How many loaves do you have?”

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season: First Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 15:29-37*

*First Reading : Is 25:6-10a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6*

*“How many loaves do you have?”*

*1) The Importance of the Question*

This is the question, which was asked by Jesus while feeding the Five thousand with a great miracle

This question, which was asked by Jesus, is also applicable to all the time, and in all context and in particular to us 

Exploring this question will help us in finding new truths about our own life  

*2) Seven Loaves - A perfect Number*

The number 7 has special significance in the Bible 

*Perfection* The number seven can represent perfection or completeness

*Wholeness* The number seven can represent a full and complete world. For example, the seven days of creation represent a complete world

*Holiness* The number seven can represent holiness because the Israelite God is identified with perfection. 

*Holy Spirit* In Zechariah and Revelation, the number seven can represent the Holy Spirit. For example, the seven or sevenfold spirit in Revelation could be a symbolic description of the Holy Spirit. 

*3) Jesus Asks the Same Question to us*

In our life we also ask for miracles and great things 

In this context Jesus asks how many gifts do we have? 

How much goodwill you have?

How much faith you have? 

How much hard work are you able to put in? 

How much service are you able to give? 

How much sacrifice you are able make? 

How many times are you able to forgive? 

*4) Number 7 in my Life*

All the things which I have in my life can be accepted as number seven 

That is to accept it as perfect and complete

Accept the God given talents as perfect 

serve completely

Forgive completely

Love completely

Work hard completely

*5) Negative to number 7*

When Jesus asks this question, one may answer in a negative way 

I don't have anything

My talents are not good 

God has not given me many things 

My health is not good 

I don't have time to serve

I can't love 

I am busy with many things

I don't have opportunity to show my talents 

No one recognises me 

It is not meant for me 

This is the negative way of answering the questions which were asked by Jesus  

*6) What is my Response?*

Do I work for miracles or do I entirely leave it God?

Unless we work or offer something from our side to God's work, no miracles will take place

Am I ready to offer whatever I have to God to work for miracles? 

Am I passive spectator to look a great miracle from God? 

Am I a person who involve actively with God's plan to witness a great miracle 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*

St Francis, the Patron of Mission

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Feast of St Francis Xavier*

*Advent Season: First Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:15-20*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 117:1bc, 2*

*St Francis, the Patron of Mission*

*1) Goa and St Francis*

The Name of St Francis is identified with Goa and the Christian Mission 

The Mission of Jesus started by St Francis, in Goa has become today a big tree, which is bearing witness to Jesus 

Today St Francis has been regarded as the solider of faith

*2) St Francis, The Patron of the mission*

St Francis is  considered as the patron of the Mission 

This is because if his zeal for the mission and also the spread of the Gospel in Gos and in India

It is because of His mission that faith is very alive and vibrant in our country

*3) St Francis and His body*

Today it is a miracle that His body still remains amidst us as a proof for his mission for the Lord 

It is a great miracle that His body still remains with us as a great witness for Christ

One more hand is preserved in Italy, which also shows the great miracle of his life 

*4) Exposition of the Body*

These days we are witnessing the exposition of the Body of St Francis in Goa

Once in Ten years, facility is made to view the body of this great saint 

This becomes a great spiritual experience to review our faith and to become strong in our mission  

This event itself is a great occasion to spread the Gospel of Jesus to the entire World 

*5) Jesus' Command to spread the Gospel*

Jesus gave his disciples to spread the Gospel at all times and to all creatures

Like St Francis all of us are called, to spread the Gospel through our mission

We need to take responsibility to spread the Gospel. This is our mission and this is the goal of our life 

*6) My life as missionary*

All of are missionaries in our life 

St Francis is a great model for us to spread the Gospel

Am I ready to follow the values of St Francis? 

