REFLECTION FOR THURSDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1. (2)

REFLECTION FOR THURSDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1.

THEME: ENCOUNTER WITH GOD.

BY: Fr Francis Onwunali.

God can only reveal the secrets of his kingdom to the humble and trusting person who acknowledges their need for God and for his truth. God’s word can only take root in a receptive heart that is ready to believe and willing to submit. If we want to hear and understand God’s word, we must listen with reverence and faith. Do you believe God’s word, and do you submit to it with trust and reverence? (Don Schwager)

In the first reading (Ex 19: 1-2, 9-11, 16-20), God invited the Israelites through Moses for an encounter at the foot of Mount Sinai. In their presence, God revealed Himself to Moses as His chosen one, and through whom He is to communicate with the Israelites. How prepared are you to encounter the Lord as He reveals Himself to us through different circumstances in life.
In the gospel (Matt 13: 10-17), the Scribes and Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of the people, were denied a glimpse into the mysterious of the Kingdom because of their hardness of heart. Jesus admonishes His disciples that only those who are humble in heart will experience the revelation of the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Dear friends, it is God’s desire that we know Him personally. For this singular reason, Jesus took flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). It is only with a humble and contrite heart that we can have an understanding and a glimpse into the mysteries of the Kingdom as Jesus Christ has revealed in Himself.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will not deny ourselves the privilege of understanding the mysteries of the Kingdom of God because of our hardness of heart. May the Word of God we hear so penetrate our hearts to spur a conscious desire in us to seek God and embrace God’s goodness in our lives. May the light of God’s presence shine on us. Have an encounter-full day!

@Fr Francis Onwunali

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