The word of God is active and alive

Neh. 8:2-4.5-6.8-10, 1 Cor. 12:12-30, Lk. 1:1-4.4:14-21. Being the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church challenges us to make the word of God the centre of our lives and of all we do as Christians. Two aspects of being a Christian are laid before us today: being part of a community of believers and being attentive to the word of God as revealed in the Scriptures. These two aspects are summarised in our relationship with Jesus, the 'Head of the Body' and the 'Word of God' Incarnate. Today's first reading describes the response of the people to the proclamation of the word of God. This scene of the Liturgical Assembly in the Old Testament underlines the centrality of the word of God in the spiritual life of the people of God and in their official Liturgical gatherings. This was the similar experience of Jesus as He went into the Synagogue in Galilee in today's Gospel.

After reading from the text of the Prophet Isaiah (61:1-3), “all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to speak to them, this text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.” The centrality of the word of God in our Liturgical settings and in our spiritual life means certainly the centrality of God because the word is God (Jn 1:2). Making the word of God central in the Liturgy and in our spiritual life means bringing Christ to the centre of everything because the word that became flesh and dwelt amongst us (Jn 1:14) is Jesus Christ. This is one truth we must always take to heart; that the centrality of the word of God and invariably the centrality of the Holy Spirit lead us to the fullness of the truth in the word of God. In the words of the author of today's second reading, the hidden power in the word of God leads us to become one body in Christ and to use all of the gifts of God in us to build up this One Body of Christ for “just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. Together our purpose is to bring the word of God to the world. Each of us has a function in the Body of Christ. We have different ways in which we bring the word to those we come in contact. Some are gifted with ability to speak eloquently or write in way which makeS the word understandable to others. Others are gifted with capacity of making the word come to life by their actions. What is important is that we demonstrate our oneness with the word, welcoming other members into the Body, all for the glory and praise of God.

May the Lord help us to grow in our understanding and appreciation of the word of God, so that we will be empowered to be a pro-active member of the faith community! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!