Reflection on the Word of God
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Nehemiah 8:2-10.  Authorized by the Persian authorities after the conquest of Babylon, Ezra the priest, and Nehemiah the community leader, exhort the Israelites who have returned to their homeland from exile, to re-commit themselves to the Law of the Lord.  During the cultic proclamation, the people either stand or prostrate themselves – in reverence for the Word.  Interpretation is provided along with the reading to make the teachings more relevant to the contemporary way of living.  The grandeur of the sacred event makes the assembly overcome with emotions.  They are urged not to be sad and remorseful of the past, but to rejoice in the new-found hope and give glory and praise to God.

Psalm 19:8-15.  Various synonyms are used to describe the Law: perfect (complete), trustworthy, upright, clean, pure and true.  The Hebrew word for Law, “Tora,” means instruction and teaching.  The psalmist intends not merely to describe the Law, but to persuade the people to embrace it as the will of Yahweh and to live in accord with it.  Reflecting the divine attributes, the Law of God enhances human life – imbuing it with true meaning, clear purpose, stability and security.  “Tora” is not restrictive and demeaning, but liberating, ennobling and life-giving.

1 Corinthians 12:12-30.  Using the analogy of the human body, Paul continues his instruction on the diversity found within the Christian community.  In the body each part has its own unique function, but all parts “work” for the good of the whole.  This metaphor portrays “unity in diversity,” and underscores the absence of “unhealthy competition” among members of the community.  The Christians are bound together by the spirit of “interdependence.”  Everyone is needed for the living Body of Christ to be integral and wholesome.  When one suffers, all suffer.  When one is honored, all are honored.  All gifts and functions are needed within the Church to exist, grow, evangelize, and fulfill its mission in the world.

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21.  Theophilus, whose name means “friend of God,” was likely the patron who had assumed the responsibility of publishing this Gospel.  Luke states that this writing was among several other accounts of the Life of Jesus.   The author admits he is not an “eyewitness,” and relies on the authentic sources that were handed down by others.  Jesus attends the synagogue service where He proclaims the Word of God from the prophet Isaiah.  The passage announces the “in-breaking” of the Kingdom of Heaven into the world – a time of healing, liberation and forgiveness.  Jesus is the one-true prophet who inaugurates the new era of deliverance and eschatological time of fulfillment.  As the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at Jesus, He said: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”