God means one Who restores and Rebuilds

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week - Wednesday*

*God means one Who restores and Rebuilds*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 15: 21-28*

*FIRST READING - Jer 31:1-7*

*1) Two Words : Restore and Rebuild*

The First Reading of the day, Which is taken from the book Jeremiah, have these two beautiful and meaningful Words 

These Words come from the God of Israel. 

These words God speaks about Israel. God says *Again I will restore you, and you shall be rebuilt,  O virgin Israel*

*2) Rebuild and Restore or Destroy*

The moment something has to restore and rebuild means, it has some problems. 

So there are two ways to approach the problem. 

Either to rebuild it and restore it 

Or destroy the whole thing and build a new thing

When something is  Rebuilt and restored, it helps the previous things to retain. Whereas the building something new will destroy the entire the earlier Part 

*3) God rebuilds and restores, but does not destroy*

The approach of God is always to rebuild and to restore and never to destroy 

God is interested in repairing and not in destroying 

The purpose of our life consists in rebuilding and in restoring and not in destroying

*4) Jesus and rebuilding and Restoring*

The Gospel the day is a beautiful example for rebuilding and restoring 

Jesus resorted and rebuild the following things in today's Gospel

The life of the daughter of a Canaanite woman

The Hope of the Canaanite woman

The misunderstanding of the Disciples

Faith of the people who were witnessing the Whole event 

The life of the believers, who read the Scriptures 

*5) Our mission towards rebuilding and Restoring*

The mission which was begun by God, continued by Jesus has to be carried out by His followers 

So we have to play our role in rebuilding and in restoring

First of all we need to restore and rebuild our own broken selves through our sinfulness

Secondly we also should rebuild and restore the wounded self of our families, of our relationship, of our personality, of your behavior, of our value system, of out thinking, of our feeling and above all about our belief system 

So we have a long mission in restoring and in rebuilding of various things 

So am I ready to rebuild and to restore???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Washing of mind and heart is needed and not the hands

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week - Tuesday*

*Washing of mind and heart is needed and not the hands*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 15:1-2, 10-14*

*FIRST READING - Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22*

*1) Controversy over washing of the Hands*

In today's Gospel we see a complaint by the Pharisees and the Scribes about washing of the Hands 

According to the Jewish law one should wash the hands before one takes the food. If not, that will be equal to breaking of the traditions of the elders 

Jesus' disciples didn't observe this particular law at one moment. So the Pharisees and Scribes accursed them for breaking the traditions of the Elders  

*2) Jesus' answer to the Problem*

Jesus answers this problem in a different way 

To this question Jesus says *It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one*

Pharisees and Scribes complained about the uncleanliness and Jesus also speaks about uncleanliness

But the uncleanliness of the Pharisees and Scribes is different than the uncleanliness which was spoken by Jesus 

Pharisees and scribes speak about the external cleanliness but Jesus speaks about internal and lasting cleanliness

*3) Jesus on  Internal cleanliness*

When Jesus says *What comes out of the mouth is what defiles one* it refers to the deeper realities of our life, which we need to reflect 

By washing of the Hands nothing happens. There is no any sort of change involved here 

But washing of mind and heart makes a lot of difference and it can change ones life 

*4) Washing of Ones mind*

As we know mind is the centre of Thought, reason, and place of thinking 

Mind is able to make judgements and give conclusions on the information available through the senses 

Since mind guides the entire personality, wrong information of the mind can lead a person totally away from God

Therefore, purity of mind is more important than the purity of Hands 

*5) Washing of the Heart*

Heart is the centre of emotions, feelings, and experience

Whatever happens in the Heart, it comes out through the mouth, which decides our status 

When Heart is pure, the words, the emotions, feelings and approach becomes very much positive and we become great in the sight of God. 

