GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 17TH AUGUST 2016
WEDNESDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Ezekiel 34:1-11
PSALM: Psalm 23:1-6
GOSPEL: Matthew 20:1-16
THEME: GENEROUS FAVOUR
There are moments in life when, against all odds, something good comes one’s way and changes one’s story of sadness into one of joy. It is often an overwhelming experience and it normally opens a new chapter in a person’s life. When that happens, it is not because you are lucky, it is a mark of God’s favour. Favour, as someone rightly remarked, “makes a person to receive without asking.”
Divine favour is demonstrated at two levels in the parable of the labourers in the vineyard as recounted in our Gospel text for today. We are told that a group of labourers were offered employment at a time when it was least expected (cf. Mt. 20:6-7). Secondly, without asking, these persons received a wage far beyond the work they had actually done (cf. Mt. 20:8ff).
Favour raises eyebrows. Rightly so, some of the employees of the landowner complained saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat” (Mt 20:12). In response, the landowner tells them, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” (Mt 20:15).
The favour that others receive in their lives should strengthen rather than weaken our faith in God. Whenever someone you know is favoured by the Lord, there is no point being envious. Rather, be encouraged that the God who favours is near and that your time of favour is close at hand. Our God is very generous. In fact, his power at work within us is “able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20). God virtually “spends his day” looking for someone to favour. Today, it could be you or it could be someone standing by you.
An athlete standing in what appears to the eyes as the last track in a 400 metres race may appear disadvantaged at the beginning of the race. However, the bends of the track is favourable for the athlete and with effort, skill and perseverance, he/she who started from behind may end up winning the race. You too may have started life at what may appear to the human eyes, a disadvantaged position. However, if you have Christ, favour will locate you at the bends of life.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we bring before your throne of grace everyone who needs an urgent favour from you. Let your grace come to the aid of all those who are in dire need of your divine intervention. Cause a pleasant surprise in their lives and give them beautiful testimonies. 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).