Argument leads nowhere, but Dialogue wins

Gospel Thoughts*

*Sixth Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 8:11-13*

*First Reading - Gn 4:1-15, 25*

*Argument leads nowhere, but Dialogue wins*

*1) The Pharisees came to argue with Jesus*

The first line of the Gospel clearly tells us that, the Pharisees came to argue with Jesus.

In argument, one does not listen to the other, rather one want to prove that he/she is right 

Argument is an one sided approach, which does not take into consideration the opinion of the other party 

So the Pharisees wanted to prove that they are better, good and their view is right than Jesus 

*2) The intention of the argument is to test Jesus*

This is also clear from the Gospel *The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him*

So ultimately, the argument is not to gain some knowledge or to get enlightened with some greater truths, rather it is to test Jesus authenticity and capacity 

An argument which is geared towards another, in order to test, or to humiliate or to show another's weakness, does not produce any good results to any one 

So in this sense having an argument would be waste and it will create an uneasy feeling which may cause further damage for the good relationship

*3) The argument yielded no fruit for the Pharisees*

Pharisees came with a intention of getting a sign from Jesus

The sign which they demanded to test Jesus and to prove that Pharisees are right 

For this they began to argue with Jesus. But their argument led them nowhere

Finally they didn't succeed in getting any sign from Jesus 

So unnecessary  arguments and arguments with selfish motives or with a hidden hooks will not help in an way 

So one should be careful about it. 

*4) The habit of arguing unnecessarily  everyone*

The intention of the Pharisees to argue with Jesus to test Jesus, which appears to be very silly and unnecessary from their part

So it not only irritated Jesus but also made Him feel very sad about it. That's why *He sighed from the depth of his spirit*

Unnecessary arguments is useless and it only exposes the ignorance of the person

*5) No sign was given to the Pharisees*

This shows useless argument will benefit in no way 

The end result is not only *Zero*  but in increases the misunderstanding between two parties. 

Finally Jesus left them with heavy heart, which shows that there wasn't anything good came out from the arguing mentality.

*6) Those who went with open mind, were able to change their life*

We have many examples to prove this point 

Nicodemus approached Jesus with an open mind. Finally he became a powerful disciple of Jesus 

Matthew the Tax Collector, Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, many lepers, sick people came with an open mind, and they benefitted a lot in their lives 

*7) Arguing mentality closes ones mind to learn anything new*

The Pharisees came with an closed mind and heart, that's why they came to test and argue with Jesus 

From this incident they learnt nothing, rather they lost a beautiful opportunity to learn something new from a wise man 

*8) What type of mentality do I posses?* 

Is my mindset unnecessarily arguing one? 

Is my mindset with an attitude of testing everyone? 

Is my mindset depends only on signs and not on faith or belief? 

Is my mindset is to irritate my neighbour for silly thing? 

Is my mindset is to argue for everything and to prove that I am always right and the other is always wrong? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

If You wish, you can make me clean - is a great prayer

Gospel Thoughts*

*Sixth Week : Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:40-45*

*First Reading - Lv 13:1-2, 44-46*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 10:31-11:1*

*If You wish, you can make me clean - is a great prayer*

*1) If you wish, you can make me clean*

This is a great prayer from the leper, because the leper surrenders himself completely to the will of God 

This is a great prayer, because in it there is lot of trust, faith, humility is found from the part of the leper 

This is a great prayer because, the leper is ready to accept any response from Jesus. 

This is a great prayer because, ultimately the leper believes that healing is primarily God's work and it is a great gift of God. Ultimately Healing has to come from God, we can do nothing 

*2) This prayer is similar to the Prayer of Jesus in the Gethsemane*

Jesus said *Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. - Luke 22:42*

Leper said *If you wish, you can make me clean.* Mark 1:41

Both these prayers similar and we must wonder that a leper can pray like Jesus 

In this prayer the spiritual depth of the leper is seen and he becomes an model for all of us 

*3) Leper had garve need, but was able to accept the will of God*

Curing from the leprosy was a genuine need for the leper 

Since this was first and urgent need, even then the Leper didn't demand from Jesus, for the cure. 

Even in this grave necessity, the Leper makes a gentle request to Jesus *If you wish you can make me clean*

This shows the gentleness and humility even in the midst of grave health problem of the leper 

*4) The prayer of the Leper was answered with a miracle*

All genuine and sincere prayers addressed to Jesus were met with wonderful results 

Even this simple and sincere prayer was answered with a great miracle 

Jesus cures the Leper and the person was given the gift of good heath 

So all these genuine prayers were answered by Jesus 

*5) Am I able to pray like the Leper*

The very fact that the prayer was answered by Jesus shows that the prayer of the leper was sincere and genuine

If so the leper becomes an model for the pray with sincere heart 

So the question is Am I able to pray like the leper? 

*6) The hurdles to pray like the leper*

We need to indentify various hurdles which we encounter to pray like the leper 

Some time we may lack the humility like that of the leper 

Some time we may demand from God, instead of making a genuine request 

Some time we may find fault with God, for giving us various problems and challenges. But the leper never complained about his leprosy

If so what are my challenges or problems in making a genuine prayer?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Possible things Vs Impossible things

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 8:1-10*

*First Reading - Gn 3:9-24*

*Possible things Vs Impossible things*

*1) Two opinions are highlighted in today's Gospel reading*

The feeding of the Four thousand, clear shows us the two types of thought patterns

On the one side there a opinion  of impossible things. 

On the other side there is also a person who always of the opinion *Things are possible*

*2) Disciples impossible mentality*

*His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?*

The impossibility of being in a deserted place, which makes them things to become possible

The impossibility of a place of getting the place at that moment 

The impossibility of getting enough food for their satisfaction

*Can any one get* impossibility of no one can do anything at that moment 

So the disciples had series of impossible things which made them to proceed with any possible things 

*3) Disciples saw only impossible things*

It is very clear that the disciples saw only impossible things 

In seeing the impossible things they completely forgot in looking into possible things 

The moment one starts with negative things, all positive and possible things become impossible things 

*4) Jesus' Possible approach* 

The approach of Jesus was completely different from that of the disciples

Jesus goes with a possible approach. This positive approach changes the whole situation and it has tremendous capacity to make the things to happen 

*5) The possible approach starts with available things*

Jesus' possible approach  starts with the seven available loaves of bread and few available fish 

So possible things always starts with little available things 

It starts from small things and great things happen 

*6) The possible approach starts within the heart of Jesus*

The origin of the possible approach had its beginning in the heart of Jesus 

*My heart is moved with pity for the crowd,* This approach becomes a very powerful approach, which makes impossible things possible

Something which starts from the heart, becomes genuine and it starts from a very deep and sincere desire

Such things become very powerful and finally even the impossible things become possible

That is the beauty of something which starts in the heart 

*7) Possible approach leads to great miracle*

The possible approach of Jesus led to a great miracle

The miracle of multiplication of loaves and fish took place 

The miracle of feeding 4000 men happened because of the possible approach

The miracle of extra food of 12 baskets remained because of the possible approach

The miracle of great unity, surprise, the realization of the miraculous power of Jesus became very evident because of the possible approach

*8) Possible approach leads to growth*

This is the fact. Finally possible approach leads to great growth 

It changes the whole situation and builds our self confidence

*9) What is my approach*

Possible approach or impossible approach?

Possible approach will change your life and also others life 

Impossible approach will not help in any ways to anyone 

Possible approach in life will witness great miracles and growth 

Possible approach needs great courage and organising skills. 

*Will I take a possible approach?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Syndrome of the deafness and muteness

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:31-37*

*First Reading - 1 Gn 3:1-8*

*The Syndrome of the deafness and muteness*

*1) The person who was brought to Jesus was deaf and dumb*

Since he was deaf, he could not hear anything 

Since he was dumb he could not communicate anything or He was not able to speak 

Now we can imagine the misery of the person who suffers from deafness and dumbness in life. 

It is really a challenge to face life in such a situation

*2) Speech and hear are the two important faculties of Human being*

Among many other God's gift, the gift of speech and the gift of hearing capacity are two important and valuable things 

They are God's gift. Nothing in this world can help us to regain those gift, if they are once lost completely

Life becomes impossible and so miserable without these things in our life 

*3) Today's tragedy : Not able to hear, even though there is capacity to hear and not able to speak, in spite of the gift of tongue*

All of us have the capacity to hear and to speak. In spite of these gifts in many situations we become deaf and dumb, when it comes doing the mission of the Lord 

Today many people have become deaf to the cry of the poor, marginalized, sick, farmers, and specially to the cry of the poor. 

The deaf syndrome is very dangerous for our growth. 

There is also speech syndrome, which makes people unable to speak for truth 

Today this culture is growing very powerfully, and people are made speechless, when it comes to truth, justice, equality, and fighting for ones fundamental right

Many people are frightened about many things. So the speech syndrome becomes very powerful in their lives and they don't dare to speak the truth

*4) The syndrome of muteness and dumbness in my Life*

All of us suffer from this syndrome. 

When it comes to speak for truth and justice many suffer from the speech syndrome. 

The same with the syndrome of Dumbness

This syndrome makes u unable to hear any cry for help, justice and truth 

If so am I suffering from these syndromes?

What is the gravity of these syndromes in my life?

*5) Jesus is the cure to these syndromes*

When Jesus layed His hand on the person he was able to regain all the capacities and he was able to speak and hear 

So Jesus became the solutions for his syndromes 

So for all those who suffer from these syndromes, Jesus is the real source of healing 

*6) The man allowed Himself to be brought to Jesus*

Finally the man allowed himself to be carried by the group of people, to be brought to Jesus 

Thus he was free from all the syndromes. 

If he had not allowed himself to be brought by the people to Jesus, nothing would have happened

So allowing oneself to be guided by the other is very important

*7) By Himself the deaf and dumb man can do nothing*

Someone's help is very much necessary. In the Gospel it is the crowd which helps the person 

If I am suffering from these syndromes, I need to get help from others to come to Jesus, for a healing 

If I have these syndromes, will I allow others to help me, in overcoming these syndromes. 

Am I ready to tackle my syndromes of deafness and muteness?

*8) What are the  areas belong to this, syndrome in my life?*

List them and try to overcome from these syndromes

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Jesus gave the best Wine

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - John 2:1-11*

*First Reading - Is 66:10-14*

*Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes*

*Jesus gave the best Wine*

*1) The Quality of the Wine*

From the Gospel narration it is very clear that, the water which was turned into wine, becomes the good and best quality of wine.

The quality of this wine was far superior than the wine which was already served to the wedding guests 

Even the steward was surprised to have such a high quality wine in the wedding function

In fact it appears that this was the first time that the wedding witnessed such a high quality wine. 

So this is the speciality of this wine

*2) Wine in the Wedding at cana has a special significance*

First of this wine is not an ordinary wine because its quality was marvelous

Secondly this wine was not prepared out of grapes, but out of ordinary water, which turns out to be the best wine

Thirdly this wine comes in the context of a miracle and Jesus performs the first miracle to turn the water into wine. So ultimately this wine comes from Jesus 

Fourthly the need of this wine was very special. It was a do or die situation at wedding of Cana. It is a question of the dignity of s marriage and this wine is not used only for the sake of entertainment or for celebration. 

So this wine become so special in the wedding at Cana and also in the life and mission of Jesus 

*3) When God gives He gives the best thing*

The example of wine is one instance to show the way how God gives

When God gives He always gives the best things to human beings. 

