SUNDAY, THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (WORD OF GOD SUNDAY)
Neh 8:2-10 Ps 19 1 Cor 12:12-30 Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21
UNITED IN FAITH, JOY AND SERVICE
Today we celebrate two important aspects of our lives: our faith and our national pride. The readings of the day call us to embrace unity, joy, and service. At the same time, today is Republic Day in India, a day we honour the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are the pillars of our Constitution. In a certain orphanage, people of different backgrounds used to gather to render service. Though they came from different religions and cultures, they worked side by side, sharing stories and smiles. One young woman, who had been feeling alone, shared how much the community had supported her and made her feel welcome. This simple act of serving others created a bond among them, and joy was found in their unity. It is a simple story but reminds us that when we come together in service and love, we experience true joy. Even when we have differences, we are united in our desire to help others. This is a powerful reminder of the strength we can find in community.
The words of prophet Nehemiah in today’s first reading, “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” remind us that unity in faith gives us strength and hope. This unity is what holds us together. From our earliest years we are taught that we are one people, but not the same; within that unity, there is a great diversity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that the diversity of gifts and cultures enriches the whole Church. In the same way, our country is enriched by its many languages, traditions, and customs. When we come together in unity, our faith and our community grow stronger. The Responsorial Psalm of the day is a reminder that the beauty and power of God’s law give us life and bring us joy. This joy is not a passing feeling but a deep happiness that comes from following God’s commandments and living according to His will. Pope Francis reminds us that Christian unity is a gift from God, and we must open our hearts to receive it. When we live with this joy, we are transformed, and that joy becomes our strength.
St. Augustine once said that a Christian “should be an alleluia from head to foot.” This means that joy should be present in everything we do, be it in our work, our relationships, or our service to others. In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us that He has come to bring good news to the poor and freedom to those who are oppressed. This mission was not just for Him alone; it is a call for all of us as members of the Church. We are called to share this good news with others and serve those in need. Pope John Paul II once said that the Church’s unity is a gift that comes with a responsibility to promote understanding and peace among all people. In our world, which is divided by conflict, the Church is called to be a sign of hope and unity.
So how can we be the instruments of unity, joy, and service? Firstly, in our daily lives, we can take small steps to build bridges with those who are different from us. Whether it is reaching out to a neighbour of a different faith or simply being kind to someone in need, we can promote unity in our community. Secondly, we can follow the example of Jesus by serving those in need. Whether it is volunteering in our parish, helping out at a local charity, or offering support to someone going through a difficult time, we are called to serve with love. Thirdly and lastly, we are called to the mission of spreading joy. We are reminded that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Let us strive to live with joy, even in difficult times. A smile, a kind word, or a simple gesture can bring joy to others and remind them of God’s love.
St. Paul tells us that we are all part of one body, the Body of Christ, and each of us has an important role to play. By embracing our differences and working together in love, we reflect the values of our faith and the ideals of our Republic. Let us commit ourselves therefore to living out our faith with joy and unity. May the joy of the Lord be our strength as we work together to build a community that reflects the love of God and the values of justice, liberty, and equality.
Response: Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life.
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