GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY -7TH MARCH 2017

GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)

DATE: 7TH MARCH 2017

TUESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:10-11

PSALM: Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19

GOSPEL: Matthew 6:7-15

THEME: PRAYER

A student of theology asked his professor, “Sir, what is prayer?” He looked at the face of the professor expecting a profound theological discourse on the topic. The professor smiled and requested for a walk with him. Reaching a nearby farm, he asked the student, “ Look down there, what do you see?” He answered, “I see a farmer tilling the soil… clearing the weeds…taking away the stones and planting seeds”. The professor continued, “Look up there, what do you see?” The student responded, “I see clouds, gently but steadily gathering.” Then the professor said, “That is what prayer looks like. It is the spiritual activity of clearing weeds and removing stones in our hearts in anticipation of the rain – the Word of God.”

In the First Reading, the Lord says, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be which goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isa. 55:10-11).

Now let truth be told – God speaks every day and yet many are going through the anguish of unanswered prayers. Reason? We babble but do not pray enough. We talk a lot when we stand in prayer but do not invest our energy into removing the weeds and stones in our hearts in order to sow seeds of righteousness. These weeds and stones are often the unforgiveness in our hearts, coupled with our own wrong doings. Consequently, although the Word of God comes to us daily, it has no effect on us.

In the Gospel text Jesus says, “In your prayers do not babble as the gentiles do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him…Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either” (Matt. 6:7-8, 14).

Are you seeking for a favour from God? Do you have a request to make in prayer? First, work on yourself – remove unforgiveness from your heart, be kind towards others and strive to walk on the path of holiness. If you persevere in this, every petition of yours would pierce through the clouds and soon you would discover that God answers prayers faster than a rocket. Remember, “the prayer of a righteous person has great power in its effects” (Jas. 5:16).

PRAYER: Eternal Father, there is nothing too difficult for you. I turn to you this day with deep trust and ask that you speak your Word into my life. 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).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Translate »