GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016
WEDNESDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING:1 Corinthians 7:25-31
PSALM: Psalm 45:11-12, 14-17
GOSPEL: Luke 6:20-26
THEME: BE COUNTED AMONG THE BLESSED
We were at table, having a breakfast discussion. As we sipped our cups of tea, basking in the goodness of the Lord, the thought of God’s generosity towards human beings filled my mind. I asked my colleagues at table, “What is your opinion? What do you think would happen if the air we breathe was for sale?” One of those at table with me wasted no time in giving a response – “It is obvious”, he said, “the rich would buy all the air and then sell it later at a higher price to the poor.”
I felt the answer was insightful for it reminded me immediately of the existing inequality and deepening divide between the rich and the poor in our world today. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The irony of life is that there are some people who, through no fault of theirs, will go to bed today on an empty stomach, while others having so much food, will throw some into the garbage.
I have helplessly watched people weep because they have no one to pay their school fees or medical bills; meanwhile, the rich can afford to pay for a laughter, rolling on a king size bed in a luxurious five-star executive suite hotel. The irony is even more exasperating when a “man of God” living in a posh residential apartment chooses to siphon the little money the poor have and promises them God’s blessing in exchange.
We are in a world where those who choose to stand on the side of truth are hatefully victimised, while those who hide the truth and tell the world a big lie receive standing ovation.
Our Gospel text for today is timely. Jesus gives a teaching that should wake us up from our slumber. He says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets” (Luke 6:20-26).
What do you think should happen if the air that we breathe was for sale? Well, I think the rich should consider buying and distributing it among those who genuinely cannot afford. In doing so, they would be counted among the blessed.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I always keep in mind that this world with all its fleeting pleasures is passing away. Give me a generous heart and a love for the poor and needy.
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)