It is 7th December 2019. We celebrate the memorial of St Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. The most inspiring quote of the saint is: “You are not making a gift of what is yours to the poor person, but you are giving back what is his/her. You have been appropriating things that are meant to be for the common use of everyone. The earth belongs to everyone, not to the rich.” The readings are from Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; and the Gospel from Matthew 9:35-38, 10:1, 5-8. As we wrap up the first week of the Advent, we are encouraged and strengthened by the first reading in which the Lord promises to heal the wounds that was inflicted on us. God who is our Teacher shows His countenance, will hide no more from us and more than willing to listen to our cry. The help and blessings surely come from the Lord himself. “I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps.121:1,2). God is always merciful and compassionate towards our petitions. “For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; God forgives sins and saves in time of distress.” (Sir.2:11). Yet, God teaches us the lessons of life in the school of suffering and pain. When we hold the hands of God and walk during the time of adversities, we are refreshed and become stronger than broken into pieces. No suffering is permanent for the one who counts on God. The responsorial Verse acclaims, “Happy are all who long for the coming of the Lord.” (Is.30:18). The Gospel reminds us about the responsibility that is laid on us to evangelise where we are rooted before we wish to embark a missionary journey. The values of the kingdom when it is lived passionately becomes the most vibrant and inspiring sermon. We are all invited to be the missionary disciples of Christ in whom we placed our trust. “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.” (Mt.10:8). Let us not market everything and commercialise the evangelisation. Without works of mercy, the evangelisation is rootless. May we reach out to the dejected and the rejected people of our communities. Our reaching out to someone during this Advent and bring them closer to Jesus as we are all empowered by Him through the Baptism and the mandate, we all have received from the Lord. May you have a good day. God bless you.