It is 08th February 2016. We celebrate the memorial of saints Jerome Emiliani, the confessor and Josephine Bakhita, the virgin. St. Bakhita, an african flower from Sudan. She taught the people: “Be good, love the Lord, and pray for those who do not know God. What a great grace it is to know God! She responded to people when in suffering, “As the Master desires.” The readings are from 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; and the Gospel from Mark 6:53-56. The first reading describes the completion and glorious inauguration of a magnificent Temple which gave a national pride and religious centrality for Jerusalem. Solomon regained the political power and loyalty from his people. For the dedication of the temple, He feasted for seven days with the people. His pride and lust brought him down. The responsorial Psalm prays, “Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest.” (Ps.131:8). The Gospel glorifies the touch of Jesus. Let the Lord touch us one more time. May we take the initiatives to grab the hands of Jesus in order that the healing flow in. Jesus does not expect anything in return for such healing. Jesus never became tired of healing the infirmities of people. Even though people were ungrateful, Jesus was giving and healing them without any conditions. Let us not only approach God for getting our things done, let us also begin to offer ourselves and the best of what we have to God. Gratitude is indeed a sacrifice pleases God. We all owe a thanks to Jesus for all that we have received so far from Him. We must always remember the source of healing without forgetting the means of healing. May God bless you and have a good day.