SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

III SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 1:1-4,4:14-21

Luke begins his gospel by giving the reasons for writing what was heard from and taught by “those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word” (Lk 1:2). It is interesting that, since the beginning, there were “ministers of the word”, that’s people who were entrusted with the ministry of proclaiming the word of God and announcing the gospel of Jesus Christ. To be faithful to the events and the message announced, Luke decided “carefully going over the whole story from the beginning”. And the reason for doing that is that you “may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received.” (Lk 1:4). What we find in Luke’s gospel are not fairy tales, but events well documented by “eyewitnesses”.

The Apostles were the first ones entrusted with the ministry of the word and they passed on that ministry. Today, there are still those who are called to announce and proclaim the word. We can remember John the Baptist who presented himself as “the voice” (Jn 1:23) that cries out, calling people to repent and convert.

To celebrate this ministry of the word, Pope Francis has established this Sunday (the third in ordinary time) as the Sunday of the Word of God. And to reflect upon the importance of God’s word, we are given two texts in this Sunday’s liturgy: a) Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10; b) Luke 1:1-4,4:14-21.

In both cases, we hear the Holy Scriptures being read. The Holy Scriptures are for us the Word of God. Through them, we can hear God speaking to us and revealing himself to us. Then, we find that the Scriptures are read in public, during a community gathering. The reading in community implies a celebration of the Word of God, which is done with all respect and honour and in a prayerful atmosphere. Jesus read from the book of Isaiah in a Saturday gathering in the synagogue. In the first reading, Ezra does a solemn reading of the Law (Torah) before the assembly of the people in a public square. The word is not only read but it is proclaimed with a clear voice for everybody to hear and get the message. After the solemn reading, in both cases, we have an explanation of the reading, making sure that people understand what was read.

In the gospel, on the sabbath day, Jesus went to the synagogue as he used to do, meaning that the community weekly meeting for hearing God’s word and worshipping him is important. The first reading presents a feast - a feast dedicated to celebrating the Word of God. We are called to do the same today.

We may pray with psalm:

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The law of the Lord is perfect,

  it revives the soul.

The rule of the Lord is to be trusted,

  it gives wisdom to the simple.

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

  they gladden the heart.

The command of the Lord is clear,

  it gives light to the eyes.

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

Psalm 19