GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 19TH JULY 2017
WEDNESDAY OF THE FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FIRST READING: Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12
PSALM: Psalm 103:1-4, 6-7
GOSPEL: Matthew 11:25-27
THEME: THE CALL OF MOSES
It all started with what appeared to be a “burning bush”. What has a “burning bush” got to do with a rescue mission in Egypt? Precisely, that is the beauty of the unfolding of every vocation story. God has his own ‘divine baits’ to get our attention. Different things attract different people into the presence of God. Once we step on ‘holy ground’, the Lord speaks and entrusts us with a mission.
Moses was born in Egypt. However, with the unfolding of events in his life, he had to leave Egypt and live as a stranger in a foreign land – Midian. He spent quite a long time in the Land of Midian, away from his place of birth (cf. Ex. 2:21-22). However, when the time came for God to bring deliverance to his people who had become slaves in Egypt, he “went in search of Moses.” Naturally, Moses is filled with trepidation and says to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Ex. 3:11). In response, God tells him “I shall be with you” (Ex. 3:12).
Generally, when an employer at a workplace sends a messenger on an errand, he would expect the messenger to carry out the task and report back to him. God, however, is an employer with a difference. When he calls and sends you on an errand, he does not wait for you to bring him a report; he goes with you on that mission.
Perhaps at this moment in your life, God is entrusting you with a new assignment or task. Naturally, you may be filled with anxieties and fears. However, remember that God is the most faithful employer one can ever have. He will go with you. He says to you, “I shall be with you.” As the saying goes, “If God brings you to it, he will see you through it.”
PRAYER: Eternal Father, as I stand on the ground that you have made holy on account of your presence, I lay aside the sandals of carnal pursuits and human ideology, and I yield to your voice and holy will. Speak your word into my heart and send me on a mission that is yours. 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).