It is 20th January 2020. We celebrate the memorials of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr and St. Sebastian, Martyr. The readings are from 1 Samuel 15:16-23 and the Gospel from Mark 2:18-22. Devotion devoid of discipline snubs the voice of God. Leaders are brought by God for the plan of God to be achieved not their personal agenda with the amassing wealth for themselves. Obedience is the virtue we all struggle so much. Obedience to the voice of God is expected from everyone. Obedience to the commandment of God is in itself the authentic worship we offer to God. Nothing pleases God except a humble heart that listen to the voice of God. The first reading presents us with a greedy and undisciplined king who refused to listen to God. To please and be blessed one has to obey the voice of the Lord. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Sam.15:22). Without love and obedience for God, one cannot offer a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. Being a Christian is not enough if we fail to live the values of the Gospel. Arrogance and rebellion are the sins in a person who wishes to be independent and buffed-minded rejecting God’s guidance. We close the doors of love and obedience when we begin to offer excuses instead of taking responsibility for our actions. Rebelling against God is a type of witchcraft and idolatry we need to be extremely careful in our life. Otherwise, our devotion and dedication deviated from the plan of God. The responsorial Psalm praises, “I will show God’s salvation to the upright.” (Ps.49:23). The Gospel invites us to love God without pretension. A missionary disciple needs discipline with devotion. May God help us to obey His voice always. May you have a good day.