GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 26TH MAY 2017
FRIDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
FIRST READING: Acts 18:9-18
PSALM: Psalm 47:2-7
GOSPEL: John 16:20-23
THEME: DO NOT BE AFRAID…FOR I AM WITH YOU
There are moments in life when suddenly all hell breaks loose and one is pummelled by trials of different sizes and shapes. In such moments fear and anxiety lurk around seeking to melt the heart and to weaken the will to continue.
Humanly speaking, Paul had a lot to be afraid of. He was embarking on a perilous missionary journey. In fact, in one of his letters to the Church in Corinth, he recounts unpleasant missionary experiences such as imprisonment, flogging, exposition to death, shipwreck and dangerous journeys (cf. 2Cor. 11:23-29).
In today’s First Reading, the Lord spoke to Paul one night in a vision while he was in the City of Corinth, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you…” (Acts 18:9-10). This message was timely. It gave fresh heart to Paul and he continued to stay in that city for one year and six months teaching the word of God among the people.
There are many social evils out there in our world today and the will to be a Christian in every situation is difficult. The fear of being ridiculed or persecuted has robbed some Christians of the desire to stand up for the Gospel publicly. In the face of such challenges, the Lord speaks to each one of us, “Do not be afraid…for I am with you.”
As we surrender to the Holy Spirit, during this season of Pentecost Novena, fear gives way to holy boldness and sorrow gives way to joy. Jesus makes it abundantly clear in the Gospel that “your sorrow will turn to joy” (Jn 16:20).
Has the going become tough for you? Do not be afraid. The Holy Spirit is with you to help you, and if God is for you, who can be against you?
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, your joy is my strength. As I surrender this day to you, take away every fear, anxiety and worry from my heart and fill me with the graces I need to bear good fruits. For the sake of the name of Jesus 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).