The Sweetness of God’s Word
In today’s world, where the noise of daily life can often drown out the still, small voice of God, we are invited to pause and immerse ourselves in the richness of His Word. Today’s Mass readings present us with a profound exploration of how God’s Word nourishes, guides, and transforms us. They draw us into a deep reflection on the nature of divine revelation—how it is received, how it shapes our lives, and how it calls us to embody its teachings in our everyday actions.
The readings bring together a prophetic vision from the Book of Ezekiel, a meditative psalm that delights in God’s commandments, and a Gospel passage where Jesus redefines greatness and reveals the Father’s relentless love for each soul. Together, these scriptures weave a thematic connection centered around the transformative power of God’s Word and the virtues of humility and trust that it fosters in us.
The first reading from Ezekiel takes us back to a time of exile and upheaval in Israel’s history, when the nation was grappling with its identity and relationship with God amidst the Babylonian captivity. Ezekiel’s vision, filled with symbolic acts and divine commands, reflects the weight of prophetic responsibility and the challenges of conveying God’s often difficult messages to a rebellious people. The imagery of consuming a scroll filled with lamentation and woe captures the prophet’s internalization of God’s message—a message that is both bitter in its truth and sweet in its divine origin.
The Responsorial Psalm, drawn from Psalm 119, is part of a larger work that extols the beauty and righteousness of God’s law. This psalm is an acrostic poem, structured around the Hebrew alphabet, emphasizing the completeness and perfection of God’s commandments. It reflects the deep reverence the psalmist has for divine law, seeing it not as a burden but as a source of joy, wisdom, and eternal heritage.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus addressing His disciples’ concerns about status and greatness within the Kingdom of Heaven. Set within the broader context of Jesus’ teachings on discipleship and community life, this passage challenges conventional views of greatness by highlighting humility, childlike innocence, and the importance of caring for the vulnerable. Jesus’ use of a child as a model for discipleship and His parable of the lost sheep underscore the radical nature of God’s love and the value He places on each individual soul.
The thematic thread that runs through all these readings is the transformative and sustaining power of God’s Word. Ezekiel’s consumption of the scroll symbolizes the need for complete openness and receptivity to God’s message, no matter how challenging it may be. The psalmist’s celebration of God’s law as a source of delight and guidance reinforces the idea that divine commandments are not merely rules but pathways to a deeper relationship with God. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals that true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is found not in power or status but in humility, trust, and loving care for the least among us.
These readings call us to a profound reflection on our own relationship with God’s Word. How do we receive it? Do we allow it to penetrate deeply into our hearts and transform us? Are we willing to embrace the humility and childlike trust that Jesus commends? As we journey through each passage, we are invited to discover the sweetness of God’s Word and its power to reshape our lives according to His divine will.
First Reading – Ezekiel 2:8-3:4
Consuming God’s Word
The Book of Ezekiel is set during a turbulent period in Israel’s history, specifically during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century B.C. Ezekiel, a priest by training, was among those deported to Babylon. His prophetic ministry took place during a time of great national crisis, where the Israelites were grappling with the destruction of Jerusalem, the loss of their temple, and their identity as God’s chosen people.
Ezekiel’s prophecies are marked by vivid and sometimes startling imagery, intended to shake a spiritually apathetic people into awareness and repentance. The prophet’s visions, including the famous vision of the dry bones, are rich in symbolism and convey the depth of Israel’s spiritual crisis, as well as the hope of restoration through God’s intervention.
In today’s passage, Ezekiel is called to his prophetic mission through a dramatic and symbolic act—eating a scroll given to him by God. This act represents the deep internalization of God’s message, preparing Ezekiel to deliver this message to the people of Israel. The scroll contains words of lamentation, mourning, and woe, reflecting the heavy and challenging nature of the message Ezekiel is to convey. Yet, despite its content, the scroll tastes as sweet as honey, symbolizing the ultimate goodness and truth of God’s Word, even when it brings hard truths.
Ezekiel 2:8-3:4 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
8 But you, mortal, hear what I say to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you. 9 I looked, and a hand was stretched out to me, and a written scroll was in it. 10 He spread it before me; it had writing on the front and on the back, and written on it were words of lamentation and mourning and woe.
3 He said to me, O mortal, eat what is offered to you; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. 3 He said to me, Mortal, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it. Then I ate it; and in my mouth it was as sweet as honey.
