It is 9th July 2018. We celebrate the memorial of Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and Companions. They are called Martyr Saints of China. St. Augustine Rong and his 119 companions, include 87 Chinese Catholics and 33 Western missionaries were slaughtered by those who opposed Christianity. The readings are from Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22; and the Gospel from Matthew 9:18-26. There is an exclusive intimacy in the context of marriage that is so sacred and guiltless. The sensitivity and touch of this sacred union brings healing to the souls of the people. God’s love is expressed through the prophet Hosea in such relationship with God’s people. God touches the broken and breaking relationships of the union between God and us. God offers the platform of mercy and forgiveness in such loving and caring environment between people and God. As intimate we are with God, so sure is the assurance of love and faithfulness of God. However, drifted and deviated we could be in such intimacy, God still begins a new chapter of hope and blessings. With God there is nothing is finished and doomed. There is life and a new beginning and a fresh start is only possible with the love of God. By our unfaithfulness to God and uncharitable handling of one another, we may have deserted the way but still we can learn from this moments of disgrace and humiliation a lesson of love and trust. When we have such strong faith, healing and returning back to God is not impossible. Let our faith in God be demonstrated through the intimate touch we attempt make daily. When God is our security and shelter, there is no one to attack us. God is guarding and protecting us every single moment of our live. “I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land; and I will make you lie down in safety.” (Hos.2:18). When we are faithful to God and trusting in God’s loving and caring protection, there is nothing to fear neither death nor incurable sickness nor abusive relationships. Bond of love between God and God’s people must be nurtured and protected against the forces of evil, selfishness and sinfulness. When love is contaminated by arrogance, pride and all-knowing mentality, it struggles to establish the first love. The responsorial Psalm praises, “The Lord is kind and full of compassion.” (Ps.144:8). Jesus restores the lives of people in the Gospel. Jesus does not look at our status in the society, but He looks at our faith and rewards us with blessings of life and healing. Jesus will never abandon us when we are faced with life threatening situations. May we express our faith in Jesus and have a deeper contact with Him. May our faith be nourished by our faithfulness to God and Jesus. May you have a good day.