The need of the cleanliness of the Heart in order to see God

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week -  Monday*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 5:1-12*

*First Reading - 2 Cor 1:1-7*

*The need of the cleanliness of the Heart in order to see God*

*Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God*

*1) Heart is the Centre of Emotions*

Every emotion comes from the heart, since heart is the centre of emotion 

All the emotions come from heart means all the good as well as all the bad emotions, like anger, envy, jealousy etc 

So the need of controlling the heart in order to purify ones intentions in very much necessary

*2) The danger of the Heart*

The book of Jeremiah says, *The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?* Jeremiah 17:9

This shows the working of the heart. It is the most deceitful and sick 

No one can understand fully the intentions of heart

Not very easy to deal with the heart

*3) Jesus on Heart*

*What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.*

*For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.*

All these things come from the heart or the heart is the centre of all these things 

These are what defile a person, his mind and the whole person. Such a person is not able to see God.

*4) What shows the character of the person*

Some times we say that such a such a person is heartless. In other words the person is cruel. Once again the reference is the Heart. 

Heart of Jesus *my heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.* Mark 8:2

So heart is a centre of having concern for others, place of feeling pity, and the place of sympathy

*5) Cleanliness of the Heart is needed*

It is only through the heart we can see God, since it is a place of emotions and deeper experience

But we can see God, through our pure Heart. Therefore one needs to keep up the cleanliness of the Heart 

Since we are easily tempted with our emotions, we need to be careful with these emotions

So cleanliness of the heart is necessary to see God

*6) What about the Condition of my Heart?*

Is it clean? Will I be able to see God? 

What about the condition of my heart? 

Will Jesus able to say "Blessed is your heart, you will be able to see God?

Listen to your Heart. You will be able to evaluate your life and your heart

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week -  The Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 14:12-16, 22-26*

*First Reading - Ex 24:3-8*

*SECOND READING-Heb 9:11-15*

*Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?*

*1) The Disciples prepared the Passover in the Upper Room*

When the disciples of Jesus came and asked Him about the preparation of the passover, Jesus showed them the place to prepare the passover 

This place was popularly called as Upper Room, which becomes the central place in the life of the Church 

Today we need to think about the importance and sanctity of this place 

*2) The Church became the place of the Celebration of the Passover*

When the church was born on Pentecost, the church became the official place for the celebration of the passover 

Today we give much importance to this place and celebration of the passover becomes very important to every Christian

*3) Altar is very important to celebrate the Passover*

In the celebration of the passover, the altar takes a very important place. 

Without altar, we can't celebrate the passover. Altar is a holy place and we show a great reverence to this 

*4) My Life should be a place of the celebration of the passover Today*

The same question, which was asked by the disciples to Jesus *Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”* If we ask Jesus will tell I want to celebrate this passover in your house and also in your life

So our house is the Upper Room/Church for the celebration of the Passover

Still More my Life is the Upper Room/Church for the celebration of the passover 

So we need to prepare this place for the celebration of the Passover

*5) My life is the Altar for preparing the place for the passover*

Since we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, our life should a altar to celebrate the passover 

The moment our altar becomes an altar, we become the Holy persons and the celebration of the Eucharist becomes very personal to us

This personal experience will help us to transform our life 

*6) How to prepare our life as the Altar to celebrate the Eucharist*

Preparation is very important. If so how we can prepare for the same? 

We can prepare our life as temple/Altar through the following way 

-by living our life according to the Gospel Values 

-By practicing forgiveness, humility, simplicity, in our lives 

By inculcating the values of sharing, generosity, sacrifice, love, in our lives 

By living our life with sincerity, truth, and justice etc. 

*7) What about My willingness???*

Am I ready to prepare my life for the celebration of Passover?

Is my life a Altar for the celebration of the Eucharist? 

What can I do for the meaningful celebration the Eucharist??

