Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the 17th week in ordinary time, August 1, 2025, Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Delivered by Evelyn from the Parish of Holy Spirit in the Archdiocese of Singapore. Leviticus 23: 1.4-11.15-16.27.34b-37; Rs psalm 81: 3-4.5-6ab.10-11ab; Matthew 13: 54-58. CELEBRATION OF FAITH Our meditation today is entitled:Celebration of Faith. Someone is said to have good faith if he possesses thesethree elements: knowledge, celebration and practice or life of faith. Knowledgecontains doctrines, teachings or dogmas. Celebration manifests in worship,sacrament, prayer and devotion. The practice or life of faith is manifested inthe testimony, dedication and service in real life. In particular regarding thecelebration of faith, institutions or the set-up of time, procedures, placesand participation are the basic elements. This establishment is intended that acelebration of faith is to be celebrated together in the fellowship of thepeople of God. The old testament testifies that Mosesstarted the institution of celebrations of faith as said the first reading oftoday. There is a number of the institutions of celebrations made by Moses inthe law, for example the Passover or God's victory falls on the 14thday of the first month. The 15th day of the same month is thecelebration of unleavened bread, and so on. This legacy of Moses was thenpassed on in the New Testament and continues being celebrated in the Church tothis day. The third commandment of God is tosanctify the Lord's day. The Church sets the rules not only for our obligatorySundays, but also holidays and feasts. This is the command of God, so it is anobligation. One who fails to do this, he is against God. Beside, there arepractices of devotion that are celebrated in the Church, although not anobligation, but it is very useful to strengthen our faith. For example theRosary and spiritual songs, they really strengthen our faith. One of the celebrations of faith whichis our main duty as followers of Christ is the celebration of the Word of God.We have many celebrations when the Word of God is read, listened to,contemplated and shared. Worship can be done in chapel or church with orwithout the eucharist, the opportunity to celebrate the Word is badly needed.The synagogue is where the Word of God is celebrated according to Jewish rule.But when Jesus was about to celebrate the Word in his place of origin, His ownpeople refused and did not want the Word to be celebrated with them. As aresult of rejecting this celebration of faith, there was no blessing from Godand none of God's great deeds came upon them. The celebration of faith aims topraise and glorify God, is to open ourselves to receive blessings from God. Letus be joyful to always celebrate our faith. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for the opportunity every day forus to celebrate Your Word. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the HolySpirit ... In the name of the Father ...