Today is Sunday of the Word of God. The word of God is a gift, everyone is encouraged to read the Bible and learn the teachings of the word of God. At the beginning of the Ordinary Time, we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, and we end the Liturgical year with the World Day of the Poor. At the side altar of the Basilica of St. Bartholomew in Rome, on one side, they have bibles in different languages; on the other side, are the crosses of all those who are suffering. The word of God is: when Jesus was born among the poor, the prisoners, the underprivileged, the sick, the street sleepers, children …… are we able to recognize Jesus Christ among them? The teachings of the Gospel has to be practised, the core value of all religious organizations is the word of God. Contents of our prayers are also extracted from the bible. We must discern the word of God from the bible. The word, in particular contents of our prayers, “is like a lamp before our steps, a light on our path”.
Let us reflect: are all that we are doing leading us to Jesus Christ and not towards the enticement of the devil? If we meditate on the word of God, the devil’s power will diminish. We should not only understand the word but to love it and love God. Anything which does not lead us to God is not God’s word but only the temptation of the devil. In the Gospel, John the Baptist advised people to repent, because “the kingdom of God is near”. Today, the Pope reminds us to use the word of God as a weapon, bring Jesus Christ to people around us, because “the times are fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near!” Let us all reflect: did we bring Jesus to all those we serve?
Spiritual Director
Fr. Francis Tam
21 January 2024