It is 30th April 2018. The readings are from Acts 14:5-18; and the Gospel from John 14:21-26. The gifts of the Spirit are given not to us make ourselves boasting, bossy and petty gods rather to humble ourselves to give credit to God who deserves the praise and honour for such gifts that are entrusted to us. People might consider us so privileged for having preached a good sermon, or have prayed for someone and made feel well, or for having healed them from a perennial sickness yet in all these we need to present God as the One who has shown mercy to God’s people. The first reading presents us with a miracle of crippled person from birth is healed by the intercessions of St. Paul and Barnabas. The people mistook them as Greek gods who were among them to provide healing. People believed Barnabas for Zeus and Paul for Hermes. They literally idolised these apostles as gods for having performed a miracle among them. The people went to the extent to offer sacrifices to them. But the apostles were humble enough to remind them that there were merely human beings and there is an urgent need to turn to God not to idols. “We are only human beings like you. We have come with Good News to make you turn from empty idols to the living God.” (Acts.14:15). Who are the people whom we have idolised and got fixated spiritually and built altars of praise, boasting and vain glory in honour of them in our lives? Let us destroy the altars of our petty and secrets gods of glory and return to the Lord for the wonders God performs every minute of our lives. The responsorial Psalm offers the praise to God: “Not to us, Lord, but to your name give the glory.” (Ps.113:1). In the Gospel, Jesus assures us that the Most Holy Trinity would love to have a home in our lives when we have assimilated the Word of God and promising us all the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, the one who supports, defends, speaks in favour of us to God. “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.” (Jn.14:26). May we ask the Holy Spirit to grant us the gift of Understanding and right judgement in loving and obeying the Word of God. It is God’s love that rewards us with peace, joy and contentment in our lives. We cannot love or worship God without listening and accommodating His Words in our lives. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to reveal the will and plan of God to us as we all wish to be the instrument of love, peace, justice and joy. May you have a good day. God bless you all.