John 1:1-18
The Gospel chosen for this Sunday, the Solemnity of the Word of God, opens with some of the most powerful and poetic words in all Scripture: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, John introduces us to Jesus not simply as teacher or prophet, but as the very Word of God - the divine communication, the expression, and the presence of God Himself.
The Word is not just words on a page or sounds in the air. In the Scriptures, the “Word” (Greek: Logos) is God’s creative force, wisdom, and love in action. “All things came to be through him… What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race.” Through the Word, God creates, breathes life into the world, and continues to sustain all that exists. The Word is the source of everything - including our own lives.
But this Word is not distant or abstract. John tells us the Word "became flesh and made His dwelling among us." Jesus, the Word, stepped into our history, our world, our joys and struggles. He became one of us so that we might know God—not as an idea, but as a living, loving presence. This is the heart of our faith: God speaks to us and lives among us through Christ.
To see the Word is to see light that no darkness can overcome. In a world often marked by confusion, uncertainty, and suffering, the Word of God brings us direction, comfort, and hope. His light shines, guiding us out of darkness - if we are willing to listen and receive it.
John the Baptist reminds us that we, too, are called to testify to the Word. We are to live in such a way that the Word continues to echo in today’s world - by letting our lives reflect Christ’s truth, compassion, and love.
Yet, John also reminds us of a challenge: “He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.” The Word can sometimes be ignored, rejected, or simply left unopened on our shelves or in our hearts. But to those who do accept the Word, “he gave power to become children of God.” When we listen to the Word, believe it, and allow it to shape our lives, we become part of God’s family. We are changed from within and receive “grace in place of grace.”
Let us ask ourselves:
How much space do I give the Word of God in my life?
Do I approach Scripture with openness, letting it challenge, comfort, and change me?
What practical steps can I take to cherish, listen to, and share the living Word with others?
As we reflect on this Gospel, let us renew our commitment to welcome the Word of God into our hearts each day. Let us strive to read, meditate on, and live by His Word - so that Jesus, the living Word, can truly dwell within us and shine through us for our world.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” May we recognize, receive, and reflect the Word - God’s love for us - in all that we are and do.