GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 26TH JUNE 2017
MONDAY OF THE TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FIRST READING: Genesis 12:1-9
PSALM: Psalm 33:12-13, 18-20, 22
GOSPEL: Matthew 7:1-5
THEME: STEP OUT IN FAITH
Helen Keller is quoted as saying, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Over the years, I have taken delight in listening to the stories of people who have excelled in different spheres of our human existence and I am gradually coming to the conclusion that anyone who aspires to make it to great heights must at a certain point in time take a risk. If you want to be extraordinary, you would have to go the extraordinary way.
Our First Reading confirms the above point. The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred and your father’s house for a country which I shall show you; and I shall make you a great nation, I shall bless you and make your name famous; you are to be a blessing!” (Gen 12:1-2). In response to the Word of God, Abram stepped out in faith. He responded to the call of the Lord at age 75 (It is never too late to obey the Lord). He did not know where God was leading him to; he simply relied on the Word of God and took a risk. The consequence of his decision was the birth of a whole nation.
T.S. Eliot once said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” There is a moment in life when one has to step out in faith. To take a step of faith is to take a risk, inspired by the word of God.
Are you having a strong sensation that your life is meant for something bigger than what it is now? Do you feel as if destiny is beckoning you to greater heights? Perhaps the time has come for you to consider stepping out in faith. Four steps to follow:
Step 1. Pray to God to give you a vision (plan)
Step 2. Clarify the vision with your priest or trusted spiritual guide.
Step 3: Go back to God in prayer.
Step 4: Step out in faith.
Eagles were made to fly and cheetahs were made to run. God has a plan for each one of us. As we step out in obedience to the Word of God, the divine plan would unfold.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, show me the road I should take and I would step out in faith for you will never disappoint 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).