The Reaction of the Disciples after the Ministry

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Sixth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:17-24*

*First Reading : Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130*

*The Reaction of the Disciples after the Ministry*

*1) The Return of the Disciples*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the return of the disciples after their ministry

The Gospel also records the reaction of the Disciples, after their return from the ministry

*2) Feeling of Happiness*

The disciples returned rejoicing after their ministry 

The reason for their rejoicing was, the success in ministry 

They were able to fulfill the goal and purpose of their ministry. That is why they were rejoicing 

*3) Great mission in the name of Jesus*

The disciples clearly acknowledge that all the great works which they did because of the name of Jesus 

In other words it was Jesus who was doing the great works through the disciples 

Acknowledging that the great works are happening because of Jesus and because of his name is very important

*4) My ministry and Reaction*

Like the disciples all of us have mission, which is entrusted to us by Jesus 

What is my reaction towards the mission? 

Three types of reaction would be possible 

A negative reaction 

Positive reaction 

An indifferent attitude 

What is my reaction? 

*5) Loving the mission is important*

When one loves ones mission, the person puts his/ her heart and mind to carry out the mission 

When a person loves ones mission, the reaction always turns to be positive 

Such an attitude builds up the mission and one is able to have effective mission for the Lord 

*6) Glory to Jesus' Name*

This is also very important. 

Some times when great work happens in our life, there is a tendency to think it is because of *me* things are happening

The *I* problem is dangerous for the mission of the Lord 

Like the disciples we must be ready to give glory to the name of Jesus, because ultimately it is because of the power of Jesus we are able to do the mission of the Lord 

Do I suffer from *I* problem??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I contributing for the Good or Bad?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Sixth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Luke 10:13-16*

*First Reading : Job 38:1, 12- 21, 40:3-5*

*Responsorial Psalm : 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14*

*Am I contributing for the Good or Bad?*

*1) Bad Cities in the Gospel*

The Gospel mentions few cities in today's Gospel

Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum, Tyre, Sidon and Sodom 

First three cities are Jewish territories. The last three cities were non Jewish territories

At the out set it gives us an impression that all these 6 cities were one way or the other considered to be bad and notorious

*2) Cities bad or People Bad?*

When someone says that the particular city is bad, is it the place which is bad or the People in the city? 

Its very clear, the place or the city is neither bad or good. It is the people living in the city make the city good or bad 

Finally it is the people who live in the cities, make the cities good or bad 

*3) Places and people get bad name*

All the above 6 cities got the bad name because of the people 

Those people who were living in those cities, were living a morally bad life, no place for God, spiritual things were rejected and lived a very bad life 

Because of their bad life, the cities got very bad name 

*4) The present cities*

If Jesus were to evaluate the present day city which is arround me or in which I am living what would be the result of it 

What is the condition of the city in which I am living 

Is the city called good or best or worst or bad or good?

If my city is bad, who is responsible for it? 

*5) My contribution*

What is my contribution to the city where I am living 

Am I contributing to the good name of the city or am  I contributing to the bad name  of the city? 

If at all my city is called bad, what can I do to make it good?/

*6) Logic applied to life also*

The person is neither bad or good 

The lived life will decide whether I am a good person or the bad person? 

My lived values definitely will decide the status of my life 

So am I contributing to the good or holy life or to the bad or evil life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Sodom will be more tolerable: What about that Town??

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Sixth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:1-12*

*First Reading : Ps 27:7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Jb 19:21-27*

*Sodom will be more tolerable: What about that Town??*

*1) History of Sodom*

Sodom and Gomorrah, notoriously sinful cities in the biblical book of Genesis, destroyed by “sulfur and fire” because of their wickedness (Genesis 19:24).

Traditional interpretations of the Bible focus on same-sex activity as the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, some modern scholars argue that the sin was inhospitality, arrogance, and other sins such as adultery, dishonesty, and uncharitableness

Some modern scholarship argues that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was not caused by homosexuality, but rather by the inhabitants' inhospitality.

*2) More Tolerable for Sodom*

In the Gospel of the day we see a surprising statement from Jesus 

We realise the gravity of the sin of the people of Sodom and the destruction for the same 

But Jesus says, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town 

So from this it could be concluded that the Gravity of the sin of *That Town* is more severe than Sodom 

*3) Which is that Town?*

*That Town* which is referred in today's Gospel could be the different places to which the disciples were sent by Jesus 

The Gospel does not give the name of *That Town*

This also shows that *That Town* could be found anywhere in the World, where the disciples of Jesus go to preach the Gospel

*4) The Sin of That Town*

The Gospel mentions few things, which are seen as the Sin of *That Town*

*A) Inhospitality* This is seen one of the major sins of *That Town*  

When the disciples went to preach the Gospel, people of *That Town* didn't accept them. So this is considered as the grave sin, more terrible than the people of Sodom 

