Wishes and Must in Following Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eighteenth Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:24-28*

*First Reading : Dt 4:32-40*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 77:12-13, 14-15, 16 and 21*

*Wishes and Must in Following Jesus*

*Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself*

*1) "Whoever Wishes": The Open Invitation*

Jesus’ invitation to follow Him is wide-ranging and inclusive. 

The phrase *"whoever wishes"* indicates that the call to follow Jesus is open to all. 

It’s a universal invitation to anyone who is willing to choose to follow Him, regardless of background, status, or past.

The “whoever wishes” element of following Jesus emphasizes the freedom of choice in discipleship. 

No one is excluded based on merit or personal history. Jesus calls anyone and everyone to come and follow Him.

It shows that the door to discipleship is wide open

*2) "Must": The Requirement for True Discipleship*

While Jesus' invitation to follow Him is open to everyone, the "must" represents the non-negotiable cost of true discipleship. 

To follow Jesus is not just a matter of desiring or wishing; it requires action, intentionality, and sacrifice. 

The "must" speaks to the requirements of discipleship: self-denial, sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace the cross. Jesus is clear that following Him involves a cost.

The "must" highlights the seriousness of following Jesus. 

It's not a hobby or a casual interest—it’s a lifestyle that requires radical change. 

*3) "Whoever Wishes" in the Context of God's Grace*

Jesus does not say, "Only those who are good enough can follow Me." 

Instead, He says, "Whoever wishes." This highlights the freedom of God’s grace: anyone can respond to His call. 

Salvation is available to all who choose to follow Jesus, regardless of their past, sin, or failures.

However, the "must" comes into play when we understand that true discipleship is not a shallow decision—it’s about being transformed. 

*4) The Cost of Following Jesus: A Life of Surrender*

The *"must"* also speaks to the constant act of surrender that is required in discipleship. 

It’s not a one-time decision—it’s a daily choice to surrender our will, our ambitions, and our plans in order to follow Jesus’ will. 

Jesus calls us to follow Him without conditions, without holding anything back.

The "wish" to follow Jesus must continually be transformed into the "must" of obedience, sacrifice, and commitment.

*5) The Reward of Following Jesus*

The "must" may involve sacrifice, but the reward is eternal. 

Jesus promises that the life we give up for His sake will be replaced with abundant life. 

Discipleship might be hard, but it is never without reward. 

The true joy of following Jesus comes when we give up the temporary things of this world for the eternal riches found in Him.

*6) The Call to "Wish" and "Must"*

The tension between "whoever wishes" and "must" is not just a matter of casual choice but a deep call to radical discipleship. 

The invitation is open to all, but it comes with a cost. To follow Jesus means to desire His will above all else and to must align every part of our life with His purposes. 

The journey of discipleship is marked by the freedom of choice but also the necessity of commitment. 

The true follower of Jesus does not just wish to follow but makes the daily choice to deny self, take up the cross, and live out the call of Jesus.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eighteenth Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:13-23*

*First Reading : Nm 20:1-13*

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

*Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.*

*1) Context: From Confession to Rebuke*

Just moments earlier, Peter had made a profound declaration of faith: *"You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."* (Matthew 16:16)

Jesus praises him for this insight, saying it was revealed by the Father.

But then, when Jesus starts explaining His coming suffering, death, and resurrection, Peter rebukes Jesus, saying: *"God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you."* (v. 22)

This is when Jesus responds with *"Get behind me, Satan!"*

*2) Why Such a Harsh Response?*

Jesus is not calling Peter literally Satan, but addressing the temptation in Peter’s words. 

Peter, though out of love and good intentions, tries to dissuade Jesus from the cross — the very mission Jesus came to fulfill.

Satan means *“adversary”.* In that moment, Peter unknowingly becomes an adversary to God’s plan.

Even those closest to God can unintentionally oppose His will when they follow human reasoning instead of divine purpose.

*3) You are an obstacle to me” – A Spiritual Warning*

The word “obstacle” (Greek: skandalon) means stumbling block — something that causes someone to fall.

Peter is tempting Jesus to avoid suffering — a shortcut without the cross, just like Satan did during the temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).

Jesus recognizes this as a spiritual snare, a threat to the redemptive path.

We too can become stumbling blocks to others if we:

Encourage comfort over calling,

Discourage sacrifice,

Mislead others from the truth in the name of love.

*4) Human Thinking vs. Divine Thinking*

Peter’s mindset was shaped by human expectations — a victorious Messiah, not a suffering one. 

He could not yet grasp that salvation would come through the cross.

Discipleship often requires a renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2). 

God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9). We must be willing to surrender our ideas of what is good or right and trust God's mysterious plan.

*5) Link to the Cross and Discipleship*

Jesus moves from rebuking Peter to teaching about the cost of discipleship. 

The way of Jesus is not avoidance of pain, but embracing the cross — obedience, even when it’s hard.

Following Jesus involves confronting our inner resistance to suffering, sacrifice, and submission. 

We must recognize the “Peter” in us — the part that loves Jesus but resists the cross.

*6) Personal Application*

Ask yourself:

Do I ever discourage others from following God’s hard but holy path?

Do I resist God’s will because it involves suffering?

Am I thinking as the world thinks or as God does?

*7) Final Word*

*Get behind me, Satan!* is not just a rebuke of Peter, but a call for all disciples to discern the voice of God from the voice of worldly reasoning — even when it comes from those we love. 

Jesus calls us not to be obstacles, but followers — ones who walk behind Him on the road to Calvary, and ultimately, to resurrection.

*“Help me, Lord, not to be a stumbling block, but a stepping stone for others to encounter You*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Moses and Jesus - Exodus and Departure

*Gospel Thoughts*

Transfiguration of Jesus

*Moses and Jesus - Exodus and Departure*

The connection between Moses and Jesus, and the words Exodus and Departure, especially in the context of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:31), is rich with theological meaning. 

It draws a deep parallel between the first Exodus led by Moses and the new Exodus accomplished by Jesus through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

*1) Luke 9:31 – “They spoke of His Exodus”*

“They appeared in glory and spoke of his departure [Greek: exodos], which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.” – Luke 9:31

The Greek word “exodos” literally means “exit” or “going out.”

It links Jesus’ mission with the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, led by Moses.

Just as Moses led God’s people out of slavery in Egypt, Jesus will lead humanity out of slavery to sin and death.

*2) Moses and the First Exodus*

“Let my people go…” – Exodus 5:1

Moses was chosen to deliver the Israelites from physical slavery under Pharaoh.

The Exodus was marked by:

The Passover lamb

The Red Sea crossing

The journey to the Promised Land

It was a foundational act of salvation in the Old Testament.

Moses’ exodus brought freedom from external bondage; Jesus’ exodus brings eternal liberation.

*3) Jesus and the New Exodus*

“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29

Jesus is the new Moses, but greater (Hebrews 3:3).

His “Exodus” is the Paschal Mystery: His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.

Instead of crossing the Red Sea, Jesus passes through death.

Instead of the blood of lambs, it is His own Blood that redeems us.

Instead of the Promised Land of Canaan, Jesus opens the way to Heaven.

*4) The Passover Connection*

The Passover marked Israel’s escape from death in Egypt.

Jesus celebrates the New Passover at the Last Supper, offering His Body and Blood.

He is the Lamb, and His death brings about the ultimate deliverance.

“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7

*5) Jesus as the New Moses*

Moses : Led people out of Egypt

Jesus : Leads humanity out of sin and death

Moses : Gave the Law on Mount Sinai

Jesus : Fulfills the Law in the Sermon on the Mount

Moses : Mediated the Old Covenant

Jesus : Mediates the New Covenant in His Blood

Moses : Lifted up the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:9)

Jesus:  Was lifted up on the Cross (John 3:14–15)

Moses :  Could not enter the Promised Land

Jesus:  Enters heaven and brings us with Him

Jesus is the true and better Moses—not just a deliverer, but the Savior of all.

