The Call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:23-30*

*First Reading : Jgs 6:11-24a*

*The Call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon*

*1) The Queenship of Mother Mary*

Today we celebrate the feast of the Queenship of Mother Mary 

As we celebrate this feast, it calls us to reflect about the calling of Mary, Her Mission and her Queenship

There is a close connection between the call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon, who comes in today's first reading 

*2) Who is Gideon?*

He is one of the Judges in the Old Testament, from the tribe of Manasseh

He was called by the Lord, to save Israelites from Midianites and Amalekites who looted the Israelite crops and animals 

He is considered as one of the great heros of Israel because, like Mosses he had the confrontation of the divine *Face to face* and recalls Jacob's wrestling with the Angel

*3) The appearance of Angel*

To both Mother Mary and Gideon, the angel of the Lord appears and communicattes the message of the Lord 

The angel addresses Mary as *Hail Mary Full of grace the Lord is with You* and *one who found favour with God*

To Gideon, the Angel says *“The LORD is with you, O champion!”*

The appearance of the Angel becomes an important part of their call and mission 

*4) The lowliness of Mary and Gideon*

Mary considered herself and Humble servant of God. In Her Magnificat Mary says *God lifted up the lowly*

Gideon says *My family is the lowliest in Manasseh, and I am the most insignificant in my father’s house.*

*5) Both were called for great Mission*

Mary's call was to save the entire human kind, through Jesus Christ. For this mission Mary offered herself and became great in the sight of God

Gideon was called by the Lord, to save His people - the people of Israel from the oppression of Midianites and Amalekites 

*6) Both were given a sign*

When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Mary She asked *How can this be?*

Then the Lord gave the Sign that She will conceive with the Power of the Holy Spirit

When the Angel appeared to Gideon, he asked for a sign. The things which were brought by Gideon were placed in the rock, and fire from above consumed them. It became a great sign from the Lord 

*7) What is my call and Mission?*

There two great models in today's liturgical celebration. Mother Mary's call and Gideon's call 

How do I react to these divine call? 

Everyday the Angel of the Lord, calls us through various events, through various people, through incidents of our life. How do I react to the call of God? 

How do I respond to the mission which is given by God? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

You shall not steal

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:16-22*

*First Reading : 1 Jgs 2:11-19*

*You shall not steal*

*1) One of the Great commandments*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the various commandments of the Lord 

*You Shall not steal* is one among the 10 commandments of the Lord 

We need to think seriously about this commandment, since there is a possibility of going away from this commandment

*2) Stealing of Things*

The moment we think about stealing we always think about the things which we steal from another person

At times our understanding is only restricted to the things out side. So whenever some one takes the things which belongs to another, without their consent, we term it as stealing

But is there a any other meaning in this particular commandment.? Does it apply only to the external things or other things also?

*3) Stealing of Someone's happiness*

Stealing can also be applied to many other things other than external things 

There are people who steal other peoples happiness, by hurting them and involving in gossips

Any incident which makes others sad means one is stealing the happiness of others. This also goes against the commandment of the Lord 

*4) Stealing of someone's name*

This is also very common in today's world. Using someone's name for the sake of business and profit without their knowledge

People use some ones good name of reputation for their personal gain 

Today many people hack the face book account or create face book account in some one's name to steal money and other things 

*5) Stealing of someone's service*

This form of stealing is also very common in our communities

When some one's takes the credit for the service of another, without acknowledging their service, it amounts for stealing their service 

When some one takes for granted the service of another it amounts for stealing their service 

*6) Stealing of someone's House*

When some one interferes in the affairs of another's family, automatically, there comes doubt and misunderstanding

This is equal to stealing the family of another person, the happiness of another family, the Harmony of another family etc 

Unhealthy relationship with another family may result in the stealing of another's family and house 

This also goes against the commandment of the Lord 

*7) What are the things I steal in my daily life?*

Do I steal some one's good name? 

