It is 28th November 2019. The readings are from Daniel 6:12-28; and the Gospel from Luke 21:20-28. God extends God’s hand towards us so personally and intimately to protect us no matter who pushes us into the den of lions. We are going to come out unharmed through the everlasting mercy and protection of God in whom we have placed our trust. We do notneed to fear when we have the Lord near our lives. God never departs or denies our prayers but at times God delays to offer the best we have pleaded for without any personal injury, loss and harm. The first reading portrays as the proof of faith of an innocent and faithful Daniel. Our God is not deaf and dumb when we are surrounded by the clouds of darkness, fear and anxiety. Our God can handle anything that hurts and hurdles our being. “My God sent the angel of God and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before God; and I have done no wrong.” (Dan.6:22). Let us not be perturbed about any merciless jaws that would threaten us to crush us into pieces such having sleepless nights over losing a job, a relationship or a business. Nothing can harm us when the arms of the Lord that embraces us and holds us so securely. We will emerge gloriously from the dark dungeon of anxiety and fear of our lives. “All things are possible for one who believes.” (Mk.9:23). It is not enough to be pure and sinless. Rather, we all need to aspire to inspire the others through our merciful and charitable acts that would fence our fragile and fragmented faith. Let us be assured that God shuts the evil mouths that destroy our well-being. We must stop worshiping people however powerful and influential they might be. “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Ps.118:8). Just like the faithful and courageous Daniel, may we trust the Lord at all times no matter however gruesome moments we need to encounter in our lives. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Give glory and eternal praise to him.”(Dan.3:59b). The Gospel predicts the destruction of Jerusalem, wars. The Lord alone frees us from all fear and worries and so “Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk.21:28). Let us not worry and fear about the advent of the Lord rather place all our trust in Him and to live a life that pleases God. “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that they can do nothing. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear God who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear God!” (Lk.12:4,5) May you have a day of blessing without any fear and anxiety. May God bless you.