Who is my neighbor?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 10:25-37*

*First Reading - Jon 1:1:2:1-2, 11*

*Who is my neighbor?*

*1) The Place of Neighbor*

In the teachings of Jesus the place of neighbour is clearly mentioned. 

After God, comes the neighbour. Therefore Jesus says *You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”*

So After God, it is the neighbour who takes a very important place in Christian spirituality

*2) The definition of the Neighbour*

According to Jesus, the concept of neighbour gets a new meaning.

For Jews neighbour is the another Jewish fellow being. A person who belonged other than Jewish religion could not become the neighbour

But Jesus gives us a new understanding. A neighbour is the one who is in need. 

One who gives his service and one who receives the service in grave needs, become neighbours to each other 

So in Jesus' concept of neighbour, there is religion, caste, creed, colour, nationality, region, language, rites and culture. 

So Every other human being is my neighbour

*3) The opportunities to become the Good Neighbour*

As we read in the Gospel of today, we have many occasions to become good neighbours to our brothers and sisters

By doing any little act of service one can become a good neighbour to another 

Since Christian Spirituality is nothing but becoming a good neighbour, one has to strive to become a good neighbour

*4) The title Good Samaritan*

Today the title good Samaritan has a special significance to the world

This title had been taken by various NGO and other charitable institutions

The title itself conveys a powerful message to the entire world. In other words we can say the title *Good Samaritan* has become a eternal title, which will remain for ever 

It is only through the service to the neighbour, the Samaritan became a Good Samaritan.

*5) Good Samaritan and Good Christian*

Today the title Good Samaritan can be seen in different ways 

Being a good Christian is like a Good Samaritan 

Like wise, being good in charity, service, out going, sharing, helping are the various ways of becoming Good Samaritans in our day today life 

*6) Will I be called as a Good Samaritan?*

To answer this question, first we must ask the question, who is my neighbour? 

Once we know who are my neighbours and our responsibility towards them will decide whether I will become a Good Samaritan or not.

Through our mission let's try to become Good Samaritans in our lives 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Things which are responsible for the division of the Sacred Bond

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12*

*First Reading - Gn 2:18-24*

*SECOND READING - Heb 2:9-11*

*Things which are responsible for the division of the Sacred Bond*

*1) The importance of the Sacred Bond*

It is God who started the relationship or the sacred bond with the Human being by creating them 

When the bond of sacred in nature it is always for the betterment of the party and attain perfection

Since God is the origin of Sacred Bond, all the sacred bonds are good in nature and they help us to attain salvation

*2) Various Types of Sacred bonds*

First of all the bond which rises between God and Human being. The very fact God created the Human being there a sacred bond between God and Man

Secondly God has put a special bond between Man and Woman while creating itself. This bond gets special significance, in the context of marriage and family. 

Thirdly there also a sacred bond between siblings. They are directly related to each other by blood, therefore this bond is sacred 

The entire World with all the human beings on this earth has a spacial sacred bond, because of the human nature of the Human beings 

There is also a sacred bond between God, Man and Nature. 

*3) Separation of the Sacred Bond by human beings*

It starts with Adam and Eve. They were responsible for breaking the sacred bond between God and human beings 

Cain was responsible for breaking the sacred bond between the siblings 

Lot got drunk and his daughters were responsible to break the sacred bond of marriage and family

All these things happen in the First of the Bible in Genesis. 

Since then the violation of the sacred bonds happen and even today we have these instances everywhere

*4) My Life and Sacred Bond*

First of all there is a sacred bond between God and me

Secondly there is a sacred bond in the family. Either in the form of Husband & wife, parents & Children, sacred bond between the Siblings 

Thirdly there is also a sacred bond of either marriage, religious life or single life. All these forms of life carry with it a sacred bond 

*5) Things cause for the separation of the sacred Bond*

*Hardness of the heart*: which destroys the sacred bond

*Unfaithfulness*: This is a quick weapon of destruction and division of the sacred bond 

*Ego & Unforgiveness*: This can destroy the sacred bind at any time 

*Lack of Adjustment & Arrogance* : This can result is the division of any sacred bond

Lack of Sharing with the other, lack of prayer, always finding fault with the other, lack of compromise etc are other things which are responsible for the division of the sacred bond

*6) The height of the sacredness of the family bond*

Among all other things in the World family comes first 

There is nothing in this world which can substitute the family relationship and family bond

If a person loses the family there is nothing is left to the person in this world 

Finally at the end of the day he/she has to come back to the family. If family itself is not there, then where to go 

One works, toils, makes lots of sacrifice and does every kind of work for the sake of family. Then if the family is not there then all the above things have no meaning 

Life of a person who has no family bond, becomes miserable. 

