God's Mathematics

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 20:1-16*

*First Reading : Ez 34:1-11*

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

*God's Mathematics*

*1) All are Equal*

The parable of the labourers in the Vineyard, conveys a powerful theme that is all are equal to God 

The person who worked for whole day and the person who did the one hour work, received the same amount 

This shows God does not make any partiality or does not treat the last one in a different way 

The last one also considered as equal to the person who worked for the whole day 

*2) God Cheats no one*

At the peripheral level it appears that God was not just in giving equal amount. That is our calculation 

But careful analysis shows that, He gave the first worker who worked for the Whole day, what was agreed for the daily wage 

In no way the owner gave less than what was agreed. So there is no cheating 

To the last he gave more. This shows God's generosity.

This clearly shows that God never cheats any one 

*3) He is always Generous*

This is another characteristic of God's mathematics

He always gives more than what was due. To the last he gave the entire days wage, which shows the Generosity of God 

*4) He gave according to the agreement* 

We also hear in the parable that the first one who received their days wage, which was fixed earlier, started to grumble the owner

They didn't say that the owner has given less. Their argument is that the last ones got more 

So the owner didn't go against the agreement. He followed the agreement perfectly well 

*5) Not Hours, But attitude counts*

In God's mathematics, the Hour of works has no place 

One can't be judged according to the hours of work one does 

In God's mathematics, the attitude, the behavior, care, concern and belongingness counts a lot 

That is how the mathematics of God works 

*6) No one can claim by Right*

The Labourers who came first were trying to argue with the owner to claim the benefits of the situation 

To their claim, they go nothing, but had to bow down to the mathematics of God 

This clearly shows no one can claim anything from God, as if something is some ones right. 

From God everything is a free gift and one should have a right disposition to receive the gift

Have I understood the mathematics of God?

How my mathematics is different from the mathematics of God? 

How can I adopt the mathematics of God in my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Entry to the Kingdom of Heaven and the Riches

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:23-30*

*First Reading : Ez 28:1-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab*

*Entry to the Kingdom of Heaven and the Riches*

*1) Entry into Heaven*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the aspect of entry into heaven 

Who can enter heaven? Is the common question which is asked by many at various occasions 

While answering this question, Jesus gives us a very important information about the link of Entry into heaven and the Riches 

How does the riches become block in the entry into heaven is the main topic of today's Gospel 

*2) Most loved thing, becomes a obstacle*

*Riches* are the most loved thing in this world by human beings 

In other words by and large human beings love the material possessions rather than anything else in this world

Such a lovable things becomes the hurdle in entering into the heaven

That's why Jesus warns about the riches of this world

*3) It will be hard for one who is rich*

Rich and Riches always go together

Jesus does not say that rich do not enter into heaven

But Jesus says it will be *hard* for the rich to enter into heaven

So even the rich can enter the Heaven, provided one is not attached to the worldly possessions

Hard means one has to make lots of efforts, one has to struggle a lot in entering the Heaven

*4) The problem with the Riches*

Worldly riches is not bad. It is a God's gift to the entire humankind 

Such riches become problem, when it is used for selfish purposes, when it is not shared with others, when one is too much involved in material possessions, it turns out to be hurdle than a blessing to enter into heaven

Our disposition towards the riches will decide whether wealth is a blessing or a hurdle? 

*5) Why Riches become hurdle to Rich?*

When a person becomes the rich, or one who has the desire to become rich, His?Her attitude matters a lot 

Usually the person who is addicted to the riches, forgets to honour God

God and spiritual things become secondary value and wealth is given the primary place 

Such an attitude becomes a hurdle to enter into heaven

*6) Hurdles on the entry to Heaven*

From the Gospel it is clear that for the rich the riches become the hurdle to enter into heaven

This does not mean that all poor will enter into heaven 

Like rich, poor people may be having some other hurdles to enter into heaven

In other words, all of us have various hurdles to enter into heaven

So, what are the hurdles which I encounter in my day today life, in entering into heaven?

