Naaman's Leprosy and Seven time to dip in Jordan

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 4:24-30*

*First Reading - 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab*

*Naaman's Leprosy and Seven time to dip in Jordan*

*1) Naaman's Leprosy*

Naaman was an army Commander who was suffering from leprosy

Because of his leprosy he was suffering a lot and was finding difficulty in doing his duty

So he wanted to get rid of his leprosy, and he found an remedy through the slave girl to approach the prophet

*2) Seven times to dip in the river Jordan*

As he approached the prophet Elisha for the cure, he was giving this instruction

*Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.*

Initially Naaman refused to do according to the instructions of Elisha and later he followed it and instantly he was made well

*3) Why seven times?*

Washing of the seven times in the river Jordan may have deeper meaning to our life 

Seven times washing could be identified with Seven capital sins. Each times when he washed he was made well from each sin 

The capital sins are the following *pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth*

So seven times when he washed himself he was healed of the leprosy of these things 

*4) 7 Capital sins and leprosy*

No only Naaman, but all of us are lepers in one way or the other 

The 7 Capital sins make us like lepers. Leper is the one in whom we see some kind deformity or disfigured body 

Like wise these 7 Deadly sin disfigure not only our body but also our soul 

So all those who are affected by these sins suffer like the lepers. Do we need to be careful 

*5) 7 times washing in the river God's mercy*

All of us who are suffering from the leprosy of these 7 deadly sins need healing 

The healing comes when we are ready to wash ourselves in the river *God's Mercy*

The moment we wash in this river we are cleansed and we become pure. But the question is *are we ready to wash ourselves?*

*6) Various ways to washing ourselves*

The sacrament of reconciliation

Prayer, fasting and Almsgiving 

Forgiving, loving and serving others 

Reading of the scriptures and personal prayers 

*7) Lent is a time to wash 7 times in the river God's mercy*

Like Naaman all of us are given instructions during this Lenten season to wash ourselves in the river God's Mercy 

In fact lent is a best time to do this exercise 

Am I ready? Think about that 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The need of overturning the black tables of our Life

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 2:13-25*

*First Reading - Ex 20:1-17*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 1:22-25*

*The need of overturning the black tables of our Life*

*1) Jesus overturned their tables*

In the process of cleansing the temple, one of the things Jesus does is that overturning the tables which were used for the business in the temple 

The moment one over tuns the tables, all the things which are found in the tables are split and they will be scattered all around. 

*2) Tables had lots of money in it*

As we read from the Gospel it is clear that, there was lot of money in the table 

All this money had been collected through the business which was carried on the temple area 

Since this money belongs to the business which was carried on the temple area it becomes a unholy money. So Jesus didn't want this type of business and money 

*3) Our Body is the temple of the Holy Spirit - needs cleansing*

St. Paul says that *Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit* 1 Cor 6:15

So it needs cleansing in order to keep its holiness and dignity 

The business mentality which we find in the Gospel is also very much seen in our lives 

At time this temple (Body) becomes the centre of Business 

So it needs cleansing 

*4) The process of over Turing the tables in our lives*

As Jesus over turned the tables which were used for the business we need to over turn certain tables in our lives in the process of cleansing 

Over turn the table of selfishness 

Over turn the table of greed 

Over turn the table of revenge 

Over turn the table of cheating

Over turn the table of lies, hatred, and authority

Over turn the tables of skills, talents, knowledge, courage which are used purely for making money and not used in any way to help other and to serve others 

*5) The result of overturning the Tables*

The moment one overturns the tables, all the things in it, are thrown out and the table becomes empty 

Like wise in our lives when we over turn the various above mentioned tables, they become empty and the process of cleaning starts 

Money collected in the temple area through the business becomes unholy, like wise the money got through the business of the Body (Temple of the Holy Spirit) becomes unholy, which needs to be thrown out. 