*6) Various ways to Wash ones mind and Heart*

The Sacrament of Confession

The Reading of the Scriptures 

The celebration of the Eucharist

The Examination of the conscience

The Sharing of the things with wise people and getting guidance from them 

*Am I ready to wash my heart and mind??*

*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 Fourth Watch and Jesus' Walking on the Water

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week - Monday*

*Importance of the Fourth Watch and Jesus' Walking on the Water*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 14:13-22-36*

*FIRST READING - Jer 28:1-17*

*1) The Concept of Fourth Watch*

According to the Romans, the night time is divided into four parts 

6-9 pm - First watch 

9-12 pm - Second Watch 

12-3 am - Third watch 

3-6 am - Fourth watch 

The Fourth watch is the last part of the night 

With the Fourth Watch the new day begins. 

This is how we understand the Fourth Watch 

*2) Significance of the Fourth Watch*

Fourth watch has special significance. It can be seen either in a positive way or in a negative way 

*Positive way*

Fourth watch includes the Early hours of the day

People get up from sleep towards the End of Fourth watch 

People spend their valuable time in prayer early in the Morning 

Early to bed and early to rise applies towords the end of Fourth watch 

Since people get up from the sleep at the Fourth watch, they become alert and active for rest of the day 

*Negative Way*

Its the most darkest of the night when it begins the fourth watch 

It is also believed that Satan is active during the Fourth watch, because human beings are most weak at the Fourth Watch 

Human will is most weak at the Fourth Watch, therefore the temptations are high at this time 

Most of the Accidents take place during the Fourth Watch

*3) Jesus' Visit at the Fourth Watch*

As we learnt that human spirit is weak at the fourth watch 

So Jesus' visit at the Fourth watch has special significance, because Jesus was with the disciples, when they needed Him most

It  also gives a powerful message that, Jesus is with us, when we are weak and struggling a lot in our life 

In fact the disciples were in deep trouble at the Fourth Watch and Jesus was with them at that crisis 

So God never allows us alone in our deep troubles

*4) Deeper meaning of  Fourth Watch*

Having learnt about the literal meaning of Fourth Watch, which is applicable to 3am to 6am, the Fourth watch can also be analysed from other angles

It could be darkest event of our life

It could be the deepest crisis of our life 

It could be a grave loss in terms of death of the beloved people, financial crisis, loss of ones health, loss of ones possessions, and loss of ones belongings 

Fourth watch could be a desperate situation in life, total confusion in life or fearful situation in ones life 

*5) Fourth Watch in my Life*

No one can escap from the Fourth watch in life 

Even Jesus had to pass through the experience of Fourth Watch in his life 

Disciples had similar experience, which we see in today's Gospel

All the followers of Jesus will have to go through the experience of Fourth Watch 

Since Fourth Watch has positive and Negative aspects in it, it depends on us how we accept the Fourth Watch in our lives 

*So what is Fourth watch 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*

Why the Rich man was called as Fool?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week - Sunday*

*Why the Rich man was called as Fool?*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 12:13-21*

*FIRST READING - Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23*

*SECOND READING - Col 3:1-5, 9-11*

*1) The Rich man was called Rich Fool*

This is one of the important point to note. 

There is no doubt that the person was very rich and he had lots of wealth and possessions

But the question is, why such a rich man was called Fool? 

Or what made him to be called as fool?

*2) He became fool, through His wealth and riches*

The Gospel makes it clear that the wealth which he had made him, fool 

In other words the way he handled his wealth made the person to be called as fool 

Some times when people get lots of wealth, they become crazy and they act like fools 

So this must have been one of the reasons, why he became fool

*3) Various characteristics of a fool*

*A) Talking to oneself*

When people speak only with the self, such a person is called as fool 

The rich person who appears in the Gospel, speaks to his own self 

He does not speak to other people and only speaks with the things and wealth  

*B) He destroys, what is already built*

When there was good crop, the space was not sufficient to store the things

Instead of adding a small building to the existing one, he destroyed all the existing buildings to build new ones, which was unnecessary and foolish idea also. 

*C)  One is praising oneself*

Here the Rich man praises himself 

He calls himself and Lucky man because of His wealth 

So when one praises himself/Herself is considered as fool 

*D) Attached to pleasure principle*

*Rest, eat, drink, be merry!*

This is the philosophy which was followed by the rich man 

For Him life consisted in eating, drinking and making merry 

When people follow this principle, they concentrate only on Pleasures. They forget that there  is life after death

Such persons can be called as fools 

 

*E) Agricultural harvest can't be preserved for Long years*

This rich man thought that, whatever he needed for life is already preserved in the godowns. 

