THE POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD

 

Homily for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Biblical Texts: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-30; Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

If you have ever experienced dislocation, either as a result of external forces like war, persecution, natural disasters, or exile, you would know that is a difficult experience. It brings about a sense of loss, disconnection, and uncertainty. This was the situation of the people of Israel when they were forced into exile in Babylon. 

The exile marked the loss of their homeland and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the center of their worship and identity. With the exile, they faced not only physical displacement but also spiritual and cultural disorientation, as they struggled to maintain their faith and identity in a foreign land surrounded by pagan influences. Psalm 137 captures in clear terms, their deep sorrow and longing for Zion.

The scene in today’s first reading took place after they had returned to their homeland. It was a moment of spiritual renewal and physical restoration. In that scene, Ezra the priest and scribe stood before the assembly and read from the book of the Law. The people’s response was profound.  They listened attentively, stood in reverence, and wept as they heard God’s Word which they had longed for while in a foreign land.

One point to take away here is the reverence and hunger we should have for the Word of God. The people’s tears signify their recognition of how far they had missed the Book of the Law and strayed from God’s commandments. The Word of God convicts us of sin, but as Nehemiah said, it also brings hope, joy, and renewal. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have wandered, God’s mercy is always within reach. 

In the second reading, St. Paul uses the metaphor of the Body of Christ to emphasize the unity and diversity within the Church. Each member has a unique role to play, yet all are essential for the functioning of the whole. This unity is grounded in the Spirit, who binds us together as one body through baptism. The Word of God plays a critical role in fostering this unity. It reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but interconnected members of Christ’s Body. Just as each part of the body contributes to the well-being of the whole, so too must we, as members of the Church, use our gifts to serve one another.

In the Gospel, we witness Jesus inaugurating his public ministry. Filled with the power of the Spirit, Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth and read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. The passage he chose was deeply significant: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor…” (Isaiah 61:1-2). After reading, he declared, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” This moment was a revelation of Jesus’ mission. He identified himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy and outlined his ministry: to bring good news to the poor, freedom to captives, sight to the blind, and liberation to the oppressed. These are not just words; they are a call to action for all who follow him.

As disciples of Christ, we are invited to participate in this mission. The Word of God is not meant to remain on the pages of Scripture but to come alive in our words and actions. How are we proclaiming glad tidings to the poor in our communities? How are we bringing freedom and healing to those who are burdened or marginalized?

Dear friend, the Word of God is a gift that enlightens our minds, strengthens our hearts, and directs our lives. As we gather around the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist, let us renew our commitment to live by God’s Word. May it shape us into a people of joy, unity, and mission, bringing the light of Christ to the world. Amen.