*B) Those who don't love Peace*

This is another sin of *That Town* Instead of peace they love violence and destruction. Such people will face terrible judgment of God

*C) Rejection of the Kingdom of God*

This is another Sin. Rejection of the Kingdom of God, is equal to rejection of God himself 

We also find the similar views in the context of Bethsaida and Chorazin When they rejected Jesus

*5)  That Town in my Life*

*That Town* which is mentioned in today's Gospel is not far away from my life 

At times *That Town* in found within my life, with the sin of inhospitality to God, attitude of violence and destruction and rejection of God himself 

When *That Town* is found within my life, let us realise that the situation is too serious, verse than Sodon 

At times we think that the Sin of Sodom is grave, but here is another sin which is more terrible than the sin of Sodon, which is found in *That Town*

Do I belong to *That Town?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Speciality of Guardian Angels

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Sixth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:1-5, 10*

*First Reading : Ex 23:20-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 91:1-2, 3-4ab, 4c-6, 10-11*

*The Speciality of Guardian Angels*

*1) The Guardian Angel*

According to Christian tradition, every one of us has a guardian angel, who accompanies us from the moment we’re born until the moment  of our death, and stays at our side at every moment of our life. 

Guardian angel is one of that beautiful gifts of God to all of us 

Our Guardian Angel is not created with us at the time of our birth. 

They have always existed, from the instant at which God created all of the angels. 

It was a single event, a single moment in which Divine Will generated all the angels, by the thousands. After this, God no longer created any other angels.

*2) Our Angel guides us on the pathway to Heaven*

Our Angel cannot oblige us to follow the path of goodness. He cannot decide for us, impose choices on us. We are and remain free. 

But his role is precious, important. As a silent and trustworthy advisor, our angel stays by our side, trying to advise us for the best, to suggest the right path to follow, to obtain salvation, to deserve Paradise, and above all to be good people and good Christians.

*3) Our Angel never abandons us*

In this life and in the next, we will know that we can count on them, on these invisible and special friends, who never leave us alone.

They always remain with us to protect and to guide us.

*4) Our guardian angel has no name*

In the Scriptures, the names of some angels are mentioned, such as Michael, Raphael and Gabriel. 

Any other name attributed to these celestial creatures is neither documented nor confirmed by the Church,

So we don't find specific names for our guardian angels

*5) Our Angel fights on our side with all his strength*

Our Angel is a warrior, a strong and courageous fighter, who ranks at our side in every battle of life and protects us when we are too fragile to do it alone.

The Guardian Angels specially help us in our fight against the devil and sin 

*6) Guardian Angel a God's messenger*

Our guardian angel is also our personal messenger, charged with bringing our messages to God, and God's message to us.

It is to the angels that God addresses himself in communicating with us.

Their job is to make us understand his Word, and move us in the right direction.

St. Thomas teaches us that only the lowest orders of angels are sent to men, and consequently that they alone are our guardians

Not only the baptized, but every soul that come into the world receives a guardian spirit; 

They are not separated from us after death, but remain with us in heaven

Can I be a guardian angel to others

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Small is the Great

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Sixth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:1-4*

*First Reading : Is 66:10-14c*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3*

*The Small is the Great*

*1) The Disciples on the Greatness*

In today's Gospel we come across the issue of Who is greatest? 

This question was discussed by the disciples as to find out among themselves who is greatest

This argument works on the worldly standards and the disciples are thinking only from the worldly point of view 

*2) Jesus on the Greatness*

Jesus uses the two images to show who is great in the kingdom of Heaven 

*The image of Child* The way to greatness is found in the Child 

The child is innocent, believes whatever the parents tell, completely dependent on them, does not want to go away from the presence of the parents, no much demands, feels comfortable in the company the parents 

*The image of Humility* Humility is the mother of all virtues. When one practices humility, all other virtues will grow in life. This is another broad and effective way to greatness

*3) The Small is the Great*

This is the beautiful philosophy of Jesus 

Child and humility are consider small things 

Jesus shows these small things are the highways for the greatness 

One can become great by practicing the small things 

*4 The saint of Small Things*

Today we commemorate the memory of St Therese of  Lisieux, commonly known as little Flower

*Little Way* are the two words which comprises the philosophy of Little Flower

Little Way, simply tells us, *In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”*

Doing small things with great love is the way to become great in the sight of God 

*5) The Small is great*

This is the philosophy of St Therese of Lisieux. She proved this philosophy in her life by doing small things with great love, thus becoming a great saint 

Jesus showed, even if one gives a cup of Water, will not lose the great reward in heaven 

In spirituality, the small is great and small has the power to make us great 

The Small is great. What a beautiful thing

*6) Small things in my Life*

Do I give importance to the small things?

What is my attitude towards small things?

How attentive I am while doing small things? 

