GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY – 12TH MAY 2017

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

DATE: 12TH MAY 2017

FRIDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

FIRST READING: Acts 13:26-33

PSALM: Psalm 2:6-11

GOSPEL: John 14:1-6

THEME: WHEN TROUBLE COMES

Troubles are like the waves of the sea. They are always there on the sea of life. Their magnitude and timing can take us by surprise. The strong waves of trouble often come with many “dis”, viz. discomfort, disappointment, disturbance, discouragement etc. Trouble is the litmus test that determines the quality of one’s faith in the Lord. When it comes, you would either float or drown.

Our Gospel text forms part of what is often referred to as the “Last Supper Discourses” in the Gospel of John. In this text, Jesus speaks to his disciples within the context of his last meal with them prior to his passion. Trouble was looming and death was imminent. To prepare their hearts for the test of faith that was coming, he tells them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, Trust also in me” (Jn14::1).

These words of Jesus are apt for every Christian. There are moments, in our walk of faith with the Lord, when things may go wrong. There are moments when in spite of the fact that we have been prayerful and led a “righteous life”, things may fall apart and we may find ourselves buffeted by the “waves of the sea”. Some of these troubles shoot up in our marriages, relationships, religious communities, workplaces, schools and other vocations in life. Health concerns may become a headache as we battle with one disease after the other. Sometimes, you run to the Church for shelter and even there you may find another big trouble waiting for you.

The trouble with trouble is that you do not need to look for it; it knows where and how to find you. Jesus never said that if you follow him there would be no trouble. When trouble gets hold of you, he says, “Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, Trust also in me.”

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are my anchor at sea and my pillar in the face of life’s windblast. Though the earth should quake and the hills turn into dust, I declare my unflinching faith in you. 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)

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