Hen gathers her brood under her wings

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirtieth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:31-35*

*First Reading : Eph 6:10-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 144:1b, 2:9-10*

*Hen gathers her brood under her wings*

*1) Hen Symbolises Motherly Love*

First of all Hen plays a role of a Mother 

Gathering the chicks under her wings in any situation shows the motherly love 

The hen is never tired of keeping the chicks under her wings. A symbol of great motherly Love 

*2) Hen Symbolises the Protection*

The chicks under the wings of mother hen are perfectly protected 

No one can easily take the chicks from her wings 

The extended wings shows the protection of Mother hen to the chicks 

*3) Watchfulness and Alertness:*

The Mother hen is always watchful and alert  to the surrounding situations 

Its eyes are very sharp in judging the situation. Within no time the mother hen is able to perceive the danger and give signal about the danger. So that chicks can immediately take shelter in her wings 

*4) The Space under the Wings*

First of all the mother Hen is able to accommodate all the chicks in her wings 

It is always visible that no hen is unable to accommodate its chicks under her wings 

If there are 25 chicks hen can accommodate and hen is able to extend her wings, as per the situation and number of the chicks 

Inside the wings there is warmth, protection and safety. 

That is the beauty of the Wings 

*5) Hen always leads the chicks*

The chicks usually follow the mother 

If some times, the chicks lag behind the mother hen will not go ahead. It comes back, takes the chick and then proceeds

For mother hen evey chick is very important. 

*6) The Sacrificial Aspect*

This is very much reflected in the Hen 

The mother hen is ready to lay down her life for the sake of the chicks 

She fights against all the challenges risking her own life 

The mother hen will never run away from the challenging  situations

*7) Jesus, Church and Hen*

The symbolism of Hen is very much applicable to Jesus and the mother church 

The qualities found in the hen is very much reflected and seen in Jesus and the mother church 

The mission of taking care of the children, as mother by Jesus and the mother church is very much seen and reflected. 

*8) My Mission*

My life should reflect the image of the Hen, in whatever I do 

As a hen I can't give up my mission in any adverse situations. 

Am I ready to play the role of a Hen in my mission for the Lord?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Narrow Gate and Being Saved

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirtieth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:22-30*

*First Reading :Eph 6:1-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14*

*The Narrow Gate and Being Saved*

*1) Two realities*

The Gospel of the day had two important realities, which are very necessary to our life 

Jesus speaks about narrow gate when some one asked about how many will be saved? 

Jesus shows that narrow gate is the only way through which one can be saved 

So what is this narrow way? 

*2) Various meanings for the Narrow gate*

From the life of Jesus one can conclude that these things come under the preview of Narrow gate. 

*The Cross* The way of the cross comes under the narrow gate. One has to really struggle to pass through this way 

*The Service* The way of service falls under narrow gate. Because it is thankless job and one has to work without any returns

*The Humility*  The way of humility can pass only through the narrow gate. Humility is a great virtue, which makes us to pass through the narrow gate 

*The sacrifice* The way of the sacrifice, once again, passes through the narrow gate. It has tremendous impact on our life 

*The Hard work* This is another aspect which passes through the narrow gate. Hard work involves sincerity and appreciation

*Prayer life* Once again the prayer life is the door which opens and closes the door of the narrow gate 

*Helping the needy* another way through which we can pass through the narrow gate is helping the most needy people 

*Conversion* The way of changing ones life or conversion of life passes through the way of narrow gate 

All these are various explanation for narrow gate 

*3) Deeper meaning of narrow gate*

Narrow gate is not only the physical structure of the gate 

Narrow gate has deeper meaning. It is very much applicable to thr Christian life and also to live a Fruitful life in the society 

Deeper meaning really challenges us to accept the narrow gate and the need of passing through it 

*4) Benefits of Narrow gate*

All the time one has to be alert 

Narrow gate allows a person to enter into the new life holiness and to live according to its standards

Narrow gate leads to the right path 

Christian life can pass only though the narrow path

Am I ready to go though the narrow path? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Strength of the Fully grown mustard Seed

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirtieth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:18-21*

*First Reading : Eph 5:21-33 or Eph 5:2a, 25-32 or 5:2a, 25-32*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5*

*The Strength of the Fully grown mustard Seed*

*1) The parable of the mustard Seed*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the mustard seed 

In this parable, Jesus gives the explanation of the growth of the mustard seed 

Jesus speaks about the *fully grown,* mustard plant 

So we need to see the reality of the growth and challenges involved in the Growth

*2) Fragility of the Sapling*

When the seed in sown in the garden, it sprouts after few days 

The tender sapling is very fragile. Because it can be destroyed with in no time 

Either by a worm, or by some insects or by small creatures which are very active in the night or even the strong wind or fiery son is enough to end the life of the sapling 

So in the initial stage it has to withstand with many challenging situations 

*3) Full growth of the plant*

Once the plant overcomes all the challenges, it can stand by its own strength 

None of these challenges can shake the life of the plant. It becomes very strong 

The strength of the plant is beautifully explained in today's Gospel 

When it is fully grown 

A) It becomes large bush 

B) It produces large branches

C) It is able to give shelter to others 

D) Birds of the air build their nests in the branches 

E) It gives Shade to others 

*4) Mustard seed, Kingdom of God*

The whole logic of explaining the growth of mustard seed is to explain the growth of the Kingdom of God 

The growth of the Kingdom of God is similar to that of the mustard seed 

The fully grown mustard seed and the fully developed Kingdom of God has similar results 

So there is a beautiful comparison between mustard seed and Kingdom of God

*5) Not Fully grown mustard plant*

Unless one takes care of the mustard seed and sapling, it can't automatically grow fully 

Not fully grown mustard plant is like seed fell on the rocky ground and seed fell among the thorny bushes. It failed to produce fruit 

A Kingdom of God, which is not properly grown in our life can't produce any fruit 

*6) Mustard Seed and My Faith life*

At Baptism the seed was sown in our life 

At the earlier stage the sapling of the faith life is taken care by the parents

At the later stage it is our own duty to nurture the plant of faith life amidst all challenges 

Unless we protect this sapling of faith life, it can't grow

If this sapling of faith dies, the life itself dies and has no meaning whatsoever 

So how is the mustard plant of faith life, in my life? 

Is it gowing? 

Is the growth is stuck? 

Is it finding difficult to face the onslaught of the threats? 

Has it gown fully? 

