In His Words Our Hearts Are Filled With Joy.
Dear Parishioners,
Today’s scripture readings highlight powerful insights on the true meaning of God’s Word, its power and affect in our daily lives especially when we are deprived of it. It stresses the power and truthfulness that God conveys to us and fills us with joy and peace. The Israelites, returning to their homeland after many years of exile in Babylon in the 5th century, embarked on the reconstruction of Jerusalem: the temple, moral and social life with leader Governor Nehemiah and Ezra the priest.
When they discovered the lost Book containing God’s Words in Torah, they convened the assembly and Ezra the priest led his people in an act of covenant recommitment to God’s law. The people, who from years in exile and starved of God’s word, rose in a profound solemnity and expressed their willingness to center their lives in the saving Word of God. It was a defining moment in Israel’s history, and a recommitment to the original covenant with God (Ex 19 -24) was ritualized. It was a solemn act of the community in which the recognition and formal acceptance of God’s invitation to a covenant relationship was central.
In the gospel reading, Jesus takes the place of the one who is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. He takes on the role of the servant chosen by God who becomes how God’s promise is brought about for the sanctification of God’s people. While in the synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus brings together the connection between the two Testaments: the unrolling of the scroll citing the text of Isaiah and announcing the fulfilment of the Messianic mission. His personal dealings and teachings will further give credence to his claim as the “anointed.”
Unfortunately, unlike Ezra, Jesus will not receive a positive response from his own townspeople. They tried to stifle his message and practically rejected him.
Every Sunday, as the scripture is read, it is directed to us and our responsibility is to examine our own conversion in the light of the Word. Therefore, we are encouraged to listen attentively at the proclamation of God’s words in every Mass. “The homily is but an arm of the scripture that day, anchored in the meaning of the text and applying it to the congregation’s life. God is present to us in his word and in that sense the scriptures are sacramental. Faith comes from hearing. Thus, in liturgy both reading and listening are a sacred responsibility.
As we read and reflect on the Word of God, we cannot honestly say that we don’t know what God wants of us. Let us be open and let his words fill our hearts with joy and strength. Then will the gifts the Spirit promised flow.
In His Words, I Remain Sincerely Yours,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
