It is 31st January 2019. We celebrate the memorial of St John Bosco, Priest. He is the founder of Salesians and known as the ‘apostle of Youth.’ The readings are from Hebrews 10:19-25; and the Gospel from Mark 4:21-25. There is no thrill in living for ourselves only. But there is so much of fulfilment and satisfaction when we live for the welfare of the others. Most of our life time and resources are channelled towards us yet we still feel in want of love and riches. We have not measured out to other in proportion of what is measured in by God. We all fall short of this ideal of giving the best for the others. We all have the natural tendency to keep the best for ourselves. We need to emulate the Lord in giving the best we have in us and the best we have so far acquired. Giving is the only virtue that is not borrowed from anyone. Giving is the virtue that is so inherent in everyone of us. All that we have received from the Lord is to be given for the welfare of the others and for the common good. Even our sins are washed surely by a selfless giving to the suffering humanity. Unless we share that little we have, we cannot experience the presence of God. It is not enough that we inspire people but we need to provoke their consciences to do good all the more. The first reading teaches us that we all enter the sanctuary of God through the blood of the Lamb. Our souls become spotless when we have emerged as victors in using the opportunities that God given us daily to serve and share with the humanity. Charity offers the access to the presence of God. Our selfishness separates us from God’s sanctuary while self-giving grants access to encounter God in Jesus and His sacrifice. “Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works.” (Heb.10:24). Persuasion, piety and perseverance are the key for a successful spiritual life. Persuasion in doing good, approaching the altar of mercy without losing hope, and responding to love consistently are so much needed to be generous to God and others. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.” (Ps.23:6). The Gospel invites us to be fruitful in our spiritual life. The light we have obtained by believing and following the Word of God has to shine among people. More we allow them to shine, more we are empowered by the same light. We need to be the witnesses and to evangelize the others not only by words but by the light of our soul that is the holiness of our life. We do not need to hide the light of Christ that has enlightened our souls and being. We must make effort allowing the light to shine. It is not sufficient we are closer to the sanctuary of the Lord and we need to shine and share the light of Christ so that others could have the ample opportunity to come closer to the Lord. “The measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” (Mk.4:24,25). May our heart be open to share what we have with those in need. May you have a good day. God bless you.