We are called upon to become saints

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:1–12a*

*First Reading : Rv 7:2-4, 9-14*

*SECOND READING 1 Jn 3:1–3*

*We are called upon to become saints*

*1) Saints are in Heaven*

The church officially declares that all the saints are in Heaven 

Saints are the ones who have achieved their purpose of life. 

Attaining heaven is the ultimate purpose of our life 

*2) Saints are praying for us*

All the saints are praying for us. So that we may be able to live a good and holy life, in order to reach the same place, where the saints are there 

Since they are praying for us, we are in a better position to live a good life 

*3) They are praising God in Heaven*

One of the main duties of the saints is to praise God, for His mighty power 

By praising God, the saints acknowledge the greatness of God 

*4) Saints are model for us*

Saints are the ones who have lived their lives and gone before us to the heavenly kingdom 

They also have faced all the trails and tribulations in order to reach heaven and to attain the sainthood. That is why they are model for us

By following them, we can also try our level best to live a holy and good life, in order to become another saint in the heavenly kingdom 

*5) Saints are ordinary people, Lived a holy life*

Saints are not extraordinary people. They are ordinary people like us 

But they had clear vision of their lives. Accordingly they lived and they became great saints 

This is an inspiration for us to become saints 

*6) I have been called to become saint*

The purpose of our life is very clear 

To achieve this purpose Jesus has shown the clear way 

The Gospel of the day shows the eight ways to attain sainthood

The beatitudes are the best ways to attain sainthood. 

If so,  am I ready to become a saint? 

I need to work for it very seriously. Only then I can become saint

Unless one becomes a saint, can't enter the Heaven. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Question of Repayment

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:12-14*

*First Reading : Phil 2:1-4*

*The Question of Repayment*

*1) The reality of Repayment*

This is one of the important concepts that we pay much attention in our life 

Some pay much attention when they have to receive the repayment. Some pay attention when they have to make repayment

There are also others they are least bothered about making any repayment what they have received from others 

*2) Repayment and the Economic condition*

When the economic condition of the person is not good, one has the duty to make the repayment to the person what he has received from others 

At the same time, when some borrows from another with the promise of repayment, the person has the duty and obligations, to make the repayment. 

*3) Jesus on Repayment*

In today's Gospel Jesus says, when some one arranges freternal meal, the question of repayment should not arise. 

Fraternal meals are not for repayment in any kind, either in money or any kind of appreciation or any other kind 

Expecting some kind of repayment for the fraternal meals, defeats the very purpose of the fraternal meal 

*4) The real spirit of the fraternal meal*

Jesus says, when one organises the fraternal meal, one should think of those who are not able to organise such meals and participate in such meals 

So when one thinks about such people and sharing the meals with them, the question of repayment does not arise 

*5) The source of Repayment*

For every service one does to the other is liable for repayment

Even the smallest good deeds will be accounted for repayment

When some one expects the repayment from the people, the repayment is done by them. So there is nothing remains for repayment

But when ones service is not repaypaid by any one,  it remains as pending 

Such a repayment has to be done by some one else 

Here comes the repayment by God himself 

Jesus affirms that whatever is not repaid by people, God will repay us 

*6) From whom do I want the repayment?*

If I expect repayment from people, there is no chance for God to repay us 

If we are not expecting any repayment from people, then definitely, we will be repaid by God Himself 

Gods repayment is permanent and eternal 

Human repayment is temporary and fleeting

If so, from where do I expect repayment? 

From God or from human beings? 

*Choice is yours*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Search of Zacchaeus, for Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:1-10*

*First Reading : Wis 11:22-12:2*

*SECOND READING 2 Thes 1:11-2:2*

*The Search of Zacchaeus, for Jesus*

*1) The Search of Zacchaeus,*

Among all the things, the search of  Zacchaeus, for Jesus becomes the main thing in the incident of Zacchaeus,

Search of Zacchaeus, is the starting point for this event, which ultimately gives us a powerful message 

Human life can't be separated from the concept of search. 

