2nd Tuesday of Lent - Homily - Finding Hope in the Liturgy of the Word

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031825.cfm 

Today, because no priest are available, we are having a Liturgy of the Word. We will not have the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We will not have communion. Just a humble liturgy of the word where we read scripture, sit in moments of silence, and offer our prayers to God.

The Liturgy of the Word is the Church’s public proclamation of God's word.

It is a ministry entrusted to the deacon. At ordination, the Bishop presents a newly ordained deacon with the Book of the Gospels and says, "Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach." 

Deacons are called to proclaim the Gospel at Mass, deliver homilies, and teaching the faith; but, we cannot perform the the liturgy of the Eucharist. As Catholics we know that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Faith. But the faithful should also remember the importance of the word of God proclaimed in the Liturgy of the Word.

It is a beautiful and profound encounter with God's Word. It can foster a sense of wonder and understanding of God's love. A love that calls us to action, urging us to live out the Gospel message in our daily lives. The Liturgy of the Word is the Word of God. It is the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

Isaiah proclaimed, "Hear the word of the LORD, listen to the instruction of our God, let us set things right." ….“Put away your misdeeds, cease doing evil, learn to do good. Make justice your aim…”

The Gospel reading is a high point of the Liturgy of the Word. Today’s Gospel reading reminds us to remain humble. And in the Liturgy of the Word is our humble encounter with the Goodness, Truth, and Beauty of the word of God. It is a direct meeting with God himself.

We are called to be Pilgrims of Hope and the Liturgy of the Word is where we can find hope. Hope found in meeting God in the simplicity of His word. In the simplicity of love and scripture, silence, and prayer. 

In scripture, silence and prayer, we are humbled by the presence of God. God’s word humbles the Church. As Jesus says, "The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Some will be disappointed because we did not have the Liturgy of the Eucharist. If that is true, maybe we did not hear the question God asks in the psalms, "Why do you cast my words behind you?" 

Friends, don’t be disappointed there is no communion. Instead rejoice in the word of God.

Amen