GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE:14TH OCTOBER 2016
FRIDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Ephesians 1: 11-14
PSALM: Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13
GOSPEL: Luke 12:1-17
THEME: DO NOT BE AFRAID
I came across a quote which reads, “Don’t let your fear of what could happen make nothing happen.” Fear has a crippling effect of stopping one in his/her tracks and holding one back. We block our dreams when we allow fear to grow bigger than our faith.
The denunciation of the Pharisees and scholars of the law had elicited their fury. We read in Luke 11:53-54, “…the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him and to cross-examine him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say” (Lk. 11:53-54). Meanwhile the ministry of Jesus was thriving – “the crowd gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another” (Lk 12:1).
The theme of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees is picked up in today’s Gospel text with a caution from Jesus to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven – that is, the hypocrisy – of the Pharisees” (Lk. 12:1).
Sensing a possible reprisal from the Pharisees, Jesus proceeds to give his disciples some pep talk on the need not to be afraid. He tells them, “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more” (Lk 12:4).
The fact of life is that when your presence in a particular place or circumstance is a threat to certain people, they would seek to eliminate you. They may choose to employ unpleasant and foul means to halt your progress. However, Jesus tells each one of us, his followers, “Do not be afraid.”
We should never allow fear to decide our future. As someone rightly said, “the only thing we should fear is fear itself”. Fear must give way to faith and where there is faith, all things are possible. The expression, “the hairs of your head are all counted” (Lk 12:7) is a very powerful divine assurance. It means you are under 24hr divine watch and protection. No evil can befall you. Even if an unpleasant thing comes your way, see it as manure to facilitate your growth. Thus says the Lord, “Do not be afraid!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I turn to you with complete trust. You are my protector and defender. With you on my side, I fear no missile of the enemy. 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).