The Third Sunday of Ordinary Time was declared by the Holy Father Pope Francis as the Sunday of the Word of God the objective of which is to remind the Faithful of the importance and value of the Sacred Scriptures in Christian Life and its relation to the Sacred Liturgy.
In addition, Pope Francis invites the Faithful that the Day assigned to the appreciation of the Bible not only be a yearly occasion but a year-long occasion of growth in the knowledge and love of the Sacred Scriptures which is the Word of God.
In the Sacred Liturgy especially of the Holy Mass, by means of the designated readings, God himself speaks to the people and Jesus proclaims the Gospel. Thus, the Liturgy of the Word is the period of listening to the Word of God. Do our minds fly after hearing the commentator say “Please be seated for the Liturgy of Word”? Or go out of the Church? Talk to others? Or even use our cell phones to Text or Call? Instead, all attention must be given to the Reader and we devoutly listen to the Word of God.
A reminder too to the Priest, Deacon or Lector not to take for granted the value of reading the Word of God especially the Gospel because this is not ordinary reading but proclaiming the Word of God. One should prepare for it like practicing before so that proclamation will be clear, be heard and understood by those listening.
In the Liturgy of the Word, we hear and understand the History of Salvation and the Mysteries of Faith. Thus, listening is indispensable.
Every Liturgy has a corresponding scriptural reading. In Sunday Masses, the readings are carefully arranged according to the theme of the day or celebration. The Homily too, as the explanation of the readings, is an important part of the Liturgy of the Word.
In gatherings such as Prayer Meetings, reading and reflecting on the Word of God should come first. A gathering or meeting is not complete without a scriptural reading since the Word of God gives soul that makes holy the gathering. Also, the Word of God is the best fount of good ideas and decisions.
To love and live the Word of God deserves our full attention and priority. As we celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, may we resolve to listen intently and rightly understand the Sacred Scriptures. According to St. Jerome, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
photo credit: SIM USA Camp Langano - Ethiopia 2014 Sean Sheridan Photo-25 via photopin (license) License: (license)
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