*6) Why Discuss ‘Exodus’ at the Transfiguration?*

On the mountain of Transfiguration, Jesus stands between Moses and Elijah, speaking about His “exodus” in Jerusalem.

This highlights that:

Jesus’ suffering is not accidental, but part of God's plan.

His death is not a defeat, but a divine act of liberation.

The glory of the Transfiguration points to the glory that will come after the Cross—just like the first Exodus led to the Promised Land after trial and journey.

*7) Final Reflection*

Moses’ Exodus : From Egypt to Canaan

Jesus’ Exodus : From death to eternal life

Moses' Exodus : Freedom from slavery

Jesus' Exodus:  Freedom from sin

Moses Exodus : By the blood of lambs

Jesus Exodus :  By the blood of Christ

Moses Exodus had Earthly journey

Jesus Exodus had Heavenly destination

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17

*Closing Reflection:*

Just as God led His people through Moses, He now leads each of us through Jesus.

His "Exodus" is our path to freedom, healing, and resurrection

Transfiguration and the Cross

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eighteenth Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:2–10*

*First Reading : 2 Pt 1:16–19*

*Responsorial Psalm : Dn 7:9–10, 13–14*

*Transfiguration and the Cross*

*1) The Transfiguration Prepares for the Passion*

Immediately before the Transfiguration in all three Synoptic Gospels, Jesus predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection:

“The Son of Man must suffer greatly… be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9:22)

Then follows the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36), where Jesus reveals His heavenly glory. This shows that the path to glory passes through the Cross.

Jesus shows His divine identity to strengthen the disciples' faith before they see Him suffer.

*2)  They Spoke of His ‘Exodus’ in Jerusalem*

During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Jesus. 

Luke says: *“They spoke of His departure [Greek: exodos], which He was to accomplish in Jerusalem.”* (Luke 9:31)

This “departure” refers to Jesus’ Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. 

The word exodus also links it to Moses leading the people out of slavery—Jesus will now lead humanity from sin and death to eternal life.

The glory of the Transfiguration points toward the greater glory achieved through the Cross.

*3) The Cross is the True Revelation of Glory*

While the Transfiguration is a brief flash of divine light, the Cross is the full revelation of God’s love:

“When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)

In John's Gospel, Jesus' “lifting up” on the Cross is His moment of glory (John 12:23–24). 

The Transfiguration shows glory; the Cross realizes it through sacrifice.

The Transfiguration shows what Jesus possesses; the Cross shows what He gives.

*4) From Glory to the Garden*

After the Transfiguration, Jesus comes down the mountain—just as He later enters Gethsemane, where His face will be marked not by light, but sweat and anguish (Luke 22:44).

The brightness of Tabor and the darkness of Gethsemane are two sides of the same mission: God’s love revealed.

*5) Listen to Him – Even on the Cross*

At the Transfiguration, the Father says: *“This is my Son… listen to Him.”* (Luke 9:35)

To listen to Jesus means not only to admire His glory but to follow Him to the Cross:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

The voice from the cloud reminds the disciples: don’t turn away when the Cross comes—keep listening.

*6) Hope in Suffering*

The Transfiguration gives hope: Jesus' suffering is not the end. The glory seen on the mountain will shine again in the Resurrection.

As Paul says: *“If we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified with Him.”* (Romans 8:17)

*7) Two sides of the same coin*

The Transfiguration and the Cross are two sides of the same coin. One reveals who Jesus is; the other reveals why He came.

To follow the transfigured Lord means also walking with Him to Calvary—but with hope, because we know that the light of Mount Tabor will return in the Resurrection.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eighteenth Week :  Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:27-28*

*First Reading : Rev 21:1-5a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Jdt 13:18, 19, 20*

*The Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major*

*Bearing and Nursing” and “Hearing and Obeying”*

*1) Bearing and Nursing: Physical Relationship*

The woman from the crowd praises the biological motherhood of Mary — honoring the visible, tangible act of motherhood: carrying Jesus in the womb and nursing Him.