*6) Making a whip out of cords is very necessary in the process of cleansing the temple*

The first thing that Jesus did in cleansing the temple is that *He made a whip out of cords*

This whip was necessary to cleanse the temple 

Even in our life, whip is very much necessary to cleanse the temple

The whip made out of forgiveness

The whip made out of generosity, humility, sincerity, love, sacrifice,  will help on to cleanse the Temple

So we need the Whip which is prepared out of these things  (cords)

*7)  Am I Ready?* 

First of all am I ready to cleanse the Temple of my life? 

Secondly  am I ready to over turn the tables to cleanse the temple 

Thirdly am I ready to prepare a whip with various kingdom values to cleanse the temple

*8) Lent is the best time to cleanse the Temple*

The main purpose of lent is to cleanse the temple of our life 

If so, am I ready to use this special time to cleanse my temple of life?

*Think about that*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The process of Change starts from the Younger Son and not from the Father

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 15:1-3, 11-32*

*First Reading - Mi 7:14-15, 18-20*

*The process of Change starts from the Younger Son and not from the Father*

*I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him*

*1) Son starts thinking of Changing his life*

The prodigal son, when he realised his wretched condition of eating the food of the swine and taking care of them, thinks of changing his life

He not only thinks, but makes a firm decision to come back and also to ask sorry for the things he has committed 

He does not waste time any more thinking about the past, but looks at the future and starts immediately into action 

He immediately gets up and starts coming back to his father to change his life 

*2) I shall get up - getting up is a powerful gesture*

Usually a person who falls to the ground needs to get up in order to move forward

Without getting up one can't move and make any progress in any way 

Getting up also reveals that the person has fall down and shows the willingness to get up and proceed 

Getting up is a strong gesture of determination which empowers the person to achieve something great 

Getting up becomes a new starting point, which gives a new direction to ones life 

*3) The entire process of Change starts from the prodigal Son*

The turning point in this parable is the realisation and willingness to change the life by younger son 

If the younger son had not realised and of he didn't think of getting up and coming back to his father, the story would have ended in a different way 

The present ending of the story only because the younger son got up and came back to his father realising his mistakes 

So the starting point becomes very important, that is younger sons getting up and going back

*4) Mere realising of the mistake is not sufficient*

It was not the mere realisation of the younger son which led a great change in him, but his strong determination to change his life and willingness to get up and go back 

So mere realisation without any concrete action becomes a useless exercise 

*5) Am I ready to get up?*

It is very important to get up from our fallen state 

It is not enough to have a desire to change ones way of life, but willingness to get up and move forward is very much necessary

If so am I ready to get from where I am? 

What can I do to get up and move forward?

*6) Lent is a special time to get up*

To get up from our sinfulness, and to move towards holiness 

To get up from our ghetto mentality and to move towards open mindedness

To get up from our selfishness and to move towards generosity

To get up from our pride and to move towards the humility

To get up from pomp and glory and to move towards simplicity

To get up from laziness and to move towards activeness and creativity 

*Am I ready for the process of Getting up?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Greed of the Tenants, destroys their own life completely

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 21:33-43, 45-46*

*First Reading - Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a*

*Greed of the Tenants, destroys their own life completely*

*1) Wonderful opportunity for the tenants*

The tenants had got the best opportunity to make a wonderful business 

The Landowner had given everything possible for the tenants for their benefits

The landowner had prepared everything, the necessary things and finally a completed vineyard was given to the tenants 

Tenants had only to maintain and to reap the fruit according to the lease agreement

*2) The Greed takes the control of their life*

In the beginning it appears that their heart and mind was very clear and they had agreed for all the lease agreement

So they were not greedy but had the willingness to work

But gradually when they saw the fruit the greed ruled their life and from there their evil things began to control everything 

*3) Greed results in breaking of the lease agreement*

The moment the greed entered in their life they broke all the terms and conditions of the lease. 

They decided not to pay any money to the owner but to keep everything for themselves. 

This becomes illigal and morally wrong 

*4) Greed makes them to kill the servants*

When the landowner sent his servants, they came together and they beat them, they humiliated them and they killed the servants of the landowner

All these things were the result of uncontrolled greed. 

