The attraction of the Crucified Lord

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Holy Saturday*

*Gospel : Mark 16:1-7*

*Second Reading : Romans 6:3-11*

*The attraction of the Crucified Lord*

*1) The Crucified Lord in the Tomb*

After the crucifixion of Jesus, His body was laid in a tomb

Since it was getting dark, they quickly laid his body in a tomb and covered the tomb with a Stone and went back to their houses 

In fact Jesus who was taking rest in the tomb was not silent. He speaks more powerfully than earlier even from the Tomb 

*2) The Preparations by the Women*

The women who really loved Jesus were present at Calvary during his death 

They were present at the burial of Jesus 

After burial they didn't keep quiet, thinking that everything was over with the death of Jesus 

They were busy preparing the spices, to anoint the body of Jesus 

So they were involved in lots of work for Jesus. 

*3) The Desire to meet the Lord*

These women had great desire to meet Jesus even though he was in the tomb

Early Sunday morning they wanted to visit the tomb and wanted to open it, in order to anoint the body of Jesus 

Friday Jesus had died. Sunday morning the women were ready to open the tomb

This really shows that there was a burning desire to meet the Lord at any cost 

They were not afraid of the darkness, or the guards, or the place of dead people 

They had only one thing in mind to see the crucified Lord 

*4) Preparations were rewarded with a great Surprise*

The preparations of the women, their desire to meet the Lord, and their journey towards the tomb, early morning was met with a great surprise and reward 

It was the Risen Lord, whom they met. It was a great surprise for them 

*5) What are my preparations to meet the Lord?*

These women really show us the zeal which we need to prepare ourselves to meet the Lord 

They were eagerly waiting for the Lord to meet 

They had only one thing in mind to meet the Lord 

Every action of thiers was a kind of preparations to meet the Lord 

They had no other programme than meeting the Lord 

So how do I prepare to meet the Risen Lord? 

Is it a casual and everyday event which comes and goes? 

Depends on my preparations and my eagerness will help me to meet the risen Lord and to experience His unconditional love and eternal Happiness

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Mystery of the Cross: First Jesus carried the Cross Then Cross carried Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Good Friday*

*Gospel : John 18: 1-19: 42*

*First Reading : Is 52:13-53:12*

*Second Reading : Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9*

*The Mystery of the Cross: First Jesus carried the Cross Then Cross carried Jesus*

*1) Jesus carrying the Cross*

Today's whole focus is on Jesus and the Cross, which he carried to the Calvary 

Jesus had spoken about the Cross much earlier, during His public ministry 

Now once, he was betrayed by Judas, Jesus was condemned to the death on the Cross

So Jesus was given a heavy Cross to be carried to the place of crucifixion

*2) Jesus carrying the Cross*

According to the Gospel, once Jesus was condemned to the death on the Cross, a heavy Cross was given to Jesus 

Jesus receives the Cross with an open arm, and he takes it, in His shoulder 

We see Jesus carrying the heavy Cross, on his shoulder and moving towards the calvary. 

Typically Jesus carried the Cross on his shoulder to Calvary

*3) Calvary the Turning point*

So far Jesus carried the Cross, till Calvary. Once he reached to the Calvary, preparations were made to crucify Him 

Once He was crucified, the Heavy Cross carried Jesus for few hours 

When Jesus was on the Cross, the Cross carried Jesus 

*4) Carrying is Cross is rather easy*

Here the Cross was kept on the Shoulder to carry to a particular place 

If Jesus was not physically beaten, then carrying of the Cross would not have been too difficult 

Since he was scourged, he was badly wounded. That's why carrying of the Cross becomes very difficult 

*5) Cross carrying is Terrible*

To this process, Jesus had to undergo terrible process of crucifixion 

Jesus had to die on the Cross 

Jesus had to be nailed to the Cross 

Jesus had to give his hands and leggs to the nail for crucifixion 

Such a process involves terrible pain and sacrifice of ones life 

That's why Cross carrying Jesus becomes a terrible painful event in Jesus' Life. 

