GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY-12TH JULY 2016

GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)

DATE: 12TH JULY 2016

TUESDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1ST READING: Isaiah 7:1-9

PSALM: Psalm 48:2-8

GOSPEL: Matthew 11:20-24

THEME: BE CALM AND HAVE NO FEAR

“Like a ship at sea, expect to be hit anytime by the waves of the sea”. The tendency to be afraid in the face of a threat is a common human experience. However, when you have the Lord as the captain of your ship, you need not be afraid. Be calm.

The king of Ephraim and the king of Aram chose to plot evil against King Ahaz and the Kingdom of Judah. Why? King Ahaz had refused to join them in a coalition to fight against Assyria. They therefore decided to “deal” first with Ahaz before pursuing their project of waging war against Assyria.

When the king and people of Judah heard of the evil plot against them, they got frightened. It was at this moment that the Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to Ahaz with the words, “Take care, and be calm, have no fear and do not be fainthearted” (Isa 7:4). Concerning the evil plot, the Lord said to King Ahaz, “It shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass” (Isa 7:7). He then added, “If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all” (Isa 7:9).

There are some people who take delight in destroying. Their feelings of insecurity make them want to destroy all those they consider a threat to their existence. Such people easily tag all those who do not support their opinions or views as “enemies”. Some of them put smiles on their faces and yet harbour evil plots in their hearts.

The word of the Lord to Ahaz is of value to every child of God who is being pursued by evil doers – “be calm and have no fear”. This is where prayer becomes extremely valuable. Prayer wards off fear from our hearts and strengthens our faith in the Lord. And as the Lord said to Ahaz, “If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all.”

Lord God, you are my defender in the face of evil. Arise, O God and rescue me from the plots of those who desire to destroy me. Put me on the rock that I cannot climb by myself and save me from the raging waves of the sea. For the sake of Christ, I pray. Amen

Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD

DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES

BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Translate »