Am I under the influence of the hurdles, which hinder my entry into heaven?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Detachment is the way towards Perfection

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:16-22*

*First Reading : Ez 24:15-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21*

*Detachment is the way towards Perfection*

*1) Jesus speaks on perfection*

In the context of answering the question, raised by the young man Jesus says *“If you wish to be perfect*

This particular aspect shows that there is a way to become perfect in our life, which demands a particular path to follow in our life 

*2) Detachment is the path towards perfection*

When Jesus speaks about the perfection in ones life, Jesus also shows the path towards perfection

Jesus says *If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”*

This particular view of Jesus clearly shows that unless one has the willingness to practice the virtue of detachment, one is not able to attain perfection

Detachment is at the centre of perfection 

*3) Mere practice of the commandments are not Sufficient*

The Young had practiced all the commandments which Jesus had mentioned 

The Young man says *“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”*

If Jesus had not answered further to this question, it would have been very clear that the practice of the above commandments, which Jesus had mentioned, would have become the criteria for perfection 

Since Jesus further says *If you wish to be perfect* it shows that in spite of practicing the commandments, he lacked something to become perfect 

So mere practice of the commandments are not sufficient for perfection 

*4) practice of the commandments and the detachment*

From the Gospel it appears that, the practice of the commandments is easy but the way of perfection is difficult, which is the total detachment 

The spirit of the commandments consists is avoiding something and doing something. 

The spirit of perfection is total giving up everything trusting in the Lord and following Jesus 

This is the real meaning of detachment 

*5) Attachment and Sadness*

The Gospel of the day says at last that *he went away sad,  for he had many possessions*

He was so much attached to his possession, which he was not willing to give up 

This attachment to his possessions, finally brings about a great sadness, which results in going away from Jesus 

Ultimately the attachment to worldly things, brings about sadness and breaking the relationship with Jesus 

*6) Detachment at the centre of Christian Spirituality*

Jesus was not attached to any of the things of this world. So he was ready to move from one place to another and was able to do lots of work

With attachment to the worldly things, finally brings about greed and ends up in sadness

Detachment was at the center of Jesus' ministry

All saints practiced this virtue of detachment 

Detachment also needs a great amount of discipline and the aspect of sacrifice

Am I able to detach myself from the undue attachment to this worldly things? 

How does the detachment works in my life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The True Value of Eternal Food

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:51-58*

*First Reading : Prv 9:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7*

*Second Reading - Eph 5:15-20*

*The True Value of Eternal Food*

*1) St Augustine on Eucharist*

When we eat the normal food, it transforms into the one who eats. It gives him the physical strength. With this strength he is able to work, and do his/her daily works 

But the Eternal Food, that is the Body and Blood of Jesus; one who consumes it, it transforms the person into the image and likeness of Jesus 

This eternal food transforms the person, to become like the one, whose body and blood is received through the Eucharist

*2) Benny Hinn on Eucharist*

It is the Eucharist and the Strong faith on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, differentiates Catholics from all other Christian groups 

There are more Eucharistic miracles in Catholics Church than in any other churches 

The Spiritual wellbeing and the good things, that happen, when one celebrates the Eucharist and receives Jesus in the Holy Bread and Wine, do not happen in any other places and through any other means 

Because Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Jesus. This is the power of the Eucharist

*3) One needs True Wisdom to Understand the mystery of Eucharist*

The first reading from the Book of Proverbs, speaks about the true Wisdom

Wisdom Has built her House with Seven Pillars. These seven pillars are nothing but the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. They are 

Wisdom,

Understanding, 

Counsel, 

Fortitude, 

Knowledge, 

Piety

Fear of the Lord

Through these Seven pillars one can understand the mystery and the value of Eternal Food 

*4) Viaticum - Food for the Journey*

This is a special privilege which we find in the Catholic Church, in the context of Eucharist 

A person who is in danger of Death, the Eucharist is given as a food for the journey 

This journey towards the eternal abode. 

