Friends, today we are celebrating the third Sunday of ordinary time year C; we rejoice in the Good News of Salvation. This good news binds us together as the people of God and enables us to work for the kingdom of God. Christ himself is this Good News that brings us salvation. So, the church invites us to listen to the Good News and meditate on it in our hearts. The readings of this Sunday focus on the themes of listening to God’s Word and responding with action. The readings encourage us to be attentive and open to God’s teachings, just as Jesus called His first disciples to follow Him. Today we are reminded that being a disciple means not only hearing but also doing God’s will in our lives. It’s a call to active faith and service, urging us to apply the lessons of the scriptures in our daily actions and decisions. Lord, help us to listen to Your word and understand its message. Fill us with the Holy Spirit to live out our mission and bring Your love to others.
Friends, in our first reading of today, after the people had worked together to achieve their goal and freedom, Nehemiah gathered them and read the good news to them. After listening and meditating on the word of God, the people echoed, “Amen!” Nehemiah showed the people that reading and understanding Scripture brings joy and strength. When we take time to listen to God’s word, we find guidance and comfort. It helps us grow in our faith and live better lives. Brothers and sisters, Jesus knew God’s word well and used it to teach and help others. By following His example, we can also learn more about God and how to follow Him. Studying Scripture helps us know what God wants for us and how we can live in a way that pleases Him.
The readings of today encourage us to not just hear God’s word but to act on it. It is not enough to listen and understand; we must also live out our faith. This means helping others, being kind, and following God’s commandments. By doing this, we show our love for God and others. Living out God’s word every day can be challenging, but it is what we are called to do. The first reading of today reminds us that God’s word is our guide and strength. When we listen, understand, and act on it, we grow closer to God and become better people. Let’s commit to reading, studying, and living out God’s word in our daily lives.
Friends, in our second reading of today, Paul encourages us to remain united and work together as one body of Christ. To achieve this, everyone must be considered important. There must be reconciliation, understanding, truthfulness, and respect for one another. This means that every person in the Church is valuable and has a role. Just like a body needs all its parts to work well, the Church needs every member to be strong and healthy. Each person has unique gifts and talents that help the Church grow and serve others. Brothers and sisters, Nehemiah gathers all the people to hear God’s word. This shows us the importance of coming together as a community to worship and listen to God. When we worship together, our faith is strengthened, and we feel more connected to each other and God. Being part of a community helps us support one another and grow in our faith. Worshipping together also reminds us that we are not alone in our journey of faith. We have a community that cares for us and helps us stay on the right path.
Friends, in the readings of this Sunday, we see the value of coming together to listen to God’s word and support each other. This unity makes us stronger and helps us face life’s challenges. Every person in the Church has a role to play, no matter how small it may seem. When we use our gifts to serve others, we build up the Church and make it a better place. Together, we can make a difference and bring God’s love to the world.
Friends, in today’s gospel, Luke narrates his own “solid and ordered account” of the events of Christ. His audience is “Theophilus.” This Greek name simply means “lover or seeker of God.” Historically speaking, there was no known figure named Theophilus at the time when Luke wrote his account. So, it is believed that Theophilus simply refers to all who love or seek God. Therefore, this good news is for all of us and our salvation. Today, Jesus presents to us his program of evangelization. His program is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 61; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favor.” This prophecy was made eight centuries before the birth of Christ. This was when the Israelites lived in slavery and misery in exile.
Friends, Jesus came to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed. Jesus’ mission is to help and save everyone, showing God’s love for all people. This reminds us that Jesus cares deeply for those in need and wants to bring hope and healing. Jesus starts His mission filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives Him the strength and guidance to carry out His work. This is important because it shows that Jesus relies on the Spirit for help. For us, it means that we, too, need the Holy Spirit to guide us in our lives and missions.
Friends, on this third Sunday of ordinary time year C, we are called to bring good news and help those in need. The Holy Spirit is with us, giving us the strength and courage to do this. By living out our mission, we show God’s love to others and make a positive impact on the world. Living our mission means being kind, helping those who are struggling, and sharing God’s message of hope. The readings of today remind us that we are not alone in this task. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can make a difference in the lives of others and fulfill the mission Jesus began. The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Fruitful New Week to You
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Remember we are pilgrims of Hope!
By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
