SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG JULY 15TH, 2023) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 65:9abcd;9e-10;11-12;13 (R. Luke 8:8a)
Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Gospel Acclamation: John 6:68
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23

Patrick Kevwe

MY REFLECTION

The First Reading reminds us that the word of God shall surely come to pass. We must have assurance in God's word, but many of us do not understand His word, and the Gospel reading points this out in Matthew 13:14- "You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive."

The Gospel reading further explains the various categories of people that hear the word of God and how they respond to it.

The Word of God in the scripture can be symbolized as light, just like the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:105- "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

May the Word of God shine forth in our lives and lead us down the right path; the path of salvation.

We also need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the things of God, to his word, to his light and prevent our hearts from becoming dull towards divine truth, Amen.

Grace Ekanem

MY REFLECTION

Key scripture: when anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart (Mark 13:19)

My reflection is based on the Gospel reading.

The word of God is like a seed that is sown on the ground. Some people from the onset, have made up their minds never to give attention to it. Sermon is going on, and someone is busy walking around, or is in a serious discussion with someone else, or even indulging themselves in a persistent sleep. I don't seem to control my emotions at such sight: when it comes to people treating the word of God with disdain. Some people make it a duty to distract themselves once the word of God begins. You would see them pretending to be busy with mean look on their faces. If they hold key offices in the church, they use that as a reason for not sitting down and listening to the word of God. They would go to church and never return with anything. This is the devil robbing such person of their blessing without them knowing.

We must fight hard to grab something from every homily. We shouldn't say the homily is boring or dull. There must be something God wants us to pick from the homily. We must not go back empty handed.

O Lord, remove every stone that blocks the entrance of your word, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen 🙏

Emmanuel Ojo

MY REFLECTION

OUR STAND IN GOD IS THE OUTCOME OF GOD'S MANIFESTATION OF HIS PROMISES

God is faithful to His Word even beyond the existence of heaven and earth.

In the first reading, God assured us that whatever blessing, individually or universally, He has made will certainly come to a realization.

It is important to note that some of God's blessings (universal blessing) have zero requirements in order to enjoy them. For example: Jesus dying for man; the sun and rain shining and falling on both the good and the bad; all men having equal time opportunity, e.t.c all these happen to all men, regardless the relationship. 

God's Word, however, contains a lot of IFs. For instance, IF anyone wishes to be saved, he must...

We should therefore, never be deceived and call God a liar IF we fail to keep the IFs to enjoy some unique and amazing blessings of God. 

The second reading supported this by letting us understand that all creation awaits the revealing of God's sons. This means that not all God's creatures are God's sons.

Just as the gospel reading in verse 15, enjoined us, if we persist in our sincere desire and longing for God, we will definitely bear fruits. Also, every of God's promises concerning our lives will be fulfilled and our true identity as God's sons will be revealed. 

Shalom!

Olah Isaac Sunday

MY REFLECTION

The word of God always come with a mission, which is to make us better and transform us to the image of Christ. But the state of our minds at the time of reception and after reception matters.

How serious do I take it, when it comes to studying the word of God? Am I usually attentive? Most times, while studying the word, do I get distracted easily? By talking to people, receiving phone calls or checking messages on social media? 

All the above questions matters, as long as I want the word to fulfill its mission in my life.

God wants us to give the right attention to His word in order to receive good outcome.

Vivian Udu

MY REFLECTION

My reflection is taken from the first reading, Isaiah 55:10-11.

God's words concerning us must surely come to pass. Yes, there is a saying that goes thus, "delay is not a denial." I have never seen God disappoint any of his people. It may take time for it (God's words) to manifest but it must certainly be accomplished. Our God is a promise keeper. 

May God bless his words in our hearts, through Christ our Lord, Amen 🙏🏼

Nathaniel Onwuasoegwu

MY REFLECTION

Today, the second reading gives us a message of hope.

No matter the persecution we are passing through now, let our faces not be abashed because there is a reward of eternity waiting for us.

Let us not throw in the towel.

What can keep us away from God's love? This is all the assurance we need to keep moving. There are lots of distraction as we journey to heaven. Not as if we do not know. We have been told that tribulation will come but anyone who endures till the end will never go unrewarded.

Let's keep striving, for the joy of the latter days, is greater than the former. There is joy ahead. This alone keeps us going. We are happy to hear this again and again and thank God for always assuring us. He has given us all that his needed for the journey all the assistances including giving himself to us.

He says, "what is that that I ought to do for you that I have not done?" I leave you with this question.

Ave! Maria.