Jesus Shared Power and Authority with His Disciples - Am I ready to share?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

25th Week – Wednesday

Gospel – Luke 9:1-6

First Reading – Prv 30:5-9

Jesus Shared Power and Authority with His Disciples - Am I ready to share? 

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority

1) Power and Authority are two important things in life

Every human being has a natural desire for power and authority. Irrespective of ones status every one wants to have some power and authority in life. 

When we see our life in the society, it is very clear that people work in different ways to acquire some power and authority in their life. 

Some get power and authority by their very office to exercise their responsibility. Others try to get through crooked means 

It shows that power and authority matters a lot in life. 

2) To do some work power and authority is necessary

It is very important to know that power and authority is very much necessary to do good works 

With power and authority a person can do lot of good work and really help the needy ones 

3) Jesus Shared His power and Authority with His disciples

When we see the logic of Jesus it is very clear that, without power and authority His disciples wouldn't be able to do the mission for which they will be sent. 

Therefore Jesus shares His power and Authority with His disciples before giving them the responsibility. 

So Jesus not only gives the responsibility but He also gives them the power and authority to carry out their responsibility. 

This logic of giving responsibility with power and authority is very much necessary to do any work. 

4) Am I able to follow this Logic?

The biggest problem many people have is with regard to the sharing of power and authority. 

People are generous to give the responsibility to others, but when it comes to share the power and authority to carry out the same responsibility, some are not ready. 

Those people who are scared of their ego, popularity and name and fame they do not like to share the power and authority with others 

As long as power and authority is not shared, no much good work or progress can be seen in any fields 

Because 10 persons work one person can not do. This is a simple logic 

If Jesus was able to share the power and authority with His disciples, why no me? If I am not able to do means, I go contrary to the logic and spirit of Jesus. 

5) Jesus gave them power and authority in the beginning itsel 

Another important point to note 

It is very clear that soon after giving them some training Jesus gives them or shares His power and Authority with His disciples. 

It was not that after when He concluded His mission on this earth He shared His power and Authority. 

This is very important because there are some people, when they are no longer to exercise their power and authority, then they share with others. This is because they can't do anything else with the power and authority. 

When they are in power and authority they do not like to share. They become more selfish and they want to control everything. Jesus never controlled anyone who were doing good works by using His power and Authority.

6) Jesus shares His power and Authority for a specific purpose

First of all to fight against the demon or devil who is the father of wickedness

Secondly to fight against all diseases which threaten the human existence, and specially the spirit diseases. 

Thirdly to proclaim the Kingdom of God, the message of Good News

Finally to heal the sick people and comfort them 

When we see the above mission it is very clear that Jesus Shares His power and Authority to do something good and Noble

The above mission definitely will bring about a lot of change, a change for the better, a change to lay the foundation to build the Kingdom of God. 

So sharing of power and authority is only to do good works and not bad things 

There are many who are misusing the power and authority given by God for their selfish purpose. We need to look at the logic of Jesus

7) Am I ready to share the power and authority?

All of us have some power and authority in the areas where we live or where we do our daily work. 

Father can share with his son 

Mother can share with her daughter in law 

Boss can share with his supervisor

Superior can share with other members 

Contractor can share with his workers 

Those who are in higher position and share with those who are under them 

8) Benefits of Sharing the Power and Authority

Lot of good work can be done

Lot of progress takes place 

Work load gets distributed and so the efficiency of the work improves 

A better coordination becomes possible

All gets involved in the mission in an active mode, which improves the quality of work 

All become responsible and they put their heart and soul to achieve something. 

If so why can't I share the power and authority?

Am I scared to do that? If so what is the fear

Do I have I wrong notion that only I can do the things and others can't

The fact is that the world will move better even without me - it is only by sharing the power and authority I facilitate the growth of the Kingdom of God

What do you think about this?

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

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore

Obstacles to meet Jesus

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

25th Week – Tuesday

Gospel – Luke 8:19-21

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

 Obstacles to meet Jesus 

1) The Problem of the Crowd

The mother and brothers of Jesus came to meet Him. But they could not meet Him. Because the huge crowd became an obstacle to meet Jesus. 

It is Important to note the word  *crowd*  here which is becoming and obstacle to meet Jesus.

So the *Crowd* became an obstacle to meet Jesus. 