How can I continue the mission of the Lord?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus' Willingness to help. What about me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season: First Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:5-11*

*First Reading : Is 4:2-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9*

*Jesus' Willingness to help. What about me?*

*1) Centurions appeal*

In the Gospel of the day we see a centurion approaching Jesus with an appeal, to help his paralyzed servant

This is what he said *“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.*

At ones Jesus realised the genuine need of helping the person. So Jesus immediately agrees to help the person

*2)  “I will come and cure him.”*

These are very powerful words 

These are very positive words 

These words really do change the mood of the situation 

These words show the nature of the person 

These words also show the personality of the person who is ready to show 

These few words really speak about a lot about the person 

That's why these are very powerful words 

*3) No other Questions*

When the centurion asked for help, Jesus didn't ask any questions to him 

Neither he made any enquiry to find out his need. 

He simply understood his genuine need of Help and helped him immediately

*4) Our Response in some one's need*

We too face the situations where some one asks help from us in their need. The possible reactions are as follows 

+Immediately helping the needy 

+Showing indifferent attitude

+Shouting at them mercilessly

+Insultiu them for asking the help 

+Asking unnecessary questions to make them feel threatened

+Ignoring the person who asks the help 

Apart from this there may be other reactions as well

*5) Positive effects of immediate positive response*

It cures the sickness in certain way 

It increases the faith and confidence of the person 

It helps the person to accept the situation as it is 

Psychologically it heals the person 

*6) “I will come and cure him.”*

How will I answer this?

I would have come, but now I am busy

I would have helped you, but today it is not possible

I would have helped you, but  my health is not okie today 

I would have helped you, but   I have my prior commitments

I would have helped you, but  today I am held up in the office 

I would have helped you, but  today I can't take holiday

*So will you help or not in some ones need?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Advent, A beautiful and meaningful beginning

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season: First Week : First Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:25-28, 34-36*

*First Reading : Jer 33:14-16*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14*

*Second Reading : 1 Thes 3:12-4:2*

*Advent, A beautiful and meaningful beginning*

*1) New Liturgical Year*

We do celebrate the beginning of New Year on January 1st. 

Apart from this, each culture, tradition and religion follows their  own understanding of the New Year 

As Christians we do follow a special year and calendar, when it comes to our liturgical and faith celebration

With the first Sunday of Advent we begin a new Liturgical year

*2) Begin with Christ*

Many people have different things to begin the New Year 

We, Christians begin the New Liturgical year With Jesus, especially waiting for His Coming 

So Advent means *Arrival* or *Coming*

So we are looking forward the arrival of Jesus 

Accordingly we need to prepare for the arrival of Jesus 

*3) Arrival of Jesus : Pay attention to these things*

*A) Be Aware of the drowsiness of the Heart*

The Gospel of the day speaks about this in a most alarming way

*Drowsiness of heart from carousing*

Carousing means the activity of drinking alcohol and enjoying oneself with others in a noisy, lively way

In other words it means involving in self indulgence

*Drowsiness of heart from drunkenness*

Ephesians 5:18 says drunkenness leads to debauchery

Debauchery means excessive indulgence in sex, alcohol, or drugs, which ruins ones life 

 *Drowsiness of heart from the anxieties of daily life*

Too much anxieties of takes a person away from God. Worries do not allow the person to deepen his/her faith in God 

Too many anxieties also a sign that a person do not believe in the greatness and power of God.

Such an attitude do not allow us to grow in faith 

*B) Being vigilant is very important*

Why we need to be vigilant? Various reasons are given

*Coming of Jesus* This is certain. But we do not know when it will be. So we need to be vigilant

*Day is like a trap* One can't play with the trap. If one is careful one can save from trap. The coming of Jesus is like a trap. So we need to be vigilant

*Day will assault everyone* In a positive way assult means a crucial test to pass from one stage to the another

Negatively it is a scary, frightening, devastating things, which makes a person to lose all faith and confidence 

*C) The Need of Prayer*

This is the most important aspect of preparation for the coming of Jesus 

All the challenging things which are mentioned above can be faced successfully only with the power of prayer

Prayer is the best tool to prepare ourselves for the arrival of Jesus 

*D) Stand Erect with Raised Heads*

This is the clear sign one can depict for the arrival of Jesus 

One who prepares well for the coming of Jesus, has the great strength to stand erect with raised heads 

Standing erect with raised heads is the sign of courage

It is a sign of confidence

It is a sign of genuine and true preparation

It is a sign of remaining faithful to Jesus 

It is a sign of ones commitment to Jesus  

Am I able to stand erect with raised head??

