GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY – 13TH APRIL 2017

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

DATE: 13TH APRIL 2017

HOLY THURSDAY (MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER)

FIRST READING: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14

PSALM: Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18

SECOND READING: 1Corinthians 11:23-26

GOSPEL: John 13:1-15

THEME: LOVE IN ACTION

A man, noticing that Mother Theresa of Calcutta was bent far over from the arthritis in her back, told her he was so sorry. In reply she said, “I am grateful that God lets me be bent over so that I can be closer to those souls in the gutters of the world who need me.”

Jesus also bends over in today’s Gospel to wash the feet of his disciples. This singular action of Jesus gives a practical interpretation to the celebration of the Eucharist (cf. Second Reading) and at the same time a deeper meaning of the Passover Feast which originally celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt (cf. First Reading).

The washing of feet, a gesture which is normally performed by a household slave, is symbolic of Jesus’ self-giving in love which inaugurates a “new exodus”. This “new exodus”, which is the liberation of humanity from the power of sin and Satan, is accomplished ONLY through LOVE.

There is something about love. It cannot be imprisoned in one’s heart for long. It would escape through acts of kindness. Never believe that someone loves you when there is no evidence to show and never tell someone you love him (her) when your actions do not correspond with your words.

Our world today is filled with so much hatred. The number of trouble spots in different parts of the world, sometimes characterised by the killings of innocent people, is disturbing. It is a sign that the world is gradually dying. We can, however, resuscitate our world with the breath of love.

It does not pay to be inward looking, closing our eyes to the pain of our next door neighbour. The test of love is the only exam where copying is allowed. Jesus commands us with words of urgency, “I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you” (Jn 13:15).

Our society needs some radical people who will lay aside their garments (self-importance), get down on their knees (humility) and wash the feet of the populace (serve). The time for true followers of Jesus Christ to act is now!!!

PRAYER: Lord, give me a heart of love so that I too may wash the feet of your children. 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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