Do I find meaning in doing small things with great love?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Child is the Solution for many disputes

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Sixth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:46-50*

*First Reading : Jb 1:6-22*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7*

*Child is the Solution for many disputes*

*1) Dispute among the disciples*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a scene, where the disciples are involved in an argument 

The argument is about who is greatest among them 

This particular issue became a great issue among the disciples, which even cought the attention of Jesus 

*2) Jesus' Solution to the Dispute*

In an attempt of solving the dispute among the disciples, Jesus uses a particular method

The method which Jesus used was a practical and very effective method 

He simply takes a child and solves the problem of who is greatest among them 

Needless to say that the disciples got the right answer to their problem through this child model method 

*3) Child is the Solution of the dispute*

From the scene it becomes very clear that child became an instrument of solution of the problem 

From this we can simply conclude that Child is the solution of many disputes which arise in our life 

If so, what is the secret of the Child model? 

*4) The Speciality of the Child*

The presence of the child makes us happy 

The presence of the child changes the situation 

The presence of the child draws our attention either towards the child or the things which are done by the child 

The presence of the child makes us creative and alert 

Child can easily appeal to our conscience 

A child can break the hard heart, causing the person to change his/her attitude 

When a child asks for something, which is good usually no one says no to the child 

Over and above, child is the symbol of humility, trust, confidence, purity, simplicity and Happiness 

A child can change the situation at any moment

*5) Child in our House*

It is our experience that the presence of the child solves many of the problems in the family 

Parents get reconciled through the child 

Parents remain together, even if they want to break, for the sake of the child. So family is saved through the child 

The presence of the child gives meaning to the sacrifice, suffering, challenges and to the commitment.

*6) Need of becoming child*

Jesus through the child method, also challenges us to adopt the methodology of the child. It means 

My presence should bring happiness and  joy, 

My presence should solve the problem and not to create problem 

My presence should inspire others 

My presence should bring about reconciliation than dispute

My presence should not hurt any ones feelings 

Child like attitude in life cansolve many problems

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Dangers of Group Mentality

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Gospel Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48*

*First Reading : Nm 11:25-29*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14*

*Second Reading :Jas 5:1-6*

*Dangers of Group Mentality*

*1) Group mentality or Philosophy*

In the present day world we see the strong waves of Group mentality or Philosophy

Almost everything is seen from the perspective of group mentality

Religions are divided 

Cultural aspects are divided

Eating habits are divided

Feast and celebrations are divided

There are divisions in the school, churches, in the society, and everywhere 

The divisive philosophy is the most dangerous thing that is present in today's World, which practically destroys everything

*2) Jesus on Divisive philosophy*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the divisive philosophy 

Some how the disciples bof Jesus are moved by the influence of divisive philosophy 

That's why we see the disciples of Jesus, stops a person who was doing good work in the name of Jesus 

The only reason to stop him was, that the person does not belong to their group 

*3) Jesus warns against the divisive philosophy*

The opinion of Jesus makes it very clear that, one should not be influenced by the divisive group mentality 

Jesus tells his disciples not to stop the person who was doing the good work, only because the person does not belong to our group

Thus Jesus tells each and evey one of us, not to carried away with the divisive philosophy

*4) Divisive philosophy is the Work of Satan*

Dividing is One of the instruments of Satan. 

Division, weakens the unity and the spirit of Good work 

One who divides does not belong to Jesus. Such a person belongs to Satan 

Division finally destroys everything

This is what we see in today's world, in every area of our life 

*5) Divisive philosophy opposes the Good Work*

In the Gospel it is clearly shown 

Those people who were under the influence of Divisive philosophy, immediately stop other person from doing the good work 

In other words, such mentality opposes the good work done by others 

Divisive philosophy makes a person to think, good work can be done only by one group, others can't 

*6) Divisive philosophy creates a narrow mind*

Such philosophical bent of mind creates a very narrow minded attitude 

Such a narrow minded attitude finally leads to fundamentalism and  communalism

Such mentality sees everything is wrong which is done by others 

Such mentality creates a attitude of eliminating others because they don't follow us 

*7) Divisive philosophy creates Jealousy and Anger*

Two examples are given in today's Gospel. 

Joshua became very jealous when he saw that 70 elders received the gift of the Holy Spirit for doing prophecy 

Moses rebukes Joshua for his jealousy attitude 

In the Gospel, the disciples of Jesus were very jealous because some one was doing the good works 

Here Jesus rebukes His disciples for their jealousy attitude

Finally jealousy leads to anger and then anger leads to revenge and destruction

*8) Divisive philosophy within the Body*

Body has different parts or divisions

All these divisions are meant for a special purpose. 

None of these parts are allowed to work independently. 

Body is one and all the parts should work for the unity of the person 

When such a unity is destroyed then different parts of the body, commit sin and destroy the good spirit and holiness 

Jesus says, one should pluck out such parts from the body and throw it away 

How is the unity of my being? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*