This clearly shows that Eucharist takes a person to the eternal abode 

Eucharist gives a chance for the person to participate in the eternal banquet

Eucharist shows the way to the  person to the eternal Home 

So, this is the eternal value of the Eucharist

*5) The Power of the Eucharist*

It is a true bread came down from heaven 

It is the flesh of Jesus himself, having the quality of eternal life 

One who receives it, will not die, but lives for ever 

No life, without Eucharist. It only gives the real life, a life which has no end 

It has the power to raise one on the last day to eternal life 

*6) Availability of the Eternal Food*

For us Christians this eternal food is available at every Eucharistic celebration

It is a great privilege and Honor for us to have this eternal food, through the Eucharist 

One needs to prepare himself to receive this food in a worthy way. 

St Paul Says *whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord* 

*For all who eat and drink, without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement against themselves* (1Cor 11:29-31)

How do I prepare myself to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? 

Have I realised the value of Eucharist, in terms of eternal life? 

What is my reverence to the Eucharist?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Important mission of Bringing Children to Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:13-15*

*First Reading : Ez 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32*

*Responsorial Psalm : PS . 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19*

*The Important mission of Bringing Children to Jesus*

*1) One of the important duties of Marriage*

During the Nuptial rite, the mission about bringing Children to Jesus is highlighted 

The sacrament of Matrimony highlights, that bringing children to Jesus is one of the important duties of the parents 

This also shows how important this mission in our life 

*2) Jesus on Bringing children to Him*

The Gospel speaks about people bringing children to Jesus 

The reaction of Jesus is very important. 

First of all he rebuked His disciples for not allowing the people to bring their children to Him 

Secondly he openly tells that the children should be allowed to come to Him 

Thirdly Jesus plays his hand over them and prays for them 

This shows the importance of children bringing them to Jesus 

*3) As Teachers and Elders*

Apart from the parents the elders and teachers have a grave responsibility to bring the children to Jesus 

Because most of the times children will be with the teachers and with immediate elders, apart from the parents 

Unless we take the responsibility, this mission becomes impossible 

*4) Various ways of bringing children to Jesus*

At the earliest stage, teaching them about Jesus in our houses 

Showing the images of Jesus and telling them its importance 

Bringing small children to the altar at home, after the payers and making them to kiss the statue of Jesus, Mary and other Saints 

Teaching them the catechism 

Encouraging them to read the Bible 

Telling them to lead the prayer and Rosary at home 

Sending the children to Sunday catechism

Taking efforts to communicate the message of Jesus in a creative and attractive ways 

*5) Failure to bring children to Jesus*

This is a serious issue that needs more attention 

At times responsibile people forger their duty of bringing children to Jesus 

At times like the disciples they become the obstacles in bringing children to Jesus 

Failure in bringing children to Jesus leads to serious crisis in life 

When the children grow they get into all sorts of crisis and get into all sorts of evil habits 

Gradually it may end up in a big tragedy in life 

That's why the mission of bringing the children to Jesus is very much important

*6) My Responsibility*

In bringing children to Jesus what is my responsibility? 

As a parent, as a teacher, as a religious or as an elder what is my role in bringing the children to Jesus? 

Have I become any time a obstacle to any one, in bringing others to Jesus? 

Is my life worthy of bringing others to Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

What God has joined together, man must not separate

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:3-12*

*First Reading : Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 or Ez 16:59-63*

*Responsorial Psalm : Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6*

*What God has joined together, man must not separate*

*1) God who works for Unity*

One of the important aspects which we see in the Entire Bible about God would be, *the God who works for Unity*

From the book of Genesis till Revelation, we see the various efforts and plans of God to bring back the Human being to unity with the divine 

In spite of grave failures from the part of Human beings God never stopped bringing people back to the unity 

The core message of Salvation History is nothing but the Unity or joining man and Divine for the betterment of the Humankind

*2) The tendency to Separate by Human beings*

The tendency to separate, to break away, to go away, to reject is very much seen in the nature of Human being 