*7) It is the family and Family sacred bond which is spoken in the Scriptures - Highest times*

This topic comes in every book of the Bible and in every situation. 

This shows the need and necessity of the family bond 

*Therefore if there are 1000 reasons to cause the separation of the sacred bond of family, find out 1 cause which can keep the family together.*

Then the family life will become a happy life

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Work of the Guardian Angels

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week - Saturday*

*Feast of the Guardian Angels*

*GOSPEL - Mt 18:1-5, 10*

*First Reading -  Ex 23:20-23*

*The Work of the Guardian Angels*

*1) Guardian Angel goes before us*

In the book of Exodus it is clearly said that, the Guardian is sent by the Lord Himself 

This guardian angel goes before us. Going before us means 

To show the right path 

To clear our way

To protect us from any danger 

To fill us with courage and hope

To guard us and to bring us to the place, which God has prepared us.

*2) Guardian angel is like a powerful Soldier*

He is the one who fights on our behalf with our enemies 

He defeats  all our enemies and takes to the safest place 

As a soldier the Guardian Angel is ready at all the time to help us and to protect us 

*3) Guardian Angel is a God's representative in us* 

Through Guardian Angel God is present in us, because God's authority resides in him, God fights against our enemies through the Guardian angel and God protects us through Guardian Angel

*4) They are in the presence of God*

As they are present in us, they are also present at the same time before God 

Jesus tells us that, *"I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”*

Since they are able to see the face of the Lord, they are powerful creatures of God, who also help us to see the face of God, through our holy life

*5) Our responsibility towards Guardian Angel*

We must be attentive to His voice 

We must Listen to his promptings

We must not rebel against Him 

We must follow Him, wherever he leads us, because he can't lead us away from God 

*6) How do I relate with my Guardian Angel?*

The Holy Scriptures show us the way through which we need to relate with the Guardian Angel. But the question is how do I relate with Him? 

Am I able to hear his voice?

Am I able to listen to His promptings? 

Am I able to follow the path shown by the Guardian Angel?

Do I feel happy that God has given me a guardian angel to protect and giude me?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Importance of the "Little Way" of St Theresa

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week - Friday*

*Feast of St Theresa of Child Jesus*

*GOSPEL - Mt 18:1-4*

*First Reading -  Is 66:10-14*

*The Importance of the "Little Way" of St Theresa*

*1)  Ladder with two different types of Steps*

Recently I came across a picture which had two ladders. 

Both the ladders had same height and same width. But there was one difference 

One ladder has 15 steps and the other ladder had only 7 steps. 

Since the height was same the ladder which had 15 steps the distance between the steps was very less. Whereas the ladder which had only 7 steps the distance between was so much ordinary person would find extremely difficult to climb 

But the ladder which had 15 steps even a small child can climb the ladder 

*2) Importance of the Small steps*

The above examples shows us the importance of the small steps 

Small steps are easy to climb and to reach the destiny. But the longer steps are not very easy to climb. It needs something else to climb the same 

Even the steps are small they are not insignificant. Small steps have great value and they are the foundation for the next and the gtrwater  steps

*3)  Theresa's Little Way*

St Theresa of Child Jesus is known for her *Little Way*

The *Little Way* is not a insignificant way, but it became a great way for the holiness and sainthood of St Theresa. 

That's is why the way itself is called the *Little Way*

*4)The Logic of the Little Way*

The *Litlle Way* shows that doing the little works of our life with utmost attention and with perfection

For example a small gesture of giving a cup of cold water. It may a small and simple work. But this work can be done with full love, smile, and with a gesture of gratitude. When we do the small things with these value they become great things 

So the Logic of the *Little Way* is very simple. Do every little at times so called insignificant things with utmost love and perfection. 

