It is 31st January 2017. We celebrate the memorial of St John Bosco, the Priest. The readings are from Hebrews 12:1-4; and the Gospel from Mark 5:21-43. The first reading encourages to persevere in our faith. Jesus is our energy for running the race of faith untiringly. Amidst the clouds of the saints, the Heroes and Heroines of faith, Jesus stands as the model who offers the joy of our soul through His suffering and the Cross. We need to constrantly fight the battle over our sins and the moments of disfiguring Jesus by our love for the lust and power. We have not gone that far to surrender our very lives for the Lord in fighting our personal sin. “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb.12:4). Even if we are tagged and given names for being faithful to Jesus, let us endure it. Everlasting joy and grace comes through Jesus and the attachment to sins brings shame and haunting guilt. We all need to endure the moments of proving our faith in the Lord in our daily struggles and joys of lives. Moreover, our Christian life must not be just enduring for our faith rather it must be a humble and total self-surrender to Christ. The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “They shall praise you, Lord, those who seek you.” (Ps.21:27). The Gospel displays the power of Jesus over sickness and death. In times of need, Jesus is so close to our being to render the help. Our deep faith in Jesus cannot go unnoticed by Jesus when we suffer. In the cure of a lady and in the restoration to life of Jairus’ daughter, we witness the tremendous faith at display. “Your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free from your suffering.” (Mk.5:34). Our faith in Jesus is the prerequisite and the basis for our healing and restoration. The presence and power of Jesus could go unnoticed by us when faith in Jesus is missing in us. We do not need to fear in approaching and touching the Lord whatever is our ailments and conditions of lives. “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mk.5:36). Whatever our hopeless situation we are in now, Jesus offers and becomes our hope and blessings. Let us strengthen our faith in Jesus by approaching Him as close as possible. May you have a good day.