It is 13th July 2018. We celebrate the memorial of St. Henry. The readings are from Hosea 14:2-10; and the Gospel from Matthew 10:16-23. A genuine repentance and our faithfulness offer the abundance of blessings in one’s lives as opposed to the stubborn, arrogant and unforgiving heart goes through pain and misery all along. Our life is little more than just a constant repentance. Yes, we need to return to the Lord regularly and again we need to be wise and prudent in all our conduct and behaviour. Not everyone is happy that we worship the Lord and there are not many to appreciate the good works we do to the needy and poor. The assurance and blessings of God are irrevocable. We are in the watchful care of the Lord always yet intensely starred at by the evil eyes that wish to have its prey. As we fix our eyes on the Lord, let our awareness not be distracted by the evil ones around us. To experience the blessings in fullness, one needs to be wise, discerning, understanding the precepts of the Lord and beware of the evil that is encircling around us. “What have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me.” (Hos.14:8). Are we still worshiping some false deities and carrying idols, when our God is willing to answer our prayers? God looks after us and answers our prayers when we discern God’s ways and to avoid the evil by all means. The responsorial Psalm praises, “My mouth shall declare your praise.” (Ps.50:17). The Gospel encourages us to be alert and smart in proclaiming the Good News and working for the suffering humanity. “Remember, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves.” (Mt.10:16). Our faith and service are not a part time profession. We have to be committed round the clock and be prudent in all what we are and what we do. There is no way going back and relaxing when we have achieved something for the kingdom of God. There is so much to be preached and shared. The evil ones are also engaging in their preaching, propaganda, fake news, and intentional distraction and destruction of all what we have built and preached. We are the messengers who need to be cautious, alert in spreading the Good News that God loves the world against all odds of the wolves, serpents and dragons. Let us not be afraid about who is going to betray and bury us alive. Our own families, siblings will betray us, spy on us, expose us and punish us at times. They can persecute us and punish us and not allowing us to be the person we wish to be in our lives. Let us be honest, truthful, sincere and smart working people. There are more wolves around us that we have seen so far, yet God looks after every move of our lives. May we be wise and fearless in believing and living the demands of the Lord daily and be rewarded. May God bless you and have a good day.