The Unity in the Satan's Kingdom

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Third Week :Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:14-23*

*First Reading : Jer 7:23-28* 

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9*

*The Unity in the Satan's Kingdom*

*1) Satan's kingdom*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Satan's kingdom

The Bible describes Satan’s kingdom as a realm of rebellion against God, filled with deception, sin, and spiritual darkness. Though temporary, it actively opposes God’s purposes. 

Satan’s Kingdom is a System of Darkness

Satan is the Ruler of this Present World. 

2 Corinthians 4:4 – *The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers*

Satan’s Kingdom Opposes God’s Kingdom

*2) Satan’s Kingdom is Organized and Strategic* 

Jesus acknowledges that Satan has a structured and coordinated kingdom.

Paul affirms this in Ephesians 6:12, where he describes the demonic hierarchy: *“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”*

This shows that Satan’s kingdom operates with order, not chaos.

*3) Satan’s Unity in Opposition to God*

Though Satan’s forces may fight among themselves, they remain united in their rebellion against God.

John 8:44 describes Satan as a murderer and liar, working consistently against God’s truth.

In Revelation 12:7-9, Satan leads a rebellion in heaven, showing his ability to organize and deceive.

*4) A Kingdom Without Internal Conflict Stays Strong* 

Jesus’ words imply that if Satan were fighting against himself, his kingdom would collapse.

Since Satan’s rule persists in the world, it means his forces are working together.

*5)  The Church Must Be More United Than Satan’s Kingdom*

If even Satan’s forces remain unified, how much more should the Church stand together in Christ?

1 Corinthians 1:10: *Let there be no divisions among you... be perfectly united in mind and thought.*

Jesus prays for unity among His followers in John 17:21, because division weakens the Church.

*6) Satan’s Kingdom Will Ultimately Be Destroyed*

Though Satan’s kingdom is not divided now, it is not eternal.

Revelation 20:10: *The devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur.*

Christ has already won the victory (Colossians 2:15), and Satan’s kingdom will one day fall.

+------------------------------------+

Satan’s kingdom is not divided—it is methodical and strategic in opposing God. 

This should be a wake-up call for believers to remain united in Christ, because division weakens God’s people.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

On becoming Great

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Third Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:17-19*

*First Reading : Dt 4:1, 5-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20*

*On becoming Great*

*1) Inner War to become great*

There is a strong war which goes on in our life to become great in our life 

This is one of the Fundamental desires of human life 

People do follow difference methods and ways to become great in their life 

*2) Two places to become great*

*Worldly Greatness* Most of us try to become great here on this world 

In this process, most of the people use the worldly standards to become great 

Some people try to become great in heaven by living the Gospel standards while they live their life here on earth 

*3) Gospel on the Greatness in the Kingdom of God*

The Gospel speaks about the greatness in the kingdom of God 

To become great in the Kingdom of God one must follow the following standards 

*A) Obedience*

Jesus says *Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.*

True greatness comes from faithfully obeying God’s word and living a holy life.

Jesus fulfilled the Law, and we are called to follow His example by loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39).

*B) Humility*

Jesus says *Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.*

Humility is essential. Just as a child depends on a parent, we must depend on God with trust and simplicity.

Greatness comes from recognizing our need for God and not seeking self-glorification.

*C) Service*

Jesus says *The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.*

Jesus showed that true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking authority.

He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:14-15), teaching us to lead through humble service.

*D) Sacrifice*

Jesus says *Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all."*

This means putting God and others before ourselves, even when it requires sacrifice.

*4) Why We have to become great in Kingdom of Heaven?*

*It Is God’s Will for Us* True greatness lies in achieving the God created purpose of our life

*To Be a Light to the World* Being great in the Kingdom means reflecting God’s love, truth, and righteousness in the world.

*To Receive the Eternal Reward* Seeking greatness in God’s Kingdom leads to heavenly rewards—eternal joy in God’s presence.

*To Glorify God Through Our Lives* When we live according to God’s ways, we show His goodness to the world.

*5) Worldly Greatness vs Heavenly Greatness*

Worldly greatness is based on power, status, and wealth

Heavenly Grestnes is based on humility, obedience, and love (Matthew 23:11-12)

Worldy greatness Seeks self-glory and personal success

Heavenly greatness Seeks to glorify God and serve others (1 Corinthians 10:31)

*WG* is Temporary and fades with time

*HG* is Eternal and rewarded by God (Matthew 25:21)

*WG* is Achieved by competition and self-promotion

*HG* Achieved by serving others with humility (Mark 10:43-45)

*WG* Focuses on being served

*HG* Focuses on serving others like Jesus (John 13:14-15)

*WG* Can lead to pride and selfishness

*HG* Leads to holiness and closeness to God

Jesus Himself is the perfect model of this greatness. By following Him, we grow in true greatness before God.

*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 Mary's YES

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Third Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:26-38*

*First Reading : Is 7:10-14; 8:10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11*

*The Annunciation of the Lord : Feast*

*The Speciality of Mary's YES*

Mary’s *Yes*, her fiat, is one of the most profound moments in salvation history. 

