HOMILIES

In honor of Word of God Sunday, let me share a couple of homilies and an exposition of today’s readings.

• First, a superb homily from my parish‘s own Deacon Steve Pyle.
• Next, the always prescient Bp. Robert Barron’s weekly homily.
• Finally, a free episode of Bergsma and Hahn discussing The Word of the Lord as given to us by today’s lectionary readings.

What better way to be inspired to begin, continue, or restart reading Scripture. I read some of the Bible each day. I encourage everyone to do the same. Remember, “ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Just like I don’t want to hear Jesus tell me “I do not know you,” I don’t want to tell Him that either.

ZEBULUN AND NAPHTALI

The following articles give some detail about these regions prominent in today’s readings:

• https://biblearchaeology.org/research/conquest-of-canaan/4518-zebulun-by-the-sea-zebuluns-mysterious-borders
• https://www.israel-a-history-of.com/naphtali.html

THE CHOSEN

Aside from the episode that aired this evening, I am caught up on the streaming series, The Chosen. I am reminded of it today because the Gospel gives us the calling of the first four chosen by Christ.

But, may I recommend the episode that aired two weeks ago (found on YouTube here). No episode moved me as much as this one. Even if you have not seen an episode yet, or you have not found the series of interest, or you are skeptical of the approach, I urge you to watch this one. Maybe, then, you will watch the first two and a half seasons, or at least be blessed.

PREPARATION FOR DEATH

My devotional reading to begin 2023 is this book by St. Alphonsus Liguori (full text). It will scare the hell out of you, so to speak. A worthwhile read and meditation that will shake you to the core. And just imagine the conversations you will have if caught reading this work!

LIGHT

Tying this last thought with another prominent theme in today’s readings:

I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.

The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,^o for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.

The nations will walk by its light,^* and to it the kings of the earth will bring their treasure.

During the day its gates will never be shut, and there will be no night there.

The treasure and wealth of the nations will be brought there,

but nothing unclean will enter it, nor any[one] who does abominable things or tells lies. Only those will enter whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

REv 21:22-27

I want to be in that number, by the grace of God.

DEI VERBUM

Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation is a must-read before starting any Bible study. It is short and accessible. Find it here as well as in the front of many Catholic Bibles.

And if you want a much deeper dive, check out our dear late Pope Benedict the Great’s fine Apostolic Exhortation on his great love.

God bless you.