Homily for the 3rd Sunday, Year C (Sunday of the Word of God). Theme: The Impact of the Word: A Celebration of the Sunday of God’s Word. Bible Study: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 (18): 8-10, 15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 & Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21.
Dear friends,
Today, we come together to commemorate a significant day in the life of the Church: the Sunday of the Word of God. Established by Pope Francis in 2019, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Scripture in our lives, rediscover the beauty and power of God’s Word, and reaffirm our commitment to reading, praying, and living it. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
The readings for today’s Mass present a richness of thoughts on God’s Word. Nehemiah tells the story of the people of Israel assembling to hear the reading of the Law and their joyous response to it. The Psalmist praises the beauty and perfection of God’s Law, which “gives wisdom to the simple” (Psalm 19:7). In 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that we are all members of the Body of Christ, each with our distinct gifts and functions and that the Word of God is what unites us and gives us life. Finally, in the Gospel of Luke, we learn of Jesus’ experience with the Word as he reads from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth and preaches the Good News of redemption to everyone who will listen.
The Meaning of the Sunday of God’s Word
What is the importance of this important day? Why is the Church inviting us to commemorate the Sunday of the Word of God? The answer is at the very heart of our faith. The Word of God gives us life, strength, and hope. The Word creates, maintains, and directs us. The Word reveals God’s compassion and mercy to us and challenges us to respond with faith, hope, and love.
In a world where the cacophony of social media, the din of distractions, and the confusion of competing voices can overwhelm us, the Sunday of the Word of God reminds us of the significance of listening to the one true voice: God’s. It urges us to slow down, calm our minds and hearts, and listen to the Word that speaks to us from the depths of our being.
Lessons From the Readings
We can draw various lessons to help us enjoy the Sunday of the Word of God.
First, the reading from Nehemiah emphasises the significance of coming together as a community to hear God’s Word. In a society where independence and isolation can be enticing, the Sunday of the Word of God asks us to gather as the Body of Christ, listen to the Word, and support one another on our spiritual journey.
Second, the Psalmist’s praise hymn for God’s Law reminds us of its beauty and perfection. In a world where truth is frequently relative and subjective, the Sunday of the Word of God encourages us to rediscover its objective reality and use it to guide us on our journey.
Third, St. Paul’s contemplation of the Body of Christ reminds us that we are all parts of a bigger whole and that the Word of God links and sustains us in a society where divisions and conflicts sometimes appear insurmountable, the Sunday of the Word of God reminds us that we are all members of the same Body, that the Word of God can heal our wounds, and that it can bring us together in love and harmony.
Finally, the Gospel reading from Luke reminds us that Jesus is the Word of God made alive, and his encounter with the Word in the synagogue at Nazareth serves as a model for our own. In a society where Jesus can appear distant and abstract, the Sunday of the Word of God urges us to rediscover the living, breathing Word of God, who communicates to us from the depths of our souls and calls us to follow him.
Conclusion
As we commemorate God’s Word Sunday, remember the Word of God’s ability to create, maintain, and guide. Let us rediscover the beauty and perfection of God’s Law and allow it to lead us on our journey. Let us gather together as the Body of Christ, linked by God’s Word, and assist one another on our spiritual path. As we leave this celebration, let us carry God’s Word in our hearts, thoughts, and souls. Let us hear, pray, and live the Word. God’s Word contains our true identity, purpose, and destiny. May God’s Word be our direction, comfort, and strength.