Is it producing any fruit?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirtieth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:12-16*

*First Reading : Eph 2:19-22*

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

*Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot*

*1) The Name list*

The Gospel of the day has a name list, in which we see the 12 names of the Apostles of Jesus 

These names are very important as far as the mission of Jesus is concerned

Jesus called these 12 apostles after he spent time is prayer. So they were very important for Jesus 

*2) The Name Judas*

First of all we get a very negative impression about the name *Judas*

Since the betrayal of Jesus is associated with the Name *Judas*, this name has a very negative impression 

So usually people don't want to hear the name Judas, who is a traitor

*3) Judas, the Son of James*

In the Apostles list, find this name with different indication 

We usually read *Judas* who became traitor

But here we have same name with different relationship 

The Gospel tells us *Judas the Son of James*

So this Judas was diifernt than the Judas who become the traitor

*4) St Jude, and Not St Judas*

Judas is the another name we find in today's Gospel, other than Judas Iscariot

In no way this name is identified with evil things. But still in popular usage, we don't have St Judas but We have St Jude 

St Jude is One of the faithful apostles of Jesus, whose feast we celebrate today

*5) St Jude, Patron Saint of Lost causes*

St Jude is invoked in prayer when everything fails 

In other words, He is invoked as a last resort, when everything fails 

Thus through his powerful intercession, we are able to enjoy the favour from the Lord, when everything fails 

*6) Works can change our image*

St Jude had the Name Judas. But through his faithfulness and commitment, Judas gradually became, St Jude 

That's why our commitment and faithfulness to the Lord is more important than Name 

Our good works can change our destiny

Am I ready for Good Works??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Sight of the Blind Man

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 10:46-52*

*First Reading : Jer 31:7-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6*

*Second Reading - Heb 5:1-6*

*The Sight of the Blind Man*

*1) The extraordinary Character of Bartimaeus*

The Gospel of the day has the special character, who is called as Bartimaeus, a blind man

In other Words, the blind man, sounds like his surname. Usually all of us have surnames 

In this context, it is better to ask this question:  Was Bartimaeus really a blind man? 

Let us answer this Question in the Following way 

*2) The Sight of Hope*

Bartimaeus, the blind man has no physical eyesight

But he had deeper insight and deeper spiritual sight

One Such deeper sight was, the sight of Hope 

He never lost the sight of hope. He was hopeful that One day or the other things will be alight

This sight of hope became true when he met Jesus 

*3) The Sight of Courage*

This is the another level of sight Bartimaeus, the blind man had 

Many people shouted at him, threatened him to be silent 

But he was not frightened. He was courageous. He shouted all the more 

His sight of courage was so powerful which helped him to encounter Jesus 

*4) The sight of Confidence*

Bartimaeus,  the blind man, never lost the confidence he had on himself and on Jesus 

There was nothing favorable to him. No situation positively favoured him. But at the same time he never lost His confidence

Finally the sight of confidence shows the way to Jesus 

*5) The Sight of Patience*

Bartimaeus, the blind man, had great sight of patience

He could see, understand and practice the virtue of patience, inspite of his physical blindness 

The sight of patience never disappoint any one, but shows the right way to the right person. 

This is what we see in Bartimaeus

*6) The Sight Deep Faith*

Bartimaeus, the blind man, had a deep sight of faith. 

His sight of faith was far superior than all of us 

This sight of faith, could help him to see who Jesus really is? what his identity is? What his power is? 

This sight of Bartimaeus can't be compared with any other sight 

*7) The sight of Inner Strength*

Bartimaeus, the blind man, had stronger sight of inner strength 

One who has inner, can face anything in life 

The sight of inner strength of Bartimaeus, helped him to face all the adverse situations in a positive way 

The sight of inner strength of Bartimaeus, never disappointed him, but brought him to Jesus 

*8) The Sight of Proclamation*

Bartimaeus, the blind man's sight to see the real identity of Jesus and to proclaim to the rest of the crowd was tremendous 

*"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”* was the real identity of Jesus, which was revealed to the rest of the crowd by so called, Bartimaeus, the blind man, the son of Timaeus

The proclamation of  Bartimaeus, should really challenge us to check our sight in knowing and proclaiming Jesus 

*9) The Physical eyesight*

Finally, Bartimaeus, the blind man, the son of Timaeus, is there in front of Jesus 

He didn't have physical eyesight, but then he reached exactly where Jesus was 

He could not see Jesus through his physical eyes but, could experience who Jesus was 

His inner sight, spiritual sight, and deeper insight, actualizes in the physical eyesight, when Jesus gives him the physical eyesight

What a wonderful even which moves from spiritual sight to the physical sight 

That is the real faith 

We are moving from physical eyesight to spiritual eyesight 

Bartimaeus, a blind man, starts from spiritual sight and then comes to physical eyesight 

Which is good and better for me?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Consequences of not Repenting oneself

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:1-9*

*First Reading : Eph 4:7-16*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5*

*Consequences of not Repenting oneself*

*1) A Call for Repentance*

In the Gospel of the day we have a call from Jesus for repentance

In fact we find this call in the mission and in ministry of Jesus 

Jesus starts His ministry by giving a call for repenting ones life

Jesus said *The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel* Mk 1:15

*2) Two great tragedies in today's Gospel*

We have two great tragedies in today's Gospel 

The cruelty of Pilot, which murdered many people - the Galileans 

The second instance is the collapse of the tower at Siloam, which fell on the people and 18 of them died

Both these tragedies, end up in destruction of life  

*3) Consequences of Non Repentance*

Jesus takes the above two instances and connects to the aspect of repentance

In the above incidents we saw the destruction of life 

Similarly one who does not repent will be destroyed like those persons 

Failure to repent will have severe consequences. That's why through these two examples Jesus wans us seriously

*4) Repentance and the Fig tree*

The Gospel of the day also speaks about the fig tree, in the context of repentance

The fig tree failed to bear the desired fruit. That's why the owner wanted to cut it down 

But Providentially, the fig tree gets a year of extension to prove its eligibility

*5) Lessons from the Fig tree*

Its very clear that, God does not wish the destruction of his children

Like the Fig tree, He gives one more chance to prove our worth 

So, all of us get this chance for repentance to change our life and to bear fruit 

*6) The immediate action*

The fig tree got a year of extension to prove its worth. 

Therefore, the Gardner need to cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it, in order to hear fruit 

This action requires immediate response. No time to waste 

My life has got one more chance for repentance. There is no much time is left. Life needs a immediate action 

As a Gardner I must cultivate the ground arround my life and need to fertilize it 

This action needs to be done immediately for the repentance and to change my life 

Am I ready for this challenging task?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Signs of the Time and the Present Time

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:54-59*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1-6*

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

*Signs of the Time and the Present Time*

*1) Signs in the Nature*

The Gospel of the day, speaks about the signs in the nature and their importance 

People are able to read the signs from the nature and they are able to predict some of the important things like rain, hot son and other issues related to the weather 

These predictions appear to be right at times because they are based on the human experience 

In this sense we understand the importance of the signs from the nature 

*2) Jesus and the Signs*

From the nature Jesus moves to another level and challenges people to read the divine signs to recognize the presence of God amidst themselves

With the presence of Jesus there are lots of new signs which  are very evident in and arround them 

The various miracles, the powerful teaching, the curing the sick, the casting out demons are some of the important signs which were present in and through Jesus 

So Jesus is challenging every one to see these signs and to recognize the divine  presence among themselves

*3) The importance of the Present time*

Jesus makes a mention of the present time. 