*Think about it??*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The value/Worth of the two little coins of the Widow

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 9th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Mark 12:38-44*

*First Reading - Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20*

*The value/Worth of the two little coins of the Widow*

*1) Widow and the Two lillte  coins*

In the Gospel of the Day we have a Widow, who comes to the Temple to offer something 

As everybody  put their mite in the Temple treasury, this poor Widow also put in two little coins in the Temple 

Among all other people who offered lot of money, this widow and her two little coins became the central point of the event. 

So the natural question is why? Let's try to find out some reasons.

*2) Money value Vs Attitude value*

 In terms of money value two coins have very low value. Infront of big sum this two little coins  nothing 

But in terms of attitude value the two little coins have 1000 times more value than the money value 

So the value of Widows  two lillte  coins could stand straight against the money value of rich people 

*3) Two little coins made the Widow Heroine of the day*

The two little coins of the Widow captured the attention  of Jesus 

Not only that, but the two coins of the widow, made Jesus to proclaim the greatness of the widow, in the crowd. 

This two coins of the Widow made to realise the people that, it is not how much we offer in the Temple treasury, but the attitude matters a lot 

*4) The real worth of the Two little coins*

They caught the attention of Jesus 

They spoke the greatness of the widow

They made the people to stop and reflect about the simple gesture of the widow 

They didn't make big noise in the Temple treasury box. But the made big noise, in the crowd, in the Temple, in the hearts and minds of people and much more than in the heart and mind of Jesus. Something spectacular 

The big some of money offered by rich people made a big noise in the Temple treasury  box, but failed to make any noise in the heart and mind of God/people. 

The emptiness of the sound of the coin was much louder than the so called big noise while offering the coins 

The two little coins made the widow eternal in the Holy Scriptures and model for every one 

This is the power of the two little coins of the widow  

*5) Two little coins and my life*

I may be having two little coins, but I may act as if I may be having hundred coins. Look at this widow 

I may be having only two coins, which I may not be willing to share for the fear of tomorrow. Look at this widow 

I may be having only two coins, which I may use it for great publicity. Look at this widow

I may be having only two little coins, and all the time I may be grumbling and finding fault with God, situation and with others. Look at this window

*6) Lessons to learn*

Attitude matters, and not that what we have 

Generosity is always rewarded. 

God loves a cheerful giver 

Small genuine acts of charity make us great in the kingdom of God

God never forgets to reward for the genuine and sincere deeds 

Only Good hearted people can see even the small gesture of kind deed. 

Do I follow the spirituality of the Widow.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus used the Temple area to teach

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 9th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Mark 12:345-37*

*First Reading - Tobit 11:5-17*

*Jesus used the Temple area to teach*

*1) Temple area for Teaching*

The Gospel  of the day begins with Jesus' teaching in the Temple area.

Infact Temple area is one of the best places to teach and instruct the people about many things 

Something that is taught in the Temple area has a great value. That is why teaching in the Temple area is always good 

*2) Sacredness  and Holiness of the Place*

We consider that Temple is a holy and sacred place. All who go there see a kind  of Sacredness  and holiness  in the  Temple 

People also have a right disposition  that Temple  is primarily  meant for learning  many things 

When there is a right disposition, it is easy  to learn, and this place becomes the centre of leaning many things to our life

*3) Today also Temple is used for teaching*

We have our own temples, which we love very much. We also visit this place very often to pray and to learn many things which will make our life holy 

Today almost all the churches do carry out the role of teaching the people 

All the religious instructions, sermons, reflections, prayer are the various ways through which we learn many things in the church and the religious leaders help us in many ways to learn through their teaching 

*4) House Altar is my personal Temple Area*

We have a special place in our houses, that is altar. 

It is a place of prayer, at the same time it is a place for teaching 

As parents we have the right and duty to teach our children. 

