The Danger of Salt losing its taste

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventh Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:41-50*

*First Reading : Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Sir 5:1-8*

*The Danger of Salt losing its taste*

*1) The taste of the Salt*

In its pure form, salt (sodium chloride) does not lose its taste because it is a stable compound. 

However, in Jesus' time, salt was often derived from sources like the Dead Sea and contained impurities. 

If exposed to moisture or mixed with other substances, the true salt could dissolve, leaving behind a tasteless, useless residue.

*2) The Purpose of Salt*

Salt has two key properties:

*Preservation* – It prevents decay of the thungs. In ancient times salt was used as one of the main sources to preserve the things 

*Flavor* – It enhances taste, when it is added in the right quantity to any of the item, which we consume. Without salt, the taste of the things will taste in a different way 

*3) Spiritual Meaning of "Salt Losing Its Taste"*

Even though pure salt does not lose its saltiness, Jesus used this metaphor to illustrate a spiritual truth

Just as impure salt becomes ineffective, so can a disciple who loses their distinctiveness and zeal become useless 

*Compromise with the World* – If Christians conform to sin and neglect holiness, they lose their spiritual influence (Romans 12:2).

*Spiritual Apathy* – When faith becomes routine or lukewarm, it loses its transformative power (Revelation 3:16).

*Neglect of Prayer and the Word* – If we disconnect from Christ, our spiritual *flavor* fades

*4) Salt as a Symbol of Discipleship*

Jesus calls His disciples *the salt of the earth* meaning they are meant to preserve goodness, spread wisdom, and reflect God’s righteousness in the world.

If they lose their *flavor*, it means the  zeal, faithfulness and holiness, they become ineffective in their mission.

An ineffective disciple is just like a useless salt, meant only to be thrown out 

*5) Restoring Our Flavor: Returning to Christ*

If we feel we have *lost our saltiness,* we should return to God in humility, for His grace restores and strengthens us.

We must continually renew our faith through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments to avoid becoming spiritually *insipid*

The Holy Spirit empowers us to shine brightly again (Acts 1:8).

Salt is meant to be used, not stored away. Faith must be active—through service, evangelism, and love (Matthew 5:16).

Share your faith, serve the needy, and stand firm in truth.

If you feel like you've lost your saltiness, it is not too late. Jesus is ready to restore and renew you. Take steps today to return to Him, and He will revive your spiritual effectiveness.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Dangers of Divisive Mentality

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventh Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:38-40*

*First Reading : Sir 4:11-19*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175*

*The Dangers of Divisive Mentality*

Divisive mindset is very dangerous. It weakens the unity among the believers and the strength of the Church of Christ. 

Therefore, Jesus warns against such an attitude in our life 

*1) Division Creates Barriers to God’s Work*

The disciples assumed that only those within their group had the authority to act in Jesus’ name. 

This exclusive mindset could have stopped a person who was genuinely doing God’s work.

In Acts 10, Peter initially resisted preaching to Gentiles, but God revealed that salvation was for all.

When we become too focused on who belongs to *our group,* we risk blocking the work of the Holy Spirit.

*2) Division Breeds Spiritual Pride*

John and the disciples may have felt a sense of exclusivity—believing that they alone had the right to minister in Jesus’ name.

However, Jesus rebuked this attitude, reminding them that God works beyond their circle.

Paul warns against boasting about human leaders in 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, saying: *Is Christ divided?*

A divisive mindset leads to spiritual pride, where people believe their way is the only right way, forgetting that all true ministry belongs to Christ.

*3) Division Weakens the Unity of the Church*

Jesus prayed for unity among His followers in John 17:20-23, showing that unity is a reflection of God’s love. 

However, when Christians become divided over denominations, traditions, or leadership, it harms the mission of the Church.

When Christians fight among themselves, they lose focus on their true mission. 

The true mission is spreading the Gospel to all

*4) Division Distracts from the Real Enemy*

A divisive mindset makes people see fellow Christians as opponents rather than allies in Christ.

