“THE WORD EXPOSED”
Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle’s program The Word Exposed has become a Sunday TV habit for many people. It features Bishop Tagle’s engaging way of explaining the three liturgical readings for the Sunday Eucharist. A theologian of international calibre, Bishop Tagle worked with the International Theological Commission under the leadership of then Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) during the pontificate of Blessed John Paul II. What I like in his show is his standard extro. He ends his reflections with words to this effect: “The Word has been exposed, so now let us go to celebrate and to live it out.” These words echo the way Jesus punctuated His reading of the scroll of Isaiah: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Every communication is aimed at transmitting the truth. The truth, however, goes on to affect our life, our choices and judgments. The same is more true with God’s Divine Revelation. The Word of God is not simply for prayerful thoughts and good feelings — it must be fulfilled. In fact, the highest fulfillment of the Word of God is the Incarnation of Jesus.
“Living out” the truth of God’s Word involves:
Celebrating One’s Faith. In a world where everyone freely chooses what they believe in, living in the truth of God’s Word means to proclaim what one believes, in all its aspects and in all circumstances. It must be embraced in its totality.
Sincerity and Candor. This means consistency with one’s thoughts, words and actions. There should be no duplicity or hypocrisy. The efforts to apply the teachings of God’s Word should not be motivated by fear or desire for praise and adulation but by authentic faith, hope and love of God.
Truthfulness with Others. The Word of God teaches peace, justice and mercy, among others. Hence, to truly live the Word of God means to practice in our dealings the values and virtues that the teachings and examples of the Gospels underscore.Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What is your favorite Gospel verse and Gospel value? In what concrete ways do you live them out?
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to live out Your Word in me, notwithstanding the cost.
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