The Spiritual Lessons from the Cushion

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 4:35-41*

*First Reading :Heb 11:1-2, 8-19*

*Responsorial Psalm : Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75*

*The Spiritual Lessons from the Cushion*

*1) Jesus Sleeping on the Cushion*

Jesus is asleep on a cushion in the midst of a violent storm. 

First of all cushion gives us some comfort and we are able to sleep well 

Some can't sleep without cushion. 

With the cushion people are able to sleep even in the misdt of noise or other disturbances 

This image gives us a powerful meaning for our daily life 

In the Spiritual realm this image symbolizes deep trust in God. While the disciples are in panic, Jesus taking rest, shows us that in life’s storms, we too need a “cushion” of faith, trust, and God’s promises.

*2) The Cushion of Jesus' Presence*

Jesus’ sleep was not a sign of neglect but of security.

Jesus is Our *cushion* in tribulation

We need to feel the  unshakable presence of Christ, who never leaves us alone 

*3) The Cushion of Faith and Trust*

Jesus’ sleep shows absolute trust in the Father.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to *Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.*

In trials, our cushion should be a faith so strong that, like Jesus, we can find peace even in life’s storms.

*4) The Cushion of Hope in Christ*

Jesus was not worried about the storm because He knew the outcome.

Likewise, our ultimate cushion is the hope we have in Christ. 

Romans 8:28 assures us, *And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.*

No storm is greater than God’s plan.

*5) A Symbol of Divine Peace*

While the disciples are in turmoil, Jesus rests peacefully. 

His use of a cushion symbolizes not just comfort but a deep, unwavering trust in the Father. 

His peace is not dependent on circumstances but on divine security, reflecting the promise of Psalm 127:2: *He gives to His beloved sleep.*

*6) Various beautiful cushions for our daily life*

The cushion of humility

The cushion of sacrifice

The cushion of love 

The cushion of service

The cushion of simplicity

The cushion of generosity

The cushion of sincerity

The cushion of truthfulness

The cushion of prayer 

All those who rest on these cushions will be able to have sound sleep without being affected with the disturbances which are around 

Am I able to sleep comfortably on the cushion?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Power of the Small Things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Friday*

*Gospel :Mk 4:26-34*

*First Reading : Heb 10:32-39*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40*

*The Power of the Small Things*

The mustard seed in biblical teaching carries a profound message about the power of small things

*1) Small Beginnings Lead to Great Outcomes*

In the Parable of the mustard seed,  Jesus highlights the power and potentiality of the mustard seed

Despite being the smallest of all seeds, the mustard seed grows into a large tree. 

This illustrates that great things often begin from humble or seemingly insignificant beginnings.

The same can be said of faith—what may appear to be a tiny act of trust in God can lead to significant transformation, not only in one’s life but also in the world around us. 

The Kingdom of God, though it started with just a few disciples, spread across the world in a way that was unimaginable in its early days

*2) Faith as a Powerful Force*

The mustard seed is also used to demonstrate that even a small amount of faith can be powerful. 

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. 

This speaks to the power of faith, not in its quantity, but in its quality. 

When faith is placed in God, it can accomplish great things. The emphasis is not on the size of the faith but on the one in whom the faith is placed—God, who is infinitely powerful.

*3) The Kingdom of God in Small Acts*

The mustard seed metaphor also teaches us that the Kingdom of God grows in quiet, unassuming ways, through small acts of love, kindness, and faithfulness. 

Jesus did not come with great power or an army; He came humbly and carried out His mission with simple acts of compassion and teaching. 

Likewise, our small efforts—helping a neighbor, sharing a word of encouragement, being faithful in prayer—can have an impact that is far greater than we realize. 

The Kingdom often advances through these small, faithful actions.

*4) God's Power in Small Things*

The Bible consistently shows that God often uses small or weak things to accomplish His purposes.

For example, God chose David, a young shepherd, to defeat Goliath, the giant.

Jesus came in the form of a baby, born in a manger, to change the course of history. 

These instances reflect how God delights in working through what the world might overlook or dismiss as insignificant. 

