The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is the Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis in 2019. In the first four verses of St. Luke's Gospel which have been read to you today, you will find reason to be grateful to him. He went to a lot of trouble in order to put in a permanent form, in a written record, the essential facts concerning Christ, his words and his works, so that we "would understand (like Theophilus) the certainty of the faith in which we have been instructed.
We have a priceless gift of God in the inspired Books of the Bible. Let us show true appreciation for that gift by using it to build up a better knowledge of the Christian faith which it teaches us. There should be a Bible, or at least the New Testament, in every Christian home. It should not be an ornament on a shelf, but a fountain and source from which we can draw strength and refreshment in the daily practice of our Christian faith. Almost two thousand years ago, God's infinite goodness provided this source of strength, the "fountain of living water," for us Christians of this century. Are we grateful for his thoughtfulness? Are we nourishing our faith at this blessed fountain of his infinite wisdom and love?
Thank You! A special note of thanks to everyone who has been keeping me in prayer, offered me congratulations and has exercised patience as I was preparing for episcopal ordination to serve as the Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh. This has truly been a humbling experience. Please continue to pray for me as I “learn the ropes” and try to answer the Lord’s call to the best of my ability.
View a recording of Bishop Eckman’s Ordination Mass at www.YouTube.com/diopitt