It is 14th January 2017. The readings are from Hebrews 4:12-16; and the Gospel from Mark 2:13-17. The first reading places the importance on the power of the Word of God and Jesus, the High Priest. The words of the person bring out the state of the mind. It is indeed the powerful instrument that builds or destroys oneself or the other. The words can reveal the intention of the person. On the contrary, God’s Word brings out the essence of God. God’s words can penetrate the inner most intentions of the human heart. God’s words never lead any one to destruction. When our lives are built on the Word of God, there is no storm can harm us. Indeed, the Word of God is something is living and active: shaper than any two edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb.4:12). It is all possible when we are open and docile to the Word of God. When we are willing to accommodate the Word of God, it not only changes our pattern of our thinking and also our lives to the core. Let us begin to know and familiarize with the Word of God. The responsorial Verse praises, “Your Words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.” (Jn.6:63). The Gospel invites us to follow Jesus like Matthew. As Matthew responded immediately, God requires our response swiftly even when we are treated unjustly and mercilessly. Jesus calls each one of us for action in a society where number of poor people are growing on a daily by the sheer arrogance and pride of the authoritarian and the proud lying governments and rulers. Those who hold positions do not have time to reach out to the poor, and so it is our turn today to reach out as Jesus himself would do to those in need emotionally, spiritually and materially. We need to identify with those who suffer in our society because of another human person. Let us also bring many more new friends to Jesus and introduce the values of the Gospel. We cannot solve all the problems and wipe all the tears yet with a spontaneous initiatives of doing good, we can all make a difference for Jesus who is our inspiration and reason for our charity. May you have a good day.