GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 13TH JULY 2017
THURSDAY OF THE FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FIRST READING: Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29; 45:1-5
PSALM: Psalm 105:16-21
GOSPEL: Matthew 10:7-15
THEME: GOD PUT YOU THERE FOR A PURPOSE
The river of life may sometimes carry us into unpleasant situations and places. When God allows that to happen, it is for a purpose.
In our First Reading, Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers. He tells them: “I am Joseph…I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt” (Gen. 45:3-4). He then gives a profound insight into all that had happened to him in these words: “God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5).
For Joseph, all the unpleasant experiences he had gone through on account of his brothers were for a purpose. God had strategically located him in Egypt in such a way that he would come to the aid of the growing nation of Israel during the period of famine.
Whenever you find yourself in an unpleasant situation or an unpalatable state at any given point in time on your earthly pilgrimage, think about Joseph and know that God has a plan for you too. You are where you are and in that situation for a purpose that will be revealed to you at the right time. As St. Paul puts it: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).
PRAYER: Eternal Father, you are in charge of my life. I thank you for both the pleasant and unpleasant experiences of my life’s journey. I thank you for where I am now and where your grace is leading me to. Keep me from complaining and grumbling and let me find meaning even in meaningless situations. 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).