Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Reflecting on the Word: A Call to Reverence and Action” 

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect deeply on the Word of God and its transformative power in our lives. The readings for this day emphasize the importance of reverence for God’s Word, the unity of the Body of Christ, and the mission of Jesus as proclaimed in the Gospel. Through these scriptures, we are called to examine our relationship with God’s Word and how it shapes our lives and communities.

The First Reading from the Book of Nehemiah (Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10) highlights four essential points: 

1. The Place of the Word: Ezra stands “higher up than any of the people”, signifying the elevated place of God’s Word. This prompts us to ask: What place does the Word of God occupy in our lives? Is it part of our daily routine, or do we give it a special, honored place in our hearts and actions? 

2. Reverence for the Lord: The people’s response to the reading, “bowing down and prostrating themselves with faces to the ground”, reflects profound reverence. This challenges us to reflect on the reverence we show to God’s Word, recognizing it as God’s presence among us. 

3. Hebrew Roots and the Word “Amen”: The passage mentions twice “children old enough to understand”. While the modern bar mitzvah ceremony developed after the time of Jesus, its roots are based on ancient Jewish traditions. In ancient Jewish culture, reaching the age of 13 marked the transition to adulthood, with responsibilities to follow the commandments (mitzvot) outlined in the Torah. This concept existed well before Jesus’ time. Boys were considered accountable for their actions under Jewish law at age 13, but there was no formal celebration or ceremony associated with this transition. 

On the other hand, the Hebrew word “amen” (אָמֵן) has a rich etymology rooted in the concepts of faithfulness, truth, and reliability. Its meaning comes from the root אָמַן (aman), which means “to confirm”, “to support”, or “to be faithful”. It is related to the idea of something being stable, reliable, or true. The word “Amen” is also linked to the concept of emunah (אֱמוּנָה), meaning faith or faithfulness. In our liturgical usage, “amen” expresses agreement, affirmation, or trust in the truth or reliability of what has been said. It can mean: “It is true”, “So be it”, or “I affirm this”. In one word, “amen” centers on faith, truth, and trustworthiness, reflecting a deep affirmation of what is reliable and true. 

4. Rejoicing in the Lord: The invitation to “not be sad, and do not weep” calls us to find strength in rejoicing in the Lord. In moments of darkness or uncertainty, keeping God’s Word in our hearts reminds us of His promises and presence, assuring us that we are never alone. 

As in the First Reading, the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15) beautifully describes the Word of God as the “book of the law of the Lord”. Its decrees, precepts, and commands are perfect, trustworthy, and true. They refresh the soul, bring wisdom to the simple, rejoice the heart, and enlighten the eyes. This reflection encourages us to embrace God’s Word as a source of spiritual nourishment and guidance. 

The Second Reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor 12:12-30) uses the image of the body. St. Paul emphasizes the interconnectedness and importance of each member: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I do not need you’, nor the head to the feet, ‘I do not need you’”. Even the parts that seem weaker are indispensable. This calls us to unity and mutual concern within the Body of Christ so that there may be no division among us: “The parts may have the same concern for one another”. 

As we see ourselves as an important part of the body, it also prompts personal reflection: What am I called to in this world? What is my unique mission? How can I contribute to the harmony and purpose of Christ’s body? 

In the Gospel (Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21), Luke underscores the importance of eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word. After investigating everything accurately, he wrote it down in an orderly sequence. When Jesus returned to Galilee, He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth and, according to His custom, entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day. 

Jesus unrolled the scroll (as Ezra in the First Reading opened the scroll), stood up, and read the passage from the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord”. This declaration invites us to align our lives with His mission, bringing hope and healing to others. 

The readings of the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us of the transformative power of God’s Word. They call us to honor its place in our lives, live in unity as members of Christ’s body, and embrace Jesus's mission. As we reflect on these scriptures, may we find joy and strength in the Lord, allowing His Word to guide and sustain us through all seasons of life. Let us go forth with faith, proclaiming the truth and love of God to the world.

Michelle Orellana, SSpS.