The Power of God's Word

 Reflection on Today's Readings, Saturday, 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, January 16th, 2021

Texts: Heb. 4:12-16; Ps. 19:8-9

10.15; Mark 2:13-17

Today's first reading tells us how powerful is the word of God.  It reads: "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joint and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do." When we read God's words, we grow in awareness of ourselves, and we become better; we cannot hide before the word of God. The problem with some of us is that we have distanced ourselves from God's words. When we distance ourselves from God's word, we become fake and begin to betray our faith.

Some of us distance ourselves from God's word because it makes us feel uncomfortable when we hear it. We become uncomfortable because it reveals our sinfulness and challenges us to a new life. When the word reveals how sinful we are, we should not look downcast or give up hope, but remember that we have Jesus Christ, the high priest, who is able to sympathize with us. When we sin, we should not remain in it, but return to God. Hence, it is said, "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness". It calls on us thus: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This is a call to always approach the sacrament of reconciliation, where to receive mercy and find grace to overcome sin.

Today's gospel reading tells that Jesus Christ has interest in sinners. Jesus says, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners." In the reading, Jesus called a tax collector, a public sinner, to be his disciple. Today He calls us to leave the life of sin and to come to Him for mercy and grace; He will not treat us according to our sins but according to His merciful love.

God our Father, we thank you for the gift of Your word, grant that we may yield to the dictate of the word. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke