Our readings for this 3rd Sunday in Ordinary time focus on the importance of scripture in our relationship with God and with one another.
In our first reading from Nehemiah we hear of the priest Ezra gathering the people of Israel to hear the law of the Lord and explaining how scripture is applied to their lives. He explained "Today is holy to the Lord your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep." (Nehemiah 8:9). We are called, like the people of Israel, to set aside time every week to study scripture, to gather as an assembly, and to be joyful that the Lord God is a loving God. Through regular attendance at Sunday liturgy, we hear the word of God proclaimed & explained to us, and then we receive the Lord in the Eucharist. We do this as a community, not individually. We are then to take what we have heard and learned at Sunday liturgy to those that God has placed in our lives.
In the reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians we are reminded that we, like the different parts of the body, all have different jobs to perform in service to God and to His people. All people, like all parts of the body, are important.
Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus tells us that he is "to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19) It is through His followers that He is able to do these things. We are called each Sunday to hear the Word of God, to take it into our hearts to try to understand what God is teaching us, and then to bring the Love of God to those in the world that need His love most.
There are many ways to do what the Lord Jesus is calling us to do. It could be in small ways, or big ways. But we are to do it out of love of God and out of love for those in our lives. There are those in nursing homes that are lonely who would appreciate a visit from some caring individual; those in prisons that need to hear the word of God preached to them, and so forth. There are many ways we are called to bring Christ into the world. But we need to have an open heart to be able to answer his call "to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord."
From my friend: Nilda: THANK YOU, TOM, FOR SHARING YOUR SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS ON THIS SPECIAL DAY OF THE CATHOLIC CALENDAR.
ReplyDeleteIt is true what you say, "We are then to take what we have heard and learned at Sunday liturgy to those that God has placed in our lives”.
But, we should be rightfully prepared with the knowledge that we are going forth as instruments of the LORD, (so that we truly know that as your article states: "It is through His followers that He is able to do these things.”). In addition, we must discern through prayer, in what way will the true message of the Lord be relevant to the individual/s at the time.
You rightfully added, "We are called each Sunday to hear the Word of God, to take it into our hearts to try to understand what God is teaching us, and then to bring the Love of God to those in the world that need His love most.” Henceforth, I also say that we must be mindful of being open to do the will of God. We must be available at the proper time and with whoever the soul in need may be at the moment that we need to share God's Word, one who will accept The Word and its fruitfulness, either at the present moment or much later. Once again, you hit the nail right on the head when you stated, ”There are many ways to do what the Lord Jesus is calling us to do. It could be in small ways, or big ways.” With your permission, I take the liberty to add to your list of specific ways. I would like to add, be it through: deed or spiritual compassion: (a helping hand in whatever means is needed and possible for the giver; support by suggesting an option or answer to a dilemma that will bring comfort and consolation to the recipient; assurance of individual and/or community prayers of petition for God’s mercy, in the name of the afflicted in need, etc.
You also stated, "In the reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians we are reminded that we, like the different parts of the body, all have different jobs to perform in service to God and to His people."
Once again, I wholeheartedly agree and believe in St. Paul's ascertainment, which is why it is most important that we, first, must pray to discern what and how the Good Lord wishes us to do His Will. Finally, we must be aware and understand that whatever we do as instruments of God, we do according to His will as you rightfully state, “...we are to do it out of love of God and out of love for those in our lives.” Again, I will like to add that we are to perform our duties, "For the Glory and Honor of His Name”, not for any personal credit.
I have enjoyed reading your article because it opened the channels for me to recapitulate on its theme:
"The Scripture Readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, which focus on the importance of our relationship with God and with one another."
God's Blessings be always with you,
Nilda, OCDS