*4) Coming of Jesus and Preparation*

December is a month of celebration 

We talk about Christmas and  other important things related things, like crib, stars, carols, singing and music 

What about the internal preparation?

The coimg  of Jesus and the arrival of Advent focuses more on the spiritual preparation for the arrival of Jesus

Which are the area I would like to prepare myself for the coming of Jesus? 

Material or mundane preparation? 

Or Spiritual preparation?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Lessons from St Andrew's Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season: Thirty fourth Week : Saturday*

*Feast of St Andrew*

*Gospel : Mt 4:18-22*

*First Reading : Rom 10:9-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11*

*Lessons from St Andrew's Life*

*1) Call of St Andrew*

Among the Twelve disciples Andrew is one 

In the list of Apostles, Andrew's name comes at the Second Place 

After Peter it was Andrew whom Jesus called to become his disciples. 

This shows the importance and special place of Andrew among the disciples

*2) Andrew the man who brings others to Jesus*

*A)Andrews Brings His Brother to Meet Jesus*

In the Gospel of John we find that Andrew brings Peter and introduces him to Jesus

*The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.* John 1:41-42

*B) Andrew brings the Boy*

In the miracle of multiplication of the loaves, Andrew becomes the Hero in bringing the boy to Jesus 

This boy had 5 loaves and two fish, which he generously gave to Jesus, from which Jesus fed 5000 people. It was a great miracle, and Andrew also played a major role in it. 

*C) Andrew Brings Inquiring Greeks*

On another occasion, a group of inquisitive Greeks sought an audience with Jesus (John 12:20-26).

Unsure of what to do, Philip told Andrew, who swiftly told Jesus.

*John MacArthur* says “Andrew was not confused when someone wanted to see Jesus. He simply brought them to Him. He understood that Jesus would want to meet anyone who wanted to meet him.”

*3) Andrew the man who helps to find Jesus*

From the above three incidents it is very clear that Andrew is the apostle who helps anyone who wants to meet Jesus

His intercession in meeting Jesus is true, fruitful and genuine

Like St Andrew, we need to become the instruments of the Lord, who can help others to find Jesus in their life 

*4) Andrew sees an opportunity*

In the feeding of the 5000, all others saw a massive crowd, who can't be helped with limited resources

But Andrew sees this as an opportunity for a miracle with the Master

Here we have to learn that nothing is impossible, when we trust in the Lord and ready to take help from others. 

*5) Simplicity of St Andrew*

Like St Peter and St Paul, St Andrew may not be a very popular man 

He might not have preached the Gospel to the big crowds like Peter and Paul 

There are not many stories to speak about St Andrew

But in serving without seeking recognition, leading individuals (not crowds) to Christ, and allowing God to use His gifts as He pleased, Andrew demonstrated humility, compassion, and confidence in Christ. 

Such a faithfulness and Humility is very much needed today from the disciples of Jesus 

*6) The Name Andrew*

Andrew means *manly, strong and brave*

He was trurly manly, strong and brave in following Jesus, in proclaiming his message, in witnessing Jesus and in facing Martyrdom for Jesus 

Like Andrew, today we need to be brave, Strong, and should be filled with human qualities to witness Jesus and to spread his message. 

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*

Significance of Summer in the Bible

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty fourth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:29-33*

*First Reading : Rv 20:1-4, 11—21:2*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a*

*Significance of Summer in the Bible*

*1) Summer in the Gospel*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the concept of Sumner 

Summer and the fig tree are mentioned in today's Gospel. They have special significance to our life as we are at the end of liturgical year 

*2) Season of Growth*

The natural world flourishes in summer, 

Both Luke and Mark use the imagery of the fig tree budding to indicate the arrival of summer.

