GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 25TH OCTOBER 2016
TUESDAY OF THE 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Ephesians 5:21-33
PSALM: Psalm 128:1-5
GOSPEL: Luke 13:18-21
THEME: THE HIDDEN POWER OF THE GOSPEL
Inherent in every seed is a story. It is a story of that which appears insignificant to the human eye but with time and under favourable conditions turns out to be something of real significance that impacts its environment. Of particular note is a mustard seed which has an imbedded incomprehensible ability hidden in its little protective coat. When it finds an agreeable soil, a mustard seed has the potency to sprout into a plant and shoot up to about ten feet high.
Jesus grew up in a milieu where farming and baking of bread were common. Hence, in our Gospel text for today, he picks up imageries from these domains and makes an illustration of what the Kingdom of God is like. He says, “The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches…The Kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened” (Lk. 13:19-20).
He uses these two parables to illustrate the amazing contrast between the small beginnings of the kingdom, which started with his preaching and healing ministry in Galilee, and its marvellous expansion and impact on generations to come all over the world.
There is no getting around the fact that the Gospel has transformed cultures over the past 2000years. Many of the good works we see in our world today are being accomplished by people who have been transformed by the Gospel. Think of the many charitable organisations, mission schools, mission hospitals etc. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the roots of the legal system in many countries can be traced to Canon law and the Scriptures. The power of the Gospel to transform is real.
If the Gospel has been able to transform whole cultures then it can equally transform completely the personal lives of individuals. The Gospel that is changing the objective world can equally change your subjective world.
When one chooses to accept wholeheartedly the Gospel message, one sets in motion the miracle of growth. You may have an apparently insignificant beginning and your life may initially mean nothing to your world but if the “mustard seed” or “yeast” of the Kingdom of God is within you, you are destined for greater heights. It is just a matter of time. You would shoot up and rise, and the evidence would be there for all to see.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, plant your Word in me. Holy Spirit, water the Word in me. Eternal Father, cause the Word to sprout and blossom in my life. 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).