THE WORD THAT TRANSFORMS LIFE* (Neh 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10; I Cor 12:12-30; Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21)
By REV. FR. PAUL ANIGBORO
*THE WORD THAT TRANSFORMS LIFE*
(Neh 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10; I Cor 12:12-30; Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21)
Today being the 3rd Sunday in ordinary time,Year C, the liturgy wants us to reflect on the theme, "the word that transforms life." Focusing our attention on the first and gospel readings, we will discover that the centrality of today's readings has to do with the Word of God. It invites us to listen and act on the word of God, for that is the only way our lives can be transformed.
The first reading taking from the book Ezra, after rebuilding the Temple and restoring the city, Ezra leads the people in a “Covenant renewal” ceremony. As he read the word of God to them, they listen and they were moved to tears. They have been challenged by the words they have heard and their response was to cry. The second reading, taken from 1 Cor. 12:12-30 reminds us, “Together we are Christ’s Body, but each of us is a different part of it,” suggesting that, as different parts of Christ’s Body, we each have a share, as God’s instruments, in bringing the freeing and saving mission of Christ to our world in our times. To fulfil this role effectively, the word of God must be a guide.
Today’s Gospel describes how, on a Sabbath, Jesus stood before the people in the synagogue of his hometown, Nazareth, reading and interpreting what Isaiah had prophesied about the Messiah. When he finished, all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. They listened with rapt attention.
The word of God is alive and active. What is our attitude when we hear God's word? Does it spur us to change or nothing moves in us? There is always a message to gain whenever we listen to the word of God. There is always something to be challenged in our lives. The word of God must transform to do something better for God and to live upright.
We are invited today to make the daily study of the Bible an habit. Bible reading enables us to know Jesus more and to love him better. That is why we should set apart a time in the morning and in the evening to read a part of the Bible, giving priority to the Gospels and the Epistles. This reading should be an integral part of the evening family prayer. Children should be encouraged to read the Bible with the adults explaining to them what they read.
As part of Christ's body, the church, we too must know that we have a role to play not only in the proclamation of the word, but also in practicing it daily. Our lives must mirror the word we listen to. We must be ready to make a significant commitment to the word of God. We must learn to live in the freedom of Christ and be transformed in it. We shouldn't act as if we are not part of the body; rather, we must take this duty upon ourselves daily.
Lord, let your word I listen to daily, transform me to becoming a better person. Amen.
Good morning and do have a wonderful and relaxing Sunday. God loves you.
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