All the things which we receive from God being to super quality and not to the inferior quality 

We have many examples to prove this in our life. Some of them could be following 

The gift of our life, which belongs to a superior quality than any life in this universe. We have been created in the image and likeness of God. 

All our senses and their powers. We have nothing in this world to compare to this. One simple example the eye sight - what a great miracle of God to us

Our mind and thinking capacity, creative power - one of the best things among the many other things which were given by God to us 

Like wise we can take anything this world, they belong to the best quality, when it comes from God

In fact there is no inferior quality in God's gift.

*4) Mother Mary is one of the Best gifts of God to the entire Human Kind*

Today as we celebrate the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, it is very clear that Mary is the greatest God's gift to the entire human Kind 

There is no greater gifts other than Mary  in the form of a Mother who is so much concerned about Her children in the World 

All the miracles which happen in Lourdes through her intercession belong to the superior quality, because at times no medical field will be able to solve these problems

All the miracles which happen in Lourdes are much higher than the cure of any medical treatment 

This shows not only Our Mother is a best gift of God to us, but even the miracles which happen through her intercession belong to a higher and best quality  - this proves once again God always gives us the best things in our life

*5) God intervenes in the Human History through the best ways*

First of God intervened through His own beloved Son Jesus 

Today God still intervenes through various ways. One among them is the apparitions of our Blessed Mother

These apparitions of Mary are the God's best ways to communicate His message to the entire world 

The message of Love

The message of reconciliation

The message of universal brotherhood

The message of service 

These are the best messages and apparitions are the best ways to communicate His messages 

*6) All Sacraments are the best ways of imparting God's grace to us*

Sacraments are the channels of God's grace

God's Grace is one of the beautiful gifts which a man can ever desire and can experience in his/her life.

When God gives He gives the best one. Thats the logic of God.

*7) When I give - what logic I follow?*

Will I be able to follow the logic of God? 

Giving the best thing to others 

Or do I follow the other ways - that is 

Whatever is not good, whatever is not necessary for me, whatever is not in good Condition to use I give to others? 

*Or do I give at all? Is a big question*

*Happy feast of Our Lady of Lourdes*

May our Mother intercede for all of us

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Where is Evil? - The source and origin of Evil

Gospel Thoughts

*Fifth Week : Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:14-23*

*First Reading - Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17*

*Where is Evil? - The source and origin of Evil*

*1) There is so much evil in the World today*

This is one of the common expressions which we hear every day. 

In fact there is lot of evil in the world today and all agree with this 

If so, we need to ask a question, from where does this evil come from? Where is its source? How it works? 

These questions will help us to understand to am certain extent the working of the evil in and around us

*2) Where ever there is human beings there is evil*

In the book of Genesis we find along with the Adam and Eve there is also the problem of evil is found 

Evil comes in the context of the presence of the human being and evil has something to do with the human beings 

Where ever there is no human being the problem of evil also no found and the problem of evil is not very active 

In this way we see a close connection between Human beings and the evil 

*3) The source of evil is within and not from outside* 

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus makes it clear that, the evil comes from within the human being 

Evil is not existing somewhere in the out side. In other words the evil so called which exists outside the human being has no power to act 

So evil becomes active within the human being and it takes different forms 

*4) Heart and Mind becomes the centre of Evil things*

Heart and Mind exists within the human beings 

At times they become the channels to carry out the evil deeds 

From the Heart and Mind comes the following evil deeds *From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly*

So it is very clear that evil comes from within. All these above evil deeds have their origin either in the Heart or in the Mind. 

*5) Evil chooses the Heart and Mind of Human being*

It is very clear that evil chooses the heart and mind of human being to its activity 

By itself evil can do nothing. But when its works through the heart and mind of human beings it can have very deadly effect. So one should be very careful 

In fact the evil chose first the heart and mind of Eve, and it worked it evil deeds through her. 

Even today the evil is taking the human heart and mind for its evil deeds. 

