GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: FRIDAY, 14TH JULY 2017
MEMORIAL OF SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN
FIRST READING: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30
PSALM: Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
GOSPEL: Matthew 10:16-23
THEME: THE GUIDING PRESENCE OF THE LORD
A little child seated in a car driven by his father can afford to smile because of the confidence he/she has in the ability of the father to lead him/her home. In the same way, when God holds the wheels of our lives we do not need to fear the twists and turns of the journey — one thing is certain, we will arrive at our divine destinations.
Jacob’s journey of life, from the womb to the grave, was marked by divine guidance. Already in the womb, the Lord spoke to Rebekah concerning him: “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples are separating while still within you; but one will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger”(cf. Gen. 25: 23).
When his life was threatened by his brother Esau and he sought to flee from the land of Canaan to Haran, the Lord revealed himself to Jacob saying: “…Behold, I am with you, and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you”(cf. Gen 28: 13-15). After spending many years in Haran, the Lord spoke to him another time: “Go back to the land of your ancestors, where you were born, and I shall be with you” (Gen. 31:3).
Now in our First Reading, as Jacob embarks on a journey to meet his son Joseph in Egypt, the Lord said to him: “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt; for I will there make of you a great nation. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes” (Gen. 46:3-5). The guiding presence of the Lord continually accompanied Jacob.
The God we serve is not impersonal. He has not created a world and left it for the laws of science to regulate it. In a gentle way, He guides us but it takes a heart of faith to discern the voice of the Lord. His grace is available to each one of us and His guiding presence is available to all who care to listen.
As we ponder over the story of Jacob, it may do us good to ask ourselves some few questions: Where is God in the story of my life? When was the last time I heard God speak to me? Am I walking in the plan of God or I am seeking to make God fit into my plan?
A graceful life is one that flows according to divine plan. It begins with God and ends in God. It is a life that does not end with regret.
PRAYER: Eternal Father, your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. Speak your word into my heart today and guide me on the path to salvation. 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).