“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, is a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the Word of God is not chained. Thus I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.”
At every Eucharist, or in a quiet reflective moment, God speaks to us through the scriptures. We open our hearts to what the Lord has to say, and gently, softly, His word moves us to a deeper union with Him. For this to happen, it requires several steps. I begin by acknowledging that God is addressing me, at this moment, in this text. I simply ask ‘Lord what do you wish for me to take from this reading today?’ I wonder how the power of the word may direct my life.
Think for a moment. If each person in our parish community would ask these questions and seek the Lord’s response, our lives would be radically changed, our concern for those around me would grow and the unchained word would spread more effectively in my world. God speaks, I hear and listen, and others allow their response to blend with mine to obtain the salvation in Christ Jesus.