One Man Arrested but Five people continued the Mission

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Ordinary Time : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:14-20*

*First Reading - Heb 1:1-6*

*One Man Arrested but Five people continued the Mission*

*1) The Arrest of John*

The Gospel starts with the note of the arrest of John

John was arrested by King Herod for challenging his immoral way of life 

In other words John was proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and the values of the Kingdom of God - Truth, Justice, Morality etc 

Herod wanted to put an end to these values, in order to continue his immoral way of life. 

So he arrested John and wanted to eliminate Him. 

*2) The arrest of John does not affect the Work of God in any way* 

Soon after the arrest of John, Jesus comes into the scene to continue the mission 

He was seen in Galilee, proclaiming the Good News *This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.*

These are the same words, through which John also started His mission 

So the mission is not stopped with the arrest of John, but it continued with new phase. 

*3) With the Entry of Jesus, a team for the mission was formed*

With Entry of Jesus, the mission starts 

Not only the mission starts, but Jesus forms a team to continue the mission 

With Jesus, Simon and Andrew, James and John get ready for the further mission 

*4) One John arrested but Five John the Baptist arose*

With the arrest of John, another Five people get ready for mission

In other words, when Herod wanted to put an end to one John God raised Five John's to continue their mission 

That is the beauty of God's work.  

*5) No one can put an End to God's Work*

Herod wanted to put an end to God's Work. So he thought by eliminating John, God's work will come to an end 

But he was terrible mistaken. He was not aware that he was fighting against God, and he was challenging God

So ultimately he could not put and end to God's work, rather he put an end to his life itself. That is the tragedy of Herod's life. 

*6) So far no body has succeeded in putting an end to God's work*

In the History we see many people who have tried to put and end to God's work 

People have tried to put an end to Christianity. But history shows itself that, so far none of them have succeeded in putting an end to God's work 

But those people who have tried to challenge God, have dead and gone. 

This is the fact and this is the reality 

*7) Today me in John's place*

As a faithful disciple of Jesus, I have been called to take up the place of John

As Jesus called Peter and Andrew, James and John, today the same Lord is calling you and me to fulfill the place of John. 

If so what is my response? 

Am I ready to take the place of John? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Sacrament of Baptism and the Mystery of Water

Gospel Thoughts

*Baptism of the Lord*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:7-11*

*First Reading - Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 55:1-11*

*Second Reading - Acts 10:34-38 or 1 Jb 5:1-9*

*Sacrament of Baptism and the Mystery of Water*

*1) Water is important in Baptism*

All the three readings of the day has a reference to Water. All the three reading mention about Water 

Since all three readings mention about water, it also highlights the importance of Water 

In fact without water Baptism is not possible, in any case 

Water is the minimum requirement for the sacrament of Baptism 

*2) Why Water is so important for the sacrament of Baptism*

Without water, no life is possible. A life can't survive without water. So water is equal to life 

Like wise no life in Christ is possible without baptism. Baptism becomes an important event in ones life to begin the faith life 

*3) Water is a Wonderful creation of God*

We need to consider that water is one of the great wonders of God. 

No human beings can create water on this earth. So it is a great miracle and great wonder of God. 

Like wise Baptism is one of the great wonders of God, through which we enter into the life of God

*4) Water is one of the things which is easily available* 

It is a Gods miracle that we get water everywhere. 

It becomes one of the great things of God, which is found in abundance in the nature

*5) Water has the power to clean*

Water is used for cleaning and washing 

It has the special power to clean everything and keep it clean anything 

Like wise, baptism cleans a person from the original sin, and makes a person clean. 

So the cleansing aspect is at the centre in Water as well as in Baptism 

*6) Water can take any shape*

The flexible nature of the water is very great and it can take any shape

It can adjust into any situation and it takes the shape of vessel in  which it was put. 

In Baptism we are put in the vessel of Christ and we need to take the shape of Christ. 

We need to adjust ourselves to the mission of the Lord. That is the application of water in the Baptism

*7) Water Level equation*

This equation is very important to see the level 

When ever we have see the level of the Ground it is the water which is used for measuring it 

Water level is a great concept, which speaks about level without any distinction

Those people who receive Baptism should keep the level which is demanded of a genuine disciple of Christ. 

