The Power of the Word of God

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 3rd Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21*

*First Reading : Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10*

*SECOND READING 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27*

*The Power of the Word of God*

*1) Sunday of the Word of God*

On September 30, 2019, on the liturgical memorial of St. Jerome, Pope Francis announced that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time would be celebrated as the Sunday of the Word of God. 

This Sunday specially calls us to reflect about the importance of the Word of God, its significance, its power and also its necessity to our Life 

All the readings of this Sunday speak about the power of the Word of God 

*2) First reading and the power of the Word of God*

After the captivity in Babylon, the Israelites returned to their native place 

Under the leadership of Nehemiah, people came together. To this people the priest Ezra proclaimed the Word of God 

Those people listened carefully to the proclaimed word from morning till noon. Because of their intense listening 

People started to Cry 

People realised their mistake

People understood the importance of the Word of 

God 

People started to share with one another whatever they had 

People also came together to celebrate the day of the Lord 

All these happened because they listened the Word of God 

*3)  Jesus and the Word of God*

The Gospel of the day gives an account of the beginning of Jesus' ministry. 

Interestingly, Jesus starts His ministry by reading and proclaiming the Word 

He not onlt proclaims the Word but also shows that the Word is fulfilled in His life 

If Jesus starts His mission by proclaiming the Word of God, we can imagine the importance Jesus gives to the Word of God 

The ministry which began by Proclaiming the Word of God, becomes successful and finally Jesus achieves the purpose of His mission 

This shows the power of the Word of God 

*4) How about the use of the Word of God in my life*

We know the power of the Word of God 

Letter to the  Hebews says the Word of God is Two edged sword, which is sharper than anything else in the World 

*The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.* Hebrews 4:12

If so how do I use it in my life? 

Do I make an attempt to read it every day? 

Do I make an effort to reflect and understand it? 

Do I try in any way to live in my day today life?? 

Have I ever realised the power of the Word of God?

*5) The availability of the Word of God*

Today it is available in my own mother tongue

Today it is available easily even in my mobile through various applications

Today the explanation of the Word of God available in numerous and easy ways 

It is available at our finger tips

*If so what is my attitude towards The Word of God??*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*