Friday 26th July, 2019. Bible
Study: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 and
Matthew 13:18-23)_
_“The law of the LORD is
perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the
simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the
commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is
clean, enduring for ever. *(Psalm 19:7-9)*_
Have you been lost in a
strange land before? Imagine you are lost and you need to get to a particular
location within a certain time frame, then you try asking people for directions
but no one understands English. Under this circumstance, how would you feel
when you suddenly stumble upon a map? I bet you would jump up and down in joy
and quickly apply yourself to the directions. Like one lost in a strange land,
the Israelites were really lost when they found themselves in the middle of
nowhere in the desert. When God gave these commandments, he actually provided
them with a map.
The Ten Commandments
represent Divine Wisdom guiding the affairs of mankind. Obedience to these
commandments translates to living life as God desires and not just as people
think fit. As our Responsorial Psalm sings, there is great wisdom in keeping
these commandments.
“The law of the Lord is
perfect, REFRESHING THE SOUL; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving
WISDOM TO THE SIMPLE. The precepts of the Lord are right, REJOICING THE HEART;
The command of the LORD is
clear, ENLIGHTENING THE EYE… They are MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD than a heap of
purest gold. Do you notice how the Psalmist draws analogies from the most
important parts of the body?
See how the psalmist
describes the value of keeping God’s commandments. Is it not obvious that all
the problems that people face today are deeply rooted in the fact that God’s
instructions are ignored, disobeyed and even legislated against.
The Ten Commandments are not
only a map for the best life possible, they also contain seeds capable of
yielding a great harvest in our life. However, our keeping of the Ten
Commandments depend on the type of soil we have, that is, it depends on our
attitude to God.
Some don’t even care or know
that the Ten Commandments exist. They are like seeds along the path. Some
people are so eager to receive the Ten Commandments but in the face of
temptation and trial, they push God aside. They are like seeds planted on rock.
Some others again love to
keep the Ten Commandments but they also want to pursue material things. Their
love for riches at times overshadows their love for God. They are the seeds
that are planted among thorns.
How do I relate with God? To
what extent do I value the commandments of God as a map for the best life
possible on earth? What type of soil is my heart?
Let us pray: Lord Jesus,
impart in me the grace to value your commands. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 16th Week in
Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 and
Matthew 13:18-23).
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