The mustard seed teaches us that God’s power is not limited by size or appearance. Even the smallest things in His hands can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

*5) Transformation Through Patience*

A mustard seed grows slowly, over time, into something large. 

This aspect of the mustard seed invites us to reflect on the process of transformation. 

It’s not always the big, dramatic moments that bring about change, but the consistent, patient growth that happens day by day.

Similarly, our spiritual growth often happens gradually, through small moments of obedience, prayer, and learning. 

Gradually, these small acts bring about significant transformation in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

*6) Encouragement for the Ordinary*

The mustard seed also speaks to the value of the ordinary. 

We live in a world that often celebrates the large, the fast, and the extraordinary.

But Jesus’ use of the mustard seed reminds us that even the seemingly *ordinary* or *small* things in life matter deeply in God’s Kingdom. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

You become what you hear

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 4:21-25*

*First Reading : Heb 10:19-25*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6*

*You become what you hear*

*1) The Gospel on hearing*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the importance of hearing 

The Gospel also warns us about what we hear and what we understand 

Our life is shaped by what we hear and what we desire to hear 

*2) The Influence of Words*

Faith comes by hearing: *Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.* (Romans 10:17) What we listen to can increase our faith or weaken it.

Corrupt words corrupt character: *Bad company corrupts good morals* (1 Corinthians 15:33). If we surround ourselves with negative, sinful, or deceptive influences, they shape our thinking and actions.

Words have tremendous influence on our life

*3) Hearing vs. Understanding*

Jesus often spoke in parables, which required spiritual discernment. 

Some people heard His words but did not truly grasp their meaning (Matthew 13:13-15).

Hearing alone is not enough. One must listen with a heart open to God’s truth.

Many heard Jesus physically, but only those with faith truly understood His message.

*4) The Battle for the Mind*

Paul urges believers to guard their thoughts and fill their minds with what is good

*Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.* (Philippians 4:8)

What we hear repeatedly becomes what we dwell on, and what we dwell on shapes our beliefs, decisions, and identity.

*5) How to "Take Care" in Hearing*

Seek God’s truth daily through Scripture and prayer.

Avoid passivity—be intentional in filtering what you hear.

Surround yourself with godly wisdom from faithful teachers and Christian community.

Act on what you hear—true hearing leads to obedience (James 1:22).

*6) “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”* Proverbs 23:7 

This verse reveals that our inner thoughts define who we become. 

If we think with faith and righteousness, our actions will reflect that.

Our transformation begins in the mind. When we align our thoughts with God’s truth, we experience a changed life. 

A mind focused on God results in peace and security. Trusting Him shapes a stable and blessed life.

Our thoughts determine our actions, attitudes, and ultimately our destiny. 

The Bible urges us to align our thinking with God’s truth so that our lives reflect His goodness and purpose.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Satan's Quickness and Alertness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 4:1-20*

*First Reading : Heb 10:11-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4*

*The Satan's Quickness and Alertness*

*1) Satan comes at once*

While explaining the parable of the Sower, Jesus reveals to us about the quickness of the Satan in doing its work

In the Parable of the sower  Jesus answers the important question - why does the seed fails to produce the desired fruit. 

While answering this question Jesus reveals the real nature of the Satan 

*2) The quickness of the Satan*

Satan does not wait to act. The moment the Word is sown, Satan  moves to snatch it away. 

This reflects his nature as a thief: *The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy* (John 10:10). 

His goal is to prevent the Word from taking root in our hearts because it knows the  transformative power of the word 

*3) The Satan's Target*

The Enemy Targets Vulnerability

Satan is strategic. Satan concentrate on hearts that are hardened, distracted, or unprepared. 

Like a bird swooping down on exposed seeds, Satan uses the best opportunities to undermine faith before it has a chance to grow.

When the things are delayed or postponed, it may not work at all after sometime. Satan knows this logic very well. 

Therefore Satan follows the logic of quickness 

1 Peter 5:8 warns us to *be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.* 

The immediacy of his attacks shows the importance of constant vigilance in our spiritual lives.

*4) The Satan's Target*

The hearts that are hardened, either by sin, indifference, or pride becomes the soft target for Satan

Such hearts are unprepared to receive the Word, leaving them vulnerable to the enemy. 