That is why water is used in Baptism 

*8)  Water always has the tendency to Flow*

It flows to find our its original source. Until it finds it flows. 

Like wise those who receive Baptism should flow towards the mainstream which is Jesus 

Water also breaks any hurdles and flows. Like water those who receive baptism must be able to face and break any hurdles to flow towards Christ. 

*Happy Feast of the Baptism of the Lord*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Like John the Baptist all of us are sent before / for Him

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : Saturday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL - Jn 3:22-30*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 5:14-21*

*Like John the Baptist all of us are sent before / for Him*

*1) The above thought indicates that we exist and live for someone else*

John the Baptist's arrival and mission is seen to prepare the way for the Lord. 

So His life and mission has the reference to Jesus 

As Christians we do not have an independent existence. 

Our reference point is Jesus 

We have been sent for Christ, to proclaim His mission 

*2) We are sent before/for Him - This phrase reveals a great reality*

The great reality is Jesus Himself. 

Our focus should be on Christ

Our mission should be for Christ

There is no Christian life, beyond this great reality - Jesus Christ

*3) I was sent before/for Him - highlights the importance of the responsibility*

The above phrase shows the gravity of the responsibility involved in the mission 

When some one is sent before a perticular task, he/she has to look after all the details of the perticular task that will follow after some time 

He/She becomes responsible for evey minute details of the arrangements

This shows the gravity of the work involved in it, when some one was sent before a perticular task. 

*4) I was sent before/for Him - this phrase indicates our mission involves much in preparation*

Preparation is the main task of the person who was sent before 

So this also highlights the importance of preparation for any work in our life 

Work/Mission without the preparation is failure 

Even God had to prepare a lot to send His son for a great mission 

So one can't take the preparation part lightly in any work or mission 

*5) I was sent before - makes us to realise that some one great is Coming*

The above phrase is an indication that some one is greater than me, and I am not the great person. 

John had this realisation at the highest level, that's why he said *He must increase; I must decrease.*

Only those who are aware that they are sent before or for Christ, will be able to say these words 

One who forgets the above phrase will tell *I must increase and you must decrease*

*6) I was sent before Him - important phrase for Humility*

The constant reminder that *I was sent before or for Him* makes us to realise that we are working for some one 

That makes us to realise and remain humble in our mission 

That makes us to focus on our mission 

That makes us to dedicate for the greater mission of the Lord 

*7) I was sent before Him - Why?* 

Like John the Baptist to prepare the way 

Like John the Baptist to become the voice crying in the wilderness 

Like John the Baptist to live the life of simplicity, humility, strict discipline, life of penance etc 

Like John the Baptist, to stand for truth and Justice and if needed to die 

Like John the Baptist to  become a great witness in the society

*8)  I was sent before Him - if so prepare the way for the other*

The one who comes in my place, to continue the mission is equal to Christ 

Am I ready to accept him as Christ 

What preparation I make, when I about to leave my office and when some one has to take the office 

Do I facilitate and help the person to carry out His/Her mission in a better way 

Or do I make the person to start from the scarp? 

As a person who comes before - what is my attitude? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of the Deserted place for Prayer

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : Friday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL - Lk 5:12-16*

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

*Importance of the Deserted place for Prayer*

*He would withdraw to deserted places to pray*

*1) Deserted Place*

It is a place, where there are no people and  largely the area appears to be empty

The absence of the people and the things, in a way creates an atmosphere of silence and peace 

In such an atmosphere, there is a possibility of deep concentration, since there are no people and things to disturb.

Many of the people, who wish to have a deep God experience, they withdraw themselves to a lonely place or to a deserted place for prayer 

This shows the importance of the deserted place for the prayer

*2) Jesus in Deserted place for Prayer*

We have many instances where Jesus is found in the deserted place for prayer 

Before beginning of His ministry, He spends 40 days and 40 nights in a desert praying and fasting. This was the preparation for His public ministry 

In the public ministry, Jesus goes many times to a deserted place for prayer. For example 

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35.

