It is 13th February 2016. The readings are from Isaiah 58:9-14; and the Gospel from Luke 5:27-32. Today’s readings can provide us an insight into the essence of Jubilee Year of Mercy. The first reading continues to challenge us to have a change of heart through our fasting. Personal penance means a serious decision to have a turn around to the Lord. Every penance rejuvenates and refreshes our souls. What is required of us during the time of penance is that we need to abstain from fighting, gossiping, and abusing the Lord’s Day. Our penance and sacrifices must provide bread for the hungry and relief for those who are suffering. Let us not commercialize our worship and religion. Business and corporate mentality must not intimidate our faith in God. Reaching out is as important as that of reaching in. “The Lord will always guide you, giving you relief in desert places. He will give strength to your bones and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water.” (Is.58:11). The responsorial Psalm prays, “Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth.” (Ps.85:11). The Gospel invites us to follow the Lord as Matthew, the Levi. It is a call from Jesus to lead an honest, sincere, and truthful life. Jesus invited Matthew to leave his money-spinning, dishonest, business mindedness and personal sinful lives to become the friend and follower of Jesus. The Pharisees used their outward good deeds to point their fingers on the sins of the others. We are no way entitled to comment, criticise and pull people down just because we are providing some assistance. Jesus does not want to associate with the proud, the arrogant, and the self-declared saints. Jesus recognises and appreciates our humility and repentance. “It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance.” (Lk.5:32). May God bless you to do good anyway.