GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 28TH NOVEMBER 2016
MONDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF ADVENT
1ST READING: Isaiah 4:2-6
PSALM: Psalm 122:1-9
2ND READING: Romans 13:11-14
GOSPEL: Matthew 8:5-11
THEME: THE POWER OF FAITH
Faith can be likened to a lighted candle that helps one find his/her way in the dark. Faith makes all things possible and salvation accessible.
The Gospel text offers us two movements — the movement of Jesus to Capernaum and that of the centurion to Jesus. The centurion responded to the coming of Jesus with deep faith, trusting that the word of the Lord was enough to heal his servant. This made Jesus to say, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Mt. 8:10).
The faith of the centurion is admirable and exemplary, especially during this season of Advent. It takes faith to recognise Jesus as the saviour of the human race and to open the door of one’s heart to him. It also takes faith to prepare oneself to face Jesus when he comes the second time as a judge.
The season of Advent offers us the opportunity to nourish and deepen our faith in the Lord. As we spend quality time meditating on the Word of God, praying and fasting, faith grows and the Lord Jesus honours this faith with innumerable blessings.
Prayer: Maranatha, come Lord Jesus. With a heart full of faith I welcome you. 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).