GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 3RD DECEMBER 2016
SATURDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26
PSALM: Psalm 147:1-6
GOSPEL: Matthew 9:35 – 10:1,5-8
THEME: THE HEART OF JESUS
A child falls down from a tree and bursts into tears. The mother upon seeing what has happened runs towards the child without thinking twice about her decision to help. She simply acts on an inner movement in her bowels. All that matters for her in that instant is to help the child.
That inner movement in the bowels, translated as “compassion” in our Gospel text for today, is what Jesus felt upon seeing the crowd. We read that “when he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd” (Mat 9:36).
This would explain why in sending out the twelve disciples, he instructed them as follows, “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without charge; give without charge” (Mat 10:8). He expresses a deep sense of compassion for everyone who is troubled on account of one problem or the other.
This resonates very well with the prophetic words of Isaiah in the First Reading, “…you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you” (Isa 30:19).
In Jesus, we have a saviour who is compassionate. When the burdens and challenges of life weigh you down, you can be sure that Jesus is heading towards your direction to help you. As he sent out twelve disciples to bring hope to those in need, he will always send helpers to you to support you in times of difficulties.
Let us therefore turn to the compassionate heart of Jesus and cry out for mercy. He will respond. Yes, he will be favourable towards us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, your compassion is deep. In your arms, I am safe and sound. 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).