Does this *crowd* has any deeper meaning to my life? Or does this *crowd* has any other implications? 

2) The literal meaning of the Crowd 

In the context the 'crowd' represents the many people who were around Jesus. 

Since these people were around Jesus, people from outside the crowd could not approach Jesus, since there was no way left to approach Jesus  

In this sense the *Crowd* became an obstacle for Jesus' Mother and His brothers  to meet Him. 

3) People becoming an obstacle to meet Jesus 

Like that *Crowd* there are many people today who are becoming obstacles in our way towards Jesus

There are also people who appear who are very close to Jesus, but they do not allow others to meet Jesus. They become obstacles to others.

They are like Pharisees who had the key. But neither they entered nor they allowed others to enter

Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering - Luke 11.52.

4) The meaning of Crowd Today

The *Crowd* today also represents the *things or Modern Gadgets* which prevent us entering into the contact with God.

Mobiles, internet, Whatsaap, entertainment, face book, social networks, serials, parties, functions and other activities of life.

Gossip, hatred, revenge, greed for things, amassing wealth are some of the other things which represent *Crowd* blocking ones vision or way to towards God 

5) The Busy attitude is another face of Crowd

The *crowd* also represents the *Busy* schedule of the Day. 

Today All people are busy with so many things. So busy schedule has become the obstacle to meet Jesus.

Because of this there is no time for prayer and other spiritual activities. 

6) The Crowd within ourself

The "crowd" is also represents our own Ego, pride, jealousy, narrow mindedness, non cooperation, anger, revenge, indifference, and hatred. Such things do not allow us to meet Jesus 

The *Crowd* also represents the so called addiction to drugs, alcohol, junk food, worldly pleasures and attachment to money.

The 'Crowd' also means the ones own comfort zone, power,  position, hidden agenda, selfish motives, name and fame. All these becomes hurdles in meeting Jesus.

The *crowd* also represents the our own sinfulness and inclination to sin.

7) The crowd and the Devil

The *Crowd* also represents the snares of the devils. 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8. 

8) What represents Crowd in my life

Do I feel that there are some things in my life, which act like *crowd*  blocking my vision of the divine or my way towards Jesus 

There are also some things which not only block my way, but at times these things takes completely away from Jesus. 

Identify some aspects in life which act like *crowd* and try to clear this *crowd* which may help to reach Jesus and experience deeply

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

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore

Finally who followed Matthew?

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

25th Week – Monday

Gospel – Matthew 9: 9-13

First Reading - Eph 4:1–7, 11–13

Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

 Finally who followed Matthew?

1) Matthew at the Tax Booth

Since Matthew was a tax collector, he was busy in work, collecting the taxes  

When Jesus called Matthew, he was at the tax booth. He had already started the work of the day and he was busy. 

When Jesus saw him, He said only one thing *Follow me* and Matthew got up and followed him

2) What happened to the Tax Money

We have no idea what happened to the tax money of that day. 

It is very clear that Matthew did not take the money when he followed Jesus. 

The Gospel says *He got up and followed Him*. He didn't take anything from the tax booth while following Jesus 

It was also possible that Matthew had a team for collecting the tax and when he followed Jesus, he might have left everything to them to manage.  

3) Who followed Matthew? 

It is very clear that when Matthew followed Jesus, the money which he collected from taxes, his riches and property didn't follow Matthew. 

He had to leave all those things when he decided to follow Jesus . 

So it is very clear that, money, wealth, and property didn't follow Matthew, when he followed Jesus

4) Tax collectors and Sinners followed Matthew

When Matthew got up and followed Jesus, a group of tax collectors and sinners followed Matthew. 

All of them along with Jesus came to Matthews house for a dinner 

This shows, finally what follows and remains in our life. 

Only their close relationship, genuine love, and a feeling of belongingness made them to follow Matthew to his house.

Ultimately these things have more value than money, wealth and riches.   

5) What things a  Follower of a Jesus can expect?

From the call of Matthew it is very clear, the followers of Jesus can't expect Material things to follow them 

Neither they can cling to the material things. As Matthew left everything at the Tax booth, the followers of Jesus need to leave everything when they decide to follow Jesus 

What follows them is a genuine relationship, close companionship, lovely care and concern and the important values.

