The Purpose of Jesus' Going to the Galilee

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*Monday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 4:12-17; 23-25*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 3:22-4:6*

*The Purpose of Jesus' Going to the Galilee*

*1) John's Arrest and Jesus' departure to Galilee*

The Gospel makes it clear that, Jesus goes to Galilee, after the arrest of John. 

The Gospel says *When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee*

A simple question here to reflect : why did Jesus go to Galilee after the arrest of John. The answer to this question will give the better idea of Jesus' going to Galilee

*2) Jesus went to Galilee to Continue the Mission of the Lord*

So far John was preaching the Kingdom of God. 

Both John and Jesus started their mission with the same words *Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”*

Since John had been arrested, there is no one to continue the mission. So Jesus goes to Galilee to continue the Mission of the Lord. 

*3) Why Galilee and not other places?*

As mentioned in the Gospel, Galilee was the most needed place for repentance, because of the following reasons.

*Galilee of the Gentiles* Gentiles were other than Jewish people, who were considered to be sinners, not eligible for the salvation, and can't be saved by any means 

*People who were in darkness* Because of their sinful way of life, they were practically living in darkness, a spiritual darkness, moral darkness, social darkness etc. 

*Land overshadowed by death* Death is a scary thing, which creates a lot of anxiety, tension, chaos, confusion, despair, helplessness, etc. In such a situation, people of Galilee were living 

*They needed a divine light* More than anybody else, Galileans needed the divine light, for their survival, and for their salvation

So these are the reasons, why Jesus went to Galilee

*4) Mission of Jesus in Galilee*

*Preaching and Teaching 

*Curing every kind of disease and illness of the people 

*He helped those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics

*In other words Jesus worked great miracles among to people to show them what the Kingdom of God is. 

*5) Galilee is in my Context*

As Jesus is ready to come to Galilee, it is very important to find out, where my Galilee is? 

First of all I must find out in my life, what are the aspects which resemble the place of Galilee? 

Secondly check what are the factors of Galilee in my family, neighborhood,  and in my surroundings. 

Thirdly I need to offer those factors of Galilee, from my society, and from my country. 

There are plenty of Galilean factors, which need the visit and assistance of Jesus 

*If so am I ready to welcome Jesus who is on His visit to Galilee??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Search for the Lord and the Revelation of the Lord

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 2:1-12*

*FIRST READING Is 60:1-6*

*SECOND READING - Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6*

*The Search for the Lord and the Revelation of the Lord*

*1) The search for the Lord*

The Gospel begins with the search for the new born King

*Where is the newborn king of the Jews?* Was the question of the Magi and they went in search of the new born King. 

It is very important to search for the King who has born into this World

*2) Various Groups who searched for new Born King*

First of all the *Three Magi* started to search for the new born King. In spite of all difficulties, finally they were able to find the new born King 

Secondly the *King Herod* started to search for the new born king. 

Herod used different means to find out the new born King. Ultimately he came to know the place of the birth of the new born King but could not identify the New born King 

Thirdly the *Soldiers* At the order of King Herod they went in search of the new born King. 

But they could not identify the new born King. Instead they found around 25 children whom they massacred. 

Fourthly the *Shepherds* They were also in search of the new King. Since they were good at heart, they found the new born king within no time

*3) Finding of the New born King*

Among various categories of people, Magi and the shepherds were able to identify the new born King

King Herod and his soldiers were not able to identify the new born King

So it is very clear the search also should accompany the good intention of the search. Only then our search becomes fruitful 

*4) The Revelation on the Part of King*

On the one side there is a search for the new born King. 

But on the other side there is  also the self revelation of the King, whom they were searching 

The self revelation of the King was experienced only  by those who had the genuine intention. 

Magi and shepherds had good intention. So Jesus himself revealed them. 

King Herod and His soldiers didn't have good intention. Therefore Jesus didn't reveal himself to them and they were also not able to find out the new born Christ. 

*5) The Self revelation of the Lord*

Today we celebrate epiphany, which means trying to know the self manifestation of Jesus 

Today the same Lord manifests Himself in various persons and through various events. 

The self manifestation of Jesus is a continuous process. It does not stop with three Magi. 

If so, am I able to recognise the self manifestation of the Lord in 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 Blessing of God

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*Mary - Mother of God - Feast*

*GOSPEL -  

*First Reading : Nm 6:22-27*

*SECOND READING - Gal 4:4-7*

*The Blessing of God*

*1) New Year Starts with Solem blessing*

It is a great privilege to start something new with a Blessing. 

We are beginning the New Year with a special blessing. 

This is also called a priestly blessing or priestly benediction. 

This blessing gives us a structure of the blessing and it was given by God through Moses to Aaron. 

