GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 16TH SEPTEMBER 2017
SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
(MEMORIAL OF SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN, MARTYRS)
FIRST READING: 1Timothy 1:15-17
PSALM: Psalm 113:1-7
GOSPEL: Luke 6:43-49
THEME: ACT ON THE WORD
What starts in the mind as a mere “thought” has the power to determine one’s destiny. For this reason, it is important to cultivate thoughts that are inspired and greatly influenced by the Word of God. When the Word of God captures our thoughts, it shows forth in our words, actions, habits, character and ultimately our destiny.
In our Gospel text, Jesus lays emphasis on the kind of fruits we bear in our walk of faith. He tells his disciples – “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit” (Lk. 6:43-44).
A good fruit is a product of obedience to the Word of God. Perhaps, that would explain why Jesus after speaking about bearing good fruits, goes further to liken the one who puts the Word of God into practice to one who builds his house on a rock. The floods of life are unable to shake such a person. Putting the word of God into action is indeed an anchor at sea. Even if the floods should hit hard, one can still hold his/her ground and stand the test of time.
In sum, a person of the Word is “like a tree planted near streams; it bears fruit in season and its leaves never wither, and every project succeeds” (Ps. 1:3). Prosperity in the true sense of the word starts with a wholehearted surrender to the Word of God.
Do you want to prosper in life? Take the Word of God seriously and act on it. Do you want to stand firm when the challenges of life (“floods”) engulf you? Then say a conscious and active YES to the Word of God in your life.
PRAYER: Eternal Father, ‘your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path’. Guide my steps today with your Word and lead me to the wellspring of salvation. For the sake of Christ, your Son, I pray. 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).