It is 18th January 2016. The readings are from 1Samuel 15:16-23; and the Gospel from Mark 2:18-22. The first reading encourages us to obey God than to rebel against God. The first king of Israel disobeyed God by his greed for things under the pretext of offertory to God and therefore God rejected him as king. “Obedience is better than sacrifice and submissiveness better than the fat of rams.” (1Sam. 15:22). We must be on guard not to overstep the command of God. Suggesting God with a better solution is a total disobedience. The responsorial Psalm prays, “I will show God’s salvation to the upright.” (Ps.49:23). The Gospel presents the twin parables of cloth and wineskins in connection with new and the old. Jesus does not condemn fasting. He himself fasted for 40 days. We must have a right intentions and motives to fast. We must not fast in order to show to the world that we are better than the rest. Openness to God’s Word and willingness to obey God are the basis for genuine repentance. God’s reign is the new reality in the ministry of Jesus in contrast with the old forms and practices. Rigidity and outward piety will destroy our faith in Jesus. May we be able to letting God to act through His beloved Son. May God grant you courage to discern the will of God. May God bless you.