It is 24th July 2018. We celebrate the memorial of St. Sharbel Makhluf, Maronite monk and Priest, whose intercessions and blessings, people from Lebanon were so much after. The readings are from Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; and the Gospel from Matthew 12:46-50. God forgives us then and there. God throws our sins to the farthest ends and deepest depth and God does not remember our sins anymore. Human persons and institutions could have records of our sins and treat us accordingly but not with God. No matter how grave is the sin, God still forgives us and makes feel worthy and light again. The first reading from Micah concludes with the prayer and praise of God’s shepherding and the tendency to forgive our sins. The prophet acknowledges that God is the ideal shepherd who goes after the sheep that are strayed by the merciless winds of sins. God finds and offers a pasture of blessings for the people who follow God’s Words. “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in showing clemency.” (Mic. 7:18). The responsorial Psalm invokes, “Let us see, O Lord, your mercy.” (Ps.84:8). The Gospel teaches us that we are the family when we do the will of God by listening to the Word of God. Our affiliation with God comes by attentive listening that leads us to conduct and behave ourselves like the children of a loving Father that is God. God is pleased with us when we have listened and accommodated God’s Word in our lives and make it come alive. The spiritual vibes and connections that is established by discerning and demonstrating the will of God in our lives. Anyone who gives life to the Word by their own sacrifice, service and sanctification is the child and the family of God. Without obedience to God, we cannot listen and feel the movements and churning of God in our lives. Mary our Mother is the finest example who obeyed God’s will and plan and brought Jesus, the Only Son of God to the world. We too become the members of the family of God by bringing Jesus into the world and making the values of the kingdom available by our lives in this world. “Then He pointed to his disciples and said, ‘Look! Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is for me brother, sister, or mother.” (Mt 12:49-50). May you have a good day. God bless you.