GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 15TH FEBRUARY 2017
WEDNESDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FIRST READING: Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22
PSALM: Psalm 116:12-15, 18-19
GOSPEL: Mark 8:22-26
THEME: TILL THE STORM IS OVER
I must have been ten years old. I do not really recall where I was coming from but I remember that I was heading towards home. What was initially a bright sky suddenly became dark. A violent wind blew and before I could warm up for a sprint, a heavy downpour descended upon the earth. It happened so fast; I was caught in a real storm. I recall weeping because the rain was so heavy that I could see nothing on the road except water, and I feared I may not get home alive. In my desperation and trepidation, I bumped into a solid shed on a raised area by the roadside. I quickly took refuge there and with shivering, watched the water wash away all kinds of objects. But for that shelter, I would probably have been washed away like one of the objects. I stayed there till the storm was over, and then I dashed home, never to forget the experience.
The flood at the time of Noah must have been a heavy one. Those who took refuge in the ark were saved but those who took the warnings for granted and stayed outside the ark perished. When Noah released a dove through the hatch and the bird came back with a plucked-off olive leaf, he knew that the waters were receding from the earth. When he released the dove once again and the bird did not come back, he knew the waters had begun drying out on earth. Noah and all those with him stayed in the ark till the storm was over. When they had survived the storm, he offered a fitting burnt offering sacrifice to the Lord.
Storms are part of life. They suddenly appear and can cause immense damage. For some, the storm descends on their jobs, finances and health. Others experience storms in their spiritual life and vocation. Some marriages, for example, have been hit hard by storms. In the face of a raging flood, we need a secure ark. And that ark is Jesus Christ. Everything may shake and fall apart but Jesus remains stable on ‘water’. He is the one who can keep us safe till the storm is over. Even if the storm should last for as long as “40 days and 40 nights”, Jesus is our safest refuge.
Is a storm looming in your little world? Run to Jesus. He will keep you safe. Stay in him till you arrive at the shores of paradise.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are my hope in the face of trouble, my strength in times of trial and my ark on the flood. Carry me through the frightful experiences of this journey and bring me safe to the home of our heavenly Father. 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).