Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Everyone knows that to have a good story you need to start with the words, “Once upon a time...”. The Bible, our collection of stories, has a similar phrase, “In the Beginning…”. This phrase is used to start out the very beginning of the Bible in Genesis and also to start the Gospel of John. On some levels, John calls us to remember Genesis by using these words. Yet where he goes after that can take us off guard. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) It is this Johannine understanding of the Word which echoed in my heart upon hearing the first reading.
“The word of God continued to spread and grow.” (Acts 12:24) Naturally, our mind may hear this line as a metaphor for Jesus. Yet these were the words chosen by the author of Acts through the power of the Holy Spirit. If all words in scripture are important, then we need to examine this one “as is.” The word of God in this verse is described as something that is alive. This word has the power to move and the power to transform. This word is not limited by space or time and cannot be understood simply as ink on a page.
Reading the scriptures is important and they a power on the page. It is what happens after the word of God leaves the page where the Holy Spirits work can be again. In reading, the word enters our being through our eyes. At church it is this same word of God described in Acts that is proclaimed for all to hear. Our faith tradition strongly encourages that we listen to this proclaimed word because this is when it becomes alive and spreads throughout the whole community.
Few of us have trouble recognizing that the Jesus in the sacramental meal. The bread and wine become Jesus’ Body and Blood given for the whole community. Do we understand that word of God communicates Jesus’ presence in a parallel way? Eucharistic celebrations have two main components; Liturgy of the Word, and Liturgy of the Eucharist. Both exist and are celebrated together for a reason. This is foreshadowed in the Lucan story of the Road to Emmaus. The disciples were able to recognize Christ in the breaking of the bread because their hearts were burning from hearing the word proclaimed.
Lord as we encounter your Word, open our ears and our hearts so that your presence in the word will anoint us deeply through power of the Holy Spirit. Then like Saul and Barnabas, we too are sent us forth to continue Your work of the one by whom You were sent, who lives and reigns, one God now and forever. Amen! Alleluia!
- Michael Montgomery