It is unique because of its total openness to God’s will, its implications for the Incarnation, and its model for Christian discipleship. 

*1) A Yes of Total Surrender* 

Unlike Zechariah (Luke 1:18-20), who questioned the angel’s message with doubt, Mary responds with faith and trust.

Her response echoes the obedience of great biblical figures like Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4) but goes beyond by accepting the role of Mother of God

*2)  A Yes that Reverses Eve’s No* 

The Church Fathers often contrast Eve’s disobedience with Mary’s obedience.

Just as Eve’s *No* led to sin, Mary’s *Yes* opens the way for Christ, the New Adam

*3) A Yes of New Beginning*

Mary's Yes, results in new Beginning in the Human History 

The Entire Human History gets divided as Before Christ and After Christ. 

This can also be called as Before the *Yes* of Mary and after the *Yes* of Mary 

*4) A Yes which brings down the Heaven*

Mary's *Yes* had tremendous power 

Her *Yes* had the power to bring down the heaven into this Earth 

With Her *Yes* the saviour came down resulting the Heavenly experience here on Earth 

*5)  A Yes that Invites the Holy Spirit*

Mary's acceptance allows the Holy Spirit to overshadow her, making her a living temple of God.

This moment prefigures how the Holy Spirit works in all believers who surrender to God’s will (Acts 1:8).

*6) A Yes that Brings Salvation to the World*

Through Mary's cooperation, the Word became flesh, fulfilling God’s plan for redemption.

Without her willing consent, God's plan would not have unfolded in this way.

*7) A Yes which conceived the Cross*

Mary's *Yes* had the Cross in it 

Even though Mary did not understand, the consequences of Yes, trusting in the providence of she said *Yes* to the Lord

Her *Yes* had manger of Bethlehem, and Mount Calvary with Cross

How about my *Yes* to the Lord?

*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 Widow in Zarephath

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Third Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 4:24-30*

*First Reading : Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4*

*Responsorial Psalm : 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab*

*The Speciality of Widow in Zarephath*

*1) Widow in Zarephath*

The widow of Zarephath is a powerful biblical figure whose story in 1 Kings 17:8-16 and 1 Kings 17:17-24 reveals deep spiritual lessons. 

Her uniqueness lies in her faith, obedience, and divine encounter, which teach us about God’s providence and spiritual transformation.

*2) A Symbol of Trust Amidst Hopelessness*

The widow was preparing to die with her son due to famine, yet she obeyed Elijah’s request to first serve him food. 

Despite her last meal being at stake, she trusted in the promise of God's provision.

True faith is tested in times of crisis.

God often asks for a step of faith before He releases His blessings.

Like the widow, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and trust Him for our needs.

*3) Obedience Opens the Door to Miracles*

Even though she was a Gentile, she listened to the prophet of Israel. 

Her obedience led to a miracle—her flour and oil never ran out during the famine.

Miracles are often preceded by acts of obedience and surrender.

God honors even the smallest act of faithfulness.

The widow reminds us that obedience to God's word sustains us spiritually just as food sustains the body.

*4) A Model of Hospitality and Selflessness*

Despite the scarcity, she was willing to give before receiving. 

She shared her last meal with Elijah, showing generosity even in her poverty.

God blesses a giving heart (Luke 6:38).

Hospitality is not about abundance but about willingness.

Jesus Himself highlighted her story in Luke 4:25-26, showing that God's blessings extend beyond Israel to those who trust Him.

*5) God’s Power Over Death and Transformation of Faith*

Later, when her son died, she initially doubted.

However, through Elijah’s intercession, her son was restored to life, leading her to confess: “Now I know that you are a man of God” (1 Kings 17:24).

Trials refine and deepen our faith.

God is not just a provider of physical needs but also a restorer of life.

This foreshadows Christ’s resurrection power and the ultimate victory over death.

*6) Lessons from the Widow of Zarephath*

A) Faith grows strongest in scarcity.

B) Obedience leads to divine provision.

C) A generous heart attracts God's blessings.

4) God’s power is greater than death itself.

Her story is a powerful example of how God can take the weakest, the least expected, and the most desperate and turn their situation into a testimony of His divine power and love.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Lesson from two great incidents : Pilate killing the Galileans and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Third Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:1-9*

*First Reading : Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12*

*Lesson from two great incidents : Pilate killing the Galileans and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam*

*1) Pilate killing the Galileans* (Luke 13:1-3)

The cause is Human evil. In the context of  political violence, Pilot killed them 

*Political Rebellion*: The Galileans were known for their zealotry and opposition to Roman rule. Pilate may have viewed them as rebels.

*Temple Disturbance*: They were likely in Jerusalem for sacrifice, and Pilate may have seen them as a threat, possibly suppressing a protest.

*People's assumption*: They must have been great sinners, so God allowed them to suffer.

