Jesus once said, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Today, we are reminded of the importance of the word of God in our lives. In the first reading from Jeremiah, we hear the prophet's reluctance to accept God's call to be a prophet. Jeremiah's response is one that many of us can relate to: "I know not how to speak; I am too young." But God's response is clear: "Say not, 'I am too young.' To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you."
When we receive God's word, we must respond with obedience, just as Jeremiah eventually did. The less we procrastinate, the better.
In the Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus teaches about the importance of this. He uses the parable of the sower to illustrate how differently people receive and respond to God's word. Some seed falls on hard ground and is eaten by birds, while others fall among thorns and are choked out. But some seed falls on good soil and produces a rich harvest. So, where am I at? How have I allowed the word of God to shape my life?
The Word of God played a profound role in shaping the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Here are some ways in which the Word of God shaped his life:
Francis had a dramatic conversion experience while praying before a crucifix in the deteriorated chapel of San Damiano, where he heard God's voice saying, "Francis, go and repair my house, which is falling apart."
Here, Francis literally heard God’s words, but like the prophet Jeremiah, didn’t understand its immediate implications. Initially, he believed God was referring to the actual chapel he was in, kneeling in prayer, which was falling to ruins, whereas God had his sights on much larger things – his universal Church which he established on the Apostle Peter. God wanted Francis to repair the Church through authentic gospel living, which meant, a radical living of his words as recorded in Scripture. It would take Francis time, years even, before he could fully appreciate this.
The Bible therefore, was a constant source of inspiration for Francis. He often read and meditated on passages like Psalm 119:105 ("Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path"), and Psalm 119:50 ("I will ponder your precepts and consider your paths"), and Matthew 10:28-31 ("Do not be afraid; I am with you always. Go out and preach the kingdom of God"). The Word of God guided Francis in his personal struggles and decisions, such as whether to abandon his pursuit of a military career or to accept other men joining him in his mission and what that would look like. Eventually, over five thousand joined him, and that brought with it many blessings but a whole slew of complications that needed to be ironed out. Hence his being inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a rule of life for all the friars.
The Gospel's teachings on poverty and detachment from material possessions resonated deeply with Francis. He renounced his family's wealth and became a beggar, embracing poverty as a way to follow Jesus' example (Matthew 19:21), who though he was and remained always God eternal, nevertheless emptied himself in assuming a human nature so as to become a servant among us. This motivated Francis to care for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
Francis believed that meditation on the Word of God was essential for spiritual growth. He spent hours each day in prayer, reflection, and contemplation, seeking to deepen his understanding of God's will and to conform himself to Christ. This was akin to a body builder spending hours in the gym carving out his strength, only for Francis, this meant receiving sustenance and energy from the word of God, which in turn would help him grow strong in the virtuous living. If only we could all learn that lesson.
In conclusion, let us remember that the word of God is not just a theoretical concept or a set of moral teachings. It is a living and active force that has the power to transform our lives and bring us closer to Him. Let us cultivate it in our hearts and minds, so that through his grace and mercy, we can have the strength and ability to live out his will always. Amen.
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