It is 19th May 2018. The readings are from Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; and the Gospel from John 21:20-25. We have two concluding passages from the readings of the day. Faithfulness to Christ is the requirement for receiving the Holy Spirit and enjoying the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In the first reading, we find St. Paul had been house-arrest. He did not waver in his conviction that Jesus is the Son of God and did not want to stop preaching the Good News even when he is put under arrest. The Church has now reached Rome and had a humble beginning by the sacrifices of St. Paul and Peter. “St. Paul lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts. 28:31). Even though the Church was persecuted yet it could spread its wings by flapping gradually before it took off to hover over all the nook and corners of the world. The responsorial Psalm praises, “The upright shall see your face, O Lord.” (Ps.10:7). The Gospel invites us to be faithful to the Lord and the Good News at all times even when people would betray the Lord and they tend to demolish the Church. Let us not waste time talking about the mistakes and the ugly things of the others. The Lord would deal with such persons with such qualities. We need to follow the Lord till the end and do justice to the responsibilities God has entrusted to us in the Church. As we are all looking forward to be filled by the power of the Holy Spirit, may we allow the Holy Spirit to function in our lives and around. We are to be the witnesses for the Lord in a given situation. “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for …. You will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev.2:10). May we be faithful to the Lord till the end. May you have a good day.