GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE:15TH MAY 2017
MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER
FIRST READING: Acts 14:5-18
PSALM: Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16
GOSPEL: John 14:21-26
THEME: THE POWER OF GOD
Where the proclamation of the Word is accompanied by the manifestation of power, the Christian faith spreads faster. The signs that accompanied the missionary activities of the apostles and early Christians authenticated their ministry and gave credence to the fact that they had been sent by God.
In our First Reading, we have an account of a miracle that took place at Lystra. A critical look at the healing of the cripple affords us some insights into the dynamics of a miracle. There are three quick moments: WORD, FAITH and ACTION
WORD: Paul preached the Word.
FAITH: The cripple had faith in what was preached.
ACTION: The cripple put his faith into action and started walking.
The Word of God carries within itself an immense power – an ability to accomplish mighty things. When a person puts his/her faith in the Word of God, divine power is activated and unleashed in a significant way. Faith, however, can be likened to a spark of light in a coal pot. When nothing is done after the fire has been lit, it dies quickly but when it is fanned into flames the coals become alive and the pot becomes useful. This would explain why Paul had to speak in a loud voice to spur the cripple to move from faith to action, “Stand upright on your feet” (Acts 14:10).
Perhaps, you too may be standing in need of a miracle this day. Have no fear; rather have faith in the Word of God. Jesus says, “Anyone who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him” (Jn. 14:23). To have faith is to keep the Word one has heard and treasure it . It means to hold on to the Word even if everything around you is falling apart. Then step out in faith. Do not be scared of falling or making a mistake. God is faithful. He would see you through the storm.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, speak your Word of power into my life and I shall arise and stand on my feet. 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).