The first man on Earth, Adam and Woman Eve, had this strong tendency, and broke the original unity by committing the Sin 

Since then, even today the tendency separate is very much visible in every aspect  of our life 

*3) The separation in the Family*

In the Gospel of the Day Jesus highlights the aspect of separation in the family 

Family is one of the First thing, which God created in the World and brought man and woman together

The unity between Human beings and God starts from the family

This is one of the reasons why Jesus is highlighting the unity in the Family

If the unity of the family is lost or if the family is broken then there is nothing is left in ones life 

That's why Jesus is highlighing the importance of the unity of the family

*4) Sacraments are the ways of Unity*

The broken unity is continuously is united by God, through the sacraments 

The sacrament of Baptism is one of the important, sacraments which units the human being to God

This is the first step of God to unite human beings. 

So God continuously working to have unity with human being

Like wise all other sacraments, are primarily celebrated for acquiring the unity with God 

The celebration of the sacraments, shows how much God works for the unity with Human Being 

*5) Broken Unity and the Loss*

When the unity is broken, the loss is not for God, but loss for the human beings 

With broken unity, the human being suffers a lot 

When the unity is lost, everything is lost 

So maintaining unity is one of the important aspect in our life 

*6) Unifier or Divider*

God always works as unifying factor 

Devil always works as the dividing factor 

What is my role, in maintaining the unity? 

We need the grace of God to work for unity and to maintaining the unity 

How about me? Am I a unifying person or dividing person?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The meaning of True Freedom

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Assumption of Our Blessed Mother and Independence Day*

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:39-58*

*First Reading : Rev 12:1-6a, 10ab*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 45: 10, 11, 12, 16*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 15:20-27*

*The meaning of True Freedom*

*1) Dual Celebration*

Today we have two important celebrations 

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven - Body and Soul 

The independence day of our Country 

Both these feasts highlights the importance of true freedom in our life 

*2) Freedom of Mind*

True freedom consists in freedom of mind. Mary had this freedom

This freedom helps us to know the difference between what is right and what is wrong 

With the Freedom of mind one is able to judge the situation and the events in a right way 

Freedom of mind always helps the person to think in a right way and to choose the right things 

As we celebrate this feast let our minds be free from ignorance, false teaching, fasle thinking, biased opinions and destructive ideologies 

*3) Freedom of Heart*

Unless the heart is free from evil things one can't enjoy true freedom and liberation 

At times heart becomes the dustbi of all unwanted things which makes the heart to lose the freedom 

Jesus says *those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.* Mt 15:17

Unless one frees the heart from evil things one can't enjoy the real freedom 

As we celebrate the great feast of freedom, let us try our level best to free our hearts from, jealousy, greed, evil habits, anger, pride etc 

*4) Freedom of Soul*

The bondage of the Soul is one of the main aspects which is spoken in every religion and in every scripture 

All our good deeds are focused on freeing ones soul from the bondage of sin 

Only a liberated soul is able to experience the Love, Mercy, holiness, and blessings of the Almighty 

Mary was and is an example for the freedom of the Soul 

Her magnificat shows the her soul was a liberated soul which experienced Gods love and mercy 

As we celebrate this feast let us free our soul from the bondage of sin, evil things and from the cravings of this material world 

*5) Benefits of True Freedom*

One is able to experience God 

One is able to know the will of God 

One is able to choose the right thing

One is able to make right judgement 

One is able to carry out the good acts 

One is able to reach out others in every situation

One is able to think about common good 

One is able to motivate and inspire others 

One is able to sacrifice his/her life for others 

One is able to love his/her enemies

*6) Internal freedom and External Freedom*

External freedom is freedom from external forces which curtail our movements. This is the freedom we got on August 15, 1947. Even today we enjoy this freedom 

Internal freedom is more important. It is a freedom of heart, mind, and soul. 

Such a freedom makes our life meaningful 

No one can give us this freedom unless we work ourselves with the grace of God. 

We should strive to have such a authentic freedom, which helps us to liberate ourselves from all bondages 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*