GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 10TH AUGUST 2016
(FEAST OF ST. LAURENCE, DEACON, MARTYR)
1ST READING: 2Corinthians 9:6-10
PSALM: Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9
GOSPEL: John 12:24-26
THEME: YOUR FALL IS THE BEGINNING OF YOUR RISING
A seed would have no testimony to give unless it submits itself to undergo the unpleasant experience of falling into the soil. When it does, it comes face to face with the reality of darkness. There in the soil, it loses its beautiful protective coat and for a period of time appears ugly. However, it is precisely in this process of losing itself that the miracle of growth begins to take place. It gradually grows a root downwards and then a shoot upwards. This shoot grows into a big plant and with time it starts bearing fruits in abundance.
Jesus Christ grew up in a milieu where farming was practiced extensively. Many of his audience were either farmers or at least had some basic knowledge in farming. Jesus makes use of this common agricultural knowledge and tells his disciples in today’s Gospel text with particular reference to his imminent suffering and death, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit (Jn 12:24).
The drama of life is such that everyone of us at a certain point in time falls into the soil of life. It is often a painful experience of darkness. Right before our eyes we see ourselves losing our “protective coats”. A “protective coat” symbolizes that which gives self-importance and self-worth. It could be one’s job, marriage, family, children, health, reputation, earthly life etc. These are times when one may begin to wonder whether God really exists.
The truth of the matter is that God exists and he cares. If we give God the chance in such moments and we do not terminate the process of germination, roots and shoots would develop, and with adequate “sunshine” and “rain” from God, our lives would evolve in a new way with abundant fruits as a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Have you fallen into the soil of life? Take heart. It is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of something new in your life. Continue to put your trust in God who is able to cause water to come out of a rock and give life to what is dead. Jesus is still Lord!!!
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)