Present time has numerous signs, which are very important for us to  recognize the divine presence in our life 

Some of the sings of thr present time could be the following

The sign of Eucharist

The sign of adoration

The sign of Good health 

The sign of good people arround us 

The sign of forgiveness

The sign of numerous blessings in life 

The sign of my family members

The sign of miracles in my own life, that is, I am able to see, think properly, able to  hear, able to walk, able to enjoy food, able to help others, able to sacrifice for others etc 

*4) Failure to interpret the Present time*

Dwelling in the present and enjoying the present moment is very important 

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow never comes. Only we have today and present moment 

Recognising the marvelous things by the Lord, in our life and around, we need to live in the present and experience God in everything 

Living in the present is more important than anything else 

*5) Greatness of Life*

The beauty of life consist in living in the present moment and experiencing God here and now 

One who is able to see the divine signs, in and around, in the present time, He/she will never be sad, but filled with thrill, hope and new vigour to face life in a creative way 

Such a person will always appreciate the beauty of life 

*6) Signs and My Life*

My life is found among the numerous signs in the present time 

Am I able to recognize or experience Jesus in the present day struggle of my life 

How far the present signs give meaning to my life?

Do I feel that signs are important to experience Jesus in our life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Conversion/Change Starts with Division

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:49-53*

*First Reading : Eph 3:14-21*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19*

*Conversion/Change Starts with Division*

*1) Jesus' Mission for Conversion*

The primary mission for which Jesus came into this world, is to convert people from falsehood and to lead them to truth

Jesus focuses on the conversion of heart 

Jesus speaks about the conversion of mind 

Jesus speaks about the conversion of ones behavior

Jesus speaks about the conversion of the person from evil things 

*2) Distinction between Good and Bad*

The major  task of Jesus' mission was to show the difference between good and evil 

Both these are involved in the society, in our life and in our behavior 

So once we are able to identify the good from evil, there occurs a division between good and evil 

This division is very important for choosing what is good and holy and to avoid evil 

*3) Division for good and not for destruction*

The Word division has a negative connotation in the ordinary circles 

But in today's Gospel context it has a positive out look and it has a great purpose 

Here division is used with multiple purpose 

So it is more for constructing rather than dividing 

*4) Division as Double edged Sword*

In the Gospel the concept of division can be seen as double edged sword which serves as dual purpose 

First of all it divides the Good from evil. So as a sword it divides into two pieces 

Secondly as a sword, it destroys the evil which is separated from good and it also protects the good from the attacks of evil, just like, sword in the hands of soldiers, protects them from the enemy 

So division is a powerful tool to destroy the evil 

*5) Division weakens the Strength*

This aspect can be seen in the positive as well as in a negative way 

Here division is seen in a positive sense. It weakens the strength of the evil

When the strength of the evil is weakened it can be controlled in a better way 

*6) Division is a continuous process*

We are living in a surrounding where good and evil are so mixed up together, evil depicts itself in the guise of good 

Unless one is very shroud one may not be divide good from evil 

So dividing good from evil is a continuous process and it has to be taken into account in a serious way 

*7) Division and Conversion*

The first step of conversion is the division 

Divide good from evil and choose good avoid evil 

This process takes place through the process of division

So division can be considered as the first and important step for the change of life 

*8) Division needs Courage*

Unless one has the courage one may not be able to divide good from evil 

Division always faces, a severe form of resistance 

To face these challenges and to go ahead with division one needs a lot of courage. 

Am I courageous to face the division? To effect the division? To lead the division? in my personal life and against social injustice for the sake of liberation??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Severe form of Judgment for Christians

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:39-48*

*First Reading : Eph 3:2-12*

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

*Severe form of Judgment for Christians*

*1) The Last Four things*

The *Four Last Things* in the Catholic Church are death, judgment, heaven, and hell

*Death*: The moment of passing away from this world

*Judgment* : The moment which decides our fate 

*Heaven*: An eternal state of being, where a person enjoys eternal bliss 

*Hell:* An state of being where a person suffers for eternity

 

The Catholic Church encourages its members to reflect on the *"Four Last Things"* often, even daily. 

St. Philip Neri said that beginners in religion should focus on meditating on the *"Four Last Things"*. 

 

*2) Judgment is a reality*

From the above teaching and from today's Gospel it is very clear that, judgment is a reality 

No one can escape the reality of judgment 

Without judgment we can't proceed further 

Judgment shows the way either to heaven or to hell 

*3) Judgment according to ones deeds*

Each one will have judgment according to his/her deeds

There is no common judgement. Each one uses his/her freedom to live ones life. Accordingly one will be judged for her/his deeds 

*4) Severe Judgement for special category of people*

This aspect is also very much highlighted in today's Gospel

Jesus says *still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.*

So there is a category of people whom God has given much more. That's why much more will be demanded from those who have been given more 

*5) More is given to Christians*

Christians are special people. They are called the people of God. 

To the Christians much more things are given. So much more things are demanded from the Christians 

We have been given the chance of Baptism and to become the children of God

We have been given the gift of faith 

We have been given the opportunity to read the scriptures in our own mother tongue

We have been given opportunity to celebrate daily mass 

We have been given better knowledge and understanding of the Gospel and Gospel values 

We have been blessed in every way comparing to others 

That's why much more is given to us and much more will be demanded from us 

Therefore the Judgment will be severe towards Christian rather than others 

*6) What is my View?*

How about my life? 

How do I see the reality if life,? 

How do I repay to the Lord, who has given me everything? 

Do I feel as a Christian that I have been given everything in and through Jesus Christ. Still I complain

Will I be able to hear Good and faithful servant from God or will He term me as unfaithful servant who will be thrown into the well? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The importance of Readiness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:35-38*

*First Reading : Eph 2:12-22*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14*

*The importance of Readiness*

*1) The Aspect of Readiness*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the importance of readiness

One of the important words which we hear many times in our life 

This word has far reaching implications and consequences in our life 

*2) Readiness in our daily life*

There are many things in our life, about which we need to be ready 

In fact, everything that happens in our life, goes through the aspect of readiness 

From morning till evening whatever things happen in our life, always go through the lance of Readiness

*3) Readiness in Christian Life*

The Gospel of the day speaks about Christian readiness, which is referred in the context of ones readiness to meet Jesus 

We are in a way warned to remain ready to welcome the Master 

A faithful servant is the one who is always ready to welcome the Master at any moment 

Being ready is the highest quality of the follower of Jesus

*4) The nuances of Readiness*

When we speak about readiness, there are many things which are involved in the aspect of readiness

Readiness needs preparation

Readiness needs hardwork

Readiness need discipline

Readiness needs vigilance

Readiness needs planning

Readiness needs alertness

Readiness needs creativity

Readiness needs sacrifice

Readiness needs sincere work 

*5) Lack of Readiness*

We are very familiar with this concept

The moment when we are not ready for some given tasks, we fail miserably 

Unpreparedness or not being ready, surely leads to the failure and discouragement

We easily lose the battle when we are not ready 

In our spiritual life when we are not ready then we lose the opportunity to experience God and to encounter Jesus 

Unpreparedness or not being ready in our spiritual life may make our life meaningless and absurd 

*Readiness* is very important for my spiritual life 

*6) Am I Ready?*

This is a very serious question to our life

About what I am ready? 