But the fact is that, the preserved things can remain intact only for some time. After words they spoil 

Such a logic was not followed by this, rich man. So automatically this rich man is a foolish one 

 

*4) What about my Life?*

How do I see the wealth and riches in my life? 

Is it only material things that I consider as riches or is there anything else which is more richer than the material things? 

How about sharing my wealth and riches with others? 

Will I be called as fool, because of my wealth and riches???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Good and Just people never Die. They are seen in different persons

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week - Saturday*

*Good and Just people never Die. They are seen in different persons*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 14:1-12*

*FIRST READING - Jer 26:11-16, 24*

*1) Herod Saw, John the Baptist in Jesus*

When Jesus became very popular, His reputation was growing with great signs like, miracles and wonders 

When the King saw, the reputation and the popularity of Jesus, He thought that It was John who has been raised to life, because of great things which were happening in the life of Jesus 

Infact Herod had killed John because He condemned Herod for his immoral ways

Now the Same Herod is seeing John in Jesus 

*2) Good and Just people can't be killed*

From the life of King Herod its very clear that good and just people can't be killed 

Since the Same Herod who killed John, now seeing the Same John in Jesus means, John is still living and he is not dead and gone 

Its true that, good people can't be killed, because goodness, Justice and truth has no death, and people who work for it never die. 

*3) Princes and People Saw a prophet, man of God in Jeremiah*

The priests and prophets wanted to kill Jeremiah for prophesying against their city 

So they saw a destroyer in Jeremiah. 

But after hearing the wise words of Jeremiah, the Princes and people saw a genuine prophet, a man who was sent from God and a Holy man 

Therefore they didn't allow him to be killed by his enemies 

Once again it is true that truth and justice never die 

*4) Poor Saw Jesus in Mother Theresa*

Many people see jesus in Mother Theresa. 

For many Mother Theresa means Jesus' appearance 

People see the same Jesus who worked miracles, who cured sick, who consoled the poor and who spent his life for the downtrodden, in Mother Theresa. 

So once again its very clear that the kingdom values never die 

There is no death for Jesus and His values. They reign for ever and ever 

*5) Herods reaction and present day Context*

Herod the tetrarch heard the reputation of Jesus and saw John the Baptist in Him. 

He accepted this great fact, and revealed this fact to others 

In the modern day context there are many who are in the position of Herod, and who in fact see Jesus in the lives of many Christians. But they don't want to accept the fact. This is the tragedy of the modern day situation and also the problem of morden day Herod 

Even after 2000 years of Jesus'  death, He is still living in the hearts and lives of people which is witnessed by millions of People 

So goodness has no death. It never dies 

*6) What is seen in my Life?*

What do people see in my life? 

Are they able to see Jesus and His values in my Life? 

Does my life, corresponds to the Kingdom Values? 

The Word Christian has *Christ* in it. Does my Christian Spirit reflect Christ and His values? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Triple aspects of Human Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week - Friday*

*.https://gospelthoughtsdaily.blogspot.com/

*Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week - Friday*

*Triple aspects of Human Life*

*GOSPEL -  Luke 10:38-42*

*FIRST READING - Jer 26:1-9*

*Feast of Sts Martha, Mary & Lazarus*

*1) Three important persons*

Today we celebrate the feast of Three important personalities from from the Gospel

These three important figures are Matha, Mary &Lazarus

These three saints and the their mission communicates  a powerful mission to our life 

If so let's see what is the special tasks of these personalities

*2) Matha: Martha symbolizes the aspect of Work*

Since she was busy in cooking, one can consider that Martha was good in serving and reached out to the aspect

There are several Martha's around us, who  work for the us and for our betterments 

 

*3) Mary : Prayer and Spirituality*

Mary was one who liked to spend time in prayer. That's why she sat at feet of  Jesus to listen to him

 Mary symbolises the Aspect of Prayer, spirituality and great virtue  patience 

We must also see that, Like Mary, there are numerous persons who pray for us and give their prayerful support for us 

Let's remember them and  pray for them and for their intentions. 

