Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Jews, Muslims, and Christians are collectively known as "People of the Book," with each faith grounded in its own sacred texts. For Muslims, it is the Koran; for Jews, what Christians call the Old Testament; and for Christians, both the Old and New Testaments with Jesus Christ at the center of their faith. On this Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Pope Francis has designated it as "Sunday of the Word of God." Reflecting on this occasion, a past intervention by Cardinal Marc Ouellet at a Synod of Bishops comes to mind. He noted that while Christians are indeed "People of the Book," they might more accurately be described as "People of the Word." This distinction is due to their belief in a living Person as the Word—specifically, Jesus Christ.

Some misconceptions exist among certain Christian groups who believe that God dictated every word of Sacred Scriptures. However, this view is challenged by others who assert that while inspired by God through the Holy Spirit, these scriptures were not directly dictated. Instead, they stem from real encounters between people and God—stories encompassing faith, betrayal, forgiveness, and hope. Such experiences predate their documentation. An example cited is today's First Reading about priest Ezra reading from God's Law before his people—a powerful event recorded after it occurred.

The significance lies in understanding that although Scripture was completed shortly after Jesus' apostles passed away—with nothing new added—the foundational experiences continue today. St. Paul emphasizes that each person is an essential part of Christ's living Body which remains active among us through His saving Word.

When healing those physically or spiritually unwell or combating negative forces like self-hatred or despair—the living Word remains effective as St Paul describes: sharper than any two-edged sword. Visiting prisoners or aiding them post-release embodies giving liberty to captives—a scriptural passage fulfilled today when helping others see light amid darkness fulfills opening blind eyes now too.

Yet caution must prevail against ego-driven actions masquerading as help; instead immersion within God's Word via reading meditation study ensures guidance solely under Jesus' influence throughout our journey serving one another.

No further Sacred Scriptures will emerge but unity with Jesus allows fulfilling existing ones through actions alongside words forming intimate communion enabling daily manifestation within worldly contexts we inhabit together utilizing individual talents gifts towards collective embodiment making God's Word flesh anew continually.