6) There is no time to think about leaving the things

When Jesus told Matthew "Follow me* he simply left everything and followed Jesus 

There wasn't any time to think about his possessions and its settlement. Neither Matthew asked time for settling these things. He simply left and followed Jesu 

So it is very clear that a follower of Jesus need not think about settling his possessions, because they are not necessary for Him. 

Once you follow Jesus, He will take care of it. So need not waste time in settling the things or to clinging to it for any reason. 

7) Matthew’s followers finally met Jesus

As Matthew followed Jesus, many of his friends who were tax collectors and sinners followed Matthew to his house 

These followers of Matthew finally met Jesus, got the chance to sit with Him and to dine with Him 

While eating with them Jesus must have enlightened many of these tax collectors and sinners, who finally must have followed Jesus very closely. 

So Matthew example of following Jesus must have inspection many of these tax collectors and sinners to change their life and to follow Jesus. 

So finally Matthews gesture of following of Jesus had lot of impact in his friends circle, which shows what/who finally followed Matthew. 

8) What is my style of following Jesus?

Matthew followed Jesus leaving everything

He didn't even think of his wealth and money. Left everything and followed Jesus. This is Matthews style 

Many tax collectors and sinners saw Matthew and they followed him. Finally they met Jesus. This is another style

There Pharisees who found fault with Jesus and tax collectors. This is another style. 

Those who are sick they need a physician. Only in sickness remember the physician. This is another style 

*What is my style?*

*What finally makes me to follow Jesus?*

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

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore

The Real Character of the Landowner

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

25th Week – Sunday

Gospel – Matthew 20: 1-16

First Reading - Is 55:6-9

Second Reading – Phil 1:20c-24, 27

The Real Character of the Landowner

1) He was a hard working person 

He went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.

Going out early in the morning to find out the workers shows how much he was involved in the work 

Over and above he had the vineyard, which is the fruit of his hard work. 

He used all his time to work for the betterment of his vineyard. 

So he was not a lazy person but a active and hardworking person.

2) Perseverance of the landowner

He went in search of the labourers for five times 

It was not that once he went in serch of the labourers and then kept quiet. 

Going *five times* shows the perseverance of the landowner. He was ready to go many times in search of the labourers. 

3) Trust of the landownerOnce he showed them the vineyard to the labourers, he told them to go and work there.

After the workers had gone, he didn't go to the vineyard to check the workers whether they are working or not. 

He had full confidence in the Workers

The parable also does not say that the workers did not work properly or any complaint about their work. 

This shows, workers worked sincerely and the landowner had full trust in them 

4) The freedom given by the landowner

The landowner simply said, go and work in my vineyard. 

The landowner is not specifying any particular work to be done by the labourers. 

This shows that landowner gives the freedom to work in the vineyard, but only to do good and not bad. 

Since work is not specified, there is lots possibilities to work in a creative way and each one can choose, what type work he wants to do

So the aspect of freedom is seen in the nature of the landowner

5) Generosity of the landowner

Instead of saying that *The landowner paid equal amount to all* it is better to say that the landowner was extremely generous towards those came in the evening. 

To the last workers he paid full amount and they had worked only for one hour

Even then He paid full days of salary. 

This is the height of his generosity. 

6) The patience of the Landowner

Those who came in the morning and who had worked for the whole day got the days wage. 

Comparing the done by others and them, they thought they would get more 

When they didn't get more, they grumbled at the landowner.

They argued with the landowner

But landowner didn't lose his patience. He politely told them reality of their contract. 

The landowner neither grumbled about their work or nor spoke anything about it. 

7) Landowner kept up is word: A disciplined Master

He didn't cheat any one. He kept up his word at every moment 

Working with such precision needs a strong spirituality and value based life 

The landowner’s attitude shows all these values and disciplined way of life.  

 8)  The concern of the Landowner

He had a great concern towords the labourers that's why he went in search of them for five times 

He gave them the just wage without cheating any one 

To the last labourer also gave full day’s wage. This shows a extraordinary character and real nature of the landowner.  

He always kept in mind the wellbeing of the labourers. 

He is a labourer friendly landowner

9) God is the Master of the Vineyard

Our God is the master of the vineyard. 

We are all labourers. We are supposed to work 

All were paid. Nothing was deducted from their wage. 