*4) Lazarus: Silent and unseen work*

Lazarus is not mentioned in today's Gospel

Mission

But elsewhere we get the information that Lazarus is the member  this family 

His work is not mentioned any where in the Holy Scripture. But he was there while Jesus visited their House

*5) *My life and the Three aspects*

All these three aspects are found within the self

Our mission is to search for the KOG

All these aspects will help us to have a balanced Approach 

One needs have all these above mentioned things 

*Think about Approach od bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

*GOSPEL -  Luke 10:38-42*

*FIRST READING - Jer 26:1-9*

*Feast of Sts Martha, Mary & Lazarus*

*1) Three important persons*

Today we celebrate the feast of Three important personalities from from the Gospel

These three important figures are Matha, Mary &Lazarus

These three saints and the their mission communicates  a powerful mission to our life 

If so let's see what is the special tasks of these personalities

*2) Matha: Martha symbolizes the aspect of Work*

Since she was busy in cooking, one can consider that Martha was good in serving and reached out to the aspect

There are several Martha's around us, who  work for the us and for our betterments 

 

*3) Mary : Prayer and Spirituality*

Mary was one who liked to spend time in prayer. That's why she sat at feet of  Jesus to listen to him

 Mary symbolises the Aspect of Prayer, spirituality and great virtue  patience 

We must also see that, Like Mary, there are numerous persons who pray for us and give their prayerful support for us 

Let's remember them and  pray for them and for their intentions. 

*4) Lazarus: Silent and unseen work*

Lazarus is not mentioned in today's Gospel

Mission

But elsewhere we get the information that Lazarus is the member  this family 

His work is not mentioned any where in the Holy Scripture. But he was there while Jesus visited their House

*5) *My life and the Three aspects*

All these three aspects are found within the self

Our mission is to search for the KOG

All these aspects will help us to have a balanced Approach 

One needs have all these above mentioned things 

*Think about Approach od bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Our Life is Like a clay in the Potter's Hand

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week - Thursday*

*Our Life is Like a clay in the Potter's Hand*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 13:47-53*

*FIRST READING - Jer 18:1-6*

*1) Clay in the Potter's Hand*

The clay can get any Shape. 

It has the numerous possibility to get the shape 

The Potter's uses his skills to give different shapes and he goes on giving new shapes untill he is satisfied with the Final shape

*2) Potter's needs, great amount of Patience*

Potter's work needs great amount of attention while giving the shape to the vessel

He has to try again and again to give better and better to the vessel

Such a work needs a great amount of patience

*3) Clay can be used again and again until it become hard*

Once the clay is wet and smooth, it can be used again and again 

On the other hand clay has the capacity to take any form which the Potter gives 

The flexibility of the clay to take any form is something, which one can admire about the clay 

Till it become dry one can use the clay again and again 

*4) We are clay in the hands of God*

The moment we apply the logic of the clay to our life, one must be ready to adopt the logic the clay to our life 

Clay is flexible for change, we must be ready for any change

Clay is ready to take any form. Likewise we must be ready to take any form

Clay has its existence only in the hands of the potter. Likewise we have our existence only in the hands of God 

Clay needs water to mold it. Like wise we need spiritual strength to mold our self 

Potter can work on the clay, until it becomes hard. God can work on our self until we live on this earth 

The clay needs fire to dry and the vessle to become strong. Likewise we need the fire of the Holy Spirit to become strong 

*5) We are potters of our Self*

At times we also should act as potter of our own life

We need to work on the self to give better and new shapes to our life

As the potter we need great amount of patience while working on the self. Only such approach can help us in bringing a new and better shape 

Potter uses different instruments while giving the shape to the clay. Likewise we need to use different instruments like, forgiveness, humility, sacrifice, love, truth, and other kingdom values in bringing the change in our self 

*6) Am I ready to work as Potter and Clay?*

We need to play both the roles in our lives 

We need to be clay when we surrender ourselves into the hands of God 

We need to be like potter when we want to change something in our lives

So am I ready??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*