He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Mt 14:23

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

*3) Jesus' call to come to a deserted place* 

And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. Mark 6:31

Jesus called His disciples to a deserted place to take rest and also to spend some time in prayer 

*4) When He was Busy, He went to pray*

The Gospel of the day, tells about the withdrawal of Jesus into a deserted place for prayer 

But before this, we see Jesus was very busy in doing lots of ministry, especially healing the sick people 

Those people who heard about these miracles, simply came in big numbers and they surrounded Jesus to listen to Him and to get well from thier diseases.

In such a busy schedule, Jesus simply withdrew Himself to a deserted place for prayer 

This shows that how much Jesus valued the prayer in deserted place 

*5) The Challenge to withdraw to a deserted place*

It was not easy for Jesus to withdraw Himself from the situation, when so many people were around Him, seeking His help and also praising Him for the great miracles 

The natural tendency to carry on the work, since it could bring, name, fame, publicity, and popularity. 

Jesus challenges  such a Human tendency, and chooses what was divine. That's something great.

*6) Where is my deserted place*

Deserted place is very much necessary for deep God experience and prayer 

Sitting before the Blessed Sacrament, Prayer Room, place where there is no much noise and disturbances, could be some of the deserted places for my prayer. 

*7) The beauty of the deserted place*

-No disturbance

-Conducive for prayer and deep concentration

-Deep Silence

-Creates a psychological feeling for prayer and God experience

*8) How do I value the deserted place of prayer?*

How often do I visit this place? 

Am I comfortable in the deserted place for prayer?

How long am I able to stay in this place? 

What motivates me to go to this place? 

What are the challenges and difficulties to go to this place? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Liberating Oneself and becoming the Liberators is the Primary Mission of a Christian

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : Thursday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL - Lk 4:14-22*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 4:19-5:4*

*Liberating Oneself and becoming the Liberators is the Primary Mission of a Christian*

*He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives*

*1) Liberty to the Captives - is one of main missions of Jesus*

We see in the life of Jesus, liberty or liberating people from various things becomes the main mission of Jesus 

It is important to note that, in the so called inaugural address, Jesus brings this point of liberation and the liberty 

So it liberty becomes an important issue for Jesus 

*2) Jesus' Liberation consists in variety of things*

Liberation from the slavery of sin

Liberation from the slavery of superstitions

Liberation from the slavery of self righteousness

Liberation from the slavery of pride and arrogance

Liberation from the slavery of ignorance

Liberation from the slavery of rivalry, anger, revenge, hatred, power, wealth, and position

Liberation from the slavery of death and hell

So this is how Jesus liberated us from various things 

*3) Liberation is possible only through the sacrifice*

Jesus liberated us through His passion, and death on the Cross

Death on the Cross is the foundation of the liberty

It is the Cross, finally becomes the sign of liberation

So in the Cross, we have struggle, challenges, dying to ones own self, sacrifice,  and humility. These finally bring about a great liberty 

*4) We have been called to become the soldiers of Liberty and not of Slavery*

The very fact that we are the soldiers of Christ, we are called upon to work for liberty 

Liberation should become the main purpose of our life 

*5) Liberation starts from the Self*

Unless we liberate ourselves from various things, we can't liberate others. So the liberation of the self becomes very important. 

We have to liberate ourselves from the slavery of our own narrow mindedness 

We have to liberate ourselves from the slavery of our modern gadgets

At times we are slaves of our thoughts, attitudes, customs, languages, rites, colour, region, knowledge, beauty, courage, praise, name, power, media, social networks, and so on 

Unless we liberate ourselves from from the above slavery, we can't think of liberating someone else 

*6) Liberation of the self, for the sake of the other*

Jesus always worked for the liberation of the other

We have to work for the liberation for the other. That is our mission. 

Our mission becomes incomplete, if we fail to work for the liberation of my neighbour 

If so am I ready to liberate myself, in order serve others  to liberate them from their slavery? 

*7) My Life and Liberation*

Which are the areas, where I should work to liberate myself from the slavery of various things? 

