GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 26TH NOVEMBER 2016
SATURDAY OF THE 34TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Revelation 22:1-7
PSALM: Psalm 95:1-2, 3-7
GOSPEL: Luke 21:34-36
THEME: PARADISE
In the tradition of the Old Testament, the term “paradise”, which literally means a “park”, is generally associated with the “garden in Eden” ( cf. Gen 2:8). In the New Testament, the term appears three terms (cf. Lk. 23:43; 2Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7). In these New Testament texts, “paradise” is situated beyond the earthly realm. It is a state beyond any earthly experience.
The term is not used specifically in our First Reading but themes descriptive of paradise are inherent in the text. The First Reading gives a narration of what appears to be a heavenly dimension of the earthly “garden in Eden”. Imageries like “river” and “tree of life” as used in Rev. 22:1-2 are reminiscent of what we find in the text of Gen. 2:8ff. However, the text of Revelation gives us a vision of a paradise which is more sublime and glorious than that of the “garden in Eden” – “And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. And there shall no longer be any night; and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever” (Rev 22:3-5). In sum, the paradise being offered to us is a perfect state of contentment and timeless harmony.
Underpinning the decisions and choices we make in life is a restless hunger for happiness, prosperity and peace. We thirst for fulfilment and completeness. However, the structures of our earthly existence maimed by our human weaknesses make this search an elusive one. Here on earth, happiness, prosperity and peace are often transitory; when adversity slams at our doors, they vanish into thin air. We are therefore invited to hope for a world which is not bound by time and space, where we hope to see the face of God and enjoy eternal bliss.
The glorious description of heaven is not an opium to ease our pain on earth; it is a reality awaiting those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus and have allowed this faith to translate into good deeds.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I long to be with you in paradise. In your mercy, open the gates of heaven for me on the final day. 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).