Sunday readings in brief 3 C

Neh 8:2-6,8-10; Ps 18 (19); 1 Cor 12:12-30; Lk 1:1-4,4:14-21

The Word of God

Dear friends, today is the 3^rd Sunday in Ordinary time. The Church today also marks the Sunday of the Word of God. This is the Word that was made flesh and came to liberate us from our brokenness. The Word of God contained in the Holy Scriptures (The Bible), carries the message of God to his people in different times, situations, and ways. If you read keenly, you will find that the Bible addresses every human aspect and situation. Let us take a few examples:

The Word of God was created, “and God said, let there be…” (Genesis 1).
1. In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through him (Jn 1:1-3)
The Word of God nourishes, “but it is written, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”” (Mt 4:4)
The Word of God instructs, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)
The Word of God Sanctifies, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (Jn 17:17)
The Word of God is everlasting, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mt 24:35).
The Word of God blesses, “But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Lk 11:28)
The Word of God is light, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps 119:105)
The Word of God brings growth, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
The Word of God is alive among us, “and the Word of God became flesh” (Jn1:14)

Pope Francis instituted the Sunday of the Word of God on 30 September 2019: Consequently, I hereby declare that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God. This Sunday of the Word of God will thus be a fitting part of that time of the year when we are encouraged to strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian unity. This is more than a temporal coincidence: the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God has ecumenical value, since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity (Aperuit Illis, 3)

In today’s Gospel passage, the Evangelist Luke takes upon himself the work of putting the things that Jesus did while he was on earth, in an orderly manner for posterity. We also read the passage where Jesus unveiled his manifesto and why he came to us. to make sure that his work continued after he had left, he chose some of his followers to become his disciples. In baptism, we all have become heralds of the Kingdom of God and as such, we are sent to bring the Gospel to all we encounter by word and deed. Do you work for the kingdom of God?

In the first reading, we are told that after listening to the book of the law attentively, that was read by Ezra, the people of Israel wept. This is because the word touched their lives, and they were filled with Joy. Do you enjoy reading or listening to the word of God? Do you have a Bible App on your phone?

If we are attentive to the word we read and reflect upon every day or every Sunday, we will grow in spirit and as sons and daughters of the Kingdom of God. The word of God speaks to us in all the situations we are in. To those who are suffering all kinds of pain, the word of God gives hope for a better tomorrow. To those struggling to make things work in their lives or families, the word gives strength to soldiers. To those persecuted for a good cause, the word gives encouragement and motivation to continue with the cause. Are you suffering, struggling, or being persecuted in any way?

St. Paul compares the unity of all the believers with the human body. For the human body to function, all the parts must work together in harmony. When the toenail is broken and in pain, the whole leg cannot function well, and the entire body will be grounded. The charism given to each member of the church of Christ are intended to complete the same body. Each one is called to function individually but for the benefit of the entire body. When your neighbour is in pain and crying, you cannot enjoy your delicious meal.

Dear friends, I invite you to spend today closer to the Word of God and see how it transforms and fills your life with joy.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD