GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 4TH OCTOBER 2016
TUESDAY OF THE 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
(MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI)
1ST READING: Galatians 1:13-24
PSALM: Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15
GOSPEL: Luke 10:38-42
THEME: SIT AND LISTEN
A car, no matter how fast it runs, would grind to a halt if it runs out of fuel. If one is not fortunate and the vehicle stops in the middle of nowhere, with no fuel (gas) station nearby, one would go through series of unpleasant ordeals. Spiritually, we also run on “fuel” and it is dangerous going through this world without it.
Jesus, in our Gospel text, describes Mary, the sister of Martha, as having “chosen the better part” (cf. Lk. 10:42). What was the choice that Mary made that gained such a commendation from the Master himself? All the information that the text under consideration gives about Mary is summed up in only one verse – “She (Martha) had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he (Jesus) was saying” (Lk. 10:39). Of this verse, two verbs are attributed to Mary – sit and listen. The posture of sitting at the feet of a rabbi or teacher is descriptive of a disciple. She listened not just to one of the rabbis in town but the Word of God himself. In sum, Mary chose to be a disciple and an ardent listener of the word of God. For this reason, Jesus described her as having “chosen the better part”.
Time is an expensive commodity in our world today. Multitasking has become a common phenomenon. We are inclined to do so many things at the same time to meet the demands of a fast-paced, competitive world. We do many “good” things for the good of our families and other people. Unfortunately, in the process, we have no time to sit and listen to the one who gives life to our souls. Consequently, the “spiritual fuel-tanks” of many have dried up. In the face of challenges, such persons realise that they have no inner strength and they run into crisis. As someone rightly put it, “A life without Christ is full of crisis”.
Spending quality time with the Word of God rejuvenates and revitalises a person. It is the secret of sanctity. This keeps one going amidst the challenges of life and enables one to arrive at a safe destination.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I wait on you daily, renew my strength. May I sprout wings like an eagle, run without getting weary and walk without fainting. 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).