THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Wednesday of thirteenth week in Ordinary time, 2021

Gen 21:5, 8-20

Ps 34

Matt 8: 24-34

Deliver us from evil

Dear friends in Christ, the power of God to save and to deliver from the grip of Satan and his empty promises is certain. In moments of temptation and dire need, God comes to our help even when all hope seems lost. Trust him at all times.

In the first reading of today (Genesis 21:5.8-20) it is very clear that Abraham loved his boys—Ishmael and Isaac. It is also evident that both Sarah and Hagar loved their own too. Ishmael was older than Isaac and loved to play with his kid brother. In Sarah, the mother’s love became a case of jealousy. Though she had adopted Ishmael at the initial stage, she feared the older boy might one day rob Isaac of his inheritance, should there be any dispute. Sarah insisted that Ishmael and the mother will have to go. This situation greatly distressed Abraham but he listened to God who said, “Be not displeased because of the lad and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your descendants be named, and I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” It is very clear that Abraham was so pleasing to God that everyone related to him shared in his blessings. True to his promise, God did not abandon Hagar and Ishmael, while they made their way through the wilderness. At the point of need when Hagar ran out of water and could not bear looking at the son who was desperately in need, she laid him down under the bush, but the angel of God came to their rescue, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him fast with your hand; for I will make him a great nation.” In a miraculous way she discovered a well of water from where she was able to give her son to drink.  You are dear to God and he responds to your need. You may have to go through the hard times, that is not a negation of God’s presence in your life. Keep trusting in his mercy.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 8:23-34) Jesus was in the territory of the Gadarenes on the other side of the lake. There he came in contact with two demoniacs who were shouting, “What have you to do with us O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” We have seen Jesus exercise his authority over the forces of nature, in the waves and the sea that troubled their journey over the lake; in this passage, he also showed he had power over demons and unclean spirits. His love for us, means that he has also come to set us free from the power of Satan, the prince of darkness. We must remain firm in our resolve to shun the way of evil and all its works.

Let us pray: O God, deliver us from every evil and grant us peace in our days. Keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety. Amen. 

+Remain blessed