Let this place of prayer, be a place to teaching and learning

*5) I need to use the Temple area to instruct others*

As a responsible member of the community, we have a same mission that of Jesus 

Let this place - Church - be a place of teaching others through my way of life 

Let my behaviour, attitude, selfless service, humility, forgiveness may become different tools to teach many of community members 

*6) Temple area and my Life*

How do I use the temple area in my life? 

Jesus used it for prayer, teaching, preaching, reaching out the needy and to build the kingdom of God

What about me? 

Do I use this sacred place for building the kingdom of God? 

Do I use this place for my own glory, selfish motives, to show my power,intelligence etc.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The greatness of the Scribe

Gospel Thoughts

Ordinary Season : 9th Week -  Thursday

*GOSPEL -  Mk 12:28-34*

*First Reading - Tb 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a*

*The greatness of the Scribe*

*1) The speciality of the Scribe*

The moment we hear about the scribe, we have some prejudices in our minds. 

Some times we are tend to think that they are not good people and they always have opposite views about Jesus' teaching 

Another reason for our prejudices may be most of the times the  scribes are associated with the Pharisees

Usually the sentence goes like this *the Pharisees and the scribes*. This may be one of the reasons for our prejudices. 

But the scribe who appears in today's Gospel seems to be a good man for the following reasons.

*2) First of all he came to Jesus*

In spite of many of the scribes had very negative attitude towards Jesus, this scribe comes to Jesus with a Nobel purpose 

In approaching Jesus we can say that

 - He found a right person who could answer his question 

- He found a right person who could show a right direction to his life 

- He found a person who could show the real meaning of his relationship with God and neighbor

By approaching Jesus he solved half of his problem and finally got perfect answer to his question

*3) The Scribe had a important question to clarify*

He came to Jesus with a purpose. He had a very important question to clarify. He didn't come with out a purpose. 

*"Which is the first of all the commandments?”*

This is one of the important questions because it is concerned with ones relationship with God and neigbhour

This question is important because it is directly related to the purpose of our life, goal of our life, and mission of our life 

Since all the commandments are given by the Lord, it is very important know which is the first and important commandment, to live our life with a greater purpose 

*4) The Scribes intention to clarify the Doubts*

The scribe had a intelligent question and also the right purpose of asking the question

He wanted to have a right clarification. Thus is something very nice of him. 

Having a right intention in doing anything is very important

*5) Since he asked question he got an answer*

It is not enough to have a good question. But the question should be addressed to a right person to get an answer. 

The scribe had a good question and he took courage to ask the question. That is why he got the answer.

*6) The Scribe perfectly agrees with Jesus*

When Jesus answered his question, it appears that the scribe perfectly agrees with Jesus and also he is convince of the answer. 

He didn't have anything else to ask and clarify. 

This also shows the power of Jesus in answering the question

*7) You are not far away from the Kingdom of God*

This appears as a great compliment to the Scribe. 

In a way Jesus appreciates the scribe at the same time Jesus also reminds him that he has to still move in to get into the kingdom of God 

*8) My life and the Scribe of the Gospel*

As we see the life of this scribe we need to evaluate our own life

Do I ask any questions which helps me to grow in my spirituality? 

Do I ask the same question which was asked by the Scribe? 

From whom do I seek the answer? From Jesus or from any one who answers according my whims and fancies? 

Do I ask questions in getting the right answers or to show my intelligence or to trap some one? 

So I listen to the answers given by Jesus through the scriptures and the Holy persons? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The deep courage and determination of the Woman

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 9th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk-12:18-27*

*First Reading - Tob 3:1-11a, 16-17a*

*The deep courage and determination  of the Woman*

*1) A special woman in the Gospel*

In today's  Gospel  we come across  a special woman because of an extraordinary  circumstances 

A simple woman faces unusual situation  in her life, which shows her tremendous  courage and determination  in living her life 

In spite of the terrible  situations in her life, she didn't run away from the situation, but boldly  faced this situation 

*2) Woman had faced 7 deaths* 

With the one death of our beloved member of the family we are shattered and we lose hope and courage 

