GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 20TH JULY 2017
THURSDAY OF THE FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FIRST READING: Exodus 3:13-20
PSALM: Psalm 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-27
GOSPEL: Matthew 11:28-30
THEME: I AM WHO I AM
The expression “I AM” is an assertion of God’s authority and at the same time it carries with it a sense of God’s continuing presence in the here and now. He is the God of the present moment and can be relied upon in every present human condition or situation.
Having heard the voice of God and received the call to go to Egypt to be an instrument of God’s saving power for the people of Israel, Moses said to God: “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ What shall I say to them?” (Ex 3:13). In response, God said to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM…Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Ex 3:14).
The image one has of God influences one’s way of life. Therefore, the self-disclosure of God in the Exodus text has an important implication for our spiritual growth. When God says that he is “I AM”, it means that it is his nature to be present in our present. In other words, we can count on him at this very moment of our lives.
In whatever situation you are faced with presently, just be aware that God is present and willing to offer his divine assistance. There is no need to dwell on past events without any hope for today. Irrespective of whatever you are going through, trust that the Great “I AM” is with you and he is doing something new (cf. Is. 43:18).
PRAYER: Eternal Father, your divine presence in my life is my strength amidst the challenges that buffet me. Empowered by such blessed assurance, I take the steps of faith to continue the journey to where you want me to be. 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).