SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG JULY 22ND, 2023) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

First Reading: Wisdom 12:13;16-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:5-6;9-10;15-16a (R. 5a)
Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 11:25
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43

Rosemary Ibazebo

MY REFLECTION

The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when grown, it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.

Pondering over these lines, I see the capacity and 'potentials' in the Kingdom of God. Just as it is likened to a mustard seed (the smallest of all seed), it may not seem to have much effect at the moment in some occasions. You decide to obey God and His words; you tell others about Jesus; you treat others with love, as God treats us, e.t.c. However, the result it yields, because of the 'seed' and impact you have made on people's lives, have the capacity to change lives, bring about transformation and healing, as well as, inspires others to come to the Kingdom of God.

Again, just as the kingdom of God is likened to a leaven that is hidden in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened, so also the impact we can make, as ambassadors of God's kingdom. Living by God's principles and standards, we never know the positive effects and impact we are able to make in our world and society. It may seem as if we are insignificant, but you would be surprised by the testimonials given by others later on, on how they were drawn to God by the life you lived.

Chika Nwaozuzu

MY REFLECTION

The parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven (yeast) are two parables in the scriptures though different from each other, but emphasizes on one goal, GROWTH.

The mustard seed emphasizes on numerical growth while the leaven (yeast) emphasizes on inward spiritual growth.

The two works hand in hand in the church or kingdom of God. The church of God cannot do without these two catalysts because the church cannot grow bigger and bigger in number (mustard seed) without building a healthy and deeper spiritual life of its members (yeast action).

Jesus is trying to tell us that while it is important for the church of God to grow in numbers, it is equally important that the spiritual life of its members should grow along with the numbers. 

The question I should be asking myself is this: "Am I acting as a mustard seed to ensure numerical growth in the congregation I belong as a Christian?" If so, is my personal spiritual life growing as well?

May Almighty God, help us through his Spirit, to attain growth in both ways through Christ our Lord, Amen 🙏

Benjamin Ajai 

MY REFLECTION

In the Gospel Reading, Jesus teaches us that God tolerates both saints and sinners alike and we should also learn to coexist with each other. 

By allowing the weeds to grow concurrently with the wheat, is being patient and giving a chance for cohabitation. It is a win win situation for the master. Here, before the harvest , the flowers of the weeds also help to attract insects and birds for pollination, and after the harvest of the crops the dried weed would be burnt and the ashes used as manure and pest control for next season. If he had been impatient as to out of anger and disgust, like the Pharisee, sent his labourers to immediately weed the farm, he would have lost some good crops and had a low yield. 

In a real life instance, If Jesus had not accepted St. Mary Magdalene the way she was, and just turned her away like the Pharisee wanted, perhaps she would have returned to the streets and reunite with the demons. And we wouldn't have a saint like her to emulate.

Jesus is calling us to try by all means to be patient, cohabit and tolerate one another. In the end darkness will naturally be separated from light.

Chinwe Udechukwu

MY REFLECTION

MY GOD IS SO PATIENT AND WISE 

In the Gospel reading of the parable of the wheat and the weed, I see a God who is so wise and still patient for him to have allowed the weed to grow along with the wheat, even allowed rain and sun upon them without any segregation until the harvest time. This shows that God doesn't really disown a bad person rather, he hates the person's bad attitude and behavior that is why during the time of his patience, he awaits the sinner to repent of his sinful ways.

Bringing it down to our world today, I believe that God is aware of the bad things happening and he gives us more time to refrain from the evil we do. It shows he is a patient God and that shouldn't be taken for granted. Also, the good people should not see it as an excuse not to continue doing good, thinking that God does not take cognizance.

Also, coming to our attitude towards our brothers and sisters whom we noticed or think they don't meet the standard expected of a Christian...

In the Gospel, Christ is telling us to be patient with them too, we shouldn't pray for their death, "die by fire, holy ghooooooost fayayayaa!!!" No, it is not so. Rather, we should keep praying for them, as well as, keep correcting them through our good behavior. I know it is very difficult to do so, but when you remember what Christ said, "if you are my disciple, carry your cross and follow me."

Our transparent and exemplary Christian lives will be a compelling invitation to evildoers to repent of their sinful lives and turn to a loving and forgiving God. Our acts of charity, kindness, mercy, encouragement, loving correction, and selfless service can prompt the “weeds” in our society to reassess their lives, modify them, and grow into useful members of the society.

May the Lord grant us a patient heart and a wise understanding, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Comfort Edewor

MY REFLECTION

In this parable of the sower, l see as the perfect response to Jeremiah's question (Jer. 12:1) as to why God continues to allow the wicked to prosper. The wicked were not created in isolation but their lives are intertwined with that of children of God, so that any attempt to tear them away outside of God's time will inadvertently affect every other person.

This is because every family has both good and wicked people. God's mercy can also be seen in his patience towards these wicked ones who continue to receive countless opportunities to repent and change from their evil lifestyle. This divine patience, is what we are also called to exhibit towards enemies of God since we understand God's plan for all his creatures. Indeed we should stop praying for their death or destruction but for their conversion since the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ was shed for us all including the evil ones amongst us.

No matter how hard we pray, we are destined to live with evil people in our midst because the devil, is never tired of working in his own vineyard of planting evil in the world.

May the good Lord continue to help us make positive impacts in the lives of these straying souls and upturn the devil's plans for them, through Christ our Lord, Amen.