GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 23RD AUGUST 2017
WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FIRST READING: Judges 9:6-15
PSALM: Psalm 21:2-7
GOSPEL: Matthew 20:1-16
THEME: THE FAVOUR OF GOD
At the beginning of a 400-metre race, an athlete at the innermost lane of the track may appear disadvantaged compared to the one at the outermost lane but do not be mistaken, the bends of the track are favourable and with effort, skill and perseverance, he (she) who started from behind may end up winning the race.
There are people who appear to start late in life. While their friends get jobs immediately after completing school, they would have to wait in anxiety. Some get married in their early twenties and others marry at a later age. We all do not start in the same lane of life. However, what matters is the favour of God.
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” (Mat 20:12). In response, the landowner said to 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 favours 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.
You may have started life at what appears to the human eyes as a disadvantaged position. However, if you have Christ, favour will locate you at the bends of life. It takes just one divine move for your world to brighten up!
PRAYER: Lord God, your favour has brought me this far. May your favour continue to rest upon me through Christ our Lord. 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).