EAT THE WORD
Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Psalm 119; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Ezekiel is commanded to eat the scroll before preaching it to Israel (Ezek. 2:8-3:4). The prophet must first internalize God’s Word before proclaiming it to others. The scroll contained “lamentation, mourning and woe,” reminding us that preaching is not about telling people only what they want to hear, but faithfully proclaiming what God wants them to hear.
We need to rise in that energy today. We need to eat the Word, digest it properly and preach it sincerely. Sometimes we just want to engage in popular and exciting spiritual gestures, without proper knowledge of God’s Word. It is an error.
In the gospel, the disciples ask, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus answers by placing a child before them: “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3). In God’s Kingdom, greatness is not about position, fame or applause; it is about humility, trust and dependence on God.
Today, Ezekiel teaches us to eat the Word; Jesus teaches us to become humble enough to live it. Let’s eat the Word, live it and preach it.
In addition, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Clare today. Through her life of simplicity, poverty and total dependence on Christ. She reminds us that true greatness is not possessing much, but possessing Christ deeply.
Prayer
Lord, make us faithful preachers of your Word. May our lives preach Christ before our lips do. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