This challenges us to examine whether we are truly open and receptive to God’s teachings.

*5) Need for Spiritual Readiness and quickness*

The phrase highlights the urgency with which believers must guard their hearts. 

Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to *put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.*

Preparing ourselves with truth, faith, and prayer makes it harder for Satan to succeed in his immediate attacks.

*6) God’s Word as Weapon against Satan*

Satan’s urgency reflects his fear of God’s Word. 

It knows that if the Word takes root, it can transform lives, defeat his schemes, and advance God’s kingdom. 

This is why believers must respond with the same urgency in receiving and holding onto the Word.

How do I use the weapon of the Word of God, in my fight against the Satan?

*7) God’s Grace in Resisting the Enemy*

While the enemy’s intention is clear, Word of God assures us that God equips us to resist him. 

James 4:7 reminds us to *resist the devil, and he will flee from you.* 

Through prayer, faith, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can guard against Satan’s attempts to steal the Word.

How vigilant I am in knowing the attacks of the Satan in my Spiritual life? 

How do I resist the plan of the Satan 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*

The Theology of the Circle

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:31-35*

*First Reading : Heb 10:1-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 40:2 and 4ab, 7-8a, 10, 11*

*The Theology of the Circle* 

*1) Jesus addresses those who were seated in the Circle*

The Gospel of the day speaks about Jesus' preaching to the Crowd 

As Jesus was preaching  the family members came to meet Jesus. When some one informed about this fact, Jesus looks on those who were seated in the circle and speaks to them 

When the Gospel specially speaks about the circle, it has special significance, theologically, spiritually and practically 

*2) Circle has no beginning and End*

circle, with no beginning or end, reflects God’s eternal nature.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord (Revelation 1:8). 

God exists outside time and space, and the circle reminds us of His unchanging and infinite nature.

We have been called to the life of this circle

*3) Circle the symbol of Unity*

The circle symbolizes unity, with no divisions or hierarchies. 

In the kingdom of God, all are brought into one family through Christ.

“There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

*4) Circle : all are important*

In the circle all are important. 

In the circle no one can be left out 

Circle binds everyone together, and makes evey one together

*5) Circle as Equality*

A circle represents equality—no one is ahead, behind, or above another. 

This mirrors the biblical truth that in Christ, all are equal: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”  (Galatians 3:28).

*6) Circle : The Visibility*

In the circle there is 100% visibility. Every one can be seen by others 

Visibility connects everyone together 

Visibility also inspires one another  

*7) The Strength of the Circle*

The strength of the circle remains on the weakest link of the Circle 

So there is a need to strengthening the weakest link in the circle

When the weakest  link becomes strong, the strength of the circle becomes more powerful

*8) Inclusivity and Fellowship*

The circle invites everyone to have a seat and be part of the fellowship. 

Jesus demonstrated this when He dined with sinners, tax collectors, and outcasts (Luke 5:29-32). 

The theology of the circle reminds us that no one is excluded from God’s love.

*9) God at the Center*

A circle’s focus is its center, symbolizing that God must be the center of our lives and communities. 

Just as a circle remains connected to its center, so too must our lives remain anchored in God.

*Do I understand the importance of Circle in my daily  life?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Understanding of the Beelzebul

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:22-30*

*First Reading : Heb 9:15, 24-28*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6*

*The Understanding of the Beelzebul*

*1) Who is Beelzebul?*

*Beelzebul* is a name associated with demonic power, often referred to as the "*prince of demons* in the Bible. 

The name itself likely derives from the Philistine god Baal-Zebub, meaning "lord of the flies" (2 Kings 1:2-3, 6). 

Gradually, Jewish tradition transformed this name into a title for a high-ranking demonic being, often equated with Satan or his emissary.

In Mark 3:22, the scribes accuse Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebul and casting out demons by his power. 

This reflects both the spiritual misconceptions of the time and the mounting opposition to Jesus' ministry.

*2) Beelzebul as a Representation of Satan’s Power*

Beelzebul symbolizes the power of Satan and his dominion over the fallen world. 

The scribes’ accusation assumes that Jesus’ authority over demons could only come from an association with the devil.

