GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 15TH NOVEMBER 2016
TUESDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: REVELATIONS 3:1-6, 14-22
PSALM: PSALM 14:2-5
GOSPEL: LUKE 19:1-10
THEME: ENDURING CHARACTER
The difference between reputation and character is that the former is how people perceive you and the latter is who you truly are. Reputation can be carved independent of who you are but character is a reflection of your true self.
In our First Reading, the Lord tells the church in Sardis, “I know about your behaviour: how you are reputed to be alive and yet are dead” (Rev 3:1). Outwardly, they had carved a very beautiful image for themselves but the Lord, with eyes like a flaming fire, could see the rot behind the veil.
The message to the church in Sardis is apt for our generation. Christianity has taken a cosmetic character for quite a number of people. We appear exceptionally beautiful in the eyes of people but wash away the “decorations” on our faces and you would probably discover carcasses. Many of the evils around us are orchestrated and perpetuated by avowed Christians who have the looks of angels. Reputation can accompany us at most to our graveyards; the only thing we carry into eternity is our character.
The Lord speaks to us, “Wake up; put some resolve into what little vigour you have left: it is dying fast. So far I have failed to notice anything in your behaviour that my God could possibly call perfect; remember how you first heard the message. Hold on to that. Repent!” (Rev 3:2-3)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you see me as I am and in your presence I cannot hide for your name is Truth. I repent of my evil ways and plead with you to renew your grace of salvation in me. 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).