*

In today's Gospel  Jesus was speaking about a man whose hand had a problem

Since his hand had a problem he was not able to use it properly 

We can imagine, the problem when someone's hand has a problem 

Since our hand is one of the main parts of the body, life becomes really difficult when we have a problem with the Hand 

Withered hand is nothing but, incapablity of using it 

*2) Deeper meaning of Withered Hand* 

This concept of withered hand can also be applied to other levels 

The deeper meaning of the withered hand when seen in the spiritual level we can derive new nuances to our life 

*3) The Withered concept and other areas of Life*

The  concept of witheredness is seen in the following way 

*Mind* The witheredness of mind is very dangerous to our life. 

When mind is withered, our vision becomes narrow, our thoughts become unreasonable, our thinking becomes crooked

*Heart* The witheredness of the heart, makes out feelings evil, creates a egoistic behavior, and evil things come out of our hearts 

*Attitude* The witheredness of the attitude makes us arrogant, revengeful, individualistic and self righteous people 

*Values* The witheredness of the values, gives the sin to rule our life and we become greedy and selfish people 

*Morality* The withered morality, will bring down our moral life and moral life become a problem 

Witheredness of the morality leads to immoral life 

*4) Stretch out*

The biggest challenge to all of us today's Gospel from Jesus is to stretch out 

Stretch out your mind, for correct thinking, to know what is good and what is bad 

Stretch out your heart, to become a person of love 

Stretch out your hands, legs, mouth, eyes, ears and all senses to serve, to speak good things, to see the good things, to hear good things, and to do good things 

*5) Am I ready to Stretch out?*

Stretching out is not a easy things 

One needs the willingness and readiness to stretchout the various things in our life 

Each day Jesus calls us to stretch out life in order to make it holy and sacred 

Stretch out is a process, which involves conversion and change of life

So am I ready for a stretch out 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*

The Speciality of Mother Mary

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Sunday*

*Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Gospel : 

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

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 13:6ab, 6c*

*Second Reading : Rom 8:28-30*

*The Speciality of Mother Mary*

*1) Meaning of Mary*

In konkani it is understood as *ಆಶೆಲ್ಲೆಂ ಮೆಳ್ಳೆಂ* 

It simply means received what was desired

St Joachim and St Ann desired a holy child and they received it 

God needed a Mother, and God received it 

The World needed a person to inaugurate the plan of Salvation, and the World received what was desired 

Humankind needed a Mother, and a mother was received through Mary 

*2) Marys Birth - Gift of Life*

Once again it helps us to reflect about life as a gift of God. 

One of the greatest gifts is the gift of Life 

Rabindranath Tagore, said that every child born is proof that God has not given up on humans. 

The birth of Mary is a sign that God still loves the Human beings, and he is not fed up loving us 

*3) Mary is a Special Child*

This is because she was born without Sin 

She was born as the fruit of intense prayer 

She was born for a special divine purpose 

That's why she is a special Child 

*4) Mary was born in a family*

By taking birth in the family, the family becomes important in our life 

The birth of Mary and the Family feast have close connection because she was born in a family 

*5) Mary is surrounded with Flowers*

This shows that the life of the mother is just like flowers

It blooms for others 

It gives fragrance for others 

It makes happy for others 

It attracts for others 

It lives for others 

Flowers also represents the nature and the Harvest. 

Harvest is the symbol of new life, sacrifice, sweat, and love. 

Mary is the symbol of new life, sacrifice, love and hardwork

*6) Girl Child and Mary*

This feast also highlights the importance of the mother, Girl Child, and the greatness of womanhood

One who honours mother should honour the Girl Child 

Any crime against womanhood goes against  Mother Mary itself 

*7) Mary and the Miracle Statue*

This feast is always associated with the Miracle statue

A novice called  Giulia Macario, was unable to walk. But she had a special devotion to Baby Mary. 