However, Jesus refutes this by pointing out the absurdity of Satan working against himself (Mark 3:23–26).

*3) The Danger of Mis-attributing God’s Power*

By attributing Jesus’ divine works to Beelzebul, the scribes commit a grave error. 

The accusation highlights how the religious leaders failed to recognize the work of God. 

Instead of seeing Jesus’ authority over evil as a sign of divine power, they attributed it to demonic influence. This reflects the danger of spiritual blindness—where preconceived notions or hardened hearts prevent people from perceiving truth.

This reflects the hardness of their hearts and their refusal to acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus warns that such resistance could lead to blasphemy against the Spirit, which has no forgiveness, resulting in eternal Sin

*4) Jesus as the Stronger One*

In His response, Jesus declares that He is capable of plundering the strong man 

The imagery of strong man is attributed to Satan

But Jesus has the power to bind the *strong man* and able tp  plunder his house.

Thus Jesus makes it very clear that  Beelzebul and all the forces of evil are subject to Christ’s authority.

This imagery demonstrates that Jesus is inaugurating God’s kingdom, by overthrowing the dominion of Satan, and setting captives free.

*5) The Battle Between Two Kingdoms*

The scribes’ accusation reflects the clash between two kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. 

Jesus’ ministry—casting out demons, healing, and preaching—demonstrates that the kingdom of God is advancing, and Satan’s rule is being overthrown.

*6) The Working of the Beelzebul*

The different forms of the  Beelzebul can effect even to  our life as well. These are the various forms 

The Pride as the Beelzebul

The jealousy as the Beelzebul

The  greed as the Beelzebul

The Revenge  as the Beelzebul

The attachments to the bodily pleasures as the Beelzebul

The addiction to drinks and drugs as the Beelzebul

The selfishness  as the Beelzebul

The  unjust ways of life  as the Beelzebul

Am I able to plunder the Works of  Beelzebul?

*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 Scroll in the Life and Mission of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21*

*First Reading : Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10*

*Responsorial Psalm :Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27*

*The importance of the Scroll in the Life and Mission of Jesus*

*1) The Scroll as the Word of God*

The scroll represents the written Word of God, which guided the Jewish people.

Jesus shows reverence for it, affirming its divine authority and role in revealing God’s will

Today being the Word of God Sunday, it highlights the importance of the Word of God in our life 

*2) Jesus Fulfills the Written Word*

By reading Isaiah 61:1-2 and declaring, *Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,* Jesus connects His life and mission to the promises and prophecies of Scripture

Every incident in the life of Jesus has connection to the Old Testament prophesies.

The scrolls of the Hebrew Scriptures preserved the covenant promises of God to His people.

In Luke 24:27, Jesus explains to His disciples how all Scripture points to Him.

Thus through the Scroll or the Word of God, Jesus shows that He is the fulfilment of the Old Testament

*3) Jesus’ Teaching Ministry Rooted in Scripture*

Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently quotes Scripture from the scrolls, emphasizing its authority 

His teaching brings clarity, depth, and life to the written Word

*4) The Scroll as a Tool for Revelation*

The scroll serves as a medium through which God reveals His truth. 

When Jesus reads from it, He reveals His identity as the Messiah and the nature of His mission.

Today also, Scripture or the Scroll remains as a great tool of God's Revelatio

Do I use this tool in my day today life 

*5) The Scroll and the Mission of the Church*

Jesus’ proclamation from the scroll of Isaiah sets the agenda for His ministry: to bring good news to the poor, liberty to captives, and sight to the blind. 

This mission continues through His Church

The scroll clearly showes the mission of the Church, and His followers and its need and necessity

*6) Jesus’ Authority and Identity*

The Scroll also, shows the real identity of Jesus

It proves that, Jesus is the Real Son of God, whose authority  is the ultimate

Jesus’ bold claim to fulfill Scripture asserts His divine authority. 

This moment divides opinion, as some marveled while others rejected Him

*7) Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy*

Jesus reads from Isaiah 61:1-2 and declares, *Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing* 

This highlights that His ministry was not an afterthought but the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.

What about my Life and the Scroll? Or the Sacred Scripture?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*