It is 09th February 2016. The readings are from 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; and the Gospel from Mark 7:1-13. The first reading is the Solomon’s prayer of dedication. The king asked for two things in his prayers. He pleaded God to hear their prayers and to forgive their sins through God’s mercy. God cannot be confined to a human making rather in His own temples. We are the living temples of the living God. God prefers living in our His temples. All our external worship must proceed from the internal adoration of God within ourselves. It is our willingness to prepare a sacred space for God in our lives. “The heavens, even the highest heaven cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built.” (1 Kings 8:27). The responsorial Psalm praises, “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, God of hosts.” (Ps.83:2). The Gospel warns us that God is not impressed by our lip service and outward religiosity. We cannot substitute the inner convictions of loving God and of the neighbour over a fanciful human inventions of convenient laws. Love and mercy cannot be substituted by any other means. God is interested in our sincerity of hearts and merciful services to the humanity over the outward religiosity. Love does not depend on reasons to justify its merciful acts. After all our willingness, the disposition of hearts and minds matters at last to follow the Lord. Let us create a space in our inner sanctuaries to make a room for God and those who are in need. May you have a good day.