As we read the story of Noah, we see how God works miracles in the lives of those who listen to his words and obey them. From the Old Testament covenant to the new, there have been many people who obeyed the will of God and became channels of his power.

Noah also obeyed the word of God. Therefore he and his family were saved. This is the mission God has entrusted to us. We have to become a doorway to heaven for our families, colleagues and those around us. We need to be a channel for God to come into their lives, to bless and save them just as the family of Noah.

In the New Testament, we see how the Blessed Mother heeded the words of the Lord and was chosen to give birth to the Word himself. When we open ourselves and heed the will of God, he will do great and unimaginable things through us. That is his vision for our lives. We may not see the bigger picture but we need to trust that he does and all we have to do is cling on to him with faith.

Today’s Gospel proclamation reminds us of the desert experience of Christ. The first reading and the Gospel proclamation show the importance of obeying God’s will: the story of Noah and how Christ saved us from all sins by giving up his life for us. We may feel buried and not see things working around us in crisis situations. So did Noah in the Old testament; as well as Jesus when he was in the desert for forty days. There may be many trials and tribulations that may come to devour us like the wild beasts in the desert. But we have help from our guardian Angels. We need to hold on and believe in the Word of God.

Pope Francis pointed out, “If salvation is destined for all, even the most distant and lost, then the proclamation of the Word must become the main priority of the Church community, as it was for Jesus. Let us not profess a God with an expansive heart, yet become a Church with a closed heart. Like a sword, the Word penetrates life, enabling us to discern the feelings and thoughts of the heart, that is, making us see where the light of goodness is to be afforded room and where, instead, the thick darkness of vices and sins is to be resisted. When it enters us, the Word transforms our hearts and minds; it changes us and leads us to direct our lives to the Lord”.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may we hear your Word and come to know you to be renewed in your love. Amen