By Jeannette D’Netto
Let’s take a survey by show of hands:
- Raise your hand if you know what a Bible is.
- Raise your hand if you own a Bible.
- Raise your hand if you consistently read the Bible.
The first two statements are often easy enough to address for most Catholics. Meanwhile, the third statement may throw some of us into a loop of hesitation, leaving us reflecting on whether we do spend enough time with the Word of God.
The liturgy of the Sunday of the Word of God, celebrated this past Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, created an opportunity for the faithful to rekindle a deeper love for Sacred Scripture as a guiding light in our lives.
Reverend Fr George Harrison, through his homily, reminded the faithful that the Word of God is a seed that has been planted upon receiving the sacrament of Baptism. Complementing this sacrament, Fr George also highlighted the important role of parents, godparents, and catechists as teachers of the Word of God who continue to nurture this seed.
From the perspective of CDM’s young parishioners, Kiana, Camilo, and Daniel Christopher, aged 13 years, 11 years, and 9 years respectively, took the opportunity to share their favourite Bible story, the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. The siblings exclaimed, “It’s so cool that Mama Mary just asked Jesus to do it and He followed. That shows how powerful it is when Mama Mary intercedes for us.”
(from left) Kiana, Camilo, and Daniel Christopher, enjoying a light family moment reading their favourite Bible story.
Speaking about the role of the Word of God in their family life, Christopher Daniel and his wife, Theresa Balakrishnan, shared that it is a source of God’s guidance, wisdom, and comfort for everyday life. The couple added, “For us, it becomes a strong foundation that shapes how we love, lead, and live together.”
The liturgy during the Sunday of the Word of God kicked off with a special enthronement of the Bible at the start of all Masses. Lectors, commentators, psalmists, and catechists, who play a role in proclaiming, chanting, and teaching the Holy Scriptures, also received a special blessing from Fr George, assisted by Deacon Philip Asirwalam.
Additionally, parishioners enjoyed a rare opportunity to view a wide collection of Bibles in various languages on display at the parish foyer, which included Spanish, Hebrew, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, and Italian, among others.
In summary, a key call to action from the weekend’s liturgical celebration focused on challenging the faithful to share the light that comes from the Word of God with others around us who may be in darkness and in need of hope.