Today, on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we join the global Church in celebrating the Sunday of the Word of God, a day dedicated to the celebration, study, and spreading of the Holy Scriptures. Instituted by Pope Francis, this observance emphasises the central role God’s Word plays in our faith and our daily mission.
During his homily, our Parish Priest, Fr. Martin Mulholland, reflected on the personal habits of the late Pope Francis. He recounted how the Holy Father, during his time as a Bishop in Argentina, made it a point to always carry a small Bible and a Rosary in his pocket. This simple practice allowed him to turn ordinary moments—like riding a bus or waiting for an appointment—into opportunities for prayer and reflection.
Drawing from the day’s readings, Fr. Martin highlighted two themes: Light and Joy. He explained that while Jesus is the Light of the world, it is through the Word that we find true, lasting joy.
Fr. Martin offered a gentle challenge: “The Word cannot bring us joy if it remains tucked away on a bookshelf.” He urged all parishioners to:
– Prioritise family prayer by reading the Scriptures together at home.
– Carry a physical Bible or install a Bible app on your smartphone.
– Live the message by letting the “Word of Christ dwell among you” (Col 3:16) in every interaction.
As we move forward from this celebration, let us commit to making the Bible a living part of our daily lives, ensuring that the light of Christ continues to guide our path.