3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday of the Word of God
Saints Timothy and Titus
First reading Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10
The People of God listened attentively the Word of God. The People of God venerated the Word of God. The People of God celebrated the Word of God. The passage from Nehemiah beautifully illustrates the profound relationship between the Word of God and the People of God, highlighting their deep reverence, attentiveness, and joyful celebration. As Ezra, the scribe, read the sacred text aloud, the people gathered with open hearts, listening intently to the divine message. Their attentiveness underscores their recognition of the Word’s authority and transformative power in their lives. Moreover, their veneration is expressed through gestures of worship, such as standing in reverence and responding with “Amen, Amen,” acknowledging the holiness and truth contained within the Scriptures. This reverence is not merely an external act but a reflection of their inner disposition of faith and obedience. Furthermore, the passage reveals that the Word of God is not meant to be a burden but a source of profound joy. Ezra and Nehemiah encourage the people not to mourn but to find strength and gladness in God’s message, emphasizing that “the joy of the Lord is your strength”. The joy of the Lord is the Word of God which is our strength. This episode serves as a timeless reminder that the Word of God, when embraced with sincerity, has the power to guide, uplift, and unify God’s people, fostering a community rooted in faith and joy. How do I personally listen, venerate, and celebrate the Word of God in my daily life, and in what ways can I deepen my relationship with it to experience the joy and strength it offers?
Don Giorgio