GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 30TH JULY 2016
SATURDAY OF THE 17TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24
PSALM: Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34
GOSPEL: Matthew 14:1-12
THEME: MARTYRS OF TRUTH
In every generation, prophets are endangered species. Why? They speak the truth without mincing words and those who cannot stand the truth either shut their ears or shut them down.
Two prophets, Jeremiah and John the Baptist stand out in our First Reading and Gospel text respectively. Both of them spoke the truth to their generation and consequently became victims of hatred and attacks. The priests and prophets spoke concerning Jeremiah in these words, “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears” (Jer 26:11). In the case of John the Baptist, as narrated in our Gospel text for the day, he was arrested, imprisoned and beheaded because he spoke the truth which Herod and his mistress, Herodias, did not want to hear.
A martyr of truth is one who stands by the truth whether in summer or winter. Such a person is ever ready and willing to proclaim the truth at the peril of his/her very life.
Truth is a scarce virtue in a putrid society. In a world, where “anything” goes and everyone seeks to outwit someone, truth is the last thing on people’s minds. Unfortunately, in running away from the truth in search of an emergency exit in difficult situations, we run away from the very door that offers us our freedom.
Our world needs more of “Jeremiahs” and “John the Baptists”. It takes truth to change the world and make it a better place to live. Let us choose truth today and pay the price for it. It is worth it.
Lord Jesus, you are the Truth. May the light of your truth dispel every darkness in and around me and make my life a blessing to the world .
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)