It is 09th September 2016. We celebrate the memorial of St. Peter Claver, priest and missionary. The readings are from1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27; and the Gospel from Luke 6:39-42. The first reading invites to be serious with our spiritual discipline which involves tremendous perseverance and patience to win people for God. Our goal is to live a life worthy of our call and to bring people for Christ through our living and proclaiming the Word of God. Since we have accepted Christ, we all have an obligation to proclaim the Gospels. It is not an option rather it is the obligation. It is not a burden but it is a joyful duty towards someone we have placed our trust in. The responsorial Psalm sings, “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, God of hosts.” (Ps.83:2). The Gospel addresses the apostles to be the teachers and leaders in the community. Teachers must not be blind and ignorant. Words alone not enough for teaching. Every teacher is called to be noble, vision oriented, and to have an optimistic perspective of life. A good teacher has a painful task of removing the faults from others as the teacher engages in removing his or her own at first. “Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s or sister’s eye.” (Lk.6:42). Jesus wants us to take care of ourselves before we wish to serve the others. Yes, we have the duty to share the Gospel to the world, but we must have a deep acquaintance with the message of Christ and to live the same message personally with commitment before we wish to impart. May God grant you the wisdom to impart the knowledge of Christ to the other. Have a good day.