It is 19th January 2015. The readings are from Heb 5:1-10 and the Gospel is from Mk 2:18-22. The first reading explains in detail the importance and its function of the priesthood. The priest are chosen by God to be a link person between God and human beings. He needs to offer sacrifice in order to unite and purify the people with God. Every priest has to be gentle with the people to bring them back to the Lord. Priesthood is a vocation for life given by God and no one can take it upon himself. Jesus Christ is the High Priest. “In the days of his mortal life, offered his sacrifice with tears and cries…. He learned through suffering what obedience was, and, once made perfect, he became the source of salvation for those who obey him.” (Heb. 5:7-8). In the Responsorial Psalm, we read, “You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4b). The Gospel brings out the discussion on fasting. Jesus is not against fasting. Fasting is good self-discipline and needs to help us to be more good and spiritual. We need not fast for vain glory. Fasting must not become a ritual rather it must churn our being in view of bringing the desired spiritual awareness in us. We need to fast if we could find Jesus and enjoy his fellowship. The purpose of fasting is to nourish our soul with the divine presence. Fasting rejuvenates the spirit. Fasting must be practiced for a good cause not for the evil intentions. Christianity is something new. Let us not mix it with something old and outdated elements. We are invited to live the New Life (Acts 9:2), New Creation (1 Cor 11:25), New Humanity (Eph 2:15), New Person (Eph.4:24), New Self (Col.3:10), New Way (Heb10:20), and New Commandment (Jn 13:24). May you have a blessed day.