It is 16th May 2017. The readings are from Acts 14:19-28; and the Gospel from John 14:27-31. What an admirable courage of display from St. Paul we witness in the first reading! One group of people hailed them to the level of petty gods, while another group of people came with such vengeance and hatred to the intention of killing St. Paul. Barnabas and Paul suffered so much of persecutions in the hands of people who refuse to accept the Good News. In all their struggles, they never gave up until they injected a freshness into the heart of the other believers. They spent lot of time, energy in building small Christian communities by their personal visits and encouragements. The church cannot be a vibrant and global faith Community unless it continues to spread the fiber roots of faith in the grassroot level by establishing and encouraging the Basic Ecclesial Communities. Do we belong to a Christian Community in our own parish where we live? Do we attend and share our faith in our Small Christian Communities weekly and regularly? Whenever we have offered lame excuses and lies, we have persecuted the Church at large and unconsciously murdering our parishes of faith encounters. “They put fresh heart into the disciples, encouraging them to persevere in the faith.” (Acts.14:22). Our presence and physical participation in the Small Christian communities revive, rejuvenate, recuperate the drooping spirits in us and around. The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Your friends, O Lord, shall make known the glorious splendor of your reign.” (Ps.144:12). The Gospel promises us peace in Jesus. Jesus wished to return to the Father promising us all the Holy Spirit. The liberating and healing spirit of peace is guaranteed for all those who work for Jesus and believe in Him no matter how difficult and challenging the work in the vineyard of the Lord. Let us not give up on Jesus because He alone can offer the satisfaction and peace none can give. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (Jn.14:27). May you have a good day.