It is 18th January 2018. The readings are from 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7; and the Gospel from Mark 3:7-12. Jealousy spills the fear of abandonment to rage and humiliation. Jealousy strikes all gender equally when imminent threat to one’s status, relationship and involves another person as a rival. When a valuable and admired relationship is in danger, jealousy sprouts a social bond yet destroys the personal bond. Jealousy has entered every wings and verandas of the human relationships starting from kings’ palaces to the those of religiously safeguarded premises. Jealousy always leaves a painful mark in all who are involved and therefore there must be platform to address and tackle not to spill over to destroy the people involved. Jealousy is like a fire; if not extinguished on time, it could cost a lot. In the first reading, we reflect about the emotions of King Saul’s jealousy on the victory of David against Philistines. We all can deal with jealousy when we can talk about it and get the necessary help from a reliable and trustworthy friend. A friend in need is friend indeed. When we have good person like Jonathan around, we do not need to panic anymore. A good and faithful friend is not only a blessing but also a medicine to the soul of the one who is wounded by intimate relationship. When the feedbacks and criticism are taken to heart without being evaluated, it could spark the destructive rays of jealousy from the heart. Jealousy could even lead one to annihilate the other completely just like Saul ruminated about David yet the help and the counsel of the Jonathan, an ideal friend with the qualities of openness, nobility, loyalty and affection provided the way out for David. The responsorial Psalm intercedes, “In God I trust; I shall not fear.” (Ps. 55:5). The Gospel present Jesus who was busy meeting and healing people. Jesus was sought by many for the personal healing. Even the demons exclaimed the power of Jesus openly. Whenever Jesus cast out the demons, they revealed who the person Jesus is. Jesus was not seeking an approval and admiration from them rather He wanted to bring the people of God closer to God. May we recognize the power of Jesus in our personal life to get rid of the demons and emotions such as jealousy. May you have a good day.