When the image of the Maria Bambina was brought  on the day of Nativity  she ardently prayed and on the following day she was miraculously healed 

Maria Bambina is the symbol of Miracle. With our Blessed Mother nothing is impossible

Since then, Maria Bambina is considered as the Miracle Statue

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

One who does not understand hunger, does not understand anything

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Second Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:1-5*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 4:6b-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 145:17-18, 19-20, 21*

*One who does not understand hunger, does not understand anything*

*1) The Issue of Hunger*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the concept of Hunger 

The Gospel starts with the issue of Hunger. The Hunger of the disciples. Later Jesus speaks about the hunger of King David and His companions 

Finally there is also an answer how they satisfied their hunger 

*2) The Seriousness of Hunger*

There is a way of eating the food. When some one eats in a different way, it simply shows the gravity of the hunger 

The disciples of Jesus eat in a peculiar way. As they were walking in the field they picked up some heads of grain, rubbed in their hands and ate because they could not control their hunger

King David took the bread which were meant only for priests and ate it, because they could not control their hunger 

This shows the gravity of the hunger 

*3) Jesus understands the hunger*

When people came to listen to the preaching he understood the hunger of the people and performed a miracle to feed the crowd 

Like wise there were also other incidents where Jesus feeds 4000 people to satisfy their hunger 

In today's Gospel he defends the attitude of his disciples which comes from the hunger 

Jesus understood the hunger of the human being in a perfect way 

*4) Pharisees didn't understand the Hunger*

First of all they didn't understand the gravity of human hunger

They failed to see the same hunger which they have in their life to see others 

Since hunger is a basic need of the human being, and if one is not able to understand the hunger what else a person can understand 

*5) Not understanding the Hunger*

When a person is not able to understand the hunger he can't understand other things in a better way 

Fail to understand the hunger also represents the following vices 

The arrogance

Pride

Indifference 

Mercilessness

Stubbornness

Lack of empathy 

*6) The deeper hunger*

From the physical hunger Jesus also highlights the another level of Hunger, that is spiritual hunger 

Only spiritual hunger will help us to search for spiritual things 

One who understands spiritual hunger, understands the importance of holiness, god experience and being in the presence of God

*7) My Hunger?*

Am I Hungry at all?

My hunger for what things? 

Material needs or for physical food? 

May I hungry for spiritual things like, love, humility, service, prayer, holiness, simplicity, generosity, sacrifice etc??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Tearing or Replacing Spirituality?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Second Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 5:33-39*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 4:1-5*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 37:3-4, 5-6, 27-28, 39-40*

*Tearing or Replacing Spirituality?*

*1) The issue of Tearing*

The dictionary has the following meaning 

Pull apart 

To pieces with force

It shows a violent approach towards something. 

Tearing also creates a kind pain and damage to a particular things 

*2) Problems with Tearing*

When something is torn, it disfigures the whole things 

Some part is left and other part is separated from the original one.

By tearing one can't replace the old with new

Neither the new thing matches to the old 

Since tearing is violent process, it creates lot of pain 

Once something is torn, it can't be brought back to the original shape, unless the entire thing is replaced 

*3) Jesus on tearing*

Jesus uses the concept of tearing in today's Gospel 

In the context of clarifying the questions of the Pharisees, about fasting Jesus says, *No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one.*

Because, both pieces of clothes will be spoiled 

Old and New will not match 

Since the old has no much life, once again it will tear. In such situation, the new thing also becomes useless

*4) Jesus on Replacement*

Instead of Tearing Jesus uses another concept, that is the *Replacement*

Old is replaced with new. In this context the entire thing becomes new

Old represents here, outdated, not in a condition to use, useage will incure more damage than benefits

*5) Tearing, Replacement and Spirituality*

The whole argument, here shows a higher or deeper truths about our spiritual life 

Tearing the old self, the negative self or the sinful self will not help since the other part remains in the same place. So it will destroy both new and the old one 

Tearing also damages the self, since it involves a very violent approach towards something. Force does not yeild much fruit in spiritual life 

In the context Jesus proposes an alternative, that is, the replacement 

Old is replaced with New. In this case, the old does not trouble since old does not exist any more 

The entire thing becomes new, and the new functions in a better way than the past old one 

Replacement Theory is best for our spiritual life 

*6) Replacement Spirituality*

Replace anger with patience

Replace hatred with Love 

Replace jealousy with good attitude 

Replace greed with generosity 

Replace revenge with forgiveness

Replace selfishness with selflessness

Replace gossip with good news 

Replace laziness with creativity

Replace lose talk with silence 

Replace discouragement with encouragement

Replace miserliness with generosity

Replace sin with holiness

Replace theory with practical things 

Am I ready for replacement spirituality?  