Such an attitude will make the *Little Way* into great way 

*5) Kingdom of God and Little Way*

Jesus refers many small things while explaining the Kingdom of God 

For Example, The mustard Seed, Yeast, Seed in the parable of the sower, parable of the Wheat, birds of the air, two little copper coins of widow, lillies of the Field, 

All these things are used to describe the Kingdom of God. Even though they are small, yet they have great significance. 

*6) Tip of the needle and the tip of the mountain*

One can not stand on the tip of the needle. But one can stand on the tip of the mountain. 

Tip of the needle is very small and insignificant thing. But when it comes to the standing on it, it becomes impossible. 

So this shows the importance of the Little things and the Little way 

*7) Child's way is Little Way*

In today's Gospel we have a child whom Jesus presents to his disciples and tells them, unless you become like a children, you can never enter into the Kingdom of Heaven 

Becoming like children means paying attention to the small things 

Becoming like children means, using the little ways of children like humility, trust, simplicity, innocence, believing, learning from the elders so on 

 *8) Am I ready to follow the Little Way?*

Unless one understand the importance of it one may not be able to follow 

Following the little way with utmost perfection needs a strict discipline and determination

Patience and hard work are the foundational things on which the little is built up

*If so am I ready to follow the little way?* 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Importance of Staying, Eating and Drinking in the House

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 10:1-12*

*First Reading -  Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12*

*Importance of Staying, Eating and Drinking in the House*

*1) Jesus came to meet Human Being*

The primary purpose of Jesus' coming into this world is to meet the human being 

Since the mission of Jesus involved the salvation of the Human beings, it was necessary to meet the human beings

So Jesus became a human being to meet him, in his own nature and in the living  context of Human being 

*2) House is the best place to meet the People*

Among all the other means, house becomes the best means of meeting the human being 

Even though there are other places of meeting the Human beings, there is no best place other than the house where human being begins his life, grows and accomplishes his mission 

*3) House is a place of Staying, Eating and Drinking*

When we speak about house there are some particular things which are special to the house 

Apart from living in the house, staying, eating and drinking are the most intimate and important things that take place in the house 

So people usually like to stay, eat and drink in the house than in other places, because house is dear to all 

*4) The Symbolic meaning of Staying, Eating and Drinking in the House*

Staying, eating and drinking are the things which highlight the importance of the relationship

A stranger can not stay, eat and drink in the house of another whom he/she does not know the other 

Only a person who is familiar can stay, drink and eat with the other 

This also shows that depth of relationship. So one should know the importance of staying, eating and drinking in the house 

*5) Holy place is a house of God*

As we have a house to live, the Holy place is the house of God

God's presence is found in his house only for our sake, to meet and to give a special spiritual experience

We need to go to God's house in order to stay, eat and drink in the house of God  

*6) Staying in the House of Jesus, Eating and Drinking*

Since we are the disciples of Jesus we are suppose to stay, eat and drink in the house of Jesus 

The house of Jesus consists in forgiveness, service, love, sacrifice, sharing, suffering, and in building the Kingdom of God

We are suppose to stay in these values, eat and drink these things, 

So it is not merely eating, drinking material food and staying idol in the house of Jesus 

*7) Am I ready to stay in the House of Jesus and Eat and Drink*

Jesus welcomes all the time at all situation and to any one to his house 

But the question is am I ready to enter into the house of Jesus, to stay, to drink and Eat 

Staying in the house of Jesus lots of self discipline, lots of sacrifice and determination. Only then one can stay in the house of Jesus to eat and drink 

*Am I ready?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Archangels and their mission

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week - Wednesday*

*Feast of the Archangels*

*GOSPEL - Jn 1:47–51*

*First Reading -  Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12ab*

*The Archangels and their mission*

*1) Archangel Michael*

The name Gabriel in Hebrew signifies *Who is like God*

He is called *great prince* in catholic tradition

The archangel has four offices 

A) To fight against Satan 

B) To rescue the souls of the faithful from his grasp, especially at death 

C) To be the special Patron of Holy Church

D) To bring men's soul to judgement

He is also held to be the special Guardian Angel of the Pope. 