*5) Greed kills the beloved son of the owner*

This becomes a very unfortunate thing 

The tenants killed the son of the Master, thinking that they would get his entire kingdom. The greed became so powerful

*6) Greed makes them to lose everything*

Their intention was to gain everything, which was belonging to the master 

For this sake they incited the violence, killings, and other rough means 

As a result they lost everything

Wanted to gain everything but lost everything. This is the end result of greed 

*7) Their greed puts an end to their own life*

Those servants were finally chased by the owner and it is the greed that destroys everything in life 

Greed results in losing their life. 

So greed reaches you nowhere but generosity will make the life to prosper. 

*8) What is ruling life?*

Is it the greed that is ruling my life 

Is it the arrogance that is ruling my life 

Is it the anger, pride, gossip or criticism ruling my life? 

Think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Rich man sees Lazarus when the rich man was in netherworld

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 16:19-31*

*First Reading - Jer 17:5-10*

*The Rich man sees Lazarus when the rich man was in netherworld*

*1) The Rich man fails to see Lazarus*

The Gospel is very clear that Lazarus was lying at the door of the rich man 

It was a short distance or there was no distance in terms of physical distance

But in the life of Rich man there was a great distance, which made him not to see this poor Lazarus

*2) The factors which blinded the vision of Rich man*

First of all his richness. Materially he was rich. He had lot of money, food materials,  wealth, power and position. This blinded his vision 

Secondly he was all the time busy in feasting and celebration. So there wasn't a time to see poor Lazarus 

Thirdly he was busy with external beauty and appearance, which made him to concentrate on his clothes, other external things 

Fourthly he was busy in eating, drinking and in sensual pleasure, which took much of his time in unnecessary things 

All these things blinded his vision from seeing the poor Lazarus who was very much present at his door

*3) Rich man fails in one of his important duties - by not seeing the poor Lazarus*

As the Gospel makes it clear that, the rich man completely failed in seeing the poor Lazarus 

He also failed to see his miserable condition, his life struggles, his status of life, which becomes a serious offense 

Since the rich man failed to see Lazarus as another human being it is very clear that the rich man committed a grave blunder and ultimately results in grave punishment

*4) Rich man even failed to see during the death time*

Death is the crucial time where people normally see another person 

But the rich man neither during the death of Lazarus saw him nor when the rich man himself was in death bed was able to see Lazarus. 

So neither life  or death was able to make it possible to see the poor Lazarus.

*5) The Rich man sees Lazarus in Netherworld/hell*

First of all it was not a place to see another person 

Secondly seeing another person from that place is useless 

Thirdly raising his eyes from the netherworld becomes a futile exercise from the part of the rich man. In fact he would have raised his eyes when he was in this world to see the poor Lazarus

So seeing from netherworld is useless. 

*6) Seeing the poor and needy from the netherworld will not help in any way*

The rich man saw the poor Lazarus for the first time from the netherworld. 

From the netherworld he requested his help to get away from the torments. But his request was invalid 

So seeing from the netherworld a needy or a poor man will not change ones destiny in any way

*7) When and where do I see the people like Lazarus?*

There are many instances which come across in our lives to see the poor Lazarus in and around us. 

Am I capable of seeing them or has my lifestyle made it impossible for me not to see them 

Purposefully ignoring them to see, will end in reaching one to the netherworld. 

Once reaching there and trying to see the poor Lazarus will help in no way

So seeing Lazarus at the proper time and helping them is very much necessary 

*8) Choice between rich man and poor Lazarus*

Instead of desiring and working to become like the rich man, who finally ended up in netherworld, it is better to remain like Lazarus and to reach to heaven 

If you are in the position of a rich man, don't forget to see the poor Lazarus who is present to your next door 

If you are Lazarus, don't grumble, because the present situation finally leads to the heavenly kingdom 

If then the choice is yours. Make a wise choice during this Lent

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What do I wish during this Lent?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 20:17-28*

*First Reading - Jer 18:18-20*

*What do you wish?*

*1) What do I wish during this lent?*

*What do u wish?* This is one of the important phrases which we find in today's Gospel

This question was asked by Jesus. Jesus asks this question to the mother of the Sons of Zebedee 

Today the  Lord is asking the same question to you and to me *What do you wish?* 

What would me my answer? Specially during this lent what should be my answer? 

