Scripture:
Reflection:
The Word
Today’s readings in Acts starts and ends with “The Word”. “The Word of God continued to spread and grow” Act 12:24. “They proclaimed the Word of God,” The Word (logos’) is used some 318 times in New Testament. Other expressions for word in NT are “sayings” (raymah) 64 / speaking gently (laleo) / voice (phonae) 128 times “The Word” is an ancient expression used for the Gospel. The nature of God has this overwhelming and consuming desire to speak to His children! “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” John 8:37 In the OT God is said to speak (debar etc) thousands of times!
In today’s Gospel Jesus cautions “If anyone hears My sayings (raymah) and does not keep (phylassō) them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. John 12:47
The inspired Greek NT word is to be carefully guarded (phylássō) or keep. Jesus strongly advises us to treasure the tremendous value of His words! The spoken Word of God is tremendously priceless! With His Word comes the wonderful intelligence of God Who not only knows all things but designs and creates them! Even greater than the intelligence and knowledge of God’s Word is His immensurable love embracing it. John even says “the Word is with God and is God!” Not only does God’s Word contain prodigious wisdom and engulfing love but awesome creative power! “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made!” Ps 33:6 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice (phonae) of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. John 5:29 So many years ago Saint Ephrem +373 said : “Who is able to understand, Lord, all the richness of even one of your words?”
Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.