Delivered by Vici from the Parish of John the Baptist in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. 1 Timothy 1: 15-17; Rs psalm 113: 1-2.3-4.5a.6-7; Luke 6: 43-49.

HEARING AND CARRYING OUT GOD'S WORD

Our meditation today is entitled: Hearing and CarryingOut God's Word.   Hearing the word of Godis the first step in a disciple of Christ's journey of faith. But Jesusemphasizes that it is not enough to stop at hearing. A word that is only heardwithout being carried out is like a seed that falls on rocky ground, grows fora while and then withers.

Therefore, the fundamental task of a disciple is tolisten with an open heart, and then to put the word into practice. Thus, faithbecomes alive, not just words or knowledge.

Jesus gave the parable of the man who built a house ona solid rock. The house is resistant to rain, wind, and flooding, because thefoundation is solid. Such is the one who hears the word of God and puts it intopractice.

On the contrary, a person who only hears but does notdo is like a person who builds on sand: fragile, wobbly, and easily collapsedwhen temptation comes. This picture confirms that obedience to the word is thetrue foundation of spiritual life.

Putting the word into practice means uniting faith anddeeds. A disciple of Christ is not only good at quoting words, but actuallyputting them into practice in everyday life. For example, when Jesus teaches tolove one's enemy, a disciple does not stop at theoretical understanding. Hedares to forgive even though his heart is hurting, dares to greet those whostay away, and dares to pray for those who hurt him. This is the concrete formof the living and working word.

We can see a real illustration of a mother whopatiently educates her children. She not only taught prayer and kindness inwords, but also set an example by living simply, lovingly, and honestly. When herchildren saw that consistency, they learned that the Word was not just talkedabout, but lived. The mother's life became a model of faith that grew, and herhousehold was strong in the midst of life's challenges.

Every disciple of Christ is called to be such a realmodel. It is easier for the world to believe in consistent living testimonythan in beautiful words. Saint John Chrysostom was famous for his extraordinarypreaching, which amazed and delighted his listeners. But he also became asteadfast, responsible and consistent model of Christian life as a Bishop whobuilt the Church and guided His people to God.

Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord, teach usalways to be consistent in our words and actions as Your beloved sons anddaughters. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In thename of the Father …