GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 5TH MARCH 2017
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
FIRST READING: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
PSALM: Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13,17
SECOND READING: Romans 5:12-19
GOSPEL: Matthew 4:1-11
THEME: IT IS WRITTEN…
One of the reasons why people easily destroy their electronic gadgets is that they hardly follow the instructions in the manual that comes with it. We often prefer to do it ourselves or listen to the guidance of others and not the manufacturer. In the process, we sometimes end up spoiling that which is expensive. Similarly, when we listen to all kinds of words and take the Word of God for granted, we end up destroying our beautiful lives and that of others.
In juxtaposing the First Reading and the Gospel, one observes a contrast between Adam and Jesus. Adam found himself in a garden with all kinds of good fruits to eat, as well as the comfort of a wife. Jesus, on the other hand, is pictured ‘all alone’ in a desert with no food for forty days and forty nights. The devil came to the garden and tempted Adam. The devil also came to the desert and tempted Jesus. In pursuit of pleasure, Adam renounced the Word of God and fell into sin. Jesus, on the other hand, with a consistent resort to the expression, “it is written…”, upheld the Word of God and overcame the devil.
Paul would later reflect on these two personalities and in our Second Reading write, “It was through one man that sin came into the world, and through sin death…There is no comparison between the free gift and the offence. If death came to many through the offence of one man, how much greater an effect the grace of God has had, coming to so many and so plentifully as a free gift through the one man Jesus Christ!…For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:1,15,19).
Our world has become very wordy. There are so many words clamouring to be heard. Advancement in technology has widened the media landscape. Almost every kind of information is available and every word purports to guide us through our sojourn in the desert of life. In the process, many have become confused, not sure of who or what to listen to. Satan loves such confusion and parcels his words with trappings that are attractive. He appeals to our weakened senses and this is where many of us slip and fall.
Jesus’ declaration, “It is written”, simply means, no matter how you feel, stick to the Word of God. No matter what world leaders are saying, stick to the Word of God. In the face of socio-economic transformations, still hold on to the Word of God. Faith in the Word of God is the secret to victorious living.
Are you faced with a trial or temptation? Declare, “It is written…” and uphold the Word of God. You would come out unscathed.
PRAYER: Eternal Father, your Word is life. Keep me faithful to your word in every situation I find myself. For the sake of Christ, 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).