Archbishop Rodrigues: The Word of God is a message of salvation
The Archdiocese of Mumbai celebrated the first Sunday of the Word of God at the Archdiocesan seminary in Goregaon. “Jesus is the light of the nation,” he said, whilst “The Bible gives us the faith experience of the apostles and the communities they founded.” The prelate also highlighted the values enshrined in the Constitution as the celebration fell on Republic Day.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – The Word of God is a “message of salvation,” said Mgr John Rodrigues, Auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai and President of the Archdiocesan Bible Commission, who spoke on the first Sunday of the Word of God, which the local Church marked at the Archdiocesan seminary in Goregaon.
In his homily, the bishop noted that "the significance of the Bible” lies in the fact that it is “no ordinary book” for it “contains the message of Salvation".
Since last Sunday was also India’s Republic Day, Mgr Rodrigues used the opportunity to highlight “another book, the Constitution of our nation.” In view of its importance, the prelate urged the faithful to “pray that the values enshrined [therein] may always be upheld” and that the “Light of Christ may always shine on us.”
Citing the First reading from the book of Isaiah, he added: “Isaiah tells the People of Israel, the people who walked in darkness and saw a great light” that among “those who live in shadow, a light has shone. Isaiah goes on to say that their hearts will be glad at harvest time.”
Indeed, “Light dispels darkness. Light guides our path. Light is a symbol of God’s presence – showing us the way, setting us free from darkness. Light fills us with joy.
“In Jesus the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled. Jesus is the light of the nations. Jesus, eternal Word of God, is our light. What was promised to the people of Israel is now fulfilled in him. The Bible gives us the faith experience of the apostles and the communities they founded. They share their experience of the glory of God as they encountered the Word made flesh.”
In concluding, the archbishop quoted Pope Francis who warns against “a tendency to monopolize the sacred text by restricting it to certain circles or to select groups. It cannot be that way. The Bible is the book of the Lord’s people, who, in listening to it, move from dispersion and division towards unity. The word of God unites believers and makes them one people.”
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26/01/2020 13:24