*6) Both are necessary*

Carrying Cross by Jesus and, Cross carrying Jesus, both are very necessary

One is incomplete without the another 

One has no meaning without the another

If so, am I ready to accept the mystery of the Cross?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The importance of the Towel on Holy Thursday

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Holy Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 13:1-15*

*First Reading : Ex 12:1-8, 11-14*

*Second Reading : 1 Cor 11:23-26*

*The importance of the Towel on Holy Thursday*

*1) Holy Thursday is incomplete without the Towel*

The ceremony of Washing the feet on Holy Thursday, highlights the importance of service 

In this context and in this ceremony Jesus uses a towel. The Gospel says *He took a towel and tied it around his waist*

The purpose of the towel is to dry the feet after washing it 

Apart this this ritual ceremony there is also a hidden and spiritual meaning, which can be attributed to the towel 

*2) The towel of Humility*

Master is washing the feet of his disciples

This needs a greatest level of humility 

In order to wash the feet of our own brothers and sisters one needs a deeper level of humility. 

So one should cover oneself with the towel of humility to wash others feet 

*3) The towel of Service*

The whole event takes place in the context of service 

Washing of the feet is the trade mark of service 

So one should have the towel of service, in order to involve oneself in this gesture

*4) The Towel of Sacrifice*

Unless one has the towel of sacrifice, one will find very difficult to wash another's feet 

The towel of sacrifice inspires us to involve ourselves in the service for the kingdom of God 

*5) The Towel of forgiveness*

This towel is very important to wash the feet of another 

The towel of forgiveness, helps a person to accept another person as his own brother and sister 

Such an acceptance will help a person to give best service to another without any expectations 

*6) The towel of Love*

This was the foundation on which the entire episode of washing of the feet rests 

It is the reflection of Jesus' love for his disciples and to the entire world 

Jesus' Showed one of the best ways of showing ones love to another by washing of the feet 

The same has to be done by the followers of Jesus 

The Towel of love will work wonders in us 

*7) What towels I have in my life?*

Various towels are necessary to live our Christian faith effectively

If so what are the various towels I need in my life? 

The above mentioned towels are found in my life? Am I using them while doing my mission? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Does money Rule me or I rule money?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 26:14-25*

*First Reading : Is 50:4-9a*

*Does money Rule me or I rule money?*

*1) The Power of Money*

Money is power, freedom, a cushion, the root of all evil, the sum of blessings. *Carl Sandburg*

Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants. *Benjamin Franklin*

Greed is not a financial issue. It's a heart issue. *Andy Stanley*

Never be a slave to money; be the master of your money. And once you become the master of your money, you will automatically start walking on the path of financial independence.

Be in control of your money. If you are not in full control of your money while dealing with it, then it will control you and you will never be able to achieve financial independence

*2) Money in the hands of Chief Priests*

The money could have used for some good work. But money was used for evil works 

With money power, they tempted Judas and used him for thier selfish goals 

They wanted to eliminate Jesus. To this plan they used Judas, by giving 30 silver coins 

This is the total misuse of money for selfish and immoral purpose 

*3) Money in the Hands of Judas*

Judas was very greedy with regard to money 

The Gospel says, he had the habit  of stealing the money from the common bag which was used to keep the account

His greed for money made him to betray Jesus. He was ready to sell Jesus for 30 pieces of Silver coins 

When people are greedy for money they are ready for anything, even to sell or kill another human being 

*4) The control of Money over Judas*

When people are greedy for money, then money rules over them 

Money becomes the Master and persons become the slaves 

Judas had become the slave to Master, which is money 

Money ordered him to betray Jesus and he did it 

Money promised him the worldly pleasure, that is why he took the path of betraying Jesus 

Money told him, with money one can do anything. So he wanted to have money by all means 