My readiness does it help me? 

What are the different areas I make myself ready? 

How about my readiness in Spiritual Life? 

How much importance do I give to the aspect of readiness??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Philosophy of Storage

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:13-21*

*First Reading : Eph 2:1-10*

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

*The Philosophy of Storage*

*1) The Modern devices on Storage*

Today when we buy mobiles or laptops or computers or other digital devices, many of us look into the aspect of storage facility 

The website which we create and other similar sites which are associated with website also very much interested in storage facility 

Today the concept of storage facility is becoming very powerful and in a way the value of the things also, to a large extent depends on storage facility 

*2) Gospel on Storage*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the concept of storage, from the rich man's perspective 

The Rich man had abundant crop, which needed more storage facility to keep in a safe place

*3) Gospel calls this man as rich Fool*

The rich man to store his crop, first of all destroys all the store houses in order to build the bigger ones 

Instead of destroying them, he should have built some more new store houses, if it were absolutely necessary 

Secondly there is no guarantee that whatever was stored will be available tomorrow, due to various natural calamities

Thirdly there is no guarantee that the rich man will survive to use all the stored things for his pleasure 

That's why his actions were considered as foolish and he was called as fool

*4) The craze for Storage*

All of us have this vice. 

This craze for storage, works in all areas of our life 

Especially people are crazy for material things and the space needed for storing these material things

*5) Store up your treasures in Heaven*

Jesus also tells about storage. *Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal* Matthew 16:19-21

The material things which are used help us in one way or the other

Likewise things stored in heaven can help in one way or the other 

*6) Jesus on Excess storage*

Jesus is against excess storage of material things, which amounts to greed 

Jesus is against such an evil attitude, and warns us to be careful about this vice 

Greed in no way helps us in anything 

*7) Things which can be stored up in Heaven*

Material things are best opportunities to store up treasures in heaven

When we make use of the material things by sharing them and not storing them for the selfish purpose, we store up treasure in Heaven 

Following are the opportunities to store up treasures in Heaven 

A prayerful life 

A gesture of kindness

The aspect of generosity

Sharing our resources

A Life of sacrifice

A life of humility 

A life of love 

A life of sharing

A life of service

A life of forgiveness

A life of simplicity

A life of authenticity

A life of Hardwork

All these things will store up treasures in heaven 

*8) My Philosophy?*

Have a realised the importance of storing the treasures in Heaven? 

How much storage facility is available in heaven, in my account?

What are the ways I use to store up treasures in heaven? 

Will Jesus say to me *You are a rich Fool?* 

Is my Storage facility only for my pleasure and Glory or is there a place for others also? 

How do I understand the storage facility for Spiritual things?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Missionary Dimensions of Mission Sunday

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Sunday*

*Mission Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45*

*First Reading : Is 53:10-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 27*

*Second Reading - Heb 4:14-16*

*Missionary Dimensions of Mission Sunday*

*1) Mission Sunday*

The Church celebrates today the Mission Sunday all over the World 

Mission Sunday is an opportunity for us to reflect about the importance of mission, challenges of mission and our Role in the mission 

As a follower of Christ, it is an occasion to reflect about my responsibility towards mission 

*2) Mission and Baptism*

The Gospel of the day speaks about Baptism

All of us have received Baptism 

The primary responsibility towards mission comes from the sacrament of Baptism 

We have received faith in Baptism and we have become the followers of Jesus. That's why we have serious responsibility towards mission 

The Baptism and Mission are the two sides of the same coin, which can't be separated

*3) Mission and Chalice*

Jesus also makes a mention of Chalice in the Gospel. 

Chalice represents the sacrifice, challenges, struggles, persecutions, rejection and all the problems that one will encounter during the mission 

There is no mission without the chalice 

There is no Christ without chalice 

There is no Christian spirituality without chalice 

That's why Jesus is asking us *Can you drink the cup that I drink?*

*4) Mission and Service*

The Gospel of the day speaks highly about the service 

The primary purpose of the mission is service. Jesus himself came to serve others. That was his primary mission 

As followers of Jesus service must be the primary purpose of our mission

Mission is closely linked with mission. If there is no service, then there is no mission 

*5) Mission and Unity*

The Gospel also speaks about the division among the disciples and the need of unity among themselves 

Only with unity the mission can be successful. With division the mission suffers 

So Jesus tells them to unite themselves for the effective mission. 

If some one is really interested in mission, then unity among ourselves should be strengthened at all level, which will boast the mission activity in building the Kingdom of God 

*6) Mission and Power, Position*

There is a tussle for power and position among the disciples, presented in today's Gospel

The two are aiming at important positions in so called Jesus' Kingdom with power

This worldly attitude didn't go well with Jesus' Kingdom. That is why Jesus says *they don't know what they are asking*

In mission there is no room for power and position 

The power and position is given by God for mission and not vice versa

Power and position has no place in the mission if they are used for personal gains, name and for personal glory 

*7) My Mission*

As we celebrate the mission Sunday what is my mission in building the kingdom of God? 

Is it only contributing little amount?

What are the other areas in which my mission for the Lord involves? 

Do I really involve myself in the mission of the Lord, in building God's Kingdom?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Anoited for Christ

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Eighth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:8-12*

*First Reading : Eph 1:15-23*

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

*Anoited for Christ*

*1) Our Call for Christ*

The Gospel of the day speaks about our call and the purpose of our life 

We have been called and anointed in the sacrament of Baptism, to be with Jesus, to proclaim his message and to bear witness in this world

This is what is exactly meant by acknowledging Jesus before others 

*2) Our Mission for Christ*

We have only one mission. The mission to proclaim Christ through our words and actions 

Our call by Jesus highlights our mission for Christ 

In no way we can be away from Jesus or we can bear counter witness to Christ

As a Christian we are supposed to reflect the image of Christ through our life 

That is the mission of our life

*3) Fruits of Being with Jesus*

Being with Jesus means acknowledging as Savoir and Lord before others 

One who acknowledges Christ before others, Christ will acknowledge this before the Heavenly Father 

Jesus will never abandon Him/Her in any situation, but will fill with strength to face all the trails 

Such a person will have special assistant from the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Jesus 

*4) The Value of the Reward*

The value is great and imperishable. This reward has eternal value 

Before this eternal value, the value of the worldly things is nothing 

The reward we get from acknowledging Jesus before men, can't be equated with any of the things of this world 

*5) Failure in the Mission*

We have been called to bear  witness to Christ, publicly

Failure in this mission would change our destiny of life

Failure in this mission may end up in breaking the relationship with God 

Failure in this mission may end up in  losing everything, which has eternal value 

*6) My Response*

How about my relationship with Jesus? 

