HOMILY OF 3RD SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C
HOMILY OF 3RD SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: GOD’S WORD BRINGS LIFE
BY: Fr Isaac Awe
Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
“And the Word became flesh, and he lived among us” (John 1:14)
We have priceless gift of God in the inspired Books of the bible. Let us show true appreciation for that gift by using it to build up a better knowledge of the Christian faith which it teaches us. There should be a bible, or at least the New Testament, in every Christian home. It shouldn’t be an ornament on a shelf , but a fountain and source from which we can draw strength and refreshment in the daily practice of our Christian faith. In a nutshell, we are called to live out God’s word in relating with God and man.
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What would we give to know the fullness of truth? Jesus Christ is the “way, the truth, and the life.” Luke’s introduction to the gospel is unique among the four gospels. Luke speaks in the first-person. He addresses his friend, Theophilus, a name which means “beloved of God”. In so many words he says, “I am writing to you the most incredible story humankind has known.” And this story is utterly believable because it comes from reliable first-hand witnesses of those who knew Jesus Christ personally, heard his teaching, and saw his miracles, death and resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven.
The word “gospel” literally means “good news”. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ and the freedom he has won for us through his death and resurrection. The gospel is God’s word for us today! It’s is a living word that has power to change, transform, and bring freedom and healing to those who accept it as the word of God. Are we hungry for God’s word? And do we receive it with expectant faith and trust?
In Jesus we see the grace of God in action. His gracious words brought hope, joy, and favour to those who were ready to receive him. Where did Jesus began his public ministry? In his own land of Galilee where he was reared. His proclamation of the fulfilment of the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah brought wonder to his kin and townsfolk. Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus awakened their hope in the promises of God. They, in turn, received his words favorably and wondered what would become of “Joseph’s son”. Their hearts were hungry for the word of life and they looked to Jesus with anticipation and wonder. Do we look to Jesus with confidence and hope in the fulfilment of all God’s promises?
What did Jesus come to do for us? He came to set us free from the worst tyranny possible — slavery to sin and the fear of death, and the eternal destruction of both body and soul. God’s power alone can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion and error, and from hopelessness and the fear of annihilation. The gospel of salvation is “good news” for us today. Do we know the joy and freedom of the gospel?
Reflection: Are we nourishing our faith at this blessed fountain of his infinite wisdom a d love?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are the fulfilment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill us with the joy of the gospel and inflame our hearts with love and zeal for you and for your kingdom. Amen
Happy Sunday of the Word of God!
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