Search is something which makes our life beautiful and meaningful 

*2) Various things involved in the search of  Zacchaeus*

*A) A strong desire to see Jesus*

Zacchaeus, might have heard about Jesus and His miracles 

This might have caused in His a deep desire to see Jesus 

This particular tendency of seeing Jesus is very important to encounter Jesus   

*B) Facing of the Challenges*

He had to face many challenges in meeting Jesus

First of all He was very short 

Secondly, he didn't have good reputation among the people 

Thirdly, too much of crowd which made Zacchaeus, difficult to meet Jesus 

But Zacchaeus, faced all these challenges with a positive note 

He used his intelligence, skills and talents, to search Jesus 

*C) The encounter of Jesus*

Since Zacchaeus, worked hard to meet Jesus, Jesus also allowed himself to be experienced by Zacchaeus,

To experience Jesus, He ran before the crowd and claimed a tree to see Jesus 

Finally he was able to see Jesus 

*3) My Desire and Challenges*

Like Zacchaeus, all of us have, a desire to see Jesus and to experience him 

How do I approach the various challenges which come on the way of my search for Jesus? 

Do I give up or persevere?

*4) Search for Jesus in various things*

We need to search for  Jesus, in our day today life and activities

Search Jesus in the scriptures

Search for Jesus in the Eucharist

Serach for Jesus, in our relationship

Search for Jesus in our daily works 

Search for Jesus, in  serving others 

So there are many things in which we can search Jesus

*5) Coming of Jesus*

After Jesus met Zacchaeus, Jesus told him that He wants to come to His house

In fact Jesus came to Zacchaeus, house and he was transformed

Jesus whom we encounter in many things wants to come to your house. 

Am I ready to call him to my house, especially in our life or Heart??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

My friend, move up to a higher position.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:1, 7-11*

*First Reading : Phil 1:18b-26*

*My friend, move up to a higher position.*

*1) Moving to a higher position*

This is one of the main goals of our life 

There is a basic human desire and craving to move to a higher position

Moving to a higher position applies to all areas of our life 

In fact in our daily lives, in moving to the higher position we give more importance to our material wellbeing. 

But this logic can be applied very well to the spiritual areas of our life 

*2) Moving to a higher position in our Spiritual life*

Ultimately our spiritual life only can save us in attaining the eternal life 

In this context, moving to a higher position in our spiritual life is very much necessary

Some of the example could be following

Move to a higher position in forgiving other. It may help us to attain the quality of Jesus' unconditional forgiveness

Move to a higher position in loving other, so as to practice and experience the unconditional love of Jesus 

Move to a higher position in sacrifice to know the real value of Jesus' sacrifice

Move to a higher position in Generosity, simplicity, authenticity, and humility to practice the Kingdom values 

Move to a higher position in sincerity, hardwork and faithfulness

Move to a higher position in serving other to experience the selfless service

Move to a higher position in prayer, discipline, care and concern 

Move to a higher position in ones responsibility, and detaching oneself from the worldly things 

Move to a higher position to say no to greed, pride, revenge, and gossip

So it is a great challenge to move to a higher position in spiritual life 

*3) A challenging task*

To move to a higher position in spiritual life is a great and challenging task which needs continuous and sincere efforts 

The process is very slow and changes come gradually and slowly

But one should try everyday to move to a higher position in order to achieve something in our lives 

*4) Am I moving to a higher position?*

Which are the areas I am moving to a higher position? 

Am I moving to a higher position in practicing the Kingdom values? 

Have I concentrated only in material and wordly things in moving to a higher position? 

My moving to a higher position in any feild, is morally justified or not??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I a stranger in the Household of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Friday*

*Feast of Sts Simon and Jude*

*Gospel : Lk 6:12-16*

*First Reading : Eph 2:19-22*

*Am I a stranger in the Household of God?*

*1) You are no longer strangers*

St Paul in His letter to the Ephesians, says that *We are no longer strangers in the Household of God*

All those who are baptised become the member of God's household

So automatically we should become very familiar in the household of God 

*2) Who is a stranger?*

One who does not know anything about the household of God and its functioning becomes a stranger to the household of God 

When some one becomes a stranger, he/she is lost and no one bothers him/her

*3) What are the Things prove that one is stranger*

As a members of the Household of God, we must know the discipline, teachings and other values of God's household 

When one fails to live a simple way of life He/she  becomes a stranger 

When one fails to forgive

When one fails to share 

When one fails to sacrifice

When one fails to love 

When one fails to appreciate

When one fails to become generous

When one fails to take up the Cross

We are suppose to know and practice these values in life. 

If not, we will become strangers in the household of God 

*4) Am I a stranger?*

Since my baptism I have coming to the Church and spending my time 

Still do I know the power of forgiveness?

Still do I know the power of sacrifice, love, humility, sincerity, sharing, hardworking, simplicity, prayer, trust, and Holiness? 

