It is 29th January 2016. The readings are from 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17; and the Gospel from Mark 4:26-34. The first reading points out the downfall of David. Even though God promised so many blessings yet the mind of David wavered from God by committing adultery and murder. One sin leads to another. However small it may be, Sin has the ripple effect and eventually affects every nook and corner of the soul,. Sin has to be dealt seriously right from the start when it is budding anew. Sin invades the sacred space meant for God. Sin deceives our minds with momentary pleasures and impacts us with deep scares of guilt. We may commit one more sin to cover the past sins. Sin multiplies by time if we are not careful. Willing to listen to God’s Word diminishes when we live in sin. We end up doing our own things and there is no time for God’s own plan. The sin makes us to believe that we do not need anyone and whatever we do is right. The growth in spiritual life is a gift of God; we must try our level best to deal with the obstacles and resistance. We are all weak and vulnerable and so we need to handle our souls with care. God is so merciful and forgives us. When David repented and pleaded for the mercy of God, God so generously offered him. The responsorial Psalm prays, “Have mercy on us, Lord, for we have sinned.” (Ps.50:3). The Gospel reminds us that growth is unstoppable and inherent. God gives this growth as a free gift and God desires just our cooperation. We cannot force growth. We need to be patient in abiding with God for such growth and asking God for mercy. May God bless you.