But the real enemy is Satan, not other believers, who has to be defeated, through the name of Jesus and through the power of prayer 

When believers attack each other instead of working together, they weaken their collective power against the enemy.

*5) Division Can Lead to Hypocrisy*

A judgmental attitude often blinds people to their own faults while focusing on the perceived shortcomings of others.

Matthew 7:1-5 warns against judging others without first examining ourselves.

A divisive spirit can cause people to elevate their own righteousness while condemning others unfairly.

*6) Personal Application*

*Seek unity, not division*—Encourage cooperation among believers rather than focusing on differences.

*Be humble*—Remember that God’s work is greater than any one person or group.

*Focus on the mission*—Spreading the Gospel is more important than proving who is right.

A divisive tendency leads to spiritual pride, weakens the Church, and distracts from God’s mission. 

Jesus teaches that whoever is not against Him is for Him, urging us to support and encourage all who serve Him faithfully.

*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 Jesus : “What were you arguing about on the way?”

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventh Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:30-37*

*First Reading : Sir 2:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40*

*The Question of Jesus : “What were you arguing about on the way?”*

*1) Jesus Knows Our Hearts*

Even though Jesus asked the question, He already knew what they were discussing. 

The disciples remained silent because they were ashamed. 

This shows that Jesus is aware of our thoughts, motives, and hidden desires .

Through this question Jesus invites them to reflect on their priorities.

*2) The Danger of Worldly Ambition*

The disciples were still thinking in human terms—seeking personal status and recognition. 

This is a common temptation, even among believers. 

But Jesus reminds them and also to us, that the pursuit of self-glory is contrary to the values of God's kingdom. 

Instead of seeking power, we are called to humility and service.

*3) A Lesson in Self-Examination*

Jesus' question invites for self-reflection:

What are we striving for in life?

Do we seek personal success or the glory of God?

Are our conversations and ambitions centered on God’s will or on self-promotion?

St. Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3-4: *Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves*

*4) The Call to True Discipleship*

Jesus' question forces the disciples to confront their pride. 

Instead of avoiding such moments, we should allow God’s Word to shape our hearts. 

True discipleship means letting go of competition, pride, and comparison, and instead embracing a spirit of humble service.

*5) Application for Today*

Do we argue over status, recognition, or who is more important?

Are we truly seeking God's glory or just our own?

How can we shift from self-centered thinking to Christ-centered service?

Jesus' question challenges us to examine our hearts and seek true greatness through humility and love.

Instead of competing for earthly recognition, we should follow Jesus' example of selfless service.

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*

The inability of the Disciples to cast out the Unclean Spirit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventh Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:14-29*

*First Reading : Sir 1:1-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5*

*The inability of the Disciples to cast out the Unclean Spirit*

*1)  The Power to Cast out demons*

In Mark 6:7 we have the incident of Jesus sending His disciples for mission 

While sending them He gave them authority to drive out the devil and unclean spirit 

In fact when they went out they worked in the name of Jesus, they were able to heal the people and also were successful in driving out the demons

*2) The inability of the Disciples to cast out the Unclean Spirit*

In the Markan Gospel 9:14 on words we have beautiful passage which speaks about the boy who was possessed by Unclean Spirit

The Boy was brought to the disciples. But they were not able to cast out demons. Finally Jesus drove the unclean from the Boy and the was given a chance to follow Jesus 

*3) This kind of Unclean Spirit*

The phrase *This kind can only come out through prayer* comes from Mark 9:29. 

It is Jesus’ response to His disciples after they failed to cast out a demon from a boy suffering from seizures.

The disciples, who had previously been given authority to cast out demons (Mark 6:7), were perplexed as to why they were unsuccessful this time.

*4) What Does "This Kind" Mean?*

In context, *this kind* refers to a particularly strong or stubborn type of unclean spirit. 

Not all spiritual battles are the same; some require a deeper level of dependence on God. 

The disciples may have assumed they could cast out the demon as they had done before, but this encounter revealed a need for greater faith, spiritual discipline, and reliance on God.

