It is 02nd September 2015. Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Col.1:1). The readings are from Col. 1:1-8 and the Gospel from Lk. 4:38-44. The first reading appreciates the good works done by Epaphras and the challenges of Gnosticism, the community of Colossae faced. Gnostics believed that they possess a mystic knowledge and a secret knowledge given to them through their worship to the devotees and mostly it is mixed with spiritism. Christ has no place in this type of philosophy and for them salvation comes from the knowledge and not from the person of Christ. For this context, St. Paul teaches a doctrine that puts Christ as the fullness of divinity and of the universe. It is not what we know that brings salvation, but whom we know. Knowing Christ is to know God. “The faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the Word of Truth, the Gospel.” (Col.1:5). When we are pulled down by something or someone, let us focus on heaven. The responsorial Psalm prays, “I trust in the goodness of God for ever and ever.” (Ps.51:10). The Gospel brings out the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and the power of Jesus over the demons. Jesus strengthened the faith of Peter and gave him the prestige among his family members. The service attitude of Peter’s mother-in-law must become our attitude today. We are healed by Jesus in order to serve others and to lead other to Jesus. Jesus spent hours praying in a solitary places before the ministry of healing. Whatever the chores of the day, we need to submit ourselves in daily personal commune with God. Without prayer, we can be stuck to a situation, place and persons. May God bless you. Have a good day.