It is 26th June 2018. The readings are from 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36; and the Gospel from Matthew 7:6, 12-14. How do we behave and in whom we do we trust and turn to in times of crisis and life-threatening situation? Our life needs to be enveloped in prayer no matter whatever is the situation. We must never ever give in when we believe in God and pray. When our prayer life is in order, we need not be worried and anxious about any person however powerful they could be in their life. in the first reading, the king of Israel, Hezekiah, a pious and God-fearing person submitted the letter of unimaginable threats from the powerful Assyrian king to the prophet of God Isaiah and to the temple. Let us allow God to deal with those that we are threatened. When we are threatened by a sickness, failure in business, brokenness in a relationship, or even emotional and physical threat from a neighbour or family member, where and to whom we run these days? Some of us run to false prophets and teachers; some others to witchcraft and divination; a very few of us submit ourselves in prayers and report our situation to God. God protects and blesses God’s people by all means and measure. The first reading is the account of assurance and affirmation of unchanging love of God on God’s people. “By the very road that he came on he will go back; he shall not come into this city, says the Lord. For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.” (2 Kgs.19:35). The responsorial Psalm praises, “God upholds his city for ever.” (Ps.47:9). The Gospel encourages us to use the Road that is less travelled, to treat others as we wish to be treated by them, and not to force our goodness on others when there is a lack of moral correctness in the heart of the person. It is all about the disposition of our heart and soul to God and to one another is prescription for a happy life. No goal or destination is achieved or reached without difficulty and a certain amount of voluntary inconveniences in one’s lives. The three directions proposed by Jesus today are so vital things for our spiritual and social wellbeing. The approach and the perception we have towards the imminent pain either makes us to come closer to God and one another or to succumb to a life of pleasure and easy living. May the Lord help us to come closer to God in all situations especially during the time of pain and challenging times of our lives. May you have a good day.