Theme: The Word Is Lived Before It Is Spoken A few days ago, I travelled to London for the celebration of the feast of St Paul, the patron saint of my missionary society. When I arrived at my former parish, the first thing I noticed was that the flowers at the parish house entrance were gone. Immediately, one name came to mind: Ivy. For many years, Ivy had quietly cared for those flowers. She made sure the entrance to the church house was welcoming and beautiful. She never stood at the microphone. She never preached a sermon. Yet every day, without words, she proclaimed something of God’s care and love. I tried calling her but received no answer. Later, I learned that Ivy had not been coming to church for some time. Her legs had grown weak, and she was falling often. I went to visit her at home. She was frail now, but her smile was still there, the same gentle heart. I prayed with her and left quietly. That simple experience helps us understand today’s celebration, the Sunday of the Word of God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus begins His ministry by proclaiming the Word: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” He then calls ordinary people, fishermen at work, and invites them to follow Him. Their response is not a speech. It is their lives. They leave their nets and walk with Him. The Word of God is not only something we hear. It is something we live. The first reading from Isaiah speaks of light shining in darkness. That light does not arrive with noise or drama. It appears quietly, in places that seem overlooked. Often, it shines through ordinary faithfulness. This message speaks deeply to many of us here today. Some of you were once very active in parish life. Now age or illness has slowed you down. You may wonder what remains of your faith, or what you are still contributing. Today’s feast reassures us: the Word you have lived does not disappear when strength fades. As Pope Francis reminds us, “The Word of God changes us when we allow it to shape our lives.” Even when our voices grow quiet, a life shaped by the Word continues to speak. As we listen to the Scriptures today, may we remember that the Gospel is proclaimed not only from the lectern, but through lives lived in love, patience, and quiet faithfulness. And may we trust that the Word we have lived will continue to bear fruit, in God’s time. Fr. Charles Ijeoma Egbon