4 He said to me: Mortal, go to the house of Israel and speak my very words to them.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 8: “But you, mortal, hear what I say to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”
Here, God directly addresses Ezekiel, calling him “mortal” (often translated as “son of man” in other versions), emphasizing his human frailty in contrast to God’s divine authority. The command to “hear” and “not be rebellious” highlights the distinction between Ezekiel and the rebellious people of Israel. The act of eating what God gives symbolizes complete submission and obedience. Unlike Israel, who has turned away from God’s commandments, Ezekiel is called to fully accept and internalize God’s Word.
Verse 9-10: “I looked, and a hand was stretched out to me, and a written scroll was in it. He spread it before me; it had writing on the front and on the back, and written on it were words of lamentation and mourning and woe.”
In this vision, a divine hand presents Ezekiel with a scroll, symbolizing God’s message. The writing on both sides of the scroll is unusual for ancient documents, indicating that the message is complete and comprehensive, with no space left for additions. The content—lamentation, mourning, and woe—reflects the serious and sorrowful nature of the prophecies Ezekiel is to deliver, which speak of judgment and the consequences of Israel’s infidelity.
Chapter 3, Verse 1: “He said to me, O mortal, eat what is offered to you; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.”
God’s command for Ezekiel to eat the scroll is symbolic, representing the necessity for the prophet to fully internalize the divine message before proclaiming it. This act of eating signifies that the message must become a part of Ezekiel’s very being, influencing his thoughts, words, and actions as he goes forth to deliver God’s words to Israel.
Verse 2-3: “So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. He said to me, Mortal, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it. Then I ate it; and in my mouth it was as sweet as honey.”
Ezekiel’s immediate obedience is notable; he opens his mouth and eats the scroll, fulfilling God’s command. The sweetness of the scroll, despite its contents of lamentation, indicates the inherent goodness of God’s Word. Even when God’s message is difficult or challenging, it is ultimately sweet and life-giving to those who receive it in faith. This sweetness contrasts with the bitterness of the message’s content, emphasizing the dual nature of prophecy—both warning and hope.
Verse 4: “He said to me: Mortal, go to the house of Israel and speak my very words to them.”
After internalizing the message, Ezekiel is commanded to deliver it to the house of Israel. The phrase “my very words” underscores the divine origin of the message. Ezekiel is not speaking on his own authority but is conveying God’s words directly. This highlights the prophet’s role as a mediator between God and His people, tasked with the difficult job of delivering a message that will challenge and convict.
Teachings and References
The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights the vital role of Scripture in the life of the Church and the believer. It states, “Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his one Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely” (CCC 102). Ezekiel’s consumption of the scroll is a powerful illustration of this truth—God’s Word is meant to be internalized and lived out fully.
The act of eating the scroll also reflects the Eucharistic theme, where believers consume the Body and Blood of Christ, internalizing the Word made flesh (John 1:14). This spiritual nourishment is essential for the believer’s mission in the world, just as the scroll was essential for Ezekiel’s prophetic mission.
Saint John Chrysostom, one of the Church Fathers, commented on the necessity of being filled with God’s Word: “If we are sheep, we overcome; if wolves, we are overcome.” This metaphor emphasizes the transformative power of God’s Word in shaping our identity and guiding our actions.
Ezekiel’s experience also finds resonance in the lives of the saints who have been called to difficult missions. Saint Teresa of Avila, for example, was tasked with reforming the Carmelite order, a mission that brought her much opposition and hardship. Yet, like Ezekiel, she found sweetness in the fulfillment of God’s will, even when it involved great personal sacrifice.
Reflection
Ezekiel’s visionary experience challenges us to consider how we approach God’s Word. Do we merely read Scripture, or do we truly consume it—allowing it to become part of our very being, shaping our thoughts, decisions, and actions? Like Ezekiel, we are called to internalize God’s message, even when it is difficult or demands much from us.
In our lives, we often face messages from the world that are easier to swallow—messages that promise comfort, success, or popularity. However, these do not nourish our souls in the way God’s Word does. Scripture, with its challenging truths and life-giving wisdom, offers us the “sweetness” of a life lived in alignment with God’s will. It guides us, sustains us, and prepares us to be His messengers in a world that desperately needs His truth.
Reflecting on this passage, we can ask ourselves: Are we open to receiving the fullness of God’s Word, even when it convicts us or calls us to change? Do we allow Scripture to penetrate our hearts deeply, influencing how we live and interact with others?
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
Delighting in God’s Decrees
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, consisting of 176 verses divided into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structure reflects the psalmist’s intent to create a complete and comprehensive meditation on the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which represent the law of God given to Israel. The psalm is an acrostic poem, where each verse in a stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter, underscoring the importance of God’s law in every aspect of life.
