GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 2ND JUNE 2017
FRIDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER
FIRST READING: Acts 25:13-21
PSALM: Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
GOSPEL: John 21:15-19
THEME: LET YOUR FAITH COUNT
In recent times, some Christians have made the headlines on front pages of our daily newspapers and other platforms on social media. Unfortunately, quite a number of the headlines are not news of heroic witnessing but scandals which seek to discredit the very Gospel we are called upon to proclaim. It is important that occasionally, we each pause and ask ourselves: What kind of headlines am I making? Am I furthering the cause of Christ and the Gospel or I am bringing the Christian message into disrepute? The word Gospel means good news and any bearer of an important piece of news will himself /herself make news.
Paul, in today’s First Reading, made the headlines on account of his good faith in Jesus. The headlines first caught the attention of Governor Festus and later King Agrippa. In the case of Paul, the headlines did not bring him favours but trials. However, he was content to have shared in the sufferings of Christ. Later on in life, Paul would reflect on this whole experience and tell Timothy, “Anybody who tries to live in devotion to Christ is certain to be persecuted” (2Tim 3:12).
As Christians we should not go seeking for trouble. However, we must seek to proclaim the Gospel even if that leads us into trouble. Jesus is asking each one of us the same question he put to Peter in today’s Gospel: Do you love me? If we do, then we ought to make the right headlines for Christ.
One thing that Paul and all other faithful witnesses of the Gospel can testify is the veracity of the statement of Jesus: “When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit” (Mk 13:11).
May the Holy Spirit, during this season of novena, make us news worthy and give us the right words to say in every situation we find ourselves in.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit of God, we turn to you this day amidst the challenges of our life’s journey. May we never give up in times of trials but trust you enough to make all things work for our good. In the name of Jesus, we pray with thanksgiving. 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).