It is 21st September 2015. We celebrate the feast day of St. Mathew, the Evangelist and the Apostle. The readings are from Eph.4:1-7, 11-13 and the Gospel is from Mt. 9:9-13. The first reading presents the need for unity and oneness in our faith encounters. Unity does not happen by chance. We need to work for unity by creating a peaceful environment within ourselves and around us. We have become Christian to be humble, gentle, patient, understanding and peaceful. The rest of the world is watching us how we behave as a believer. We must speak and celebrate what unites us not what can divide us. What can unite us is one Body, one Spirit, one Hope, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism and one God. There is a laxity of criticism and scarcity of complements among us the believers. We are too quick to judge others and conveniently hiding our faults and failures with our smartness. Is there anyone annoying you in your life and making life miserable? Our patience and gentleness coupled with prayer is the answer for dealing with such people not verbal confrontations. The priority of God in our lives is the unity of the Spirit. However small and less skillful we may feel, our little contribution, no matter whether others recognize it or not, God does and it is our contribution towards making the difference which is the unity. The responsorial Psalm sings, “Their message goes out through all the earth.” (Ps19:5). The Gospel invites us to follow Jesus like St. Matthew leaving our ways of self-deception. God is concerned about our sinful living. Let us reach out to people who are poor, immoral, lonely and outcast in our communities by the merciful acts and sharing the Good News. May you have peaceful day.