It is 16th November 2015. We celebrate the memorial of Sts. Margaret and Getrude. The readings are from 1 Mac.1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-64 and the Gospel from Lk.18:35-43. The first reading brings out the impact of the culture of Greek on Jews and their worship, customs and culture. The Old Testament was translated into Greek (the Septuagint). But there were many opposed to this new wave of culture among the Jews. The whole nation was divided for and against to this new and old ways of life style. This struggle is the theme of this book. Mattathias, a priest and his five sons are the heroes in this struggle. The responsorial Psalm prays, “Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will.” (Ps.118:88). The Gospel encourages to meet Jesus who is willing to offer more than we can ever ask for. The blind beggar received his faith and rehabilitation from Jesus. A strong and unshakable conviction we have on God bring all the blessings we need even though we may be blind to some of the realities of our lives. Let us not become a charity celebrity for advertisement and for our personal glory during natural calamity and human deprivation, but let us begin to be merciful and charitable naturally and regularly. Many people are there to be obstacles not to reach Jesus and trying to silence our pain through human distractions. Is your prayerful voice surpass the noise of the society? Our personal doubt, guilt, fear lack faith and lack of support from others could become obstacles in reaching Jesus. May God give you peace to see God as God is.