The Power of the Word of our Testimony

Homily of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sunday of the Word of God)
By Rev Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSP
Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, Luke 1:1-4,4:14-21

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We need to carefully select our words in all situations, because they surely live after us. The word we speak oftentimes lives longer than what we do. What we do may become obsolete over time, but what we say can live forever, even if it entails passing through a series of modifications or takes in different meanings as they are passed from one generation to the other. We may regret it later in life if we realize that we have spent our days uttering words that have no substance. Better, if our tongue is sharpened to minister words that confer grace upon others.

As we celebrate today the Sunday of the word of God, we must remember that the word of God is a creative word. His words are spirit and life. By that same word we are made. Our thoughts, words and actions are one and the same. Hence, we should try and make sure that everything about us aligns together.

At times, when we speak without thinking, we tend to commit ourselves prematurely until we reflect on what we have said and begin to battle with our commitment. We cannot truly do what our heart has not instructed us to do. Sadly, many of our actions often come about by our environmental influences. It is time to reflect once again and search our heart to know what is stocked in there. The content of our hearts is consequent of the power upon us or the spirit that guides or directs our ways. The Lord Jesus said,

“The spirit of the Lord has been given to me,
for he has anointed me.
He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives
and to the blind new sight,
to set the downtrodden free,
to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.”

We cannot operate beyond the influence of the Spirit we have received. It is what animates all we do. Our words must sync with that which God is doing in us and through us. Let us check the content of our confessions to see whether they align with our life goals. Let us discern our life goals and tailor our words towards their fulfillment.

Above all, we are called to proclaim the word of God in all we do, allowing ourselves to be moved and used by his power, for he is the one who works in us to will and to do.

May all we think, say or do, find favour in God’s sight. Amen.

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