GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 27TH JULY 2016
WEDNESDAY OF THE 17TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
PSALM: Psalm 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18
GOSPEL: Matthew 13:44-46
THEME: I AM WITH YOU
Someone somewhere is shedding tears because in spite of all the efforts put into her marriage, nothing seems to work well. Another young person who has lived all his life for the Lord has been diagnosed of an incurable ailment and tears are rolling down his cheeks . In another place, a priest feels like giving up because of the opposition he has to face each day and the burden of ministry. Misfortune strikes and one is thrown into a state of dilemma.
Biblical scholars often refer to Jeremiah as “the weeping prophet”. His central prophetic mission was to reveal to the people of Judah their sins and explain the reason for an impending disaster. In carrying out this task entrusted to him by the Lord, he had some admirers. Unfortunately, he had many who opposed him. His own brothers betrayed him, he was beaten and put into the stocks by a priest, opposed by a false prophet, imprisoned by the king, threatened with death and thrown into a cistern (cf. Jer 12:6, 20:1-4; 28; 37:18; 38:4, 6,28).
In our First Reading, Jeremiah pours out his heart in lamentation to the Lord saying, “Woe is me, my mother, that you ever bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me” (Jer 15:10). In response, the Lord said to him, “…I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the LORD. I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless” (Jer. 15:20-21).
The divine assurance given to Jeremiah is applicable to every child of God faced with a trial or challenge. When God does not snatch you from a fight, he stands with you in that fight. His divine presence makes a difference in whichever situation you may find yourself.
Let each one of us take consolation in the fact that we are never alone. Everyone else may abandon us but God says, “I am with you”.
Lord God, you are my stronghold and refuge in the day of distress. You uphold me with invisible hands and set me on a rock of steadfastness. Your faithfulness is my hope and your righteousness, my shield. In my life, be glorified, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)