Hearing

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/113013.cfm) reminds me how important hearing God’s word is.

In the first reading we see one of the sources of faith. We hear of people asking God to increase their faith, now we see what we can do to increase it.

Thus faith comes from what is heard,
and what is heard comes through the word of Christ

Hearing the Word of God. There are homilies of priests in downloadable podcasts. There are a lot of preachers having podcasts of their sermons. There are speakers who proclaim the word of God. There are a lot of ways how we can literally hear God’s word. Reading. Aside from hearing the word, there is also the tried and tested, old school reading of the WORD – something that will really help us build and develop our faith. Hearing and reading God’s word will enable us to know him better. As we hear of his love to us, sinners. As we hear of his power, from stories in the bible to current day, everyday stories, we will definitely have our faith improved. As we get to know him more, our faith will be stronger.

OF course, this is not enough. we should not be contented with just receiving these, with just improving our faith.  We should also heed Christ’s command to bring this faith to others. The reading also says:

And how can they hear without someone to preach?

And how can people preach unless they are sent?

As it is written,

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!

We do not have to be preachers or missionaries who go to different cities and countries to proclaim God’s word. That’s great if you are, but even in our own little way, the way we act at home, the way we treat others in the office, the way we deal with other people – can be our little ways of preaching Christ to others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another weekend. Lord, I thank you for the gift of faith, and thank you for telling me how to improve and strengthen it. May I find it in my heart to listen to your word in different ways. And as I experience your love, your power, and as you increase my faith, may I also do my part to share it with others, to make others hear your word as well. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-