St Anthony (270-356) is called the father of monasticism, both eastern and western. According to tradition, he gave up all his possession and led a life of subsistence level. At first, he lived outside the villages, leading a life of prayers and fasting. Later, he moved deeper into the wilderness and even desert in Egypt. Many people followed his example, ran away from urban life. Some probably escaped from persecutions. But many other were genuinely seeking God. These monks lived independently in huts or caves but came together to worship or listen to St. Anthony who did not just talk about the teachings of the gospel, but to become one living the gospel teachings.
You and I may not be good at preaching. But at least we can hear. So, what reactions do we have in hearing the Word of God? Are our hearts hardened (Exodus 7:13)? Do we allow Satan to take the word away from our heart (Luke 8:12)? Do we question God's word in our hearts (Mark 2:6) or ponder them in our hearts (Luke 2:19)? Hearing explanations, do our hearts burn within us (Luke 24:37)? Are we cut to our hearts (Acts 2:37)?
I am sure there are many other reactions other than those mentioned above. Each one of us reacted uniquely to the Word of God.
The author of Hebrews has a different vision of the Word of God.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
Have we ever reacted in the way described by the author of Hebrews? For him, the Word of God does not just touch our hearts, but also our bones and marrow as well. This must be a very tremendous and demanding impression. Simeon told Mary that a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:35). Perhaps this sword does not only refer to the suffering Mary experienced in the Passion of Jesus. It might also refer to the Word of God which, according to the author of Hebrews, is a two-edged sword that pierces the soul and the spirit, the joints and marrows as well. The Word of God is powerful. But do we allow the Word of God declares its power over us? Are we prepared to live up to the teachings of the gospels like St. Anthony? May God help us to do so.
According to the author of Hebrews, Jesus is the high priest who understands our needs. He is sympathetic. The incarnated Word of God understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, our task is to hold fast our faith and pride in our hope (Hebrews 3:6). What does it mean? What is our hope? Jesus Christ, our Lord is our hope.
Dear Lord, You are our hope. Carry us through. Amen.
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