GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 29TH APRIL 2017
MEMORIAL OF SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA, VIRGIN AND DOCTOR
FIRST READING: Acts 6:1-7
PSALM: Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
GOSPEL: John 6:16-21
THEME: DO NOT BE AFRAID
Living in our world today has become one of the most frightful nightmares of all times. There appears to be trouble everywhere. Sitting in a plane is not safe – you never know what ideas are running through the mind of the pilot. Walking is not safe – you never know which vehicle may knock you down. Going to the shopping mall is not safe – you do not know what is next on the agenda of a diabolic-minded person. Sitting in your house is not safe – you do not know the plans armed robbers and other miscreants of society are having concerning you. Today, there is the outbreak of this disease, tomorrow the outbreak of that disease. Consequently, fear has become the companion of many in our world today.
In today’s Gospel text, the disciples of Jesus found themselves in an apparently frightful situation. They found themselves sailing on water that was being stirred up by a strong wind. Moreover, we are told it was dark. As Jesus walked towards them on the water, they got frightened, but his immediate words to them were, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
A life lived in fear is a life that was never lived. Today, Jesus walks towards every frightened person and says, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” It does not matter the nature of the strong wind that is blowing in your personal world this very moment. It does not matter how dark your world has become. The situation may appear very hopeless but if only you would hold on to the words of Jesus, “It is I. Do not be afraid”, you would get to the shore unscathed.
The words of Jesus are apt for our generation. Let us carry this message to every Tom, Dick and Harry. Tell every frightened and traumatised person that Jesus says, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I place at your feet every fear in my heart. I renew my faith in you and trust that with you I shall stand firm, come what may. 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)