GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: SATURDAY, 15TH JULY 2017
MEMORIAL OF SAINT BONAVENTURE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
FIRST READING: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26
PSALM: Psalm 105:1-4, 6-7
GOSPEL: Matthew 10:24-33
THEME; TURE FORGIVENESS
True forgiveness has no expiry date. It is not limited to any particular space or time. It has the strength to withstand any change in circumstances. It gives life and does not take life.
Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty were triggered in the hearts of the brothers of Joseph when their father Jacob died. They harboured the thought that Joseph who they once sold into slavery treated them well in Egypt on account of their father. Now that their father was no more they entertained the unpleasant expectation of revenge on the part of Joseph for the wrong they did to him.
In our First Reading, Joseph steps in to quench their inner turmoil and restlessness with words of reassurance that are descriptive of the calibre of person he was. He said to them: “Fear not, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones” (Genesis 50:19-21).
Our earthly pilgrimage is characterised by hurts and pains. In the light of the experience of Joseph, we can say that the pain is deeper when it comes from one’s own brothers/sisters or inner circle. However, there are moments on this journey when we would be called upon to offer forgiveness. In such moments, we may choose to ask ourselves: Have I put conditions on my forgiveness? Have I put a time-limit to it? Have I truly let go?
The God who watches over every sparrow sees everything that happens under the sun and the stars. As Joseph pointed out, there is no point taking the place of God. Let God be God and let us continue to be children of God who know the value of forgiveness.
It is in letting go totally that God takes hold of us totally.
PRAYER: Eternal Father, your nature is love and you forgive without setting barriers. As your child, may I act like you and forgive completely whenever I am offended. 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).