GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 17TH SEPTEMBER 2016
SATURDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: 1Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49
PSALM: Psalm 56:10-14
GOSPEL: Luke 8:4-15
THEME: WHEN THE SEED INSIDE YOU FAILS TO SPROUT
When our physical health fails us, we would normally rush to the hospital or the nearest health post seeking medical attention. In the same way, when spiritually we become fruitless, we would need a diagnosis of the problem and the way forward.
In our Gospel text, Jesus, with the parable of the seed, helps us to appreciate the fact that the Word of God has inherent in it the power of fruitfulness. It has the capacity to “produce crop a hundred fold”. It means that after hearing the word of God over a period of time, there ought to be some positive changes (fruitfulness) in all facets of one’s life. If the change leading to fruitfulness does not take place, it means something is wrong.
The reason for fruitlessness may vary from one person to the other. Like the seed that fell on the edge of the path, it could be that we have given the devil the chance to rob us of the Word. It could be that we have abandoned the truth and believed in a lie. Lies have nicely been parcelled as truth and pushed down the throats of many, rendering them spiritually barren.
Secondly, like the seed that fell on the rock, many easily give up on God and on his Word during moments of trials. We all, from time to time, go through the tunnels of test. Unfortunately, during such periods, some stop praying when they need prayer most and others stop going to Church when they need the Church most.
Thirdly, the thorns of life, i.e. the worries and riches and pleasures of this life, are choking and rendering some of us fruitless. The chase for wealth and pleasure with all the headaches that go with it have made many to push the Word of God aside and to pursue their own self-centered interests.
In the light of our Gospel text for today, we may want to find time during the course of the day and honestly examine ourselves and see whether the soil of our hearts are conducive enough to make the process of germination and growth leading to fruitfulness possible, keeping in mind the last verse of our Gospel text, “And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as you sow the seed of your word in my heart daily, may my life bear good fruits to glorify your name. 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).