The WORD today reminds me that the WORD of God has great power.
They say that the pen is mightier than the sword. The sword can cut and hurt physically, but words can cut deeper into the soul of a person. History proves it correct, that’s probably why our national hero, Jose Rizal, is known for his literary works and not for physical battles he led and won. As this is true in history and literature, this is definitely true in the spiritual aspect as well.
God uses his word, the bible, to cut through our hearts. No heart is too cold for God’s word.
The first reading tells us that God's word is powerful, living and effective, and sharper than any two edged sword. It cuts through the soul and discerns what is in the heart. God's word speaks to us and through us. There are times when we hear mass, or read certain passages in the bible, that we feel God talking to us directly. We feel his word are written specifically for us. There are times when hearing even just a bible verse seem to brighten up our day or strengthen and encourage us with whatever concern or difficulty we are facing. That’s how powerful and personal God’s word really is.
We see in the gospel someone who proved this. Jesus called Levi, a tax collector. He was sitting at his post. But with Jesus' call, he got up and immediately followed Jesus. He, as a tax collector, may be living in sin. He was doing something sinful, but when he was called, he obeyed immediately. What is in his heart showed as he followed Jesus and brought others to Him.
However, we cannot maximize this power of his word if we will just limit our exposure to it. If we will always wait for God to reach us through different means, we will not get all the nourishment and encouragement we could have gotten. We need to be proactive – to read and hear his word, so we may always have the blessing and be touched by God in ways only he can.
How do I feel about God’s word? Do I get touched by it? Do I feel God talking to me through the bible? Do I follow him when he reaches out to me? How do I get nourishment? Do I tale time to read the bible?
May we always be reminded how important and powerful God's word is, and do our best to act on it.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for your word. Thank you that it is very powerful and personal. Sorry for the times I do not give it much importance. Sorry for not maximizing it. I pray that you never tire of reaching out to me, even if I don’t do the same to you. And I ask that you give me the desire and help me be proactive in soaking myself in your word. As I try to soak in it, I ask that you change me and transform me to be more like you. Amen.
Blessed Weekend!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection:
January 16, 2021
Saturday of Week 1; St. Berard and Companions
FIRST READING
The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (see John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
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