How about acknowledging Jesus before others? 

Am I frightened about losing the worldly things?

What are the hurdles I face in acknowledging Jesus before others?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Peace is the precondition to Experience the Kingdom of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Eighth Week : Friday*

*Feast of St Luke the Evangelist*

*Gospel : Lk 10:1–9*

*First Reading : 2 Tm 4:10-17b*

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

*Peace is the precondition to Experience the Kingdom of God*

*1) Jesus' Mission starts with Peace*

When Jesus was born into this World, Angels sang Gloria. 

This Gloria had a reference to Peace 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. 

*2) Jesus Leaves peace among us*

The Risen Lord when met the disciples, the first word was *peace be with you* 

Jesus also said *Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.* John 14:27

Among all the gifts peace is one of the beautiful gifts that Jesus has given us

*3) Jesus sends his disciples With Peace*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the peace

Jesus sends his disciples with the treasure of peace to be distributed to the people 

They had nothing other than peace to give to others 

That's why Jesus says *whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’*

*4) The Logic of Peace*

Whenever we speak about peace we usually  think compromising for everything 

But the concept of peace is not for compromising everything. 

A peace loving person is a very brave person 

Peace loving person is able to face any challenges 

Peace loving person is able to tolerate any sort of insult,  humiliation and harsh things 

Peaceful person does not make any wrong judgements 

Peaceful person is able to convince others about the great values 

Peaceful person is able to follow the discipline of the Gospel

*5) Return of Peace*

The Gospel also speaks about the return of the peace 

The precondition for the experience of peace is to create an peaceful atmosphere

Jesus says *If a peaceful person lives there, your peace, will rest on him; but if not,  it will return to you*

Without peace nothing can work 

*6) Am I Peace Loving Person*

To experience God's Kingdom, only with peace is possible 

With pride no kingdom of God is possible 

With anger, revenge, hatred, greed, intolerance, violence no experience of God is possible 

Kingdom of God can be spoken and experienced only through the peace. 

If So, am I a peace loving person? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Purpose of the Tomb Building

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Eighth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:47-54*

*First Reading : Eph 1:1-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6*

*The Purpose of the Tomb Building*

*1) The Culture of Tomb Building*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the concept of tomb building 

From the Gospel it is clear that the culture of tomb building was present during the time of Jesus, even before Jesus was born into this world. So it has a long history

Even today the culture of tomb building continues and it communicates a powerful message to all of us 

*2) The Purpose of the tomb building*

First of all to remember the person 

Secondly to, remember his legacy and to communicate it to the future generation

Thirdly the tomb should reflect the good life of the person, which should be an inspiration to others

Tomb should be like a mirror which should reflect the actual life of the person 

*3) The Reason for Jesus' Condemnation of the Tomb*

Wrong motivation involved in building the tomb 

The tomb are built by those who killed the prophets. So the tomb builders are the killers of the prophets 

The tomb builders wanted to erase the blame on them, about their involvement in murdering the prophets by building the tombs for the same murdered prophets 

In a way it amounts to a serious hypocrisy. That's why Jesus condemned their act of building the tombs 

*4) Present Day Situation*

It is not quite different from the time of Jesus 

Some times when the person is alive, there is no one to take care, to serve at the bed site, when he/she is sick

Some times they don't even get the proper treatment and other necessary facility. As a result some of the elderly people suffer a lot 

But when such people die, their children are the ones who will spend lots of money for building the tomb, parties in the name of the diseased and other unnecessary things 

This culture is similar to the culture which is condemned by Jesus 

Some people become more emotional after the death and not when their dear ones where really suffering because of their sickness and negligence by their dear ones

This is purely a hypocrisy. Nothing else 

*5) Greatness does not lie in the Tomb*

The grandeur of the tomb does not elevate the dignity of the person 

Strictly speaking, building the tomb does not help the diseased person in any way 

Instead of showing the greatness in the tomb, it is better to help the person when he/she is alive or to spend the tomb building money for some charitable purpose. Which will help even the diseased person to get eternal life 

*6) Build life and not Tomb*

Life has future. Tomb has no future. Tomb is the dead end

Investment in the tomb is dead investment. Investment in life always returns with profit 

Building life is humanitarian virtue. Building tomb does not help to improve the quality of life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Reaction towards the Corrections

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Eighth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:42-46*

*First Reading : Gal 5:18-25*

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

*Reaction towards the Corrections*

*1) Jesus on Hypocrisy*

In today's Gospel we see a diffent face of Jesus

Jesus appears to be very harsh on Scribes, Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law 

The words *Woe to you* really show the gravity of the situation 

In fact here Jesus is harsh against hypocrisy and those people who practice hypocrisy

*2) Hypocrisy is the greatest Sin*

Among the various evip things, hypocrisy meets very harsh reaction from Jesus 

When it comes to hypocrisy,  Jesus is really angry. 

Jesus never became angry towards those who crucified him, those who condemned him to death, those who insulted him, those who accused him for various other reasons

But when it comes to hypocrisy, he really condemned all those who were involved in it 

This shows the gravity of hypocrisy

*3) Correction is Jesus' Intention*

When we analyze today's Gospel, the primary intention of Jesus' condemnation was not to insult or find fault with the persons 

Jesus' intention was to make them aware of the evils of hypocrisy and to change their life 

So correction was the main intention of Jesus. 

As a genuine teacher Jesus had all the right and responsibility to correct those who do wrong 

In this sense whatever Jesus did had the great purpose

*4) Reaction towards Corrections*

None of them were ready to accept the corrections given by Jesus 

They started to dislike Jesus, because of these corrections 

Their pride and self-righteous attitude, didn't allow them to accept the corrections and to change their life 

They became more hostile towards Jesus to eliminate him 

This is the reaction for the corrections by Jesus 

*5) Need of Corrections*

All of us commit mistakes. None of us perfect. 

Corrections really make us great persons and we achieve greater things in life 

Without corrections, life becomes useless and purposeless 

A life which does not see any corrections, grows like a wild grass, meant only for burning. The situation of the life is also the same 

*6) Failure in Corrections*

As teachers and parents we have a great responsibility to correct those who are under us 

Those people who accept corrections, become great in life 

Those who neglect corrections in life end up in total misery 

The parents who fail to correct their children face very miserable life for both children and parents 

Parents who support the mistakes of the children commit a big blunder in spoiling the life of the children 

Unless one knows about the value of correction, nothing can change in life 

As a responsibile person, have I failed correcting others who are under me?

Do I have the credibility to correct others? 