*2) The mother of the sons of Zebedee wished for selfish Goal*

This mother's wish was very self centred and not other centred 

This mother saw only her family, her sons and their wellbeing

Her wish was only to have great things to her sons at the expense of others 

She didn't wish anything good for others, other than her family members. 

*3) Sons wished for power and position*

The two sons of this mother wanted to have important positions in the kingdom of Jesus 

One wished right side and another wished for left side with important positions

Their wish was to become very powerful, to exercise their authority and to control other 

So this was their wish 

*4) The wish of other 10 disciples*

The other 10 disciples also wished for important position and some kind of authority

They wished to have some kind of division between the 10 and 2

They wished that the two should not get those positions. They were not happy in getting those places to the two disciples 

The 10 wished for some kind of explanation, about giving those places to them 

The 10 also wished to walk out from the company of two 

So they wished these things for the sake of power and position

*5) What is my Wish for this Lent?* 

Is it like that of the mother of the sons of Zebedee, selfish, self-centered, only about the family and not bothered anything about others?

Is it like that of two sons who were busy in getting the important places in the kingdom of Jesus? 

Is it like that of the 10 disciples who were angry, disturbed, disagreement, jealousy, and so on 

So what do I wish for during this Lent? Important question to reflect. 

*6) What can I wish from the Lord during this Lent?*

I can wish from the Lord the following things 

A forgiving heart

A sense humility

A simple approach 

A spirit of sacrifice

A spirit of Generosity

A spirit of service 

A spirit of other centredness 

A spirit of appreciating other 

A sense of humour

A sense of belongingness

The chalice of Jesus 

The Cross of Christ 

So there are many things to wish from the Lord 

*7) We need to make a sensible and wise wish*

Once we wish something, it is difficult to change 

So it is better that we make a wise wish once for all for our survival and holy life 

Let's us make a wise wish to improve the quality of our life 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

One Finger Help - Lifting the finger to move/help

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 23:1-12*

*First Reading - Is 1:10, 16-20*

*One Finger Help - Lifting the finger to move/help*

*They will not lift a finger to move them* - Matthew 23: 1-12

*1) Hand and the Finger*

All of us know the importance of our hand. 

Since our hand has five fingers, each of them are important and play a different role. All the same time we can say our hand has five fold when it is described through the fingers 

If one of the fingers are damaged, the strength of the hand comes down heavily and one may not be able to do the normal work 

In this way each finger is equal to the whole hand itself. 

*2) Jesus speaks about using ones finger*

This does not mean that one should not use hand. But Jesus is comparing the hand and the fingers 

If we were to divide the strength of the hand into five fingers equally, then each finger has its own strength in the hand 

So use of one finger means 1/5 of the strength of the hand 

In other words the help of one finger could be understood as a small or minor help, which at times noticed by no one 

*3) For Jesus one finger help is great*

In the Gospel Jesus makes a special reference to one finger help 

So Jesus is highlighting the importance of even small little thing 

For Jesus the quantity is not important, but the quality is important. 

Even the smallest act of charity will not miss from Jesus' sight 

Examples, widows two little copper coins, the two little sparrows etc 

*4) One finger help also reflection of the personality*

One finger help surely shows the nature of the person 

Refusal to give one finger help also shows that the person is indifferent, proud, selfish, and cruel 

Giving one finger help would be the reflection of generosity, care, concern, and love

*5) One finger help is a small thing,  but speaks of greater things*

It is greater because it tells something positive about the person 

It is greater that it speaks about the generosity, goodwill and other great values of the person 

It is greater, because it is the reflection of the personality

It is greater because people will identify the person with *one finger* help

*6)What about my Life?* 

Does this one finger help make any sense to my life and in others life? 

Do I value one finger help in my life? 

Am I able to see the importance of *One finger* help in my day today life 

How can I promote one finger help in my own life and in my surroundings? 

Think about it 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*