But here is a woman who faced 7 deaths in her life 

These 7 deaths are not some ordinary  members of the family, but her own husbands

Since there is a special bond between husband and wife the separation  is also so painful 

But she could face 7 deaths of her beloved husbands which is something  tremendous  and extraordinary 

*3) She had faced 7 marriages*

One again this appears to be so unusual in the normal circumstances 

People find so difficult  with one marriage. In this circumstances  here is a woman who could marry 7 times (in proper terms - death of the spouse caused another marriage, which is quite normal and morally right) shows her courage and determination  to keep up the tradition  of the time and of the family 

*4) She didn't have any children* 

Even after marrying 7 times she was not able to give a birth to a child 

This must have been a very painful experience  to her 

So in all the ways she struggled  and faced terrible  situations  in her life. But she never gave up

*5) Human beings have tremendous  courage*

This simple woman shows us that, human being  is able to face any situation if he/she is determined. 

If this simple woman had such a tremendous  courage to face all these situations  of life, we too can face  any situations  in our life 

Only we need right approach and direction in facing the situation 

*6) The woman had deep faith in God*

The situations  of her life shows us that she had deep faith in God

With out the aspect of faith, she will never be able to face such situations  in life 

Deep faith in God definitely  helps us to face any challenges  in our life

*7) What about the challenges  of my life*

The life of this simple  woman calls us to reflect about the challenges  of our own life

What are the challenges  I have in my life? 

How do I react to these challenges  or problems  in my life,?

Do I run away from the situation? 

Do I lose hope in God  and blame God for the problems  and challenges  in my life? 

Do I make others responsible  for my failures in life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare Him in His Speech

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 9th Week -  Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 12:13-17*

*First Reading - Tob 2:9-4*

*The Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare Him in His Speech*

*1) Wrong intention in doing some work*

These pharisees  and herodians were either sent by the Jewish authorities  or they might have come on their own

In either case their intention  is very evil. They start their work with evil intention 

Any work which is done with evil intention  does not bear fruit. Instead it turns against us and it causes great harm to the person who does it 

The intention  of pharisees  and herodians was very clear. That is to ensnare or trap Jesus  

*2) They failed in their work*

The pharisees  and the herodians who came with the intention of ensnaring  Jesus, finally  could not succeed in their work 

In fact they were caught in the same net, which they used to trap Jesus 

They spoke one thing and behind  their mind they had different intention.  

The Gospel  makes it very clear that those who carry wrong or evil intentions in their minds  to trap others will finally  trapped in the same trap which they use for others 

*3) Things which take the place of pharisees  and herodians in our life*

As it is clear from the Gospel that the pharisees  and herodians were sent by some one to trap Jesus, this has some connections  to our life too 

There are many things in our lives which act like these pharisees  and herodians 

All our temptations  take the place of pharisees  and herodians, which are sent by the devil to trap us in our life 

Following may be some of the examples 

Pride, envy, revengeful attitude, anger, gossip, non cooperation, narrow mindedness, and temptations of the flesh, are some of the things which are sent by the devil to ensnare us in our lives 

So like Jesus we need to be careful

*4) How to deal about these things in life*

 

Jesus is the model for us. 

First of all he judged the hypocrisy involved in it

Secondly  he verified and examined the situation  immediately 

Thirdly he found solution in the problem  itself 

So this is the best strategy  we need to use when we are ensnared by the above things 

First know the real intention  of any feelings, temptations  or situations. 

Secondly  attend to it immediately  without postponing it or ignoring it

Thirdly  find a solution  in the problem  itself and not outside of it 

*5) Some of the spiritual instruments to fight against the above things*

Prayer, reading of the Word of God, Trust in God,  courage, service, sacrifice, Sharing,  generosity

The various spiritual activities which we practice in our lives are the powerful instruments  to fight against the snares of the devil. 

We need to be alert all the time because  the devil is very alert and trap is in many ways 

*Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*