It is 7th July 2018. The readings are from Amos 9:11-15; and the Gospel from Matthew 9:14-17. God’s time is sure to come with its abundant blessings when we are prepared to let go off what we hold so dearly that leads us to sin. The prophet Amos strengthens the people of God telling that the time of blessings from the Lord is so close at hand. “I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.” (Amos 9:14). This prophecy came from God when the people of Israel were surrounded by the Assyrian army. The security and prosperity of the people depend on the way they acknowledge God in their life. The responsorial Psalm praises, “The Lord speaks peace to his people.” (Ps.84:9). The Gospel teaches us that worshiping God must not become a burden or just a duty rather it must be the expression of deep love for the Lord. We forget God wilfully in two major moments of our lives. When we are so abundantly blessed, we forget God and We are forced by the gruesome winds of abject poverty and sickness, we abandon God and looking for the solutions from people. Fasting is the deep expression of love not a discipline or penance or a sacrifice. Even though God does not benefit from our fasting, we surely do and those whom we share the resources that we saved from the fasting. Fasting, foregoing meals renews, rejuvenates, strengthens, purifies, helps us control our desires and become the teacher and make us more willing to serve God and humanity. Every self-denial cements the fibre of self-esteem in us. If our fasting does not add flavour to the life of someone, it is not worth fasting. Time of blessings surely come when we express our love for the Lord through such type of sharing that comes out of personal sacrifice and efforts. May God bless you and have a good day.