In Jewish culture, a mother's honor was seen as flowing from the greatness of her child. 

Jesus was being praised, and Mary, as His mother, was receiving reflected glory.

But Jesus gently shifts the focus to what God values more: not the fleshly connection, but the spiritual response.

*2) Hearing and Obeying: Spiritual Relationship*

Jesus affirms that true blessedness doesn’t lie in simply being close to Him in the flesh — but in living in union with God’s will.

*“Hearing and obeying”* implies:

Receptivity - like Mary at the Annunciation

Trust - like Joseph in his dreams 

Action - like the disciples who left all to follow Jesus

This is the essence of faith: not passive listening, but active response.

*3) Mary Embodied Both*

Mary didn’t just bear and nurse Jesus — she also heard and obeyed the Word of God with her whole heart.

*“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.”* (Luke 1:38)

She is the only person in Scripture who did both perfectly — she physically gave birth to Christ and spiritually lived out God’s will every step of the way.

Her biological motherhood was matched by her discipleship.

*4) Discipleship is Open to All*

While bearing and nursing Jesus was unique to Mary, hearing and obeying the Word is open to every person.

Jesus expands the definition of family — now, those who do God’s will are His mother, brothers, and sisters (cf. Mark 3:35).

You may not carry Christ physically, but you can carry Him in your heart and give Him to the world through your obedience.

*5) Fruitfulness in the Kingdom*

Bearing and nursing are images of natural fruitfulness.

Hearing and obeying are signs of spiritual fruitfulness.

The Gospel invites us to be spiritually fruitful — to nurture the Word like Mary did, and to bring Christ to birth in the world through our lives.

As St. Ambrose said: *“Every soul that believes conceives and gives birth to the Word of God.”*

*6) Mary's Logic*

Mary First Heard the Word 

Mary then Obeyed the Word 

Mary then Bore the Word 

Mary then Nursed the Word 

A Perfect Logic 

Jesus also highlights this logic in the Scriptures 

Jesus also gives us this logic to our life. 

Am I ready to accept? 

*Final Thought* : True Christian greatness is not in how close we are to Jesus by blood, name, or tradition — but in how closely we listen to God’s voice and follow His will.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Five Loaves and Two Fish in Jesus' Hand

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eighteenth Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 14:13-21*

*First Reading : Nm 11:4b-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : 81:12-13, 14-15, 16-17*

*Five Loaves and Two Fish in Jesus' Hand*

When the five loaves and two fish were placed in Jesus' hands, something extraordinary happened. 

This moment—simple yet powerful—is filled with deep spiritual meaning

*1) In Our Hands, It’s Limited — In Jesus’ Hands, It’s Limitless*

Five loaves and two fish are barely enough for one or two people.

But when placed in Jesus’ hands, it becomes more than enough for thousands.

When we hold on to what we have, it stays small. But when we give it to Jesus, He transforms it into a blessing for many.

*2) Surrender Unlocks the Miracle*

The boy handed over his food. He gave it freely into Jesus’ hands.

That act of trust and surrender became the starting point of the miracle.

Miracles begin with surrender. 

What are you holding onto that Jesus is asking you to place in His hands?

*3) Jesus Blesses What Is Given*

Jesus didn’t complain about how little it was. Instead, He gave thanks (Jn 6:11) and blessed it.

Even if what we have is small, Jesus blesses it with gratitude and makes it fruitful. 

He values even the smallest offering given with love. 

It does not matter how much is given, but in what attitude it is given matters 

*4) Symbol of the Church’s Mission*

The food in Jesus’ hands is distributed to His disciples, and they feed the people.

In Jesus’ hands, our offerings become part of His mission of service. 

The Church, too, receives from Christ and shares with the world

*5) Overflowing Grace*

Once Jesus touched the loaves and fish, they multiplied, and twelve baskets of leftovers remained.