*2) Blessing is for safety*

The Lord bless you and keep you safe

The blessing allows Lord to shine  His face upon You 

The blessings bring upon the grace on the person who is blessed 

The blessing brings upon the kindness of the Lord

The blessing of the Lord, brings peace upon us 

So all these things necessarily contribute to the safety. So ultimately Blessings are for safety and for prosperity. 

*3) Mary is a Blessing*

As we begin the New Year with God's blessing, we celebrate the feast of the Mother of God

As we reflect about the life of Mary, her life appears to be a blessing to every one. 

Since She carried Jesus in her womb, she has the divine presence and she becomes a blessings to everyone. 

*4) Call to become a blessing to others*

The life of our Blessed Mother gives us a call to become a blessing to everyone 

The purpose of our life is to become a blessing to everyone after the Model of our blessed Mother 

Christian life consists in becoming a blessing to everyone.

*5) Is my Life a blessing one?*

For a new year great challenge is ahead of us. That is to become a great blessing to everyone in life 

At present, is my life a blessing one??

My life in the family, is considered as blessing or a problem? 

Becoming a blessing to everyone is a great challenge and one should aim for it. 

*My life a blessing or a curse??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

We have been called to testify to the Light

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 1:1-18*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 2:18-21*

*We have been called to testify to the Light*

*1) Light was the First Creation of God*

Book of Genesis shows us that, the light is the First creation of God

*Let there be Light* are the First words of God. 

Since Light is the creation of God, it is something Good and beautiful. 

Light always attracts, light always changes the mood and light always fills us with happiness and Joy 

*2) Jesus is the New Light*

With the Birth of Jesus, the New Sun has dawn in the human history. 

The Birth of Jesus is equal to light, which brightens the entire world and and our life 

*The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.* Is 9:2. These same words have been quoted by Matthew in 4:16 to show that Jesus is the new Light 

*3) John was sent to, testify to this light*

The Gospel of the Day speaks about testimony of John. He bear testimony to the Light. 

To show that the life is the Light of Human race 

To show that light shines in the darkness 

To show that darkness can't defeat the Light 

To show that the True light, which is Jesus Himself, enlightens everyone

To show that this light has already come into this world and one who accept this light, given the privilege of becoming the Children of God. 

*4) The Aspect of the testimony of John and the Light*

John testified to the light of Humility

John testified to the light of simplicity

John testified to the light of penance

John testified to the light of truth

John testified to the light of Justice

John testified to the light of Courage

John testified to the light of Martyrdom

John's life involves totally testifying to the light in various ways

*5) Am I testifying the light or darkness?*

There is no doubt that we have have called to testify to the light 

Jesus calls as *You are the Light of the World*. So our life should become the life of Light and not of darkness. 

We need to testify to the light of love, light of sacrifice, light if humility, light of forgiveness, light of simplicity, light of truth, light of justice, light of service, light of sharing etc. 

We must be careful about the darkness of pride, darkness of selfishness, revenge, anger, arrogance, jealousy, gossip, etc. 

*Is my life a light or darkness?*

*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 Prophetess Anna

Gospel Thoughts*

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 2:36-40*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 2:12-17*

*The greatness of Prophetess Anna*

*1) The Person of Anna*

First of all Anna means *Grace*. Accordingly God's grace was upon her, that is why she became the prophetess. 

She not only had God's grace, she also became a graceful woman wnerever she lived. 

Above all she was able to live for 84 years, and still she was very active and creative in her approach. 

*2) Anna at 84 years*

This figure is very important because, a few things are mentioned which she was doing at the age of 84. 

First of all 84 years of age is not a simple thing. At this age, she is still active in doing lot of things 

She was all the time found in the temple. She never left the Temple

She spent her time in prayer and worship day and night 

She fasted all the times, to keep up the spirit of prayer 

She came forward to praise and thank God

She spoke good about the Child with whomever she met 

Anna was very positive and courageous woman, which kept her active and creative 

These are some of the spectacular things which Anna was doing at the age of 84. 

*3) Age was not a barrier for her Spirit*

She was 84 years of old, but her spirit was very young 

The way she was doing all these things made her more young than old. 

Age didn't become a hurdle for her spirit in spending time in prayer and doing good work 

Hardly she complained about her situation or about her age. 

She was comfortable at this age and she was very enthusiastic in doing her daily works

*4) Anna is a model for us to keep our spirit Young*

Anna was very young in her spirit, even though she was at 84 years of her life

Some times even at the young age, the spirit becomes old, and unable to perform any activities. 

One should never allow the spirit to become old. 

One whose spirit remains young, he/she always remains young in his/her life. 

We need to learn from Anna how to keep our spirit Young at all times. 

*5) How is my Spirit?*

First of all in the area of spiritual things: How is my spirit. Is it old or still Young?

What are the things which make my spirit old and strengthless? 

What all things I can do to revive my spirit in doing various things? 

How old is my Spirit? 