*2) The Archangel Gabriel*

The name Gabriel means *The Power of God* or *Hero of God* in Hebrew

He is one of the seven Angels who *Stand before God* 

Angel Gabriel is known as the *Messenger of glad or consoling tidings*

He announced the Birth of John the Baptist in the Temple to Zachariah

Above all he is known as the *Angel of Annunciation* because it was he who informed Mary that she had been chosen to become the Mother of the Incarnate Word. 

Christian tradition also believes that it was Angel Gabriel who gave the message to the Shepherds and to Joseph in connection with the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt 

He is the one who *Strengthened* our Lord in the Garden of Oilves 

*3) Archangel Raphael*

In Hebrew Raphael means *God has healed* 

He is also one among seven angels who always  stand before the throne of the Almighty 

He has a special power to heal - which is seen in healing the blindness of Tobit in Old Testament

He is the Patron saint of travellers, of the Young, and the innocent

*4) Our life consists in Three dimension mission*

First of all fight against the Satan and to save our soul from Satan 

Secondly we are given the mission of announcing the Good News 

Thirdly, we have been called to bring healing to wounded world 

As a faithful disciples of Jesus we are suppose to play these three functions of the Archangels, to build heaven on this earth.

Am I ready?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Journey to Jerusalem through Samaritan village

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 9:51-56*

*First Reading -  Zec 8:20-23*

*Journey to Jerusalem through Samaritan village*

*1) The identity of the Samaritan people*

Jews considered that Samaritans were not pure blood people. Because they had relationship with other pagan tribes. So their blood was contaminated and impure 

Because of this they were spiritually corrupt people and pagan foreigners.

They created their own religion and temple which Jews considered as heresy 

When Jews returned to rebuild Jerusalem, they were opposed by Samaritans. So the enminty grew further 

To the Jews, a Samaritan was more revolting than a Gentile (pagan); Samaritans were half-breeds who defiled the true religion.

That's why Jews hated the Samaritans and there was lot enmity between them 

*2) The place of Jerusalem*

For Jews Jerusalem was a holy and sacred place. It was the place of their identity

Jerusalem was a place where the great Temple existed and every Jew would visit this place 

Jerusalem was a place of God's dwelling and God's presence was very much felt at the temple of Jerusalem

So Jerusalem was everything for Jews and it was their pride and identity

Symbolically Jerusalem represented the Eternal city to which every one shuoud go 

*3) Jesus' journey to Jerusalem*

Today's Gospel says that Jesus was determined to go Jerusalem. 

It was a very important journey for Jesus because through this journey He would accomplish His mission 

Apart for this physical journey, a journey towards eternal city, to heaven is also could be seen here

*4) Journey to Jerusalem through Samaria*

As we know that Jerusalem and Samaria stand in two opposing directions. 

Jerusalem stands for holiness, eternity and to heaven 

Samaria stands for problems, wordly things, hurdles, challenges, non cooperation, difficulties, uncertainties, sin and evil things 

So Jesus' journey to Jerusalem happens through Samaria and in the Samaritan village  something happens

That's why the disciples were angry and they asked Jesus  *Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven  to consume them?”*

This reaction of the disciples shows the gravity of enmity between Samaritans and Jews

*5) Our journey to Jerusalem - Heavenly city*

Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was not easy

Like wise our life's journey to  so called Jerusalem that is heaven is not easy 

It will have to pass through Samaritan villages, where there is no welcome, no cooperation, where there is frustration, a kind of desperate situation, a challenging position, a situation to take revenge, a situation to get angry etc 

This is the part and parcel of our life's journey towards our heavenly Jerusalem 

*6) What is my Reaction in life's journey*

When my life's journey is faced with the Samaritan village what's my response? 

Is it like the disciples to get angry and to take revenge on them?

Is it a kind of prayer to destroy them? 

Do I wish to use things like fire to destroy them and tk procced in my journey? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*