The Sunday of the Word of God

Ish 8:23-9.3, I Cor. 1:10-13.17, Mt 4:12-23. With the Apostolic letter “Aperuit Illis" of 30th September, 2019. The Holy Father, Pope Francis established the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time each year as the SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD. With this letter, the Holy Father invites us to deepen our appreciation, love and faithful witness to God and His Word. He invites us to hold the word of God in our hands everyday as much as possible so that it becomes our prayer and a greater part of our lives. Today is a special day devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God, for the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light to our paths (Ps 119:105). In today's first reading, Isaiah raises our hope by assuring us that God has manifested His light on us. Isaiah declares: “The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in the land of deep shadow a light has shown.”

There is a tendency to develop loyalty to the leaders and preachers thus causing divisions. In today's second reading, Paul saw the danger of focusing on the person than the Good News. It was Jesus who was crucified. It was Jesus who saved. Therefore, divisions caused by allegiances to leaders must never prevail. Today's Gospel reports the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah through the action of Christ. His presence made a great difference in the life of the people of Capernaum as well as those of neighbouring towns of Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus immediately proclaimed His mesage of repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God. On this Sunday of the Word of God, we are challenged to be more active in making use of the Word of God, the Sacred Scriptures which we have received from the bounties of the Church and be regular in our reading, study and appreciation of God’s words contained within the pages of the Scriptures.

May the Lord shine His light upon us to cast away the shadows of darkness in our lives through the daily meditation on the Word of God! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!