*5) The Rule of Money in life*

When money rules the life of a person, it is money which orders the person what to do and what not to do 

Money controls everything and one has no freedom to do anything 

When money rules ones life, the relationship become superficial, way of life changes, the attitude changes, the greed becomes strong 

*6) The End result of Money*

The life of Judas is the best example

Finally The money which he got by betraying Jesus, could not be used by Him 

Secondly, the life which was controlled by Money witnesses a terrible end. Judas commits suicide

Money also lost and life also lost

Greed for money ends up is losing everything

*7) Who is Ruling My Life?*

Even though Judas was a chosen  disciple of Jesus, money ruled his life 

He didn't give a chance to Jesus to rule his life and gave importance to Money to rule his life 

Who is ruling my life? 

Is it Jesus who rules my life? 

Is it money which is ruling my life? 

Is it I who control the money or money is controlling me?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Master, where are you going?”

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Tuesday*

*Gospel : Jn 13:21-33, 36-38*

*First Reading : Is 49:1-6*

*“Master, where are you going?”*

*1) One of the important questions during Holy Week*

We are already in the Holy week and we have already started reflecting about the passion of Christ

There are so many important things about the life Jesus will take place during this week 

In this context it is very important to reflect about this question *Master, Where are you going?*

*2) Master is going to the Jerusalem*

Jesus' journey towards the Jerusalem. He has already begun his journey to Jerusalem 

There is also a heavenly Jerusalem. Jesus' journey also points out to heavenly Jerusalem 

It not only Jesus is going to Jerusalem, but along with him he is also preparing a way, so that all of us can go to heavenly Jerusalem

*3) Master is going to the Calvary*

Jesus' journey is towards Calvary

Jesus will take his Cross and move towards Calvary 

There he will be lifted up on the Cross 

When he is lifted up on the Cross, He will draw all men to Himself 

*4) Master is going to achieve a great mission*

The great mission is ahead of Jesus 

Whatever he had preached for three years, now time has come to show it in practical way or in reality 

He will achieve this great mission through the suffering, death and resurrection

So Master is going to accomplish a great mission through the sacrifice of his life on the Cross

*5) Master is going to institute a great Sacrament*

The sacrament of the Eucharist will be instituted by Jesus on Holy Thursday 

It is a sacrament which makes possible to remain Jesus in our midst at all time and at any moment 

Through this sacrament Jesus will remain with us forever and forever, and we are the witnesses of this fact 

*6) Master is going to offer his life for us*

This is the ultimate goal of Master's life 

He will offer his life on the Cross and he will accomplish His mission for the entire world 

The death of Jesus on the Cross remains as one of the great and memorable events for the salvation of the whole World 

*7) Where I am going?*

As we reflect the Master's journey, it is very important to reflect about our journey

So a obvious question, Where I am going? 

What is the significance of the journey of my life?

To which side I am moving? 

Is my journey moving in a right direction? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Mary Vs Judas

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Monday*

*Gospel : John 12:1-11*

*First Reading : Is 42:1-7*

*Mary Vs Judas*

*1) Mary and Judas*

Both these characters are mentioned in today's Gospel

Judas was called by Jesus. He was one among 12 apostles

Mary encountered Jesus' mercy and love, and she really became the genuine disciple of Jesus. Moreover she really loved Jesus 

*2) The cost of the oil*

The Gospel of the day also mentions about the *perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard*

The Gospel says that it was very costly oil 

Judas gives the value of this oil. He says *three hundred days’ wages*

Converted in Rs, it would be, 1,50,000 rs, if a person gets 500 rs as salary per day. 