All those who don't know the importance and power of these kingdom values, remain as strangers in the Household of God 

*5) Dangers of remaining as strangers*

No one will care about us 

No support will be given 

One will miss the friendship

No give and take policy 

No involvement

No life, and no interactions

*6) Christian Spirituality can't be practiced by becoming strangers*

Christian spirituality involves friendship and fellowship

One who becomes stranger, Christian spirituality can't practiced 

Communitarian spirituality needs friendship and fellowship

So what is my position?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Jesus called Herod, as Fox?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:31-35*

*First Reading : Eph 6:10-20*

*Why Jesus called Herod, as Fox?*

*1) Who is this Herod?*

Herod was the tetrarch (meaning “ruler of a fourth,” for the kingdom was divided) of Galilee, in whose territory Jesus was active.

We all know about Herod the Great, the one who was in power when Jesus was born and who slaughtered the innocent children after the Magi told him about the Christ child.

But this is his son, Herod Antipas, Whom Jesus called as Fox 

*2) Fox is an unclean animal*

Fox is an unclean animal in the Israelite holiness codes.

So it is an insult for Herod. In fact Herod had become unclean, because of his evil deeds. 

Fox is always crooked and known for its hypocrisy.

It acts in one way, but it shows itself as innocent and good

That's why Jesus called him as fox 

*3) Why Herod was Unclean?*

*A) He built new capital City on Jewish Cemetery*

In order to please the Roman officials Herod build a grand new capital city named Tiberius, on top of an old Jewish cemetery. 

Since it was built by Herod, no pious Jew ever entered it, and it was inhabited almost exclusively by Greeks and Romans.

*B) Marriage with Herodias*

He divorced his first wife, which had been a political union, as she was the daughter of an Arab ruler, in order to marry Herodius. 

Herodias was the wife of His half brother. 

It was an immoral union 

*C) Killing of John the Baptist*

Herod had killed John the Baptist, for challenging his immoral way of life 

It was this Herod who killed an innocent holy person to cover up his immoral way of life 

*D) Dance of Salome*

Allowing ones daughter to dance in the public was a shameful act. It was a disgraceful act 

No pious Jew would ever have let his daughter dance in front of strangers.

So the readers would have understood that Herod Antipas was an unrighteous man and an unfit ruler. 

These are the evil deeds of Herod

For these above reasons Jesus called Herod as Fox

*4) Is there a shadow of Fox in me?*

Jesus called Herod as Fox 

What Jesus will call me? 

What is the level of attitude of fox found in me? 

Which name will suit to my life? 

Sheep

Lamb

Camel 

Donkey

Pig 

Fox 

Hen 

Serpent 

Dove 

Birds of the Air

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Locking of the Door and my Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:22-30*

*First Reading : Eph 6:1-9*

*Locking of the Door and my Life*

*1) Locking of the Door*

This particular expression is found in today's Gospel

It is the Master who locks the door, when the time is up 

Once the door is locked no one can go inside and also no one from inside can come out 

So locking of the door has a deeper meaning and implications for our life 

*2) Implications of locking of the Door*

This particular gesture of closing the door will divide the whole reality into two 

There will be inside and there will be outside 

And the connection between two is lost and only master has the power to rejoin the two realities into one 

*3) Locking of the Door in my Life*

Until we are alive the door of our life is open. We are given opportunity to move freely without any restrictions

Once we conclude this earthly life, the door of our life is closed by God 

Once it is closed we can't move as we like. Only we can move where the master leads 

*4) Life has a door to Heaven*

God has designed our life in such a way that our life consists a beautiful door to heaven 

This beautiful door is rather narrow and one needs to strive hard to pass through this door 

With the death this door gets closed. So as we are living in this world, we need to strive to enter through this door 

*5) The magic Key of this Door*

This door which is locked can be opened through the magic key 

This magic key we need to posses when we live in this world 

The following are the magic keys, which are able to open the closed door 

The magic key of forgiveness

The magic key of love 

The magic key of sacrifice

The magic key of service 

The magic key of prayer 

The magic key of humility

The magic key of Truth 

The magic key of faithfulness

The magic key of faith 

The magic key of hope

The magic key of simplicity

*6) Do I have the Key to open the lock?*

If I have the key, then I can enter

If not I will be out. 

Which are the keys I have in my life? 

Till I live my life I can try to get the keys

Once I say good bye to this earthly life I can't get any keys unless I posses it, before I die

So how many keys I have 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*