Do I steal some one's service?

Do I steal some one's hard work? 

Do I steal some one's sacrifice? 

Do I steal some one's love for selfish purpose? 

Do I steal the happiness and joys of others? 

Do I steal the generosity of another person? 

Do I steal the skills and talents of another? 

Do I steal the time of another person for my selfish purpose?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The various challenges in the Faith Journey

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel :  Mt 15:21-28*

*First Reading : Is 56:1, 6-7*

*SECOND READING Rom 11:13-15, 29-32*

*The various challenges in the Faith Journey*

*1) The Cabnnanite Woman's Faith Journey*

The Gospel of the day, highlights the faith journey of the woman 

She came with the hope of getting something from Jesus. But her journey was not so easy. It was tough and challenging one 

At the end, we see, the woman comes out as the woman of great faith. She not only received the favour, but she also became a model for faith - a woman of faith 

*2) The Silence of God*

This is first great and disturbing challenge the woman had to face 

She came with a great hope. She shouts with the loud voice, thinking that she would get the favour

One side we have the Shouting of the woman, requesting Jesus to cast the demon out from her daughters life 

On the other hand we see that Jesus did not say a word to her in response 

So the silence of Jesus might have disturbed the woman in a great way 

*3) The indifferent attitude of the Disciples*

We also see this as the another great challenge in the faith journey of woman 

Those people who were around her, could have helped the woman who was begging for a favour. 

But the people around her, instead of helping her, wanted to send her off, so that they are relieved of the trouble and shouting 

They only thought about getting rid of the problem and not solving the problem

The indifference, non cooperation, unwillingness to help the other when in need, are the other great challenges faced by the woman in her faith journey

*4) The great Humility and Patience required*

In the faith journey her humility and patience was tested to the maximum 

She had to listen and accept that she was a gentile woman, who has no part in the salvation brought by Jesus 

She had to listen and accept that, she must be ready to accept the scraps which falls from the master's table

She had to accept that, she is a non Jew, and not eligible for any favour from the Jews

All these challenges and humiliations she had to undersgo in her faith's journey  

*5) The Modern day Challenges*

The silence of God and the indifference from those people who are around us are the greatest challenges we are facing today in our faith journey

The silence of God, to the prayers of the faithful, in various persecutions happening in our country,  is really a great challenge to digest to all of us 

The non cooperation and the indifferent attitude of those people who are around us, and who are in power and in responsible position is the another great challenge to our faith journey 

Apart from these, there are other challenges which are to be faced by us, in our faith journey

*6) The Temporariness of Jesus' Silence*

When we look at this episode, its very clear that, the silence of God was only for some time 

The silence of God made the woman to ask again and again and finally the woman's prayer is answered 

She was rewarded more than what she wanted. This is the God's way

*6) How deep is my faith?*

There are challenges in living our faith 

We will face the silence of God as we face the challenges

So what is my response? 

Will I question God about His silence? 

Will I be impatient till he answers my prayers? 

Will I give up? 

How deep is my faith?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Decide today whom you will serve.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : *Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:13-15*

*First Reading : Jos 24:14-29*

*Decide today whom you will serve.*

*1) A choice for the Yahweh*

In today's Gospel, Joshua, is urging the people of Israel to make a choice between Yahweh and the gods beyond the rivers and the in Egypt

So the people of Israel made their choice for Yahweh, because they had seen the mighty works of the Lord. 

