It is 01st February 2020. We celebrate the memorial of Blessed Benedict Daswa, a South African martyr for rejecting witchcraft. Pope Francis in his beatification decree described him as “a zealous Catechist, all-round educator who gave heroic witness to the gospel, even to the shedding of blood.” The readings are from 2 Sam. 12:1-7, 10-17 and the Gospel from Mark 4:35-41. God is more than willing and generous to forgive and forget our sins if we are willing to own our sins, acknowledge or confess them and ready to do the penance for the same. “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). In the first reading, we are so profoundly taught that God never abandons us when we are fallen in the gravest sin. It is by counting on God, and daringly return to the Lord, we are to repeat the prayer of King David, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Sam. 12:13). When we are lost in sin, the Lord does care. It is not the Lord who is sleeping but we are the ones so lethargic and bragging about faith. St. Augustine boldly confessed, “Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His Providence.” There are not many who can stand up and voice out sinfulness in our life like Nathan, the prophet. But, God takes initiatives in dealing with our sins and waiting for our humble and sincere confession. We all are assured after the confession, “Now the Lord has put away your sin; you shall not die.” (2 Sam. 12:13). The Responsorial Psalm pleads in prayer, “A pure heart create for me, O God.” (Ps.50:12). The Gospel assures the abiding and saving presence of Jesus in our life of storms and perils. Are we afraid and frightened for the punishment? Whatever the reason for the storm in our life boat that is tossing and dragged around, Jesus has the power to quieten it. We who believe in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation need not afraid. Jesus is with us always. We need to put our trust in God and in Jesus. Our Beloved Mother Mary, Queen of Confessors always there to intercede for us when are blind-folded by our sins. We need to know and believe the Lord Jesus and put our faith in Him. He is ready to forgive us and grant us the peace and tranquility we are seeking in our life. May you have a good day. May God bless you.