The Word that Builds Us Up

 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 January 2022

 

First Reading: NEH 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Responsorial Psalm: PS 19:8, 9, 10, 15

Second Reading: 1 COR 12:12-30 or 1 COR 12:12-14, 27

Gospel: LK 1:1-4, 4:14-21

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I was shocked to hear how one Filipino politician used the Bible - Jesus' crucifixion to be exact - as a strong case to re-impose death penalty in the country. A prominent bishop has countered this politician's arguments in the hope that he would be enlightened with his wrong interpretation of Sacred Scriptures.

Today is the Sunday of the Word of God, a time we celebrate, study, and proclaim Sacred Scriptures. In the First Reading, Ezra the priest proclaimed and interpreted the Law of God to the Israelites. Nehemiah brought to a close the proclamation of God's Law by telling the people "Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold." These words of encouragement became real in the person of Jesus who, in today's Gospel, read from Isaiah's prophecy: "The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for He has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and to  blind the new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord's year of favor."

Confusion is not the purpose of God's Word. Rather, it aims at comforting, uniting, and healing a divided and wounded world. God's Word is meant to build us as Christ's Body as mentioned in the Second Reading. To achieve these aims, the Church Magisterium is charged of studying and interpreting the Word of God. Proper and right study are needed before one can proclaim the Bible. With all due respect to that politician, using God's Word as an argument for something against God's will is not acceptable. As we celebrate God's Word this weekend, let us do our part in rediscovering the graces of studying, believing, and living it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You willed that Your Word would become flesh and dwell among us to comfort, unite, and heal us. As we celebrate Your Word this Sunday, grant wisdom to our Church leaders and teachers that they may assiduously study, interpret, and proclaim Sacred Scriptures for the edification of Your people. In Jesus' Name. Amen.