The value of the oil will change according to the wage a person gets per day 

So there is no doubt that this oil was very costly

*3) Mary uses this costly oil for Jesus*

One among precious things Mary might have had this costly oil 

She uses this best oil for anointing Jesus' feet 

In other words it simply means, Mary gave a best things which she had in her life to Jesus

She didn't keep the best thing for herself 

*4) Judas' intention to use for Business*

The Gospel makes it very clear the language of Judas

From his language one can clearly understand that the whole idea of Judas to make business and to get best returns from the costly oil 

By selling the oil one can get big amount of money, which can be used for various purposes 

So Judas wants to use the best thing for business and not for Jesus 

Finally Judas has to commit suicide for the sake of money, which made him to betray Jesus

*5) Abel and Cain*

Abel used the best animal to offer God. Abel's offering was accepting by God and he was blessed by God 

Cain collected some grains and offered to God. In a way it was not the best grains. His offering was not accepted by God 

Finally Cain incurred a curse from God, and he became a cursed man 

*6) The reward for offering the best Thing to Jesus*

First of all she received the forgiveness for all her past sins 

Secondly, Jesus delivered her from all evil things, from seven deadly sins 

Thirdly she became the best disciple of Jesus

Fourthly, she received a chance to be with Jesus during passion death and burial of Jesus 

Finally she is the one who received the first great news of resurrection and she became the Apostle of the Apostles

She became blessed among men, to communicate the great news to the entire world 

*7) What do I offer to Jesus?*

Is the best thing or the ordinary thing? 

Life is the best thing which can be offered to Jesus 

Service can be another best thing

Forgiveness, humility, sacrifice, love, are some of the best things which can be offered to Jesus, whose value can't be counted in terms of money 

So, what is my offering to Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, continues through Passion, Death and Resurrection

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Palm Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39*

*First Reading : Is 50:4-7*

*SECOND READING-Phil 2:6-11*

*Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, continues through Passion, Death and Resurrection*

*1) Importance of the Palm Sunday*

Palm Sunday holds a special place in the hearts of Christians worldwide, as it marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

The Triumphal Entry is considered a symbol of Jesus' messiahship and kingship. 

However, the crowd's expectation of Jesus as a political and military leader who would overthrow Roman rule was not Jesus' actual mission. 

Instead of a conquering king, Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, emphasizing spiritual salvation

*2) The meaning of the Palm Branches*

Palm branches hold significant symbolism within Palm Sunday and the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. 

In ancient times, palm fronds were associated with victory, peace, and eternal life. 

They were often used to welcome triumphant kings and military leaders as they entered cities after victorious battles or campaigns. 

This image is particularly fitting for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem because it highlights his role as a humble yet victorious king who brings peace and salvation.

*3) Palm Sunday is a reminder of the selfless Love of Jesus*

One side there is a popularity, while entering into the city of Jerusalem 

On the other side, Jesus knew the challenges which he will have face in achieving his goals 

In such a situation Jesus was ready to sacrifice his life for the salvation of the entire world 

This shows the height of Jesus' unconditional love 

*4) Jesus on the Donkey*

Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey, which directly fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy of Zech. 9:9.

In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey. 

The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them showed that they came with peaceful intentions. 

Jesus even then reminded us that He is the Prince of Peace.

*5) Palm Sunday and Hosanna*

When the people shouted "Hosanna!" they were hailing Christ as King. 

That word means "save now,". 

 though in their minds, people waited for an earthly king, God had a different way of bringing true salvation to all who would trust in Him.

Knowingly or unknowingly the palm Sunday slogan *Hosanna* simply cries to Jesus as saviour and only Jesus can save the world 

*6) Palm Sunday and God's reign*

Palm Sunday reminds us that the reign of Christ is far greater than any man's mind could ever conceive or plan.

Man looked for someone to fight their battles in the present-day world. Yet God had the ultimate plan of sending His Son to fight the final battle over death. 

This is the greatness - the battle over death. That's why we celebrate this week. We can be free of death because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

*7) The climax of Palm Sunday*

The real journey of victory starts on Palm Sunday and it achieves its goal on Friday on the Cross

It culminates in the Resurrection of Jesus who defeats the death and wins the battle

We are the beneficiaries of this battle 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*