GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 12TH MARCH 2016
FIRST READING: Genesis 12:1-4
PSALM: Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 1:8-10
GOSPEL: Matthew 17:1-9
THEME: GO…I WILL SHOW YOU
It makes sense to see before acting but it takes faith to act before seeing. The call of Abram to set off from the known to the unknown was an invitation to embark on a journey of faith. He set off relying solely on the word of God. His unflinching trust in God has made him a model of faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike.
Climbing a mountain is an arduous task. It entails exerting a lot of energy. However, up there on the mountain, one gets a breath-taking experience of a beautiful landscape. In our Gospel text, Peter, James and John embarked on a journey of faith, just like Abram, when they chose to follow Jesus to climb a mountain. A “mountain” in the biblical world is often associated with divine encounter. It is conceived as a sacred space where God reveals himself. It was up there on the mountain that Jesus was transfigured. That religious experience certainly strengthened the faith of these apostles in preparation for the passion of Christ that would take place in Jerusalem.
A mountain may as well symbolise a challenge. It is not easy climbing a physical mountain; neither is it easy overcoming challenges in the areas of our health, marriage, relationships, work etc. However, armed with faith, we can climb every mountain that comes our way and see the glory of God on the mountaintop. The season of Lent offers us what we need to climb the mountains in our lives – prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
The voice that came from the cloud on the mount of transfiguration continues to speak to each one of us, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matt. 17:5). Like Abram, we can rely on the word of God and step out into the unknown. There is something beautiful on the mountaintop awaiting us. God will reveal his glory.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me not to give up as I seek to climb the mountain in my world during this season of Lent. Help me to keep focus, with my eyes set on what awaits me on the mountaintop. Amen
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).