Importance of the Word of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 3rd Week - Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 4:12-23 or Mt 4:12-17*

*First Reading : Is 8:23-9:3-1*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17*

*Word of God Sunday*

*Importance of the Word of God*

*1) St Jerome on the Word of God*

When we reflect about the Word of God, immediately we remember St Jerome 

He says *Ignorance of the Scripture is the ignorance of Christ*

This shows how important it is to know the Scripture, in order to know and experience Christ 

*2) To Repent and to Change ones life*

First of the the Scripture is needed to repent and to Change ones life 

Jesus starts his mission by Proclaiming about the repentance

*“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”*

Only the Word of God can change our life and the Word of God has the capacity to change our life 

*3) For the Unity of the Believes*

Second reading of the day Speaks about the division and groups among the believers of Christ

In this context St Paul warns them about their behaviour, and to work for the unity 

Only by the inspiration of the Word of God, one can work for God and one can work for unity 

*4) To remain in our Faith*

The Expressions like  Galilee of the Gentiles, People who sit in darkness, and a land overshadowed by death has some relevance to the Use of the Scripture

Since these people were not able to have access to the Scripture, the darkness and the shadow of death had come upon them 

Such darkness and Shadow could be dispelled only by preaching the Gospel by Jesus 

So word of God, brought light in their life and  their faith was rekindled.  

*5) The great Prayer*

There is no greater prayer than reading of the Scripture and meditating it. 

This is the highest form of prayer. Jesus always spent time in such prayer 

This is the only prayer which can drastically change our heart and mind

*6) Not yearly Celebration but Full Year Celebration*

As we celebrate the Word of God Sunday, it should not become a yearly phenomena

When it becomes a yearly phenomena, only once a year we think about it and we celebrate it like a annual feast 

Word of God Sunday is not a annual feast but, full year celebration

So we need to change Word of God Sunday into every day *Word of God day* and every moment is *Word of God moment*

Only then we can really fill ourselves with the spirit of the Gospel

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*