*Is it young or old, or sick, bedridden??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Requirements needed to Hold the Infant Jesus in ones hand

Gospel Thoughts*

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*29th of December*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 2:22-35*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 2:3-11*

*Requirements needed to Hold the Infant Jesus in ones hand*

*1) Jesus in the Arms of Simeon*

The Gospel of the Day presents to us a scene where Simeon gets an opportunity to take Infant Jesus into his arms. 

Taking Jesus into ones arm is a most precious thing, in ones life. 

Taking Jesus into ones hand is not a ordinary thing, but it is the most important thing, which is very difficult to explain 

It was only Simeon who was able to take Jesus into His arms. That means there must be some speciality in it. 

Let's see about it. 

*2) The Speciality of Simeon*

The Gospel gives us the following details about Simeon

*He was a Righteous Man*

*He was a devout man*

*He was eagerly waiting for the Messiah*

*He was filled with the Holy Spirit*

*He had the privilege of having the Revelations from the Holy Spirit*

*He was in the Temple*

All these things played a very important role to take Jesus into His Arms. 

*3) Today we have the privilege of taking Jesus into our arms and also in our Heart*

Simeon had only one chance of taking infant Jesus into his arms. 

For that single chance he had prepared a lot and his life was perfect and he lived a holy life to take Jesus into his arms 

Today we have better privileges to Jesus not only into our arms, but also in our hearts 

There is no doubt that we have better privileges to take Jesus, both in our arms and heart. 

But the question is am I a righteous, devout, and person filled with the Holy Spirit?

*4) My desire and preparation to take Jesus into my arms*

Simeon had a great desire to take Jesus into his arms. That is why, he used all the means to prepare himself, to take Jesus into his arms 

What about my life? 

What is the level of desire I have in my life to take Jesus into my arms and in my heart? 

How righteous and  devout am I to receive Jesus in my arms? 

What is the Role of the Holy Spirit, in inspiring me to prepare my self to take Jesus into my Arms??

*5) Modern Infant Jesus one Should take into His/her arms*

In our times the infant Jesus comes in the following forms. Am I ready to take this Infant Jesus in my arms?

The Infant Jesus in the form of Poor people 

The Infant Jesus in the form suffering people 

The Infant Jesus in the form of most needy people 

The Infant Jesus in the form of persecuted people 

The Infant Jesus in the form of sick people 

The Infant Jesus in the lives  of my enemies

The Infant Jesus in the form of most helpless and miserable people 

 Am I ready to take these infant Jesus into my arms??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Modern Herods who try to kill the Infant Jesus, who has born in our life

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*Feast of the Holy Innocents*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 2:13-18*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 1:5—2:2*

*Modern Herods who try to kill the Infant Jesus, who has born in our life*

*1) Herod who tried to Kill the Infant Jesus*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a scene, where we see the cruelty of Herod, in killing the Infants. 

When Jesus was born, Herod was perplexed and worried, thinking that he will lose his power

He thought that Jesus will be a challenge for his power and authority. So he wanted to kill Jesus 

In the attempt of killing Jesus, he killed many infants who were innocent. That's why the figure of Herod appears to be very cruel

*2) Modern Herods  in our Times*

Even today we see such Herods  in our context, where the Infant Jesus or the innocent children are murdered

*The Herod  of Conversation*

This is what we hear about these days. The final result of this will be innocent children are persecuted, threatened and humiliated on various grounds

*The Herod  of Persecution*

This Herod is becoming very powerful these days. Innocent people are persecuted and at times they are killed. 

*The Herod of Unjust laws*

This is another Herod, who is targeting the innocent children. Because of many unjust laws people are made to suffer

*The Herod of Violence*

Today the violence promoted in the name of religion and division. 

In everything we see violence and the Herod of violence kills the innocent mercilessly and threatens everyone. 

*The Herod of Division*

This Herod is also using all the people means to divide the people and there by to weaken the strength of the people 

The Herod of division ultimately makes the innocent people strengthless and destroys them 

*3) Herod in our Spiritual life*

Apart from these our side Herods, there are also other things, which act as Herod in our Spiritual life

The Herod of Pride 

The Herod of anger 

The Herod of arrogance

The Herod of revenge

The Herod of selfishness

The Herod of jealousy

The Herod of cheating

The Herod of Sin 

All these Herods in our life will try to kill the infant Jesus who has born in our life. 

*4) The urgency of fleeing to Egypt*

When there was a danger from Herod to the life of Jesus, they fled to Egypt. 

Egypt was a safer place for Jesus until Herod lived. 

When the above Herods try to kill infant Jesus in our life, it is important that we flee to a safer place. 

So the question is where is my Egypt? 

My Egypt cloud be my prayer life, my value based life, practicing the Gospel values in life etc. 

So am I ready to challenge the Herod, who try to kill Jesus from my life???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*