*6) My heart and Mind is not free from evil influence*

The same evil which deceived Adam and Eve, who tried to tempt Jesus, but could not succeed, is still very active to enter into our hearts and minds. 

Unless we give the permission the evil is unable to enter into our hearts and minds 

So it looks for all the time and in all the situations to take control of our hearts and minds  

*7) Once it starts working through our heart and mind, it takes dangerous turn*

The evil which starts working through the hearts and minds of human being takes most deadliest turn which destroys not only the person but also effects the others too 

So one should be very careful in dealing with evil and never to give our hearts and minds to its evil deeds. 

*8) What about my heart and mind?*

Are they centres of good things - like generosity, kindness, forgiveness

Or are they places where the bad or evil things like hatred, revenge, gossip etc.

Think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Washing of the Hands and Washing of the heart and Mind

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:1-13*

*First Reading - Gn 1:20-2:4a*

*Washing of the Hands and Washing of the heart and Mind*

*1) The issue of the Washing of the Hands*

For all Jews washing of the hands was one of the important traditional customs which they observed meticulously

They considered this custom is coming from their elders and breaking such customs would be a insult to the elders 

So almost all the Jews would wash their hands before they eat or after they return from the market 

*2) Washing of the Hands is a sign of cleanliness*

From the perspective of cleanliness, washing of hands is an important thing 

It also necessary from the point of hygien 

So there is nothing wrong in washing of the hands 

*3) For Jews washing of the hands remained only at external level*

For them it was a ritual remained only at the external level

They didn't see any deep meaning in it. In fact seeing a deeper meaning in it they used this ritual to trap Jesus and His disciples

So for Jews it became an opportunity to trap Jesus and to find fault with Jesus. 

*4) Jesus uses this ritual for deeper meaning*

Jesus takes this ritual and speaks about the cleanliness of the heart 

As Jews see the need and necessity of washing of the hands, Jesus sees still deeper into the issue, which demands the washing of the heart, mind and our whole inner self 

For Jews washing of the heart, mind and inner self does not make any sense. But for Jesus washing of the heart and mind and inner self more important than the washing of the hands 

*5) Washing of the hand and Washing of the heart -Mind*

Washing of the hands is very easy but washing of the heart and mind is not easy 

Washing of the hands deals with external cleanliness, but washing of mind and heart deals about spiritual cleanliness

Washing of the hand can be done with the water, but washing of the heart and mind can be done only through the spiritual things like, sacrament of reconciliation, repentance, conversion etc

Washing of the hands can be done by others. But washing of the mind and heart can be done only the the self and not by others 

Washing of the hands will not change the person, but washing of the heart and mind will totally change the person for better 

Washing of the hands needs no courage, but washing of the heart and mind needs a tremendous courage and goodwill 

*6) Washing of the Heart and mind*

Mind is a place of thoughts. 

We have variety of thoughts I'm our minds 

Washing of the minds will help us to retain the good thoughts and to avoid the bad thoughts 

Avoiding bad thoughts is not easy. The the process of washing the mind will help us to clean up all the dirt from our minds 

Like wise heart is the center of feeling and emotions

 

Since heart is centre of all the good as well as evil feelings, washing of the heart is necessary. 

Only then we can purify ourselves and have good feelings which leads us to become good persons 

*7) Christian spirituality belongs to washing of the heart and mind and not of hands*

There is no much place for washing of the hands in Christian spirituality. 

Christian spirituality demands the washing of the heart and mind in order to lead a holy life 

Washing of the heart and mind makes a person holy and to become a genuine  follower of Christ. 

*9) Where do I stand?*

Am I immersed in washing of the hands, which are not necessary at all? Or having very less significance

Or am I seriously involved in washing of my heart and mind everyday to keep it clean and holy 

The Lenten season which we are going begin shortly calls us to wash our hearts and minds and not the hands. 

*Am I ready?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*