The Word—Dabar in Hebrew and Logos in Greek—reveals God’s will, intentions, and divine purposes. It is powerful, creative, redemptive, and sustaining. In Genesis 1:3, God said, “Let there be light,” and creation came into being. His Word, first proclaimed orally by prophets and later written, became the foundation of the Old Testament. The teachings of Jesus, His disciples, and St. Paul form the New Testament. Together, they make up the Holy Bible—God’s living Word inspired by the Holy Spirit. God has revealed Himself fully through the prophets and ultimately through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1; John 1:1–3). Jesus, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), came to redeem humanity. His words are spirit and life (John 6:63). We are not called to rewrite the Scriptures, but to continuously reread, reflect upon, and live the Word of God.
The Christian life stands on two foundational pillars: The Word of God and The Holy Eucharist. God’s Word reveals His loving will, leading us to repentance, humility, and obedience—like Abraham, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Claret, and countless holy men and women. The Holy Eucharist brings unity, peace, healing, and spiritual nourishment, strengthening our hearts and minds, especially in times of trial. Through the Eucharist, we encounter the real presence of Jesus, our source of strength and hope in God. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). He also declared, “My words are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). His Word has the power to give life—physically and spiritually. Through his Words, Jesus called His disciples, commissioned them, and sent them with power to preach the Good News and drive out demons. He preached, performed miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead, calmed storms, forgave sins, and promised eternal life, peace, and joy.
The Word of God shapes our identity and mission. It deepens our understanding of God and humanity, and must be celebrated with great joy and reverence. As 2Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Therefore, we must read, study, and pray with the Word. Ongoing formation for catechists, children, and ministers is essential.
As part of our missionary mandate and the biblical apostolate of our Province, I have undertaken the mission of teaching the Word of God within our parish and to broader audiences, both local and international. This is carried out through Biblical Studies, preaching, and teaching—online and in persons. We, the Claretian Missionaries, are called to be Servants of the Word. It is our duty and joy to carry forward Jesus’ mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the charism of our Founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret. As St. Paul wrote, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:14–17).
Let us be doers of the Word (James 1:22), bearing fruit in love, forgiveness, patience, hope, and compassion. May the Holy Spirit help us, as He helped Mary, to treasure and live the Word for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.
Fr. Bijoy Chandra Nayak, CMF – Leyton, London, UK
