Listening to Love: The Word of God

Scripture for Mass

Isaiah 9:1b-4

Psalm: 27(26):1.4.13-14.  Response: 1a

1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Matthew 4:12-23

In our world of instant, electronic communication, love letters have become a thing of the past. However, there are still those few people who prize the art of writing love letters, and others who treasure the love letters that they have received. Indeed, it is not uncommon to come across love letters – treasures which had been carefully stored for decades – among the personal effects of a deceased person.

Since today has been designated Sunday of the Word of God, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on the Bible as a treasured resource for the ongoing nurturing of our faith.  One way we can do this is to consider sacred scripture as a treasure trove of love letters between God and his beloved people, as well as between them and God.

As such, the Bible is a precious record of heart-to-heart exchanges which capture all the ups and downs, joys and sorrows which might be expected in the process of forming and deepening a long-term, intimate relationship:  the joy of falling in love; the frustration of unrequited love; the contentment of close companionship; the disappointment at being taken for granted; the sadness of being ignored; the pain of betrayal; the gratitude that flows from being forgiven; and the deep joy of a new beginning.

Through attentive listening, reading and meditating on the collection of timeless love letters which form the Bible, the Holy Spirit awakens us to the realisation that they capture profoundly the constant communication between God and the human heart, between God and his beloved people that continues up until today.