GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 11TH DECEMBER 2016
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
1ST READING: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
PSALM: Psalm 146:6-10
2ND READING: James 5:7-10
GOSPEL: Matthew 11:2-11
THEME: REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS
A cube of sugar in a cup of tea or pinch of salt in a bowl of soup would generally make their presence felt. These substances have the ability to bring about an experiential change. In the same way, the teaching that Jesus Christ is the Messiah is not a mere intellectual speculation within the confines of theology. It is experiential. Just like sugar or salt, when Jesus Christ enters into any space he brings about transformation.
Asked by John the Baptist, via his disciples, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?”, Jesus answered, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me.” (Mat. 11:4-6).
There was enough evidence in the ministry of Jesus that pointed to the fact that he was the long awaited Messiah. These testimonies confirmed the prophecy of Isaiah, “Say to those with anxious heart, ‘Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you’. Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb will shout for joy. For waters will break forth in the wilderness and streams in the Arabah” (Isa. 35:4-6).
The good news is that Jesus, the Messiah, has not changed. He continues to bring renewal and transformation into the lives of many. He brings joy where there is sadness, and peace where there is strife.
Today, the church invites us to rejoice because he who brings us salvation is near. Perhaps, you do not feel like rejoicing because of a pain you may be experiencing right now. However, to rejoice in a time of tribulation or pain is a celebration of hope. And those who hope in the Lord will never be disappointed.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in you I place my hope and because you live I will rejoice always.
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).