It is 12th January 2018. The readings are from 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22; and the Gospel from Mark 2:1-12. Rejecting theocracy and embracing democracy. The people of Israel demanded God to allow them to be ruled by their kind and a tangible human person. Even though God reprimanded the people through the Prophet about the consequences of having a human king, but people stood firm in their demand. Departing from God to human consolation and guidance would bring no peace and blessings. The first reading explains the once and for all departure from the rule of God to the rule of man. When we believe in our ourselves, our skills, our ability more than the Giver of all these gifts, we sin against God. The people of Israel got what they had demanded from the prophet Samuel without realizing how much they are going to be taken a ride by the human leaders for their personal gains and protection over the security of the people of God. In our lives too, we might be giving importance to a human intervention over the God’s divine providence. It is also a departure from the mediation of the prophets to the mediation of a leader. Having lost the war against Philistines, and observing the growth in the neighboring nations, the people of Israel wanted to have someone to offer a stable and solid security, order and welfare. The prophet hesitated to listen to the people, but God instructed the prophet to listen to the voice of the people. The beginning of the rule of kings began and the end of the prophets as the leaders on behalf of God in the lives of people. the responsorial Psalm praises, “I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.” The Gospel reiterates the quality of God as the forgiving God. There is a strong connection between our sins and our sickness in our body and mind. When Jesus forgave the sin of the sick person, he was completely healed. Let us deal with our inside to be healthy integrally. Our physical healing solely depends on the state and conditions of the mind. Only God alone can heal us totally. May God take the precedence in our lives. May God bless you and have a good day.