Isaiah 8:23--9:3
Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
Matthew 4:12-23
A DAY CONSECRATED TO THE WORD OF GOD
Today’s readings are a wonderful illustration of certain realities of our Church today. We celebrate today the first edition of the Sunday of the Word of God as instituted by Pope Francis. We are made to understand that the Word of God is not only a fountain of life, full of unfathomable riches and hidden treasures, but also a lamp for our feet, a light on our path (cf. Ps 119:105). St Jerome once said: “the ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” It is therefore of no wonder that the first reading and the gospel present the beginning of Jesus’ public mission as bringing light to a region of darkness, the land of Zebulun and Nephtali.
St Matthew interprets the beginning of Jesus’ mission as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah who announced the salvation and liberation of the tribes of Zebulun and Nephtali. In effect, Jesus chose to begin his public ministry in a region that was regarded not only as a 'remote' province, a rebellious region, but also as the district of the gentiles. It is to this region of darkness that Jesus chose to bring the glorious light of the Kingdom of God, calling the people to conversion. Thus, three lessons are worth highlighting for today’s celebration.
First, the call to conversion is addressed to each one of us. We need to change our lifestyles and conform them to the Gospel. One of the concrete ways we can do so is to change our attitude towards the Word of God. Second, we will be able to achieve positive change in all areas of our lives and in our society if we allow God’s Word to take root in us. Some Christians do not know the value of the Word of God contained in the Bible which may be likened to a library and a pharmacy. How many of us have a Bible? If we do have, do we open it? Let us learn to read our Bible daily knowing that a prayerful reading of the Bible is a life-changing experience.
Finally, St Paul calls us Christians to unity and to avoid divisions, for Christ is not divided. Unfortunately, there is much division within the Church. There are many antagonistic groups in our parish communities. As such, let us strive to foster unity and harmony among us. As we celebrate God’s Word today, let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace to rediscover the richness of his Word in our daily lives. Amen
Amen
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