WORD FOR THE DAY-05DEC17

Gospel Reading : Luke 10:21-24

“In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will”. Luke 10:21

When the seventy-two disciples who had been sent on a mission by Jesus return and report to Jesus about the success of their mission, Jesus corrects the notion of the success of their mission. It is not enough to have authority over earthly or even evil powers but one has to belong to the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then praises the Heavenly Father for pouring out His graces of wisdom and power upon those who are humble and trusting like “children”. The message of God’s kingdom is revealed to the little ones – the simple, the humble, the ignorant and the sinful – instead of the wise and learned religious leaders of the time. The little ones in their humility are open to His message. Only the humble in heart can receive the wisdom which comes from God and the understanding of God’s perfect goodness and plan for their lives. Jesus also makes a claim that He is the perfect revelation of God. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God – a God who cares intensely and loving us to the point of laying down His life for us upon the cross. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. Jesus also praises His disciples for being fortunate to see and hear the things which others longed to see and hear. Discipleship therefore includes belonging to the kingdom of God and humbling oneself to accept the call of God. In what way have we truly become disciples of Jesus? Do we seek to belong to the kingdom of God in all humility and simplicity of heart?

WORD FOR THE DAY-04DEC17

Gospel Reading : Matthew 8:5-11

“The centurion answered him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed …. When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith”. Matthew 8:8-10

Jesus used many images or pictures to convey what the kingdom of God is like. One such image is a great banquet feast given at the King’s table (Matthew 8:11 and Luke 13:29). Jesus promised that everyone who believed in Him would come and feast at the heavenly banquet table of His Father. Jesus told this parable in response to the dramatic request made by a Roman centurion, a person despised by many because he was an outsider and not one of the “chosen ones” of Israel. Jesus not only warmly received a Roman centurion but praised him as a model of faith and confidence in God because any genuine expression of faith never goes unnoticed by Jesus. The centurion who approached Jesus was not only courageous but a man of great compassion and extraordinary faith. He was an extraordinary man because he loved his slave. Jesus commends him for his faith and rewards the centurion’s unparalleled and unquestioning faith by healing his servant. The profound expression of the centurion’s faith is immediately rewarded by Jesus. Jesus was not physically present at the centurion’s home when his servant was healed. All that Jesus had to do was to speak a word and it happened. The Word of God heals and transforms. Do we believe in the power of the Word of God? Do we have enough faith to bring Jesus to our home?

WORD FOR THE DAY-03DEC17

Gospel Reading: Mark 13:33-37

“Watch therefore — for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning — lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Watch.”” Mark 13:35-37

To watch, to stay awake, to wait for the return of the master of the house, not to sleep, this is what Jesus asks of a Christian in the Gospel today. Jesus’ parable about the long-expected return of the Master to his household stresses the importance of a watchful and attentive waiting on the part of the servants that would help them welcome the “master of the house” Mk 13: 35. The key word for all generations in the Gospel today is the command to “Watch!” Mark 13:37 so that we are ready for the Lord’s coming when He comes in glory and He finds us full of the good works of faithful servants. The Lord Jesus expects us to watch in great anticipation for the most important event of all – His return in glory at the end of this present age. Though the return of the Lord Jesus is certain, the time is unknown. It will come swiftly and unexpectedly. Jesus warns His listeners not to be caught off guard when that day arrives. So we must be attentive and prepared always. Jesus urges us to ever be vigilant, taking care to live as Christians should, watching and praying so that we are not found unprepared at the time of His coming. Those who “wait” for the Lord will not be disappointed. Do we watch for the Lord’s return with expectant faith and with joyful hope?

WORD FOR THE DAY-02DEC17

Gospel Reading : Luke 21:34-36 

“”But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare …. But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.”” Luke 21:34-36

Today’s Gospel continues the reflection on the coming of the end of time and presents to us the words of Jesus about how to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Kingdom. The return of the Lord Jesus is certain, but the time is unknown. The Day of the Lord’s judgment and final verdict will come swiftly and unexpectedly. Jesus warns His listeners not to be caught off guard when that day arrives. So we must be attentive and prepared always. Jesus warns us of the temptation to slacken off – to become spiritually idle, indifferent, or inattentive to God’s word and guidance for our lives. It is very easy to get caught up in the things of the present moment or be weighed down with anxious cares and concerns. The day is near and therefore we should ever be vigilant, taking care to live as Christians should, watching and praying so that at the time of the Lord’s return we may be able to stand in the presence of the Son of Man. Every individual should be alert and should be in prayer so that they are not found unprepared at the time of His coming. The Lord then would give us the strength to bear the bad days and increase our hope. The Lord’s warning of judgment is a cause for dismay for those who have not heeded His warning and are now unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly anticipate the Lord’s return in glory. Is our hope firmly placed in God and His kingdom? Are we ready to face the Lord when He comes in His glory?

WORD FOR THE DAY-01DEC17

Gospel Reading : Luke 21:29-33

“When you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”. Luke 21:31 -33

Jesus used the image of a fig tree to teach His disciples an important lesson about reading the “signs of the times.” When people see for themselves that the fig trees come out in leaf they know that summer is near, similarly when they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, they will know that the kingdom is near. The “budding” of God’s kingdom begins first in the hearts of those who are receptive to God’s word. Those who trust in God’s word will bear the fruits of His kingdom. We do not know the day or the hour when the Lord Jesus will return again in glory. But the Lord does give us signs so that we are ready to receive His kingdom when He comes in all His power and glory not only to establish God’s kingdom but also as Judge of the living as well as the dead. The “Day of the Lord” will strike terror in those who have ignored or rejected God, but it will be a day of joy and rejoicing for those who long to see the Lord face-to-face. The Lord Jesus wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation for His coming again. While we do not know the time of His return, we will not mistake it when it happens. It will be apparent to all, both believers and non-believers as well. Do we seek the coming of God’s kingdom with joyful hope?

WORD FOR THE DAY-30NOV17

Gospel Reading : Matthew 4:18-22

“As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him”. Matthew 4:18-20

In today’s Gospel we have the call of Jesus to Peter and his companions. When Jesus chose His first disciples, He called ordinary people. Peter and Andrew were brothers and fishermen by trade. Like the other apostles they had no wealth or position. He chose these men, not for what they were, but for what they would be capable of becoming under His direction and power. Instead of catching fish, Jesus made Peter and his companions, fishers of men. The incident tells us an important truth about how God works in and through each of us for His glory. He chooses ordinary people, like you and me, as His ambassadors to draw others into His kingdom. Jesus speaks the same message to us today: we will “catch people” for the kingdom of God if we live, speak, and witness the joy of the Gospel. Do we witness to those around us the joy of the Gospel that they may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of His love and truth?

WORD FOR THE DAY-29NOV17

Gospel Reading : Luke 21:12-19

“You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives”. Luke 21:17-19

Earlier Jesus had hinted to His disciples at the possibility of being rejected; here Jesus goes a step further and tells them of the persecutions that await them. Jesus never hesitated to tell His disciples about what they might expect if they chose to follow Him. Jesus’ predictions were not meant to discourage them but to strengthen them. They needed to be prepared for everything. They also should not trust on their own security and resources, but the disciples in critical, dangerous and aggressive situations should find help and solidarity in God. For their mission as disciples is also promised the Holy Spirit (Matthew 10:20). He is the one who acts in them and will speak through them when they are committed in their mission of evangelization and of witnessing. Jesus also warns them that breaking up of family relationships could be caused by the diverse attitudes that are taken within the family, regarding Jesus. In spite of the hostility they might face, the disciples have to continue their mission: to preach the good news of God’s kingdom. Jesus also tells His disciples that if they “endure to the end they will gain their lives” Luke 21:19. They will inherit abundant life and lasting happiness with God. When the Lord Jesus commissions us in His service for the advancement of God’s kingdom are we willing to accept hardship and suffering while serving Him?

WORD FOR THE DAY-28NOV17

Gospel Reading : Luke 21:5-11

“He said, “Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, `I am he!’ and, `The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”” Luke 21:8-9

In the Gospel today, Jesus foretold many signs of God’s action and judgement that would shake peoples and nations. To the great consternation of the Jews, Jesus prophesied the destruction of their great temple at Jerusalem. The foretelling of this destruction was a dire warning of spiritual judgment in itself. They asked Jesus for a sign that would indicate when this disastrous event would occur. Jesus admonished them to not look for signs that would indicate the exact timing of impending destruction, but rather to pray for God’s intervention of grace and mercy. He then issues a lot of warnings to the people. First, they should not allow themselves to be led astray and be led into believing that the ones who come in His name are the messiahs. Secondly they should not go after the false messiahs. Thirdly, they should not be terrified when they hear of wars and insurrections, because they are part of God’s plan in bringing about the kingdom and must out of necessity happen before the final coming and in that day when the Lord returns there will be a final judgement of the living and the dead. Until He comes again, Jesus tells us, there will be trials, suffering, and persecution in this present age. But God extends grace and mercy to all who will heed His call and warning. Do we seek to do the will of God while on earth and are we ready to face the Lord Jesus on the day of judgement?

WORD FOR THE DAY-27NOV17

Gospel Reading : Luke 21:1-4

“He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had.”” Luke 21:3

While sitting in the temple and observing people offering their tithes, Jesus drove the point home to His disciples that true love does not calculate. Jesus praised a poor widow who gave the smallest of coins in contrast with the rich who gave greater sums. Jesus taught that real giving should come from the heart. A gift that is given with a grudge or for display loses its value. But a gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is precious. The amount or size of the gift does not matter as long as the gift is given with a generous heart. Jesus praised the widow’s generosity because she had given everything she had, her whole livelihood. What we have to offer to God may look very small and not worth much, but if we put all we have at the Lord’s disposal, no matter how insignificant it may seem, then God can do with it and with us what is beyond our reckoning. Do we give out of love and gratitude for what God has already given to us? Do we know the joy of selfless giving and love for others?

WORD FOR THE DAY-26NOV17

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

“The King will say to those at his right hand …. for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’” Matthew 25:34-36

In the Gospel today, Jesus gives us a description of what the final judgement will be like. He points to His own coming as God’s anointed Ruler and Judge over the earth and His parable about the separation of goats and sheep is an illustration of the Day of Judgement over the earth. When He comes in glory to judge He will separate the people one from another. He will be like a shepherd who separates sheep and goats. He will put the sheep that is, the righteous on His right hand and the goats, the unrighteous, on the left. Then He will invite the righteous to receive their inheritance, prepared for them since the creation of the world. Those who during their life on earth performed acts of love to Jesus will be counted as righteous. They are saved by these acts of love which are signs of true faith. Those on His left hand are the ones who did not perform acts of love and Christ as King will send them to eternal punishment. If we do not repent of our sins and obey the Gospel we cannot be the disciples of Christ and inherit His kingdom. We are left with a choice – to either follow and obey Him as Lord and Saviour or to be our own master and go our separate way. One way leads to sin, rebellion, and death and the other way leads to faith, hope, and life that lasts forever. Have we chosen to follow Jesus, Our Master during our lifetime or have we chosen our own way? Are we ready to face Him when He comes again as Judge and Ruler over all?