"In the beginning was the Word" (Jn 1:1). "Your rebirth has come, not from a destructible but from an indestructible seed, through the living and enduring word of God" (1 Pt 1:23). "He wills to bring us to birth with a word spoken in truth" (Jas 1:18).

"The seed is the word" (Lk 8:11), which is the beginning of life, birth, revival, and renewal. At the beginning of world evangelization, Church renewal, and family restoration is the Word of God. Ezra began the revival of the Israelites by reading "out of the book from daybreak until midday," "interpreting it so that all could understand what was read" (Neh 8:3, 8). "All the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law" (Neh 8:9). When Ezra finished reading, "all the people went to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been expounded to them" (Neh 8:12).

Jesus began forming a new people on the day He rose from the dead. He "explained the Scriptures" to two disciples and set their hearts on fire (Lk 24:32). "God's word is living and effective" (Heb 4:12). It does not return void, but does God's will, "achieving the end" for which He sent it (Is 55:11). Dry bones rattle when the Word of God is proclaimed (Ez 37:7).

God's Word is changing the world at this moment. Will you let His Word change you?

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 12, 2017

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