For example, mobile, addiction of various kinds, drinking, gossiping, telling lies, bodily pleasures 

When I will be to serve as a liberator for others and in which areas? 

Think about it.

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The tragedy of the disciples travel without Jesus

*Gospel Thoughts*

*Christmas Season : Wednesday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL -Mk 6:45-52*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 4:11-18*

*The tragedy of the disciples travel without Jesus*

*1) The disciples went ahead of Jesus*

The disciples got into the boat to go the other side of Bethasida

While they were traveling to the other side, Jesus was not with them 

Jesus went up on the mountain to pray. So Jesus was not with them. 

*2) The disciples really struggled in the water*

As they were moving in the sea, they really struggled, because of the waves, adverse wind, and disturbances in the sea.

Because of these challenges they could not proceed. They were really struggling. 

*3) The Entry of Jesus*

As they were struggling in the Jesus comes and helps them. 

In the beginning they were terrified, but they came to know later that it was Jesus.

As Jesus got into the boat, things became clear, and they were able to move without much difficulties.

*4) They started without Jesus, they ended with Jesus*

Journey starts without Jesus. But their journey ends with Jesus. 

Without Jesus they could not reach the target. 

Only with Jesus one can complete his/her journey

*5) Life is a travel in boat from one side to the other side*

Life is a travel from this earth to other side - heaven.

If we start our journey with out Jesus, we will not reach, rather we will encounter lots of difficulties and we will be lost in some where in the middle 

Only with Jesus, we can continue our journey and can reach the other shore. 

Journey without Jesus is always dangerous. Life's journey without Jesus would be fatal. 

*6) What is the condition of my life's boat?*

Is it cought up in terrible waves and unexpected storm? 

Is it moving without Jesus? 

Has it lost its control? 

Or is it moving with Jesus to the safer side - heaven? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The significance of the Birth of the Star at the Birth of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : Feast of Epiphany*

January 6th

*GOSPEL - Mt 2:1-12*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 5:11-18*

*The significance of the Birth of the Star at the Birth of Jesus*

*1) The Birth of the Special star in the Sky*

Along with the birth of Jesus there happened the birth of the Star. 

This star is called *His Star* We saw *his star* at its rising

Since this star is called *His Star* it has special significance

*2) Star had a special purpose*

The purpose of the star is very clear. 

The star communicated a powerful message of the birth of a great king on this Earth. 

This message was captured by the Wise Men, through thier immense wisdom 

*3) Star Showed the Way*

The star not only communicated a powerful message, but it also showed  the right way towards the great King, Jesus by its special movement

It was moving towards the place where the king was born. Thus it showed the right path to find out the saviour of the world.

*4) The disappearance of the Star*

*His Star* was always associated with Jesus. So this star is Holy, this star is Blessed. Such star does not appear to the wicked people and also in the wicked places

Accordingly, this star disappears, when the Magi reached the place of Herod.

Since Herod  was a wicked and cruel king, the star neither appeared to him, nor in the place where he was living 

*5) The  reappearance of the Star*

When the Magi left Herod's place the Star reappeared once again

Then it guided the Magi to find thier way towards Bethlehem. 

*6) The goal of the movement of the Star*

The goal of the star was to show where Jesus was. Because of that the star was continuous in movement 

To achieve the goal, one should be always on move. Never to stop or remain idle. 

*7) Life Should be like the Star*

Star shines - life should shine

Star showed the way - let our life show way to others 

Star always on move. Let our life be always on move towards Jesus 

Goal of the star to find Jesus. Let our lives goal be the same.

Star disappeared from wicked people and wicked places. Let us be careful from wicked people and places 

Star remained where Jesus was. Let our life remain with Jesus.

*8) Who are the Stars in my Life*

My parents, my teachers, my elders, my friends, my family members, religious leaders

Do I consider them as my stars? 

*9) Does my life is similiar to that Star*

Am I boldly able to say that my life is similar to *His Star*

What can I do to become *His Star*

Today I am *His Star*. Will I be able to fulfill the demands of *His Star*

*10) Star always Shines*

 

What about my life? 

Does it shine?

Has it lost its light? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*