The Word of God

We are rarely satisfied with what we have and who we are. Spiritually speaking, we would like to behave better and radiate fine virtues, not to mention that many aspire to holiness. These desires are genuine, because we were created to be holy (Mt 5:48). However, St Paul says: ‘For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, I do’ (Rom 7:19). Perhaps we would like to avoid impurity but fail to do so? Perhaps we would like to exercise self-control, to forgive, to love, but we are jealous, quick-tempered, and so on… Perhaps we would like to love God with all our heart, but to no avail. We were created to be like God, but because of sin we live far from him, or not as close to him as he would wish. The consequence of sin is a lack of joy; it is death. The prodigal son had abandoned his father, believing he was enjoying life, and he suffered terribly as a result.

Just as parents seek the best for their children, God seeks the happiness of humankind. When two people are deeply at odds, they do not communicate. Yet, despite our sins, God seeks us out. He wants to restore His relationship with us; He wants us to be well; He wants us to live with Him. ‘Though he had lost your friendship by separating himself from you, you did not abandon him to the power of death. ’ (Roman Missal: Eucharistic Prayer No. 4).

God, whose light is unapproachable (1 Tim 6:16), wishes to share his life with his creatures. Human beings, on their own, cannot fathom the mystery of God. That is why God reveals himself and desires that humankind should know his will (Eph 1:9). He sends his Word. The Word of the Father is a sign of reconciliation with him. The Word of God gives eternal life (Jn 6:68).

But do we welcome God’s Word? Do we accept it? A true disciple of Jesus is one who, in every situation, allows themselves to be overcome by what the Word of God says. Often, our ‘yes’ to God is merely a nod of agreement and not an acceptance of his will, as the Virgin Mary did. How often do we say, ‘Jesus, you are my friend’, and yet throughout the day we ignore or forget his presence by our side? How can we have a close friend and not spend enough time with him, listening to him and talking to him? Perhaps we are so busy and in such a hurry that we do not have enough time to devote to him? If we claim to have him as a close friend, we would set aside time to converse affectionately with him every day. The Word of God is God (cf. Jn 1:1). This is the reality we experience at Christmas.

St John of the Cross states this clearly: ‘God, who sends us his Son, has no further words to give us. He has said everything in this Word (…) because what he said in part through the prophets, he has said in full through his Son by giving him to us. So why question him or seek visions and revelations? This is not only folly but an insult to God. ’ At Christmas, we celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world, but also into our lives. What bears witness to the fact that Jesus lives within me? That I live by his Word (cf. Jn 14:23). Season’s greetings.

Henri Bayemi