*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 Washing

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Eighth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:37-41*

*First Reading : Gal 5:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48*

*The Aspect of Washing*

*1) The Gospel on Washing*

The Gospel of the day speaks about washing before the meals 

In fact the Scribes and Pharisees, find fault with Jesus saying that he didn't follow the procedure of washing before the meals 

This particular aspect also gives us a opportunity to think about the aspect of  Washing in our life 

*2) Life Starts with Washing*

When we are born in to this world, the first thing, which is done to us was washing 

We were washed and cleaned as soon as we came into this world 

*3) Life ends with Washing*

After our death, one of the things which is done to the dead body is washing 

After washing the body, it is kept in the coffin for further rites and for burial 

In a way Washing becomes one of the last things which is done to the person 

*4) From Body wash to the higher Level*

The Gospel speaks about the washing of hands and other bodily parts before one takes the food

Jesus is not against such hygienic practices, which are absolutely necessary

Jesus from this ordinary experience, draws a profound lesson with regard to the washing, by emphasizing the importance of Washing 

There is a deeper meaning for washing

*5) Deeper meaning of Washing*

Apart from washing of the feet and hands, Jesus highlights the washing of following things 

Washing of ones mind to clean our thoughts 

Washing of ones mouth, to speak like a prophet 

Washing of ones heart, to come out of the all evil emotions 

Washing of ones eyes to see the good things and to sufferings of others 

Washing of the ones ears, to listen to good words 

To wash ones soul to experience God, through the sacrament of reconciliation

To wash ones hands to clean ourselves from all evil things and to offer our service to the needy 

Washing is a continuous process which can't be avoided

*6) Washing in my Life*

How do I understand the importance of washing in my life? 

Am I ready to wash my heart, mind, soul, eyes, ears,  and my entire being 

How challenging it is to washing our thoughts, words and deeds 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Seeking Sign and Being a Sign

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Eighth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:29-32*

*First Reading : Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a and 6-7*

*Seeking Sign and Being a Sign*

*1) The Gospel on Signs*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the signs 

There two different views about signs are presented in today's Gospel 

One is seeking sign from others 

Second one is, becoming a sign to others 

*2) Seeking a Sign* 

There is a group of people who were surrounding Jesus asking for a sign 

Jesus calls this group as evil generation, who were seeking Sign 

Seeking sign is always from outside 

They were seeking signs because they were trying to test Jesus 

They were not ready to accept the authority of Jesus 

They could not imagine the tremendous miraculous and divine  power of Jesus 

That's why they were seeking a sign from Jesus 

*3) Becoming a sign*

In this section there are few persons who became great sign to others 

*Prophet Jonah* He was a sign to the people of Nineveh

He was a sign of repentance, conversion, change of life and man of God 

*Jesus* Jesus was the sign of the Kingdom of God, true spiritual freedom, salvation, love, and eternal life 

*Solomon* Sign of Wisdom, sign of infidelity, sign of division

So there goes a sign along with the person

*4) Difficult and Easy Task*

*Seeking sign* is easy. Since it is coming from outside, one can easily demand for a sign 

Seeking Sign usually based  on the judgement we make about something

In Seeking sign, we remain as outsider

It may affect or may not effect to the others

*Becoming Sign*  is very difficult

One needs strict discipline, authenticity, commitment, moral uprightness etc 

Becoming a sign is equal to great achievement in our purpose driven life 

Becoming sign is not a easy thing. It is a challenging and very difficult thing

 

*5) We are called to become signs*

The purpose of our life is very clear 

Seeking sign from others is not the purpose of our life. It shows the lack of faith 

Becoming sign elevates our life, and we become an inspiration to others 

In becoming sign, total person is involved. 

*6) Best form of evangelization*

Becoming sign involves a value based upright life, which is admired by many. 

It is the best form of Evangelization, because people are more impressed when our life itself becomes a sign 

So is my life a Sign to others?

Do I seek signs from others? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Question of Eternal Life : How important it is for me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27*

*First Reading : Wis 7:7-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17*

*Second Reading - Heb 4:12-13*

*Question of Eternal Life : How important it is for me?*

*1) Fundamental Questions of Life*

There are some fundamental questions of human  Life 

Who  am I?

Where did I come from?

Where do I go? 

What is the purpose of my life? 

*2) Life after Death*

In today's Gospel, the question of life after death is very much highlighted

Among all fundamental questions, the question of eternal life, or life after death appears to be more disturbing as well as main purpose of our life 

One who misses to reflect about this question, loses the purpose of life. 

Therefore this question remains to be important in our life 

*3) what must I do to inherit eternal life?”*

In today's Gospel we have this particular question, which resembles one of the fundamental questions of human life

This question shows the purpose of our life 

This question makes us to think about the life that we live here on earth 

This question in a way makes us to live a life which is meant for eternal life 

*4)  “Then who can be saved?”*

Towards the end we have one more question which was asked by the disciples 

Once again this question comes from the worried disciples about the eternal life 

Attaining eternal life means, one is saved by the Lord

Who can be saved also a very important question with regard to the purpose of our life 

This question also has direct resemblance to the fundamental questions of human life 

*5) What are my Questions about Life?*

This is a very serious question to reflect 

Unless we reflect about our own life, many things about life may not be very clear to us 

With regard to worldly life we have many questions and we try to get answers to these questions 

What about the questions of Spiritual life or question about eternal life? 

How many of us ask questions about eternal life? 

*6) Some of the important questions of eternal life?*

What must I do to become good person in my family or in my surroundings? 

What must I do to have the divine experience? 

What Jesus wants from me? 

What things I must do to become morally upright man? 

What must I do, to become just man, like Joseph? 

What disposition should I have to say *Yes* to the Lord, just like Mary??

*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 Womb

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:27-28*

*First Reading : Gal 3:22-29*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7*

*Blessedness of the Womb*

*1) Blessed is the womb that carried you*

In today's Gospel we have this phrase. 

A woman from the Crowd, praises Mary, for her role in beginning Jesus into this world 

After having seen the great Works of Jesus, the woman gives credit to Mary,  for carrying Jesus in her womb, and giving to the World 

*2) A great Appreciation*

These words really comes as a great appreciation to Mary 

Along with these words, the whole life of Mary is reflected, when the Woman praises Mary publicly

Her mission becomes blessed, her life becomes blessed, her commitment becomes blessed, her body becomes blesses, her womb becomes blessed, and everything in Mary becomes blessed 

A person really feels happy when her children are praised

*3) Presence of Jesus in the Womb*

The womb of Mary became blessed because it carried Jesus 

The life of Mary became blessed because of the presence of Jesus in her life 

So wherever Jesus is present, either place or person becomes blessed 

It is the presence of Jesus makes something blessed and Holy

*4) Our life and Womb*

All of us can be the Womb for Jesus 

Today Jesus can be conceived in our mind, heart, in our mission, in our attitude, in our behavior, in our relationship, in our family 

So there are ample opportunities for us to conceive and to carry Jesus in our life 

*5) The various Wombs in our life*

The following things could be considered as Womb, which can conceive Jesus 

Mind as Womb

Heart as womb

Thoughts as womb

Work as womb 

Service as womb

Sacrifice as womb 

Relationship as womb 

Commitment as womb 

Faithfulness as womb 

Sincerity as womb 

Truthfulness as womb 

Prayer as womb 

Generosity as womb 

Simplicity as womb 

Forgiveness as womb 

Cross as womb 

*6) Honour to the Parents*

This one of the important things which we see in this phrase 

Bringing honour to the parents, by children should be our primary motto and goal 

A child who brings honour to the parents, always remains blessed 

A child who brings dishonor or shame to the parents is a great tragedy. 

