GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 21ST JUNE 2017
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA
FIRST READING: 2Corinthians 9:6-11
PSALM: Psalm 112:1-4, 9
GOSPEL: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
THEME: SELF-ADVERTISEMENT
We are in a world of advertisement. It is a world where one is encouraged to showcase what one is doing. It makes sense; after all, who will know what you are doing in your corner unless you invite people into that corner? However, the question is: how far can advertisement go? Should I advertise my personal religious observances like almsgiving, prayer and fasting so as to attract public attention?
Jesus, in our Gospel text, reaffirms three traditional works of mercy that were practiced by faithful Jews. These are almsgiving, prayer and fasting. He, however, adds a note of caution: “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you…Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you…When you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face so that you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Mt 6: 3-4,6 17-18).
In a secular world like ours, the temptation to advertise oneself is strong. Consequently, some Christians have even erected billboards to advertise their spiritual abilities rather than advertising Christ who gives those spiritual abilities. In the process, many of us are gaining human recognition but losing spiritual rewards. The point to reflect upon is this: Am I seeking the attention of God or human beings when I do what I do in the name of God?
A seed grows in silence. Hidden in the soil, away from public view, it gently sprouts without making any noise. Though no one may see your time of planting and germination, your day of harvesting will not go unnoticed. The secret to a healthy spiritual life is seeking the attention of God and not men.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, teach me to walk in your footsteps and to desire only one thing – to do the will of the Father. 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).