This metaphor teaches discernment and awareness of spiritual seasons. Just as observing the natural world alerts us to changes in the season, recognizing spiritual signs is crucial for preparedness and vigilance in faith.

*3) Season of Growth and Harvest*

Summer is often associated with growth and harvest in agricultural societies, and the Bible frequently uses this imagery. 

For example, in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23), the seeds that fell on fertile soil produced a harvest, symbolizing the fruitful response to God's Word.

Summer, in this sense, represents a time of spiritual growth and productivity.

*4) Symbol of Judgment*

The Bible also uses summer as a symbol of impending judgment. 

For instance, in Jeremiah 8:20, it says, “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.”

Here, the passing of summer signifies the end of a season of opportunity, urging people to be vigilant and make the most of their time in relation to God’s plans.

*5) Summer is a season fruitful harvests*

summer as a period of agricultural abundance. 

The imagery of rain and seasons of growth symbolizes divine generosity, nourishment, and the joy derived from God’s blessings

So this season brings about the blessing of God in abundance. So we need to make use of this season 

*6) Summer and Spiritual life*

The concept of summer has a very direct link to our spiritual life 

Summer season normally witnesses the changes. This changes is seen in the life of fig tree 

Fig tree changes itself to produce better fruit.

This imagery, has a direct lesson to our life 

The arrival of the summer and the change in the fig tree tells us that the season of arrival of the Messiah is at hand and we need to change our life to produce better fruit 

So the Sumner season and the life of fig tree gives us a great lesson 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Glorious coming of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty fourth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:20-28*

*First Reading : Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11*

*The Glorious coming of Jesus*

*1) End of Liturgical Year and End Times*

We are towards the end of Liturgical Year. 

So the Liturgical message is about end times and coming of Jesus 

The Gospel also speaks about the ultimate mission of Jesus, that is the Second Coming of Jesus and the events related to the Second Coming of Jesus 

*2) Preparation for Jesus' Second Coming*

All the things which are mentioned in the Gospel in a way should be seen as the preparation for Jesus' coming 

The various things which are mentioned in today's Gospel are the Following 

*A) The Nature*

The nature responds to the second coming of Jesus 

This shows that Jesus is the King of the universe, and the nature prepares itself for the coming of Jesus 

*“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,*

*The powers of the heavens will be shaken*

*The roaring of the sea and the waves*

This is how the nature  responds to the coming of Jesus 

*B) Renovation of the Temple*

The Gospel speaks about the destruction of the Temple by the enemies. 

The destruction also indicates the reconstruction of the temple. 

More than the temple which indicates the building, constructed with the material things, we need to think about our own life/body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit

So destruction of the evil things in our life and reconstruction of the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is our body, with New Things, is necessary

This is another level of preparation for the second Coming of Jesus

*C) Flight and Escaping*

The Gospel also speaks about the flight and escape to a safer place 

From the spiritual perspective, we can see this flight in the context of evil things  

We need to flee from the evil things and escape to a safer place

This is another level of preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus 

*D) Stand erect with Raised Heads*

This is the ultimate preparation for the coming of Jesus 

To stand erect one needs courage. To face all the above mentioned changes one needs tremendous courage 

Stranding erect indicates that one has achieved something. 

Raised head also indicates that one has achieved something great

So standing erect with raised head is the ultimate and complete preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus 

*3) Second Coming of Jesus*

This is the reality as it is indicated in today's Gospel by Jesus himself 

The Second Coming is the reality. But when and under which circumstances is not clear. That is a suspense. 

So we need to be ready at all the times in our life 

*4) My Preparations for Jesus' Coming*

Coming of Jesus is sure. If so, what is my preparation? 

The entire universe and the nature prepares itself for the Second Coming of Jesus. If so, what is my preparation? 

Is my everyday life a preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus?

What else can I do to prepare myself for the Second Coming of Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*