So God gives to those who work hard in life. 

What about me?

What type of labourer I am?

Generous labourer? 

Grumbling and never satisfied labourer? 

Lazy labourer? 

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

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore

The most dangerous character of Thorns in my life

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

24th Week – Saturday

Gospel – Luke 8:4-15

First Reading I Cor 15:35-37, 42-49

The most dangerous character of Thorns in my life

Some seed fell among  thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it

1) The nature of the thorns

By its very nature thorns are dangerous. One can't either touch or hold it very easily 

The very moment one holds the thorns, it will prick into the flesh and it will create a wound in our body 

If the wound is not taken take, then it will create more pain and gradually it creats pus and the whole area gets infected with its prick 

People are scared to go near to the thorns.

Wherever there is a thorn plant nothing else grows underneath. It does not allow anything else to grow. On the other hand even if there is only one thorn plant it creates many plant in the area and it grows life wild grass. 

This is our normal understanding of the thorn plants and about the thorns.

2) Thorns and the sowers seed

In the parable of the sower, as the sower sowed the seed, some of it fell among the thorny bush, and it didn't allow the seed to grow. It chocked its growth. This may be because

The lack of space among the thorny bushes 

The roots of thorn plant didn't allow the roots of the seed to go deep

There wasn't space for the seed to come up, since there was already the thorn plant were there 

The strength of the thorn plants were more powerful than the seed

Seed was in its beginning stage. Thorns were already deep. So it bulldozed on the seed 

Finally the thorns choked the seed and its attempt to come up. But it could not succeed. It died. 

3) Thorns in the Human life

While explaining the parable of the sower Jesus points out three important thorns which affect the human life very much. So we need to be very careful about these thorns or we should not allow them to become thorns in our lives. They are following

A) Anxiety is equal to thorns

Anxiety in life is most dangerous thing. It really chokes our life, our dreams, our efforts, our commitment, our plans, our health and even our spiritual growth. 

The most dangerous thing of the anxiety is that, it affects all areas of life. There is no area which is untouched by the anxiety. 

Anxiety is a slow poison which kills our life gradually like that of thorns 

Many end their life because of anxiety and many loose their psychological balance because of the anxiety. 

So it is really a thorn or thorn in the flesh which affects continuously.

B) Riches is equal to thorns

Jesus also speaks about riches in the context of thorns. The real nature of the riches or the greed for riches will turn the riches just like a thorn in our life. 

Like the thorns which does not allow anything else to grow rather only it grows, so also the greed for riches does not allow any other values to grow in life but only the greed and riches grow. 

Riches are like thorns because such riches makes a person to prick others 

With his riches (thorns) he pricks the poor 

With his riches (thorns) he pricks the humility, generosity, sharing, caring, need of the other and so many other values. 

At times some people with this thorn (riches) prick the life of another person and destroy them 

Finally this thorn (riches) destroys the very life of the person who allows to grow it. 

C) Pleasures of Life is equal to Thorns

Once again Jesus tells us while explaining the parable of the sower that pleasures of life are equal to thorns 

The very nature of the pleasures to chock the very life of the person 

It chocks the spiritual life of the person 

It chocks the selfless life of the person 

It chocks the very dignity and respect towards the other person 

It chocks the need and necessity of God in life 

It chocks the other center attitude of the person 

It chocks the generosity of the person 

It chocks the normal life of the person 

Pleasures in life are really like the thorns and when one allows such thorns to grow it finally destroys His/her life. 

4) What about my life? Which thorns are found in my life?

Wherever there is soil, there is a possibility of coming up a thorny plant. If it is removed at the early stage, such place and soil can be used for growing the good seed which produces fruit. 

Wherever there is human life there is a possibility of coming up the thorns of anxiety, riches and pleasures of life. But if ones removes them from ones life, life becomes a very good soil for growing the good seed, which ultimately produces the fruit. 

5) What is the level of grow in my life?

First of all what is the growth of thorn plants in my life. The growth of anxiety, riches and pleasures of life 

Secondly what is the growth of the good seed in my life? 

Is it only in the initial stage? 

Is the growth of the seed is chocked by the thorns in my life? 

Am I aware that there are some thorns which are really chocking the growth of the seed? 

Am I comfortable with the growth of the seed or thorns 

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

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore