Readings: Isaiah 8:23-9:3, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17, Matthew 4:12-23
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Last Sunday, the topic of our reflection was “Be a Light; Point others to Jesus.” John the Baptist was a light to the nation of Israel by preparing their hearts for Jesus. In today’s first reading, Isaiah prophesied a great light coming upon the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. This prophecy is fulfilled in our Gospel passage, as Jesus brings light to them by teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of God’s kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
As we celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, we shall be examining the centrality and power of the Word of God in our lives as Christians. Why is God’s Word important? Must I read the Bible? Is the Bible still relevant today? How can I use the Bible to solve my immediate challenges? These are some of the questions we shall try to answer as we examine the lessons contained in today’s readings.
1. Ignorance of God’s Word is Darkness
According to St. Jerome: “Ignorance of Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” When the Prophet Isaiah spoke of Zebulun and Naphtali being in great darkness, he meant they were yet to encounter Jesus, the Word that was with God in the beginning. (Cf. John 1:1). No doubt, the word of God brings light into any form of darkness that we may be encountering in life.
Are you confused about which decision to make? Read God’s word. Are you troubled about life’s predicaments? Read God’s word. Do you wish to know what would happen in the future? Just read the word of God. Indeed, an encounter with God’s word is an encounter with Jesus, our light. No wonder today’s responsorial psalm sings: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
2. God’s Word is More Important than the Preacher
In today’s second reading, St. Paul is obviously disappointed with the Christians in Corinth because of divisions, dissensions, and quarrelling among them. While some claimed to be followers of Paul, others sided with Cephas (Peter) and others with Apollos. This quarrelling among the believers was a sign of a significant failure on their part to make God’s word a priority in their lives.
Many Christians today do not take the time to read the Bible for themselves; they only hear God’s word from the lips of preachers. As a result, they are more loyal to preachers than to God. Do not forget that satan quoted from the Bible while trying to tempt Jesus. Find out what is in the Bible yourself lest you become a victim. Be loyal to God’s word, not to any preacher.
3. God’s Word Demands Immediate Response
It is never enough that we read the Bible; we must also act on it. Failure to do what the word of God demands puts us in a far worse condition than those who never had the privilege of hearing the word.
Hence, Jesus would say: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock…(but)… everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27).
In our Gospel passage, we see how Peter and Andrew, as well as the sons of Zebedee, James, and John, immediately left their nets and everything they were doing upon hearing the words: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Every time we encounter God’s word, we cannot afford to remain where we are; something must change in us, and there must be a movement from our former ways to a new life; a movement from the darkness of sin to walking as children of light.
The disciples followed Jesus, leaving behind their livelihoods, and trusted in Divine Providence. At times, God’s word makes great demands on us. It seems like God is asking the impossible from us. We must learn from these disciples to trust God and obey.
The Psalmist sings: “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). Imagine what your life would be like if God’s word were a lamp for your feet; imagine consulting God’s word before any decision you take in life.
4. God’s Word Brings Us Healing; Spiritually and Physically
What happens when we create time for God’s words when we listen attentively and make bold steps to apply God’s words in our lives? Miracles follow. All through the Gospels, we notice this pattern: when a crowd gathers around Jesus, He begins with preaching, and after He has spent a great deal of time preaching to them, He begins to work miracles, healing them of their sicknesses, freeing them from their burdens and casting out demons from those oppressed by the devil.
Whatever we seek from God will come to us so long as we make His Word a priority in our lives. The secret to your healing, your deliverance, and your breakthrough in life is to allow God’s word into your heart daily. Read God’s word, and use the word of God to pray. Speak God’s words over any situation you may be facing in life, and watch how great things will begin to happen.
Conclusion
Do you have a Bible? Do you really know how powerful it is? When last did you devote some hours of your day to reading and meditating on God’s word? Could it be that you really do not have the time for God’s word? The truth is, you always have time for anything you consider essential. The word of God is more important than riches, fame, comfort, or anything you can think of. The word of God is life.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sunday of the Word of God), Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Isaiah 8:23-9:3, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17, Matthew 4:12-23)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu