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1.26.25 OPs Homily Third Sunday OT (C), Sunday of the Word of God

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January 26, 2025

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In this podcast episode titled 1.26.25 OPs Homily Third Sunday OT (C), Sunday of the Word of God, the core theme revolves around the significance of the Word of God in the life of believers. This special celebration, inaugurated by Pope Francis, emphasizes the central place that Sacred Scripture should hold in faith, prayer, and daily living for Christians.

Key Points Discussed

Importance of Sacred Scripture

  • Pope Francis established the Sunday of the Word of God in 2019, aligning it with the feast of Saint Jerome, the influential biblical scholar and translator.
  • Saint Jerome famously asserted, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ," highlighting the essential role of Scripture in understanding Jesus and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Jesus’ Mission Announced

  • The episode reflects on a significant scripture reading from Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus reads from Isaiah, declaring His mission: bringing good news to the poor, liberty to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind.
  • This declaration is seen as the fulfillment of long-awaited messianic prophecies, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah who actualizes hope in the lives of His listeners.

Core Themes and Reflections

The Word of Hope

  • The theme for the sixth celebration is rooted in Psalm 119: "I hope in your word,” emphasizing the hope found through God’s revelations.
  • God’s Word repeatedly presents hope, and understanding this can transform daily living and bolster faith.

Seven Steps of Engaging with the Word

The episode outlines a practical approach to engaging with Scripture, inspired by the example of Ezra, which includes:

  1. Reading – Proclaiming the Word clearly.
  2. Interpreting – Understanding the multiple dimensions of God's message that relate to Jesus, ourselves, and our spiritual journeys.
  3. Understanding – Internalizing the message of Scripture, not just intellectually but profoundly, shaping our entire being.
  4. Listening/Obeying – This stage emphasizes active engagement; to listen means to act on God’s Word.
  5. Converting – The Word is designed to lead us to conversion and transformation, aligning our lives with God’s teachings.
  6. Responding with Charity – Genuine understanding of the Word leads to acts of love for others.
  7. Celebrating – Engage in celebration and joy, sharing God’s gifts with others.

The Living Word

  • The podcast stresses that the Bible isn't a static text; it is alive, embodying Jesus as the incarnate Word of God.
  • When Scripture is read aloud, it is viewed as Jesus speaking to His people, provoking immediate reactions and transformation.

The Role of the Community

  • All members of the Church, regardless of their role (apostles, teachers, etc.), are called to help others hear and live the Word of God.
  • The community aspect of faith is emphasized as each believer supports one another in understanding and embodying the teachings of Christ.

Conclusion

The episode highlights that engaging with Sacred Scripture is critical for spiritual growth and renewal. By participating in this Sunday of the Word of God, believers are called to deepen their understanding, conversion, and acts of charity, thereby allowing the transformative power of Jesus’ words to flourish in their lives.

The insights from the homily serve as a powerful reminder of our call to not only hear the Word but also to live it out in love and joy—all while placing our hope in God's eternal promises.

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