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Old Method but new place, Same Work but Great Reward

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Second Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 5:1-11*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 3:18-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6*

*Old Method but new place, Same Work but Great Reward*

*1) Old Method but New Place*

In today's Gospel we have a beautiful scene of fishing at the see of Galilee 

Peter and his company  had already concluded their work with out catching any fish 

At this moment the entry of Jesus changes the entire situation

Jesus takes them to a new place for a new catch 

Peter and His company use the old method of fishing in a new place and they are able to catch a huge fish 

*2) Same Work with Great Reward*

Jesus didn't change their work. Jesus changed only the place of fishing 

Same work Peter and his company did, but the result was amazing 

They were able to get a huge catch of fish  with the intervention of Jesus 

*3) Old Method And New place in our life*

The Method  of 10 commandments  and the Love commandment of Jesus stands valid for all times. It can't change 

If we consider this is the old but important method, we need a new place to implement this

The new place could be the following 

My own life 

My own family 

My own surroundings

My own society

My own work place 

My own ministry place 

My own parish 

These are the new places which need the old and H

Golden method to know the mission of our life

*4) Same Work but Great Reward*

Peter and company didn't change their work. They went on doing their work 

The same work had great reward. They were able to catch a huge amount of fish 

This happened through the mediation of Jesus 

When Jesus enters the scene the entire situation changes 

*5) Change in outlook is needed*

Peter and company changed their outlook towards their profession 

They were experts in their feild. Yet they listened to Jesus. That made the difference 

Peter was ready to change his perspective. That changed the situation

Peters willingness to go again in spite of all the challenges helps him to realise the greater call for his mission 

Change of outlook, change the life of Peter and His companions. That is the power of changing ones outlook

Am I ready to change my outlook?

The Empty Boat 

Jesus needs your boat, however imperfect you are, to accomplish His mission. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The effects of Friendship between Jesus and Peter

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Second Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 4:38-44*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 3:1-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 33:12-13, 14-15, 20-21*

*The effects of Friendship between Jesus and Peter*

*1) Friendship starts with a special call*

Peters friendship with Jesus started when Jesus called Peter in the sea of Galilee, while he was fishing 

It is also true, that the immediate response of Peter also helped him to be in friendship with Jesus 

Since then he left everything and followed Jesus and His friendship with Jesus began strong

*2) Friendship brings Jesus to Peters House*

The Gospel of the day tells us about Jesus' visit to Peters House 

This happened because, Peter had intimate friendship with Jesus 

Friendship with Jesus finally helps us to invite Jesus into our house, and Jesus to respond to our call 

*3) Miracles at Home*

We also witness a miracle in Peters house 

The mother of Peter was ill, she was suffering from fever. So Jesus came and cure her 

The friendship of Peter with Jesus not only helped him to receive Jesus into his house but also to witness a miracle in his house 

*4) The benefits for the Villagers*

The Gospel does not speak only about the house of Peter and the miracle at his house 

The Gospel speaks about the entire village, which finally came together to meet Jesus, to bring their sick people to Him and to witness several miracles 

So the friendship of Peter helped many people who were living arround his village 

*5) Other Great events in the life of Peter*

Friendship with Jesus Peter to know the real identity of Jesus, when he said, you are Christ, Son of the Living God 

He became the leader of the Apostles and the rock of the Vhurch 

He had a special place in the inner circle of the apostles, which helped him to know Jesus very closely 

He also faced many challenges and finally suffered martyrdom, because of the Friendship with Jesus 

*6) My Friendship with Jesus?*

How about my friendship with Jesus? 

Does it help me and others in any way?

Am I ready to give up everything, like Peter, to enter into a deep relationship with Jesus? 

What are the measures I take to strengthen the friendship with Jesus? 

How can I be a good and close friend to Jesus?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*