It is 25th August 2018. We celebrate the memorials of St. Louis, a King and St. Joseph Calasanz, Priest. The readings are from Ezekiel 43:1-7; and the Gospel from Matthew 23:1-12. The preaching, teaching, and talking will have any impact whatsoever on oneself and others when it is substantiated by productive actions. It is easy to promise but to keep the promise, we need a lot of discipline and inner energy. God desires God’s presence among people who wish to rebuild, restore and reparation what has been invaded by sin and selfishness. God’s Word turned into actions brings salvation to all people. In the first reading, we recount that God expressed God’s desire to be among the people just more than a material remembrance. God’s presence is the spiritual presence requiring spiritual space that is purified by the sacrifice and personal efforts. Our glory is not in words rather in actions. God is not pleased with the mesmerizing and soul stirring sermons but by the concurrent actions that restores what is lost. God does not require a magnificent temples and mighty preachers to remind people the presence of God. God wants a humble heart that accepts God’s pardon and to live a life that pleases God. God wants to return and remain always in our hearts. God wants to get rid of all types of sins against God such as profanation, idolatry, and immoral worship from our lives. The prophet Ezekiel assures that the feeling of being forgiven and accepted by God is the abiding presence in the heart of people. God has no reason to depart from our lives. “I shall live here among the sons of Israel for ever.” (Ez.43:7). Can our actions speak louder than words in providing the adequate and appropriate space for God deserves in our lives? The responsorial Psalm prays, “The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.” (Ps.84:10). The Gospel teaches us that neither a master, nor a teacher, or a prophet can be replaced with God. God remains as our loving, caring and ever-protecting Father and no one to be placed and no one is above God in our lives. We are praised, appreciated and recognised for the responsibilities we hold in the Church and in the society. We are co-workers and partners in executing the plan and will of God. We can never replace God by our works. Our services to the humanity cannot undermine the reverence to God. We must not claim any honour, glory or praise for ourselves in doing God’s work. The life we enjoy belongs to God and therefore we need to offer the due respect and honour to God alone. We are only the channels but not the rivers. We are not the sources of grace but the instruments of blessings. Let us not surpass our respect to people including our parents, teachers and the leaders over God no matter what they have done in our lives. God is our Master, Teacher, and Father for us all at all times. “The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Mt.23:12). May you have a good day. God bless you.