3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C) — SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

1st Reading              Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10

Psalm                         19:8, 9, 10, 15 (R. cf Jn. 6:63c)

R:// "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life"

2nd Reading           1 Corinthians 12:12-30

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

TRANSFORMED BY THE WORD, TRANSFORMED FOR OTHERS

Beloved, today, the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time has been marked, since September 30, 2019, the Memorial of St. Jerome, as the Sunday of the Word of God. This is a fruitful opportunity for us to recap the centrality of God's Word both in the liturgical space and in the everyday endeavour of every Christian. We just have to remind ourselves that the Bible, the Word of God, is the voice of God, and every voice is the result of thought. What we read, reflect, and act upon is actually the thought of God. 

I suggest that we stay within the first reading for this Sunday from Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10. The Gospel passage from Luke 1:1-4,4:14-21 is equally an excellent passage apt for a special Sunday like this. We hear Jesus going to a Synagogue in Nazareth, and after being handed over the scroll of Isaiah, he read from it. At the heart of Synagogue liturgy is the study of Scripture. What happens in the Synagogue is a kind of getting acquainted with God's Word in a family setting. 

Talking about the Word of God, the Bible, and the first reading, I propose that we look at three very important dimensions to it. The book of Nehemiah tells us about the rebuilding of the Temple upon the return from Babylon. The Temple, aside from being the central place for sacrifice, is also a place for the study of the Word of God. By the way, Nehemiah ("נְחֵמְיָה" — Nəḥēməyāh), comes from the Hebrew root "נָחַם" (nāḥam), meaning "to comfort or consolation". We get it that the book from which we have our first reading tells us about the consolation and comfort we derive from an active engagement with the Bible. May the Lord be our consolation. Amen. We should read the first reading against the backdrop of Exodus 19-24, the covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai. At the heart of the Covenant is the Ten Commandments, the Word of God. The first reading is akin to what we do in every liturgical setting; the proclamation of the Word, the explanation (Homily), and an exhortation to act.

The first dimension is that everyone has access to the Bible, the Word of God, and that we need to make the Word of God ever more accessible to everyone. Nehemiah says that there was a wooden dais, and Ezra claimed it and read from it to everyone, including children. They all listened to it. This is something new to Israel because initially, Israel in Exodus 19-24 was afraid of getting near even to listen to God's voice because of the thunder and lightning accompanying it. They had to tell Moses to listen to it and relay it to them. That is the power the Word of God carries. This time, the people have full access to it. In fact, the reading of the Law, as Nehemiah, tells us took place at the square before the Water Gate. This is right outside the Temple. Normally, the Word of God would not come out of the Temple. In fact, paying close attention to the division of the Temple, only the Chief Priest would have access to it once a year because the Tablets of the Law (Ten Commandments) are in the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. Only the Chief Priest had access to it. The implication is that chances would be that one can live as a Jew and die and would never see the Word of God. Nehemiah's words tell us that we are actually privileged to touch a Bible.

The second dimension is that we need to dedicate time to reading the Word of God and meditating upon it. It is not enough to have access to the Bible. What is necessary is that we need to dedicate time to reading it and getting used to it. The first reading says that Ezra read the Law, translated it, and explained it for everyone to understand accordingly. What will be the result of doing that? We get that from Psalm 1: "Blessed is the man who has not followed the counsel of the impious, and has not remained in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the chair of pestilence. But his delight is with the Law of the Lord, and he will meditate on his law, day and night.....and all things whatsoever that he does will prosper" (Ps. 1:1-3). The result of meditating on the Word of God, the Law of God, is Blessedness and Prosperity. This is goodness and advancement in every facet of life. 

The third dimension is action. This tells us that we must not be hearers only, but doers. Nehemiah and Ezra said to the people that: "This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not be mournful, do not weep.’ For the people were all in tears as they listened to the words of the Law. He then said, ‘Go, eat the fat, drink the sweet wine, and send a portion to the man who has nothing prepared ready. For this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold" (Neh. 8:9-1). What strikes is that when the people make merry and are happy at the consolation of the Lord and how the Lord has been gracious to them, they should not forget to send a portion to the person who has nothing to eat. This should be the right action that should follow our access and meditation on God's Word. God's Word should drive us to service. It is not enough to have access to the Bible. It is equally not enough to read and medidate on it. What completes it is service to others. 

Pax et Bonum.