It is 22nd January 2015.The readings are from Heb 7:25-8:6 and the Gospel from Mk. 3:7-12. We remember the memorial of St. Vincent, the martyr. He was a deacon who stood firm for the Word of God and for Jesus until his death. He was tortured until death for the faith he held in Jesus. The first reading explains that there is a pattern of sacrifice set by Jesus which is being followed by the other priests. A priest is expected to be united with God and pure in heart and mind. Personal holiness is a prerequisite for such a sacrifice. Jesus is the priest like Melchizedek of old. We all expect our priests to be holy and to be connected with God on a daily basis. A priest needs to offer sacrifice not only for his personal sins but also for those whom God has entrusted to his care. In the Responsorial Psalm we proclaim, ” Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.” (Ps. 110:4b). In the Gospel, we meet Jesus who is extraordinarily busy and popular. Plenty of people are looking for Jesus to touch him and to be healed by him. The unclean spirit all knew who He was. They shouted, “You are the Son of God,”. Jesus warned them not to make him known. (Mk.3:11) Jesus did not go after cheap popularity and witnesses from the demons after healing so many people. We are invited today through this Gospel not to go for cheap popularity and self advancements while doing good works. Who does not want to be praised and appreciated? Most of us want to talk about our stories of success and achievements in a given situation. But Jesus wants us to continue the good works he demonstrated in his life time. He left us a pattern to follow him and worship God. Let us not go after name, fame and game rather let us imitate the Lord Jesus on a daily basis. May you have good day.