GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 27TH JULY 2017
THURSDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FIRST READING: Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20
PSALM: Daniel 3:52-56
GOSPEL: Matthew 13:10-17
THEME: PREPARE TO MEET YOUR GOD
When an oncoming event is of great importance, one would ordinarily invest into preparation. Think of how much time and energy couples invest in preparing to meet their bridegrooms and brides on their wedding day. Some ladies can spend hours upon hours dressing their hair, receiving manicures and pedicures and all other kinds of “cures” prior to the wedding celebration. Think of how much time and effort many young people invest in securing a visa to travel. Think of the energy young graduates invest into preparation for an interview for a job; they would often work hard on their outward appearance, demeanour, etiquettes and diction so as to impress the interviewer.
How about meeting the Almighty and thrice-holy God? How much do we invest into spiritual preparation for such an encounter?
In the First Reading, we have an account of the sojourn of the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai after they had left Egypt. God chose to reveal himself to them but prior to the revelation there was the need for preparation. So the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people” (Ex. 19:10-11).
To “consecrate” entails detachment from mundane and excessive worldly concerns. To wash one’s garments is symbolic of repentance. Therefore to have a genuine and lasting encounter with the Lord, one needs to cultivate the spirit of detachment and repentance.
One of the reasons why some people do not derive much spiritual strength from the Holy Mass and other Christian spiritual activities is the lack of adequate preparation. God is ready to reveal himself to each one of us in a particular and intimate manner but we must first develop the spirit of detachment and repentance and we will have our particular “mount Sinai” experience of the Lord.
God wants to meet you at a deeper level. Prepare to meet your God.
PRAYER: Eternal Father, I long to be in your presence and to be renewed by the power of your love. Help me to let go of anything and everything that would hinder me in encountering you today. For the sake of Christ, I pray. 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).