Third Sunday in Ordinary Time In this Sunday's first reading (Nehemiah 8:2-10), we see Ezra - a strong religious leader - read the law that God gave to Moses.  Ezra read out of the book to the assembled people, from daybreak until mid-day - 6 hours!  It was a long day.  The men, women and children that were old enough to understand were willing to gather and listen to the reading of the law for at least six hours because they understood that they were in need of hearing it.  They knew they had strayed from the word of God, and they wept.  The people realized the importance and the power of God's word. Today, we need to listen to God's Holy Word very closely, not just hear the word, but listen, study and examine the Word of God; then define how it has affected our life.  Ezra, upon seeing the people weeping, tells them not to cry, but to rejoice.  It's good to repent, but it's not about how sinful we have been, but about how much our Father God loves us and wants us to be with him in our everlasting home. So celebrate and give thanks to God for his great love and mercy. In today's second reading (I Cor. 12:12-30), we hear Paul's metaphor of the church as a body whose parts must work in harmony for the good of the whole church.  He is saying "you" have a very important part to play in the life and actions of that one body.  Everyone does not have to be the same, think alike or do the same things.  St. Paul tells his community, and us also, to be grateful to God for the wonderful gifts we have been given.  But these gifts are to be used for the benefit of our faith community. Paul reminds his community that all gifts are necessary and compliment each other.  The church cannot exist with only clergy and religious.  The church needs workers and ministers: men and women who bring their gifts to the community to minister each other.  Pray to the Holy Spirit to help you share your gifts with your community, your friends and family.  Today we live in a world that is very materialistic and growing more selfish, and we have a responsibility as Christians to set a noticeable example of the selfless love and care that Christ would give to all people.  We are the body and Christ is our head, and "they'll know we are Christians by our love." This Sunday's Gospel is from Luke 1:1-4 & 4:14-21 - the account of Jesus' return to his hometown.  As an observant Jew, Jesus worshipped in the synagogue.  As Jesus stands to interpret the reading, he announces that the day of fulfillment has come.  He comes with good news to those who are poor, to those who are powerless, who are captive, blind, in prison - to all who are in pain and rejected.  He is to be identified with the disenfranchised and the forgotten. Like Jesus, we too are called to bring the Good News to the poor and forgotten.  We can bring comfort to the sick and the homebound.  We can be tolerant of those who are 'different' than we are and patient with those who 'try' our patience.  We can share our abundance with the needy or assist the elderly, who often need a helping hand, a warm smile or just a hug. So, let's rejoice as we hear the Good News today and let's celebrate, for we know that Jesus is with us as we carry on with His ministry.  Jesus said: "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."  He has arrived and is here with us now.  Now is the time of salvation, the time to put our gifts into action, to walk fearlessly with our God - for he is with us now and forever.      -Sunday, January 25, 2004