In a way, the people of Israel made a right choice, by remaining faithful to Yahweh, who was the God of their forefathers and also the God who delivered them from the slavery of Pharaoh

*2) The command "Decide today whom you will serve" is still valid for us*

In the Gospel of the day Jesus says, *You can't serve God and Wealth*

This command tells us that we need to make a choice between the Real God, who created heaven and earth, and the gods of this world 

The choice has to be made *today* which shows the urgency and at every moment 

In choosing, one can't postpone for tomorrow

*3) Gods beyond the river*

The first reading of the day has this particular expression

The same expression is seen the Gospel, in terms of the gods of this world 

So the gods of this world could be seen in the following 

For some money is god 

For some wealth is god 

For some position is god 

For some worldly things are god 

For some beauty is god 

For some talent  is god 

For some knowledge is god 

For some power is god 

For some thier body  is god 

For some pleasure  is god 

For some name and fame is god 

For some the power to  mesmerize others  is god 

*4) Who is my God?*

This question we need to ask every day 

This is tells us, in my daily life, whom do I depend? 

Is the worldly things I believe or any other things?

When I have to decide to make a choice, what is my choice? 

*5) My Choice for My Lord*

This choice is a challenging one 

Choice for my Lord, needs a discipline, sacrifice, service and humility 

The choice for the Lord, also includes the Cross, and struggles of daily life 

But one thing is sure, my choice for my Lord, always brings 100% results in my life 

The choice for the Lord, and remaining faithful in the choice, eventually leads to the Victory

If so what is my choice for today?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Need of Remembering the great and mighty deeds of the Lord in our Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:3-12*

*First Reading : Jos 24:1-13*

*The Need of Remembering the great and mighty deeds of the Lord in our Life*

*1) Joshua Remembers the Great deeds of the Lord*

Joshua the successor of Moses gathers the elders and Leaders, judges and the officers and the people of Israel to communicate the mighty deeds of the Lord 

The following are the mighty deeds 

The call of Abraham from the land where other gods were worshipped 

God made Abraham to move in the entire Cannon

God gave Isaac to Abraham

God gave Jacob  and Easu and finally they landed to Egypt during the time of Joseph 

The way God protected them from the famine and drought 

The election of Moses and deliverance of Israel from the slavery of Pharaoh

Lord delivered, Israel from the power of Amorites 

Lord delivered, Israel from the men of Jericho

Lord delivered Israel from Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites

Finally the Lord gave them the Land, which was filled with Honey and milk 

*2) The greatness of the Lord is made known*

By remembering all these great and mighty deeds of the Lord, the people of Israel are made to remember these great and mighty deeds of the Lord in their life 

By recalling and remembering these mighty deeds, it was easy for them to become grateful to God 

It was also made them to realise the mighty power of the Lord

It also made them to establish and loving relationship with the Lord

It also helped them to remain faithful to the Lord

*3) The importance of the mission of Joshua*

Joshua gathered all the people of Israel in order to make them to realise the mighty deeds of the Lord and to know His mighty power 

This is a great mission to proclaim and to make known to the others the mighty deeds of the Lord 

Primarily our life consists in remembering the mighty deeds of the Lord, and being grateful to the Lord 

*4) The primary aim of Christian spirituality*

Primarily our spirituality consists in remembering the great deeds of the Lord and proclaiming to the others 

When we remember the mighty deeds of the Lord we become grateful to God, we become active and we become more service minded persons to work for the Kingdom of the Lord 

*5)  The Memorial of the Eucharist*

The Eucharist is nothing but the memory of God great deeds for the mankind 

It is the Love story, between God and human beings 

It is the memory of great sacrifice, unconditional love, and his great gift to evey human being 

*6) Do I remember the great deeds of the Lord in my Life?*

How often I remember the great deeds of the Lord in my Life? 

What are the Changes which I experience when I remember the mighty deeds of the Lord? 

