GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 2ND MARCH 2017
THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
PSALM: Psalm 1:1-4, 6
GOSPEL: Luke 9:22-25
THEME: CROSSROAD DECISION
A quote reads, “I am where I am today because of the decision I took yesterday” (anonymous). A crossroad is a place of intersection of two or more roads. It is a crucial point where a decision must be made. The road one chooses determines one’s destination. Similarly, the decisions we make on our life’s journey will either bring us pain or joy. One decision in life can restore or destroy you.
In our First Reading, Moses invites the people to make a decision, “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God…you shall live…But if your heart turns away and you do not hear…you shall perish” (Deut 30:15-18).
In this season of Lent, we have a choice to make — to come after Jesus or go our own selfish ways. Jesus in our Gospel text says, “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
In the above statement of Jesus, one can deduce three important steps. The first is self-denial. Here, one thinks less about him/herself and more about God. Decisions are made not based on what brings one immediate pleasure but rather on what fulfils the commandments of God.
The second is the daily cross. It entails accepting the trials and challenges that come one’s way on account of one’s decision to go the way of Christ.
The third is the step towards imitation of Christ – “follow me”. You talk and act like Christ. Here, one is configured into the image and likeness of Christ.
The season of Lent invites us to choose the Road of Christ. It is true that the road is winding, long and tiring and yet it is the safest road with an assured destination of eternal life and bliss.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, with my whole heart, I choose to come after you. May I embrace the cross that comes my way today, for in union with you a cross is a blessing in disguise. 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)