Jesus says, they were not worse sinners; instead, everyone needs repentance

*2) Tower of Siloam collapsing* (Luke 13:4-5)

This is a Accident/natural disaster. This was unforeseen and Unexpected incident

The Tower of Siloam, possibly part of Jerusalem’s defenses or near the Pool of Siloam, collapsed and killed 18 people.

Unlike Pilate’s violent act against the Galileans (Luke 13:1-3), this was an accident rather than an act of oppression

*People's assumption*: They must have been guilty, so God punished them.

*Jesus says* They were not guilty. But it shows that  life is uncertain, and everyone must be ready through repentance.

*3) The Problem of Evil vs. The Problem of Tragedy*

The Galileans were victims of human cruelty—a direct act of political violence.

The people of Siloam died due to an unexpected accident, which seems random.

Whether death comes by oppression or accident, the real issue is our spiritual state before God.

*4) Rejecting the “Punishment for Sin” Mindset*

The common belief was that those who suffered must have been worse sinners.

Jesus rejects this thinking—suffering is not always a direct punishment for sin (see also Job 1-2, John 9:1-3).

Instead of blaming victims, focus on your own repentance

*5) The Urgency of Repentance*

Both events teach that death is unpredictable—it can come from human actions or random accidents.

But in both cases, Jesus emphasized personal repentance over speculation.

Instead of asking *Why did they die?*, we should ask *Am I ready to meet God?*

*6) God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility*

While God is in control, accidents happen due to natural causes, human error, or unknown reasons.

Rather than blaming victims, Jesus urges people to take responsibility for their own souls through repentance and faith.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Elder son in the Parable of Prodigal Son

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Second Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 15:1-3, 11-32*

*First Reading : Mi 7:14-15, 18-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12*

*The Elder son in the Parable of Prodigal Son*

The elder son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) has several shortcomings that reveal a heart hardened by self-righteousness, resentment, and a misunderstanding of grace.

Here are some key weaknesses

*1) Self-Righteousness and Pride*

The elder son believes his long years of service make him more deserving of his father’s favor than his wayward brother. 

He says, *Look, all these years I have been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders* (Luke 15:29).

He sees himself as righteous by works, not by grace.

He feels entitled to rewards for his obedience.

Faithfulness is important, but when it leads to pride, it blinds us to God’s grace.

True righteousness comes from a heart of love, not duty alone.

*2) Resentment and Unforgiveness*

Instead of rejoicing over his brother’s return, he reacts with anger and bitterness:

He refuses to enter the celebration (Luke 15:28).

He disowns his brother, referring to him as *this son of yours* (Luke 15:30). But he never says *my bother*

A lack of forgiveness can keep us from enjoying God’s blessings. 

If we are unwilling to forgive, we may miss out on the joy of restored relationships.

*3) Jealousy and Comparison*

The elder son complains that he never received a young goat to celebrate with his friends, while his father throws a feast for the younger son (Luke 15:29–30). 

He compares what he received to what his brother received, leading to jealousy.

He feels only he is entitled to receive but not his bother 

When we compare ourselves to others, we lose sight of what God has already given us. 

Instead of resenting God’s generosity to others, we should trust in His perfect love for us.

*4) Failure to Recognize His Sonship*

The father gently reminds him, *Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours* (Luke 15:31). 

The elder son had been in the father’s house all along, but he lived as if he were just a servant.

Our greatest blessing is not just the rewards of obedience but the intimacy of being with the Father. 

If we see ourselves as mere servants rather than beloved children, we miss the joy of God’s presence.

*5) An Unresolved Ending*

Unlike the younger son, who repents and is restored, the elder son’s story ends without resolution.

We never see if he enters the feast or remains outside in his bitterness.

The parable leaves us with a question: Will we embrace grace, or will we cling to self-righteousness? The choice is ours.

If so, what is my choice?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Leasing of the Vineyard

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Second Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 21:33-43, 45-46*

*First Reading :Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21*

*The Leasing of the Vineyard*

*1) The Leasing of the Vineyard*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the leasing of the Vineyard

This concept presupposes a landowner and a Tennant

It is the landowner who leases the vineyard to the Tennant

*2) The position of the Vineyard*

The vineyard really belong to the owner 

It is given to the Tennant for a period of time to take care, to use and to take best fruit out of it 

This is the important point to remember and to practice in our life 

*3) Leased Vineyard is not a permanent property*

Leased property never belongs to the Tennants. 

It always belongs to the owner 

Even if one uses for many years it does not belong to the Tennant

*4) Life as Leased vineyard*

Our life is just like a leased vineyard

The original owner of our life is God. One has to be a faithful servant of God 

We are not the original owner of our life 

We are given a opportunity to take care of our life, to use it and to take best fruit out of it 

*5) The submission of the produce to the owner*

The Gospel also makes it clear that, the owner sends his servants to collect the produce from the vineyard

The servants of the vineyard, fail to submit the produce 

As a result the owner punishes the unfaithful servants 

Even in our life we are expected to  submit the produce of our life 

The failure of this task would result in serious consequences 

*6) My life as Leased Vineyard*

Our life is a leased vineyard.

God is the owner of our life 

How far I am faithful servant of God?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*