In Jesus’ hands, there is not only provision but abundance. 

His grace doesn't just meet the need—it overflows.

*6) A Symbol of Our Life in His Hands*

Five loaves and two fish in Jesus’ hands is a picture of what happens when we place our lives in His hands.

What is little becomes great.

What is ordinary becomes holy.

What is ours becomes His—and through Him, becomes a gift to the world.

Am I ready to place my life in the hands of Jesus?

Am I ready to place my resources in the hands of Jesus?

Am I ready to place my weakness in the hands of Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Becoming Rich in the Sight of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eighteenth Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:13-21*

*First Reading : Col 3:1-5, 9-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17*

*Second Reading : Col 3:1-5, 9-11*

*Becoming Rich in the Sight of God*

*1) Gospel on Richness*

the Gospel passage of the *Rich Fool* — begins and ends with richness, but the type of richness is what Jesus challenges us to think about.

It begins with someone asking about material inheritance (earthly riches)

It ends with Jesus urging people to be *“rich toward God”* (spiritual riches)

*2) A Reversal of Riches*

The Gospel’s structure shows a powerful reversal:

Starts with a concern for earthly inheritance

Ends with a call to build heavenly inheritance

What the world calls richness, God may call poverty — and vice versa. 

This Gospel urges a change in perspective: from temporary gain to eternal value

*3) False Security in Wealth*

The rich man believes he is secure because of his stored grain. 

But Jesus calls him a fool, not for being wealthy, but for thinking that life is under his control. 

He plans for many years ahead, yet dies that very night. 

This shows how uncertain life is — and how eternal readiness matters more than material preparation.

*4) Why Rich man is Fool*

The very fact he has become rich, he is not stupid. He must have been very shroud person. Yet Jesus calls him Fool. Because

Instead of destroying the existing buildings he would have built new ones 

In the first few lines has the words, mine, me, I, my. This shows he is only thinking about him, as if no one is existing

Thirdly, for him life consists only in *rest, eating drinking, and making merry!* Nothing beyond this 

Really he is a great fool

*5) How to Become Rich in God's sight*

*A) Be Generous and Share with the Needy*

Heavenly wealth is increased when earthly wealth is used for the good of others. 

Generosity shows that one's heart is not enslaved to money but is aligned with God’s heart of compassion. Generosity opens the soul to grace.

*B) Live by Faith, Not by Sight*

Those who trust God even when things are uncertain, and live according to His promises, are considered rich in faith (James 2:5). 

Faith pleases God and is counted as spiritual wealth.

*C) Love Deeply and Sincerely*

Love is the currency of heaven. Loving God and neighbor from the heart fulfills the law (Romans 13:10) and reflects the nature of God. 

True richness is found in relationships grounded in divine love.

*D) Cultivate Humility and Dependence on God*

To be “poor in spirit” means recognizing our need for God.

This poverty leads to spiritual richness. God lifts up the humble (James 4:10) and fills them with His grace.

*E) Store Up Treasures in Heaven*

Eternal treasure comes from holy living, sacrificial love, and obedience to God's will. 

Every act of goodness done in secret is remembered by the Father in heaven (Matthew 6:4,6,18).

*F) Walk in Obedience to God's Word*

Obedience demonstrates that one's faith is alive. Those who listen to God's Word and follow it build their lives on rock, not sand (Matthew 7:24). 

This spiritual foundation is part of true wealth.

*G) Bear the Fruits of the Spirit*

Character shaped by the Spirit is priceless in God’s eyes. 

Such fruit reflects God’s nature and blesses others, leaving an eternal legacy.

*6) Final Word*

To be rich in God's sight is to live a life filled with:

Faith

Love

Generosity

Obedience

Humility

Kingdom focus

Spiritual fruit

Jesus warns in Luke 12:15: *“Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”* 

Instead, it consists in being abundant in grace, truth, and love—that is, rich in what truly matters to God.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*