This psalm is a profound reflection on the beauty, righteousness, and life-giving nature of God’s commandments. It speaks to the psalmist’s deep love for God’s law, which he sees not as a burden but as a source of joy, wisdom, and guidance. Throughout the psalm, the psalmist uses various terms such as “decrees,” “commands,” “statutes,” “ordinances,” and “precepts” to refer to different aspects of God’s law, emphasizing its richness and multifaceted nature.
The selected verses for today’s responsorial psalm focus on the psalmist’s delight in God’s decrees, his recognition of their value above all earthly wealth, and his longing for them as a source of spiritual sustenance. These verses echo the themes found in today’s other readings, particularly the sweetness and guidance of God’s Word.
Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
14 I delight in the way of your decrees
as much as in all riches.
24 Your decrees are my delight,
they are my counselors.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
111 Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
131 With open mouth I pant,
because I long for your commandments.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 14: “I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches.”
The psalmist expresses a profound joy and satisfaction in following God’s decrees, equating this delight with the value of great wealth. This verse emphasizes the psalmist’s understanding that true riches are not found in material possessions but in a life lived according to God’s will. The “way of your decrees” suggests that living in alignment with God’s commandments is a path to spiritual prosperity and fulfillment.
Verse 24: “Your decrees are my delight, they are my counselors.”
Here, the psalmist not only delights in God’s decrees but also sees them as his advisors or counselors. This verse highlights the guidance and wisdom found in God’s law, which serves as a reliable source of direction in life. By calling God’s decrees his “counselors,” the psalmist acknowledges his dependence on divine wisdom rather than human reasoning.
Verse 72: “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”
In this verse, the psalmist directly compares the value of God’s law to that of worldly wealth, finding the former to be far superior. This echoes the theme of valuing spiritual riches over material ones, a common theme in wisdom literature. The “law of your mouth” refers to the spoken commandments of God, which are treasured more than the accumulation of earthly wealth.
Verse 103: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
The imagery of sweetness, particularly honey, was used frequently in the ancient world to describe something desirable and delightful. Here, the psalmist compares God’s words to honey, the sweetest substance known in ancient times. This verse mirrors Ezekiel’s experience of finding the scroll “as sweet as honey” (Ezekiel 3:3) and emphasizes the deep satisfaction and joy that come from engaging with God’s Word.
Verse 111: “Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.”
The psalmist sees God’s decrees as a lasting inheritance, something that is passed down and cherished throughout generations. This verse highlights the enduring value of God’s commandments, which bring joy to the heart of the believer. The concept of heritage suggests that God’s law is not only valuable in the present but is a treasure that will continue to sustain and guide future generations.
Verse 131: “With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments.”
This verse captures a deep, almost visceral longing for God’s commandments, akin to a physical thirst or hunger. The psalmist’s “open mouth” symbolizes his eagerness and desperation for the life-giving sustenance found in God’s law. This longing reflects a heart that is fully oriented towards God and yearns for His guidance and presence.
Teachings and References
The verses from Psalm 119 reflect a profound theological understanding of the role of God’s law in the life of the believer. The Catechism states that “The Old Testament is an indispensable part of Sacred Scripture” (CCC 121), emphasizing that the laws and teachings found within it continue to hold deep spiritual value for Christians. Psalm 119, with its focus on the law, invites believers to embrace the wisdom and guidance offered by God’s commandments.
Saint Augustine, in his Confessions, expressed a similar longing for God: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” This restlessness and longing for God, as expressed in Psalm 119, is a natural response to the recognition of our need for divine guidance and sustenance.
The sweetness of God’s Word is also reflected in the New Testament, where Jesus declares, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). This highlights the importance of spiritual nourishment through Scripture, which feeds the soul and brings true satisfaction.
The Rule of Saint Benedict, which has guided monastic life for centuries, also emphasizes the importance of meditating on Scripture and living in accordance with God’s commandments. The psalmist’s delight and longing for God’s Word resonates with the Benedictine practice of lectio divina, a prayerful reading of Scripture that allows the Word of God to penetrate the heart and guide the soul.
Reflection
Psalm 119 invites us to reflect on our own relationship with God’s Word and commandments. Do we see them as a burden or as a source of joy and guidance? The psalmist’s deep delight and longing for God’s decrees challenge us to cultivate a similar love for Scripture in our own lives.
In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions abound and material success is often prioritized, it can be easy to lose sight of the spiritual riches found in God’s Word. Yet, this psalm reminds us that true fulfillment comes not from wealth or worldly achievements but from living in accordance with God’s will.
