It is 25th November 2015. The readings are from Dan. 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 and the Gospel from Lk.21:12-19. The first reading communicates to us that we must heed the warnings of God in order to avoid the disasters ahead. God speaks to us in many ways. What we read today in the first reading is one of the ways God spoke to a king who worshiped idols. Whenever we indulge in evil actions, God communicates to us in an exceptional ways. We must have some spiritual guides like Daniel in our lives to interpret the meaning of the things that are unfolding in our lives. Do we have someone who can guide our soul to avoid the imminent punishments? The responsorial Psalm praise, “Give glory and eternal praise to God.” (Dn.3:59). The Gospel invites us to respond to the call of Jesus. Jesus calls us for a challenging life and Christian life possibly surrounded with persecution. It is very easy to follow Jesus in good times and when things go well with us. Our true response in following Jesus is proved during the difficult times. Difficult times are indeed a time of personal and internal purification. God purifies the soul of a person the spiritual pain and suffering in the soul. God cleans us before God meets us in person. May God give us the courage to accept the call of Jesus to love God at all times more specially during the challenging times of our lives. May God bless you.