Lesson 8
THE WORD OF GOD AND CHRISTIAN LIFE
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Once, Jesus' mothe r and hisbrothers came to him, but theycould not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers arestanding outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them Mymother and my brothers arethose who hear the word of God and do it” (Lk 8:19-21). The word of God is the foundation of Christian life.If we want tomaintain personal relationship with Jesus, and share thesalvation offered, we must receive him in our life. To receive him we must practice what he taught.
The Importance of the Word of God
The Word of God is the source of the revelation of God which in turn is the basis of our life of faith. Man iscreated to partake in the divine life and derive heavenlybliss. This is realized through knowing and loving Him. Butman, with his limited brain and capacity is unable tounderstand completely the divine mysteries! Hence, God,who is eternal love, decided to reveal them to him. This revelation has been completed through Jesus. The Bible pictures clearly the history of this revelation God speaks to man through the Bible.The Bible unravels the eternal truths such as whoGod is, how He interacts with us for our redemption and how we can reach God. The Second Vatican Council teaches about the importance of the Bible: “The Church venerates the Holy Bible just as thesacred body of Christ is venerated… be cause it ishrough the Holy Bible, the heavenly father looks atHis children with immense love and converses withthem. The power and might of the word of God arevery great. It provides the Church with support andvigour; it supplies the necessary faith to her children and food for their souls (Divine Revelation - 21).
It is through the word of God the principles of faith such as the mystery of the HolyTrinity, the core of our faith, the messianic mystery, sacraments, life of resurrectionand the like are revealed. These are the mysteries we celebrate in the holy Qurbana.
The Word of God in Christian Life
The word of God has an important place in our Christian life; it remains the foundationof our life. As St. Peter teaches: “You have been born anew, not of perishable but ofimperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Those, who listen to the Word of God and live accordingly, will be saved. Jesus said: “Very truly I tell you, whoever keeps my Word will never see death” (Jn. 8:51). The word of God arespirit and life (Jn. 6:63). Those who pay heed to the word of God with faith, love, and prayer will have divine life.
Every one, who hears the word of God and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock (Mt. 7:24 He can overcome any dilemma with valour. That the Lord is the strength, light andfortress will deepen in him ( P s . 3 1 : 2 - 3 ) . I n a d v e r s ecircumstances, the word of Godwould impart strength and inspiration. As it is said in the book ofMaccabees: “…we have asencouragement the Holy Books that are in our hands”(1 Macc. 12:9).
The Word of God and Discipleship
If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples”(Jn. 8:31). To become the truedisciples of Jesus we must be rooted in the word of God. Jesus wished that his disciplesshould he filled with the Word. Often he exhorts his disciples to listen to his words. A truedisciple fulfils the wish of his master; the disciple of Jesus should know his wish. Godreveals His wish through the sacred word; the word of God is the wish of God about man.The discipleship of Jesus is a sharing of his individuality. A life according to histeachings is real discipleship. We must realize this discipleship through our ordinary life and activities. Jesus said:“Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven”(Mt. 7: 21).
The Word of God Leads to Conversion
We come across many individuals converted with the word of God.Zacchaeus whomet Jesus and heard his words received Jesus not only in his house but in his heart as well.His contact with Jesus transformed him to a new person.He paid back four-fold of what hedefrauded others of their possessions; and half of his wealth was given to the poor. Thushe gave proof for the renewal of his life (Lk. 19:1-10). Having met God, the Word, theSamaritan woman could enter into a new life. She became a missionary who led a whole town to Jesus (Jn. 4:1-42).
The Word of God Dispels Darkness
The word was the light of mankind. The light shinesin the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it(Jn. 1:4-5). First of all, God, with His Word, dispelleddarkness. The first thing He created was light. “Let therebe light",He said, and darkness was replaced by light in the world. (Gen. 1:3)
God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to ourpath (Ps. 19:105).“I am the way, and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). The Word of God helps us walk through the path of Jesus. When we go through the wrong path, He guides us through the correct path “The night is fargone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works ofdarkness and put on the armour of light. Let us livehonorably as in the day, not in revelling anddrunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness,not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.13:12-13). This word of God,converted St. Augustine who had a thirty year longwayward life.
It was the Word of God that helped St. FrancisXavier, a teacher in the University of Paris, to renouncethe momentary pleasures of the world and become a priest and then a saint “…what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” (Mt. 16:26)Francis who heard this word of God saved himselfbesides having saved the souls of many and became amissionary. Similarly, all the saints attained holiness when they walked through the path of the Word.
The Word of God
Gives Life
The word of God gives life.With the power of the WordLazar regained life after fourdays of his death (Jn 11:44)Jairus' daughter, who was dead,returned to life when the word ofGod entered her. She walkedabout as though she was awakefrom sleep (Mk. 5:41-42). Thedead son of a widow, carried in abier, revived to life with thepower of the word of God (Lk.7:14-15).
" Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 Jn. 5:12). Even now-a-days, the word of God is giver of life The benumbed mind is revived with it (Ezek. 36, 37; Heb. 4).It provides hope for the hopeless, power to thepowerless, health to the sick, destroys bondage to sin and guides, through the correct path, those who lost their way.
The Word of God is Redemptive
St. Paul qualifies the word of God as the word of truth with the good news of salvation(Eph. 1:13). He tells the Corinthians that the Gospel provides salvation (1 Cor. 15:1-2).Jesus assures salvation for those who believe the word of God and receive baptism (Mk.16:15-16). “God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). The word of God is divine strength for the believers. “…Welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls” Jas 1:21).
The Word of God Liberates and Sanctifies
Jesus said,“if you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn 8:31). This freedom leads us to holiness. Jesus prayed for us before he left here for the abode of his father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth"Jn. 17:17). The Word of God is fire (Jer. 23:29). The fire purifiesgold; the more gold is melted in fire, the purer it becomes. Similarly we become sanctifiedwhen the word of God dwells within us. Jesus himself said, “You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you” (Jn 15:3).
The Word of God Grants Eternal Life
The word of God conducts us to eternal life. Jesus said “Very truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life.”(Jn. 5:24). The wordsof Jesus are spirit and life (Jn. 6:63). Those who read the word of God daily and live accordingly shall dwell upon divine life.
Certain Requisites for Experiencing the Power of the Word of God
Read the word prayerfully; understand the personal message given through theverse by Jesus, be ready to correct the mistakes and rectify our mistakes revealedthrough the word of God. Accept the interpretations of the word of God given by theChurch without trying to have our interpretations. Read the word with a thirst to understand God's plans.
Those who listen to and learn the word of God are on the path to eternal life. They will enjoy heavenly bliss and realize the promises given by Jesus.
LET US
READ AND MEDITATE THE WORD OF GOD
(Jn. 6 : 60 - 69)A Verse to Remember
“The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”(Jn 6:63).Let us Pray
O! Jesus, who said, “My words are spirit and life”, bless me to lead a life based on the word of God.My Resolution
I will read the word of God daily and imbibe the message therein and live it.Teachings of the Fathers of the Church
Listening to the word of God should become a sort of meeting with the life-giving verses in the Holy Scripture,that question, lead and shape our life. (Pope John Paul II).Find out Answers