The psalmist’s recognition of God’s decrees as his “heritage forever” also invites us to consider the legacy of faith we are building. Are we passing down a love for Scripture and God’s commandments to future generations? How can we ensure that our children and communities value and cherish God’s Word as their lasting inheritance?
Holy Gospel – Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
The Greatness of Humility and the Love of the Shepherd
The Gospel of Matthew is rich with teachings of Jesus that reveal the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and the attitudes required of those who wish to enter it. In Matthew 18, Jesus addresses His disciples on matters of humility, care for the vulnerable, and the Father’s profound love for every individual, particularly those who have strayed. This chapter is often referred to as the “Discourse on the Church,” where Jesus lays out key principles for the community of believers.
The passage we focus on today is divided into two parts. The first part (verses 1-5) deals with the disciples’ question about greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus’ teaching on the importance of humility and childlike trust. The second part (verses 10, 12-14) presents the Parable of the Lost Sheep, a powerful illustration of God’s unwavering love and relentless pursuit of those who are lost.
This teaching comes at a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, as He prepares His disciples for the responsibilities they will carry within the early Church. Jesus challenges the cultural norms of status and hierarchy, instead lifting up the virtues of humility and care for the least among us as the true markers of greatness in the eyes of God.
Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
True Greatness
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.
12 What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 1: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’”
This question reflects a common human concern with status, recognition, and power. The disciples, perhaps influenced by societal norms, are curious about the criteria for greatness in the divine realm. Their question sets the stage for Jesus to radically redefine what it means to be great in God’s Kingdom.
Verses 2-3: “He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”
In response, Jesus brings a child into their midst, using this simple and powerful image to teach a profound spiritual truth. In ancient Jewish society, children were seen as dependent and vulnerable, with no social status or power. By saying that one must “change and become like children,” Jesus emphasizes the need for humility, trust, and a recognition of our dependence on God. Entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires a transformation of heart and attitude, moving away from pride and self-sufficiency towards the simplicity and openness of a child.
Verse 4: “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus further elaborates that true greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured not by status or achievements but by humility. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our true place before God, acknowledging that all we have is a gift from Him. In the Kingdom of Heaven, those who are humble and lowly, who trust in God rather than in their own power, are the ones who are exalted.
Verse 5: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
Jesus shifts from the attitude required to enter the Kingdom to the behavior expected within the community of believers. To welcome a child, or anyone who is vulnerable and powerless, in Jesus’ name is to welcome Jesus Himself. This teaching reinforces the idea that how we treat the least among us is a direct reflection of our relationship with Christ.
Verse 10: “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.”
Here, Jesus issues a stern warning against despising or looking down on the “little ones,” which refers not only to children but to all who are marginalized or vulnerable. The reference to their angels who “continually see the face of my Father in heaven” suggests that these individuals have a special place in God’s care and are closely watched over by heavenly beings. This verse underscores the dignity and value of every person in God’s eyes, especially those who are often overlooked by society.
Verses 12-14: “What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.”
In these verses, Jesus presents the Parable of the Lost Sheep, which illustrates the Father’s deep love and concern for each individual. The shepherd’s willingness to leave the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep symbolizes God’s relentless pursuit of those who are lost. The joy of the shepherd upon finding the lost sheep reflects the joy in heaven over a sinner who repents. This parable reveals the inclusive and merciful nature of God’s love, showing that no one is beyond His reach, and every soul is precious to Him.
Teachings and References
The teachings in this Gospel passage are foundational to understanding the nature of the Christian community and the values it is called to embody. The Catechism highlights the importance of humility, stating, “The way of Christ is the way of humility” (CCC 520). Humility is seen as essential for living out our Christian vocation, as it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and our need for His grace.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known as the “Little Flower,” exemplified the virtues of humility and childlike trust that Jesus speaks of in this passage. Her “Little Way” of spiritual childhood emphasized doing small things with great love and trust in God, reflecting the very essence of what it means to become like a child in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep is a powerful illustration of God’s mercy and the Church’s mission to seek out the lost and bring them back to the fold. Pope Francis has often spoken about the Church as a “field hospital” that goes out to meet those who are wounded and lost, echoing the shepherd’s pursuit of the stray sheep. This parable invites us to see evangelization not just as a duty but as a joyful response to God’s merciful love.
