GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 28TH APRIL 2017
FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE
FIRST READING: Acts 5:34-42
PSALM: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
GOSPEL: John 6:1-15
THEME: THE HONOUR OF BEING DISHONOURED
A general of an army is often decorated with many insignia of honour. Each badge on his uniform recalls a significant moment in his service. These badges of honour are marks of respect and distinction.
In the army of the Lord, suffering on account of the Gospel is our badge of honour. Thus in our First Reading for today, the apostles rejoiced after they had received some lashes from the Sanhedrin on account of the name of Christ. They regarded the beating as tangible evidence of being found worthy (cf. Act 5:41).
As followers of Christ, we ought not to take pleasure in suffering for its own sake. However, when we are made to suffer on account of our faith in Jesus, we should rejoice for it is a spiritual insignia of honour. Here on earth, they may appear insignificant but in the halls of heaven, all will admire the number of spiritual badges of honour we received during our sojourn on earth.
Just as Jesus was highly exalted, having endured suffering on earth (cf. Phil 2:6-10), heaven exalts those who suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Paul, in one of his letters, writes, “I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body” (Gal 6:17).
Like the apostles, we should not be deterred by the trials that come our way as we seek to share with others our faith in Jesus. As we follow Jesus, our cross is our joy.
PRAYER: Lord, help me not to run away from you on account of the suffering I have to endure in following you. Lead me step by step on the narrow path that leads to 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)