*5) Why Was Prayer Necessary?*

*Dependence on God:* Jesus implies that spiritual authority is not automatic; it requires an ongoing relationship with God.

Prayer aligns the heart with God’s power rather than human ability.

*Faith and Spiritual Sensitivity:* 

Jesus earlier rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith (Mark 9:19). Prayer cultivates faith, humility, and a greater awareness of God’s presence.

*Persistence in Spiritual Warfare:* 

Some demonic influences are deeply rooted, requiring persistent, focused intercession rather than casual or routine faith.

*6) Highlight of this Passage*

This passage teaches us that spiritual victories require a life of prayer and dependence on God, not mere formulas or past experiences. 

The Church Fathers often linked this kind of prayer to fasting, which further strengthens reliance on God by denying the flesh.

With Prayer and Fasting everything is possible

*7) Personal Application*

Are there strongholds in our lives—temptations, habits, or challenges—that seem unshakable?

Do we approach spiritual struggles with casual faith, or do we seek God deeply in prayer?

Do we depend on past victories, or do we cultivate a fresh reliance on God daily?

Jesus’ words call us to a deeper spiritual life, where *prayer is not an option but a necessity* for overcoming the most difficult challenges.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Stop Judging, Why?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventh Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:27-38*

*First Reading :1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 15:45-49*

*Stop Judging, Why?*

The call to stop judging others is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing humility, mercy, and self-awareness.

Let's try to understand some reasons behind this truth

*1) Jesus' Direct Command*

In Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus says *Do not judge*

Jesus warns against judgment because it invites God's scrutiny upon ourselves. 

Instead of focusing on others' faults, He urges self-examination to see our own weakn

Jesus says removing the *plank* from our own eye before noticing the *speck* in another's eye is very important 

*2) God is the Only Just Judge*

 In, James 4:12 we read *There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?*

This verse reminds us that ultimate judgment belongs to God. 

Human judgment is often flawed by bias and limited understanding, whereas God sees the heart.

*3) Court Takes years to Pass a judgement on something*

When some case is filed in the court, it follows a particular procedure

The court will enquire with many witnesses to find out the truth about the reality 

It will try to examine all the possibilities to know the real truth of the issue, before it passes the judgment

Some time this process may take years together and finally it will give some judgement

If court takes such a long procedure, to pass a judgement, how can we solely pass judgment on someone within no time 

So there is always a problem in knowing reality. So how can we pronounce judgment on some one or something

*4) The Danger of Hypocrisy*

In Romans 2:1-3 Paul says 

*You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things*

Paul warns that judging others while committing similar sins makes us guilty before God. 

Instead of condemning, we should lead with humility and repentance.

*5) Mercy Over Judgment*

James in 2:13 says, A judgmental spirit lacks mercy, while God calls us to be people of compassion, knowing that we too depend on His grace.

Judging makes us go away from the mercy of God 

*6)  The Example of Christ*

In John 8:3-11 we see when the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, expecting Him to judge her harshly, He instead said:

*Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her* (John 8:7)

Jesus did not condone sin but showed mercy, redirecting the focus toward personal repentance rather than condemnation.

Judging others does not change anything in life. But judging one self will help a person to change his/her life completely

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Feast of the Chair of St Peter the Apostle

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Sixth  Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:13-19*

*First Reading :1 Pt 5:1-4*

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

*Feast of the Chair of St Peter the Apostle*

The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle is a commemoration of the authority and mission given by Christ to Peter as the leader of the Church. 

The word *chair* (Latin: cathedra) symbolizes Peter’s role as a teacher and shepherd, which continues through the office of the pope as his successor.

*1) Chair is a Symbol of Teaching Authority*

The term *chair* (Latin: cathedra) signifies a bishop’s seat of authority, from which he teaches and leads the faithful. 

St. Peter’s chair represents the teaching authority given to him by Christ, which continues through the papacy.

In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus tells Peter: *“You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”*

This passage establishes Peter’s leadership and the permanence of the Church’s foundation.

*2) The Chair is the Sign of Unity in the Church*

The chair signifies the unity of believers under one faith.

