Crying out to the Lord

 

Our cry of distress always reaches God.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, July 5th, 2023
Texts: Genesis 21:5.8-20; Psalm34:7-8.10-13; Matthew 8:28-34

Today’s message is about crying out to the Lord and God’s acknowledgement of our cries. Today’s first reading tells us of a child’s cry out of want. We read, “When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. ... for she said, ‘Let me not look upon the death of the child.’ And as she sat over against him, the child lifted up his voice and wept.” God acknowledged the boy's cry. We read, “And God heard the voice of the lad;  Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink.”

Today’s gospel reading, tells us about the cries of two demoniacs who encountered Jesus Christ. We read, “And behold, they cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ ... And the demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine.’” Jesus heard their cry and obliged them to go into the herd of the swine. God acknowledges every cry and plea we make to Him. Today’s psalm says, “This lowly one called; the Lord heard, and rescued him from all his distress.” 

Our cry of distress always reaches God

We are to cry to God, both young and old, child and adult. Our cry of distress always reaches God. Apostle Peter says, “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Jesus invites us thus: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28). God acknowledges whatever cry that is for our salvation. He honoured the cries of the demons because it is for salvation of man.  

Prayer

God our Father, blessed be Your holy name, You always acknowledge our cry and come to our help; move us by Your grace to find solace and peace in You. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke