Saturday 22 January 2022

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Nehemiah 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21


Today, we celebrate the “Sunday of the Word of God”. The readings providentially underline the value of the Word of God and show that proclaiming the Word of God in a liturgical assembly is not alien to the Bible. In fact, we can rightly say that the Liturgy of the Word is “the setting in which this precious family heirloom was meant to be read, proclaimed and expounded” (Scott Hahn).


In effect, in Jewish communities, the Word of God was celebrated with much reverence and decorum. For instance, the first reading narrates the celebration of the Word of God read from the Book of the Law. After their return from exile, Ezra the priest read and explained the Word to the whole congregation of men, women and children assembled before him. It was a moment of renewal, consolation and rejoicing in the Lord their strength.


In the Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as a priest who gives his homily after the proclamation of the Gospel. After reading a passage from the prophet Isaiah, which could be considered the mission statement of the expected Messiah, Jesus said: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” By applying the words of the prophet to himself, Jesus reveals that he is the Messiah. He has come to bring joy, consolation, freedom and wholeness to all.


It is interesting also to note that the people who listen to the Word of God are brought together by the action of the Holy Spirit. As such, the Word challenges us to go beyond our differences and every discriminatory consideration to build up communities of brothers and sisters who share one another’s joy and suffering: this is the meaning of the analogy with the human body in the second reading. For though we are many and different, we form the one Body of Christ, the Church.


Indeed, the Word of God is ever new to those who listen to it. It brings renewal and transformation to our lives. If we pay attention to it and allow it to take flesh in our situation, in our “today”, our lives will never be the same. Moreover, both the one who proclaims God’s Word and the one who listens to it must show great reverence towards it. May the Lord grant us the grace to listen to his Word with respect and undivided attention, especially at church, so that it may become a transforming power working in our lives. Amen



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