A WORD FOR TODAY 31 JULY 2020

A WORD FOR TODAY

OPEN YOUR HEART AND RECEIVE GOD'S WORD

“Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah which come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may repent of the evil which I intend to do to them because of their evil doings."(Jeremiah 26:2-3)

When we fail to listen to the voice of the Lord and do what He commands, we will definitely suffer for it. If we do not hearken to His voice and remain obstinate we shall be the ones to lose, because It will be the choice we have made by ourself.

By virtue of our baptism we have been chosen as prophet Jeremiah was chosen in the first reading of today to go and announce the message from the Lord to the people, but we could see from their reaction after hearing the message that they were not ready to repent of their evil deeds, instead, they plotted to kill Jeremiah. They hardened their hearts and they lost the opportunity to find mercy from the Lord. The word of the Lord touched them and made them to see their evil deeds, but they chose not to be moved by what they heard.

Jesus also experienced rejection in the hands of His people as recorded in the gospel reading. Their familiarity with Him and where He is coming from could not let them to open their heart to receive the Good News. Jesus could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

We hear the word of the Lord everyday and if we do not open our heart to receive it, it will not make any impact in us. God’s word gives life, brings healing, sanctifies and gives us spiritual strength to overcome the challenges of life. Therefore, if you hear His word, harden not your heart but let the word move you to repentance so that you will find mercy.

If you close your heart from receiving God's word you will be the one to lose, but if you open your heart and welcome the word, you will have the power to bear fruits for the Lord. When we read, study and meditate on God's word, we will receive the grace to bear fruits in plenty, ftuits that will last.

Today we celebrate the memorial of saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556). After being wounded in battle as a soldier, he had an encounter with the Lord through his readings about the life of Christ and the saints and he was moved to become a missionary and later they founded the society of Jesus, the Jesuits. He has the gift for inspiring friendship. Let us learn from Him to open our hearts to let God come in and lead us in the path He wants us to take in life.

Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a splendid day, may Jesus help you to open your heart for Him so that His words will make an impact in you. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Meditation: Jeremiah 26:1-9/Psalm 69:5,8-10,14/Matthew 13:54-58

Watch-Word: In your great mercy, answer me O Lord.

Open your heart and receive God's word and you will be transformed in the innermost part of your being. The word of God gives life.

(Friday of the Seventeenth week in the ordinary time. Year II. Memorial of saint Ignatius of Loyola)