Rooted in the Word

The story seems simple enough: a sower went out to sow. Last Sunday we heard Jesus’ parable about the Kingdom where he compares the Word of God as seed which is sown widely and in abundance. The teaching parable continues about how some seed fell on the path, only to be eaten up by the birds. Other seed fell on rocky soil and with the rising of the harsh sun was scorched. Thorns grew around still other young plants and choked out life from them.

Matthew ends Jesus’ discourse with how the Word is received. The Word is received differently in the believing community. Some receive the Word without understanding it adequately. Others are enthusiastic at the beginning and, for one reason or another, lose heart in their progress in the Kingdom. Some are anxious over many things. Others find riches more enticing than the pursuit of the things of the Kingdom.

Matthew’s presentation of the parable offers insight into our own rooting in the Word of God. As people of the Church, invited and on our way to the Kingdom, we are rooted in the Word. What does that mean? How do we get in touch with the action of God in his Word? Catholics continue to seek a renewed share in the rich heritage of the scriptures in the life of the Church.

Church Expressed in the Word
Our roots in the scriptural Word of God are well expressed in our liturgical traditions and practices. The liturgy is in our long tradition formed and shaped by the Word. Our most common experience of the Word of God as revelatory and celebrated is in the Sunday Eucharist. Each Sunday the community gathers to hear God’s Word. From the earliest days of the Church, the three reading pattern has been the worship rhythm and format for the gathered believers.

The Sunday Liturgy of the Word begins with readings selected from the Jewish scriptures. The exception is during the Easter Season when the readings are from the Acts of the Apostles, where the Easter story of the early Church is described. The second reading is chosen from the Epistles of the New Testament. Between the two words of covenant, the Word of God is celebrated in song

with a psalm, the hymns of praise, and thanks to God. The Word liturgy is concluded with the proclamation of the Gospel. This proclamation is celebrated in song with preceding gospel acclamations and, at times, the singing of the gospel text.

The gestures of the community in the liturgy are expressive of the faith of the Church in the worshipping Assembly. A procession of the Book of the Gospel begins the Gospel. On more festive days, the Book is accompanied by candles and incense. The Gospel is solemnly begun by priest or deacon with the greeting, “The Lord be with you.” The Assembly recognizes that presence with their response, “And also with you.” In the gospel, the Presence of the Lord is recognized and made real within the community.

The signing of the Book and the signing of priest or deacon and the people on their forehead, on their lips, and over their heart is a prayer of blessing. Such liturgical blessing is a discovery of God present to us in Christ by the action of the Spirit. The prayer of blessing for the proclaimer of the Gospel explains: “May the Lord be on your lips and in your heart, that you might worthily proclaim the gospel.” At the end of the reading, the Gospel Book is reverently kissed by the priest or deacon.

Sowing and Reception
In the liturgy, the Word of God is sown and received with faith and understanding. In its rhythm and rituals, God shows himself to us and we come to know his presence and actions among us. All hear. All are invited to understand. All are called to the Kingdom of God. How each receives and understands is the rich blessing of diversity within the Church. Almost like the Pentecost experience, each believer hears “as in his own language,” with unique heart and mind. As always in the Jewish and Christian scriptures, God gathers a People for himself.

The Word continues to be sown in abundance, in all corners of the earth, in the diversity of our communities, and with many believers. The invitation is to receive the Word with joy and in that Word to bear fruit worthy of the Kingdom. Together as believers we come to know the Father in Christ. In that knowledge and understanding we bear the fruits of the Spirit.

CDH