Reading and meditation on the Word of God, Friday of the 17th week of ordinary time, 2 August 2019. Leviticus 23, 1. 4-11. 15-16. 27. 34b-37; Matthew 13, 54-58. Voice: deacon Marsel sdb (gospel reading) and father Peter sdb (meditation)
Our meditation today has the theme: Celebration of Faith. Someone is said to have good faith if in himself these three elements are fulfilled: knowledge, celebration and practice or life faith. Knowledge contains doctrines, teachings or dogmas. Celebration manifests in worship, sacrament, prayer and devotion. The practice or life of faith is manifested in the testimony, dedication and service in real life.
In particular regarding the celebration of faith, institutions or the set-up of time, procedures, places and participation are the basic elements. This establishment is intended that a celebration of faith is to be celebrated together in the fellowship of the people of God.
The institution of celebrations of faith in the old testament was started by Moses as said the first reading of today. There is a number of the institution of celebrations set by Moses in the law, for example the Passover or God’s victory falls on the 14th day of the first month. The 15th day of the same month is a celebration of unleavened bread, and so on. This legacy of Moses was then passed on in the New Testament and continues being celebrated in the Church to this day.
The third commandment of God is to sanctify the Lord’s day. The church sets the rules not only for our obligatory Sundays, but also holidays and feasts. This is the command of God, so it is an obligation. One who fails to do this, he is against God. Beside, there are practices of devotion that are celebrated in the Church, although not an obligation, but it is very useful to strengthen our faith. For example the Rosary and spiritual songs, they really strengthen our faith.
One of the celebrations of faith which is our main duty as followers of Christ is the celebration of the Word of God. We have many celebrations when the Word of God is read, listened to, contemplated and shared. Worship can be done in chapel or church, with or without the eucharist, the opportunity to celebrate the Word is badly needed. The synagogue is where the Word of God is celebrated according to Jewish rule. But when Jesus was about to celebrate the Word in his place of origin, His own people refused and did not want the Word to be celebrated with them. As a result of rejecting this celebration of faith, there was no blessing from God and none of God’s great deeds came upon them.
The celebration of faith aims to praise and glorify God, is to open ourselves to receive blessings from God. Let us be joyful to always celebrate our faith.
Let’s pray. In the name of the Father … O Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for the opportunity every day for us to celebrate Your Word. Glory to the Father … In the name of the Father …