Such children are burden to their parents

*7) Is my Life a Womb?*

Reflecting my own life, do I see the possibility of womb,  in my own life, to carry Jesus? 

Which are the areas or aspects, work as womb, in my life? 

What more can I do to turn my life as Womb for Jesus? 

*Womb is also equal to Tabernacle*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Dangerous return of the Devil

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:15-26*

*First Reading : Gal 3:7-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6*

*The Dangerous return of the Devil*

*1) The Casting of the Demon*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the casting of the demon by Jesus 

Once the demon is cast out, it has to go out, and it goes out 

But it also finds another place to dwell. So it will serach for the place to live in 

If it does not find a place it returns to the place where it was before. 

This shows the continuous work of the devil for destroying a Soul  

*2) Dangerous Return*

The Gospel shows us how dangerous the return of the devil is 

When it does not find a place, it comes back to original place and tries to get in. Since it becomes impossible for the devil to enter, because of the cleanliness, it goes out and gets others who are more wicked. 

With this the situation becomes worse

*3) The Sacrament of reconciliation*

Through the sacrament of reconciliation, all forms of devils are cast out by Jesus himself.

 The sacrament of reconciliation is one of the powerful weapons which can be used against the devil 

Once the devil goes out, our heart and mind becomes clean and we become the children of God 

*4) The Dangerous return to Our life*

The devil which had gone out from us, seraches for a place. 

Upon finding no place it comes once again to it's original place

But it can't enter so easily, unless we allow ourselves to get in 

*5) The continuity of the Fight*

Once the demon goes out, we need to be very careful. This is because, the devil will continuously try to come back to take its place 

That's why we need to be more careful not to allow, the devil to get in 

So we need to fight continuously through the sacrament of reconciliation and other forms of spiritual exercises, to protect ourselves from the attack of the demon 

When we have strong spiritual life, neither 7 or 14 devils can't enter our life 

*6) Second time and the fatality*

Usually there are some sickness, when they come second time, there appears greater risk for life 

TB or Other forms of sickness can endanger our life. So we need to be careful

Likewise the return of the devil with more power can destroy our life, if we allow the devil to get in

How careful I am with regard to the devil who causes me to sin again and again

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

God comes at midnight

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:5-13*

*First Reading : Gal 3:1-5*

*Responsorial Psalm : Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75*

*God comes at midnight*

*1) Midnight mindset*

Usually at midnight, people take rest 

All the work is halted. Only next day it will resume

At midnight, situation becomes very scary, and people would like to be inside the house than out 

Only in emergency people do call others, when it comes to midnight. Otherwise they wait for next day. 

*2) Situation at Mightnight*

The door has already been locked

Children and I are already in bed.

I cannot get up to give you anything.

Don't bother me anymore 

It is almost like a concluded situation. Changes in this situation becomes very difficult

*3) Situation of Mightnight in Life*

At times life is like a midnight

All the doors are closed

The doors of service,  sacrifice, prayer, simplicity, truthfulness, forgiveness, Charity, generosity and the doors of Gospel values 

Being in bed, refers taking rest. Not interested in doing any neither opening the door of life 

The midnight mindset, *I cannot get up to give you anything.*

This attitude will not help us in anyway 

*4) The opportunity for change*

On the one side, the Gospel shows the hurdles for changing the situation 

On the otherhand, we see the change, because of the continuous persistence from another side .

The persistence of the friend sees an opportunity, to help the friend who has come to taking for his friend 

Here we see the change in the midst of impossibility

*5) God's approach at midnight*

It does not mean that God does not have time during the day. He always has time, but we don't have time

The midnight approach of Jesus also shows that even at the 11th hour, God doesn't give up his battle for 

Saving the person 

Gospel shows the very narrow possibility of getting up and doing his work 

Even then the impossibility was made possibility through various ways 

*6) The readiness to getup at midnight*

The person in the Gospel, got up in the midnight, and did whatever was possibility for him

Am I ready to get up from life's midnight, because God is insisting you to change the changeless?

*7) The difficulty to Get up*

Doors are locked. Already taking rest in bed. I am unable to do anything. Don't bother me

When we apply this logic to our own life, the midnight situation makes us very difficult to get up and challenge the situation

But there is a way out, if one is ready to change ones mindset

Say to yourself, I can do something for the better future

Yes I can unlock the the doors of  my life 

I can get up from my bed 

Need a different outlook to unlock the lock of my spiritual life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Give us each day our daily bread

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:1-4*

*First Reading : Gal 2:1-2, 7-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 117:1bc, 2*

*Give us each day our daily bread*

*1) Daily Bread*

In the Lord's prayer we find this phrase, which highlights about the daily bread 

First of all this is the very important aspect in our life 

Without bread we can't survive. Life can be sustained only through the bread/food 

Let's understand the importance of it in our daily life 

*2) Deeper meaning of the bread*

For us Christians the daily bread is not only  the bread which we need for our survival, that is the food we take to sustain our bodily life 

There is a deeper meaning for the daily bread. 

At the spiritual level also it has special significance 

When Jesus spoke about the Bread from heaven people said *Sir, give us that bread every day"*

To this Jesus says, *"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again* John 6:32

So this reference for bread also tell us about the spiritual significance of the daily bread

*3) Unable to eat the daily bread*

There are two possibilities here 

*One* Some times the bread is not available, due to various reasons, poverty, lack of food, etc 

*Second* Bread is available, but unable to eat due to health reasons, may be diabetes, and other related health issues 

In either case the person can't eat the daily bread as he/she wishes 

*4) The Heavenly Bread/Eucharist*

The daily bread in a deeper level also refers to the heavenly bread, which is the Eucharist 

Like daily bread, which is necessary for our survival, the heavenly bread is also necessary for our survival to eternal life 

Without this bread, we are not spiritually alive and can't work for the future 

*5) Unable to Eat Heavenly bread*

When a person has some health related issues he/she can't eat certain types of food. In such situations, if one eats, there will be adverse effects on the health 

Likewise there are certain things,  which make us impossible to eat the heavenly bread 

The sin aspect, makes us difficult to eat the heavenly bread in a effective way 

*For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.* 1 Cor 11:29

*6) My eagerness for daily bread*

Having realised the importance of the eternal bread, how egar I am to receive this heavenly bread

Do I feel the need of it? 

What is my spontaneous reaction towards the Heavenly bread? 