How about my responsibility of communicating the great deeds of the Lord to others?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The accounts of our Life : Check your receipts and payment account

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:21–19:1*

*First Reading : Jos 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17*

*The accounts of our Life : Check your receipts and payment account*

*1) The System of accounting*

These days many are taking about final accounts of the institute, organization, NGOs, companies, business firms and individual persons 

This accounts helps us to evaluate and to know the sources and income and the ways through we incur expenses

The gospel of the day speaks about the accounts and the owner who wishes to settle the accounts with his servants 

This model is also applied to our life and we need to apply this model to our life in order to see the rich resources of our life 

*2) The Receipts of our Life*

God is the main source of our income. Everything we have in our life comes from God 

Our life, talents, skills, intelligence, wisdom, physical strength, internal organs, the sense organs, and every other things we have comes from God 

The Nature also another source of our income. The fresh air, the food that we eat, and so many other things come from the nature 

The fellow being is the another important source of our income. The relationship, love, care, concern, family life, belongingness everything comes from the fellow being which is a great source of our income 

*3) The Sources of our expenses*

Ideally these could be considered as the sources of our expenses

The daily sacrifices we make 

The struggles we encounter to live a upright life 

The generosity

The service we render 

The time we spend for the betterment of the other 

The collaboration we have for the wellbeing of everyone 

The challenges we face for the sake of truth and justice 

The tensions we undergo to do something good 

The humiliations we face for Christ 

The persecutions we face in living our faith and witnessing Christ 

These are the expenses of our life 

*4) Which side dominates?*

Technically speaks, the income side is always far great than the expenses we incur

Since God, Nature, and the fellow being is the source of our income, one can never have a loss account in ones life 

From the point, the life's account always remains at the profit level and it should remain at the profit level 

*5) Huge margin of Profit, is dangerous*

In the life's account, if some ones tries to make huge profit means, is not willing to spend any amount 

He concentrates only on receipts side and not on payment side 

Such a person becomes too greedy, and God given resources will be used only for selfish purpose 

Such an account of the life would be a big disaster

There should be a sizable amount of expenses also should be seen in life's account

*6) Life's Loss account*

This is an unfortunate account 

With all the resources one receives from the Lord, there are hardly any possibilities to have a loss account of ones life 

When a person uses the rich God given resources and incomes for evil and bad things, life's accounts automatically goes into total loss account 

The above mentioned expenses list never results in loss account but resources uses for evil things results in loss account 

A loss account of life's account results total loss in the eternity. 

So one needs to check now and then whether life's account is affected with Loss account

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The beauty of Personal Correction

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:15-20*

*First Reading : Dt 34:1-12*

*The beauty of Personal Correction*

*1)  Jesus on Personal correction*

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus speaks about the personal corrections. 

Jesus says *“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone*

It should be noted that, among all other ways of corrections, the personal way of correcting takes the first place

So one can understand the importance of correcting another in a personal way 

*2) The Fault is not known to the other*

Always the fault happens between two persons. It their personal matter, which I'd between two 

The moment a person tries to correct another in a personal way, the fault remains only with the two 

In fact if the matter gets solved, the entire dispute, gets over, between two. No more it goes out of the two 

This is important realise that the fault of a person does not go out and one has the responsibility to solve it between them 

*3) The reputation of the good name is protected*

When the matter is solved with the person correction, the name of the person is protected and the damage to the others name can be avoided 

As a responsibile person and the follower of Jesus, one has the responsibility of protecting the good reputation of others name 

It is a noble act to protect the sanctity of others name 

*4) Personal corrections are more powerful*

Personal corrections are more powerful because, the person is able to understand the other in a better way 

They are powerful because, peaceful discussion between them is possible

They are powerful because, the parties are in a better position to make some sacrifices and compromises to settle the matter 

They are powerful because, one is able to judge in s better way about their own acts 

*5) How do I deal with the disputes?*

At times we follow the reverse oder instead of the personal order 

At times people tell Evey one in the vicinity, except the concerned person 

Telling the whole world and not communicating the concerned person can damage the good name of another and one can cause a lot of damage to the other 

*6) Which logic I follow?*

Do I follow solving the dispute at the personal level? 

Do I use this dispute to malign the name of another person? 

Do I involve in gossip, when others offend me for certain reasons? 

How do I respond to the situation? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*