The reference to angels who continually see the face of the Father in heaven also connects to the Church’s teaching on guardian angels. The Catechism teaches that “from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession” (CCC 336). This teaching reassures us of God’s constant protection and concern for each of His children, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Reflection
The Gospel passage challenges us to examine our attitudes towards humility, status, and how we value others, especially the marginalized and vulnerable. In a world that often celebrates power, prestige, and self-promotion, Jesus calls us to embrace a different path—one marked by humility, trust, and a deep care for those who are often overlooked.
Reflecting on the image of the child, we are invited to cultivate a childlike trust in God, free from the burdens of pride and self-reliance. This trust allows us to fully depend on God’s providence and grace, recognizing that true greatness lies not in our achievements but in our openness to God’s will.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep also invites us to reflect on how we respond to those who have strayed or are lost. Do we, like the shepherd, go out of our way to seek them out and bring them back with love and compassion? This parable challenges us to see every person as valuable in God’s eyes, worthy of our time, effort, and care.
In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by consciously choosing humility in our interactions, welcoming those who are marginalized, and reaching out to those who are spiritually or physically lost. Whether it’s through simple acts of kindness, active listening, or offering a helping hand, we can reflect the love of the Good Shepherd in our own communities.
Embracing the Sweetness and Challenge of God’s Word
Today’s readings offer a profound invitation to immerse ourselves in the richness of God’s Word and to allow it to transform our hearts and lives. From Ezekiel’s consuming of the scroll to the psalmist’s delight in God’s decrees, and finally, to Jesus’ call to humility and His illustration of the Father’s relentless love, we are presented with a powerful tapestry of themes that speak directly to the core of our faith journey.
At the heart of these readings is the reminder that God’s Word is both sweet and challenging. It nourishes us, guides us, and sometimes confronts us with difficult truths that call us to change. Like Ezekiel, we are called to fully internalize God’s message, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and ultimately our identity as followers of Christ. The sweetness of God’s Word lies in its ability to bring life, wisdom, and joy to our souls, even when it requires us to confront uncomfortable realities or make difficult choices.
The Responsorial Psalm deepens this reflection by reminding us of the joy and fulfillment that come from living in accordance with God’s commandments. The psalmist’s words challenge us to examine what we truly value in life. Are we seeking worldly riches and success, or are we finding our true treasure in the wisdom and guidance of God’s law? The psalm calls us to delight in God’s Word, to see it not as a burden but as a source of profound joy and spiritual nourishment.
In the Gospel, Jesus offers us a radical redefinition of greatness, urging us to embrace humility and to care for the vulnerable and lost. This teaching challenges our modern-day assumptions about success and status, inviting us to adopt a childlike trust in God and a compassionate heart towards others. The Parable of the Lost Sheep, in particular, serves as a powerful reminder of the Father’s boundless love for each one of us, especially when we have strayed. It reassures us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and that every soul is precious in His eyes.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to a deeper commitment to living out these truths in our daily lives. This means embracing the fullness of God’s Word, finding joy in His commandments, and embodying the humility and love that Jesus exemplifies. It is an invitation to allow God’s Word to take root in our hearts, to transform us from within, and to guide us in all that we do.
Living Out the Readings
In practical terms, living out today’s readings might involve setting aside regular time for Scripture reading and reflection, allowing God’s Word to speak into the various areas of our lives. It could mean reassessing our priorities, choosing to value spiritual growth and obedience to God over the pursuit of material success or recognition. It also calls us to be attentive to the needs of those around us, particularly those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or have drifted away from the faith.
Today’s readings end with a call to action—a call to deepen our relationship with God and to embody His teachings in our lives. We are invited to approach God with the humility and trust of a child, to find delight in His Word, and to seek out those who are lost or in need of our compassion. By doing so, we not only grow in our own faith but also become instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world.
Let us go forth with a renewed commitment to living out the truths we have reflected on today. May we be open to the challenges that God’s Word presents, finding in them opportunities for growth and transformation. And may we always remember that, like the psalmist, we can find our true joy and fulfillment in the sweetness of God’s Word, a sweetness that surpasses all else.
Engage with Us!
We would love to hear your thoughts and reflections on today’s readings! Share your comments below and join the conversation.
Reflection Questions:
- Ezekiel 2:8-3:4: How do you internalize God’s Word in your daily life?
- Psalm 119: What role does Scripture play in guiding your decisions?
- Matthew 18:1-14: How can you cultivate a childlike humility and trust in your daily life?
Let’s walk together on this journey of faith, supporting one another as we strive to live according to God’s will. Your insights and experiences can inspire others and help build a community rooted in the love and truth of Christ.
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