*7) Availability of the Daily bread*

Most of us have the facility to receive the bread of life everyday 

The availability of the heavenly bread is very much true in our context

Do I use this opportunity to receive the heavenly bread? 

*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 the House of Bethany

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:38-42*

*First Reading : Gal 1:13-24*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15*

*The Speciality of the House of Bethany*

*1) The Special House*

Among all the houses during the time of Jesus, which he visited or passed by, the house of Bethany, has a special significance 

The house gets the special significance because of the following reasons 

*2) Jesus' Visit*

The house becomes special because of the visit of Jesus. 

Jesus not only visited this house only once, but he visited many times 

*3) Jesus is present in that House*

The house also gets special significance because of the presence of Jesus. 

The Gospel of the day, shows us that, Jesus is present in the house of Martha and Mary 

Definitely, a house becomes special and Holy because of the presence of Jesus 

*4) Jesus' Preaching in the House*

The house also becomes the centre of breaking of the word of God. 

Since Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to Him, Jesus was proclaiming the Gospel to her 

This house becomes the place of preaching too 

*5) House which witnesses the presence and the conversation*

The house at Bethany becomes special because, the members of the house were present when Jesus came 

The house at Bethany becomes special because, the members in the house were able to welcome Jesus, were able to talk to Jesus freely, were able to share their grievances and were able to spend time with Jesus 

That's why the house at Bethany was a special one 

*6) House shows balanced approach*

This house is a special house because it shows us the balanced approach

The importance of work is seen

The importance of sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him 

Work, Service and spending time with Jesus, a beautiful blend is seen at the house of Bethany. 

That's why the House at Bethany is special one 

*7) House got recorded in the Gospel*

This is one of houses which has special place in the Gospel, because of Jesus' presence and relationship

The Gospel records this house along with the incident which takes place in the house 

This house will remain forever, as long as the Gospel exist.

Gospels have eternal value, so to house at Bethany has eternal value, since it is found in the Gospel, and its relationship with Jesus 

*8) My House*

*One* is the material house where I stay with my family members

*Secondly* my life itself is like a house 

How do I welcome Jesus into my House?

Am I happy to welcome Jesus into my house of Life? 

Will I be able to talk to Jesus when he comes? 

Will I be busy in my work, like Martha?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Richness & Greatness of Rosary

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:26-38*

*First Reading : Acts 1:12-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Lk 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55*

*The Richness & Greatness of Rosary*

*1) Rosary is a biblical Prayer*

There are few prayers which are involved in the Rosary 

The Creed - I believe in God 

Our Father - Lord's prayer 

Hail Mary & Holy Mary 

Glory be to the Father 

All these prayers are found in the Gospel. We have reference for each of these prayers in the Gospel 

That's why Rosary is a Biblical prayer 

*2) Rosary Reflects the Life of Jesus: A Christo-Centric Prayer*

It is clear that all the Four mysteries, reflect the different aspect of Jesus' Life 

*Joyful mysteries* speak about the infancy narratives and the life till he was presented in the Temple. At that time Jesus was 12 years Old 

*Luminous Mysteries* Speak the mission of the Lord. From the Baptism till the institution of the Eucharist, the entire range of the mission of the Lord is reflected here 

*Sorrowful Mysteries* Speak the passion and death of Jesus. Duration I'd very short but, most challenging moments of life of Jesus is reflected here 

*Glorious Mysteries* speak about the resurrection and Ascension into Heaven 

So all the Four mysteries focus on the person of Jesus 

That's why Rosary is a Christo-Centric prayer 

*3) Mary : Beginning and End of Rosary*

The Joyful mysteries starts with the Salutations of Angel Gabriel to Mary 

The Glorious Mysteries end with the Coronation of Our Lady in Heaven 

Once again we see Role of Mary in the Life of Jesus 

Rosary Starts with Mary, ends with Mary. Jesus comes in between 

In other Words, Mary does not leave us in between. She is there with us from the beginning till the End 

*4) Rosary is a Easy prayer*

Rosary can be prayed anywhere. It does not need a particular place or set up 

Rosary can be prayed by any one. It has no age limit 

Rosary has a very simple formula, which can be learnt and understood by any one and prayed easily 

*5) Rosary is a powerful prayer*

Rosary is one of the most powerful prayers given by Mother Mary 

History has proved that Rosary can change the Worst situation for best 

The power of the Rosary is seen through the great works or the miracles  that take place in our surroundings 

"The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin" Pope Pius XI

“The Rosary is the ‘weapon’ for these times.” - Saint Padre Pio

*6) Some of the famous sayings*

“Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world.” – Blessed Pope Pius IX

“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.” – Saint Francis de Sales

 “No one can live continually in sin and continue to say the Rosary: either they will give up sin or they will give up the Rosary” – Bishop Hugh Doyle

"The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying.” Pope Leo XIII

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The beauty and need of the Family

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12*

*First Reading : Gn 2:18-24*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6*

*Second Reading - Heb 2:9-11*

*The beauty and need of the Family*

*1) Family is a inseparable reality of Life*

There are many things which can be separated from our life 

Family is one of the most important things, which can't be separated from our life 

We take birth in a family 

We grew up in family 

Any function in life always related to the family. Without family, no function happen in the family 

When we are sick, it is the family which takes care of us

Finally we die in the family 

Even after the death, it is the family which will remember us 

So family is inseparable from our life 

*2) Role of Father and Mother*

The first reading of today from the book of Genesis high light the role of the man and woman in the family 

Woman was created from the rib of the man 

Two realities we can see here 

One is the *heart*

Second one is *Rib*

Rib covers and protects the heart  and as long as heart functions the rib will survive 

Here we can consider Father or Man as *Heart*

Mother or Woman and the *Rib* which protects the heart 

Heart and Rib once again inseparable realities of human body 

Likewise Man and Woman inseparable realities of the family 

*3) The Purpose of the Family*

The primary purpose of the family is to have companionship. God says *It is not good for the man to be alone.*

He wanted someone to be with Him 

So God brought animals, birds, wild animals. But none proved to be the suitable partner for man 

So no animals can be the partners for human beings. 

Today there is a trend to abandon human beings and to make friendship with animals. But the fact is the no animal can replace human partner 

That's why God created a suitable partner for man in the form of woman 

*4) Called to build and not to break*

The primary purpose of human life is to build the family and not to break the family 

Therefore Jesus says *what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”*

Once we know the importance and need to the family, no one can dare to break or to destroy the family 

So the primary purpose of Father and Mother to build the family and not to break the family 

*5) No family - no meaning for Life*

At the end of the day it is the family that matters to a person 

A person may be having crores of money, acreas of land, bundle of wealth, great name, power, position and everything. 

With all these if the person does not have a family of his own, none of the above things bring any meaning to life 

In other words, none of the above things replace human relationships 

Therefore, when family breaks, person becomes alone. None of the things can bring any meaning to his life 

That's why when family is gone, everything is gone

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*