Just as Peter was entrusted with strengthening his brethren (Luke 22:32), the papacy ensures the Church remains united in doctrine and mission.

*3) The Chair as a Sign of Leadership and Responsibility*

In meetings, the person in the chair is the one who leads discussions and ensures order.

In families, the head of the table often represents leadership and responsibility.

For Peter, the *chair* was not about power but servant leadership. 

Jesus called him not to dominate but to *feed my sheep* (John 21:15-17).

This reminds us that leadership—whether in the Church, family, or workplace—is a duty of service, not self-interest.

*4) Continuity of Apostolic Succession*

The feast celebrates the unbroken line of successors from Peter to the present pope. 

This continuity reflects Christ’s promise that His Church would endure (Matthew 28:20)

*5) The Chair as a Sign of Stability*

A chair is a place of stability—a foundation to sit upon.

Jesus chose Peter as the *rock* (Matthew 16:18) to ensure the Church would remain firm. 

A chair is not just a temporary seat—it represents permanence and stability. 

In institutions, an established chair position continues beyond any single person.

The Chair of St. Peter signifies that the Church, founded by Christ, is not based on one man’s personal abilities but on a lasting apostolic foundation.

*6) Presence of Christ*

The Chair of St. Peter is ultimately a symbol of Christ’s presence and guidance in His Church. 

As we reflect on this feast, may we deepen our faith, seek unity, and embrace our call to service.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Exchange offer for Soul : What shall a man give in return for his soul?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Sixth  Week : Friday*

*Gospel :Mk 8:34-9:1*

*First Reading : Gn 11:1-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15*

*The Exchange offer for Soul : What shall a man give in return for his soul?*

*1) The Exchange Offer*

Today we are living in a world where we hear about the exchange offers for everything 

There is a exchange offer for vehicles, smartphones, electronic gadgets and other material things as well

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Exchange offer for Soul 

How can we apply this philosophy to our life? 

*2) The World's Offers vs. The Soul’s Worth*

The world presents many *exchange offers* for our soul:

Wealth and material gain (Luke 12:16-21, the parable of the rich fool)

Power and status (Matthew 4:8-10, Satan’s temptation of Jesus)

Pleasures and temporary satisfaction (Hebrews 11:25, Moses choosing God over sinful pleasure)

These things may seem appealing, but they can never truly compensate for losing eternal life. 

Jesus warns that the soul’s value is beyond measure—nothing on earth is an equal trade

*3) The Example of Biblical Figures Who Made a Bad Exchange*

*Esau* – Sold his birthright for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34). This illustrates how some people exchange eternal blessings for momentary pleasure.

*Judas Iscariot* – Betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), trading the Savior for money, only to end in despair.

*Demas* – Left Paul’s mission because he *loved this present world* (2 Timothy 4:10), showing how love for the world can draw us away from God.

These stories warn us about the cost of trading what is eternal for what is temporary.

*4) The Incomparable Value of the Soul*

Jesus asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no material possession, wealth, or power can ever match the worth of one’s soul. 

In the broader context (Mark 8:34-38), Jesus speaks about denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and following Him.

The implication is clear: even if one gains everything in this world, losing one’s soul is the ultimate tragedy.

*5) True Redemption Is Only in Christ*

Since nothing in this world is sufficient to redeem a soul, only Christ’s sacrifice is enough. 

1 Peter 1:18-19 reminds us that we are not redeemed with silver or gold, but with *the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.*

Jesus Himself is the only ransom that can be given for our lives (Mark 10:45).

Our souls are priceless, but Christ’s blood is the only true payment for them. Rather than seeking to *buy back* our souls with worldly efforts, we must receive His gift of salvation.

*6) The Daily Choice: What Are We Exchanging?*

Every day, we make choices that either preserve our souls or put them at risk. Jesus calls us to:

Deny ourselves and follow Him (Luke 9:23)

Seek first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33)

Store treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21)

These choices determine whether we are exchanging our souls for temporary gains or securing them for eternal glory.

Are we holding onto an *exchange offer* from the world that endangers our soul?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*