The Gospel Acclamation verse for this weekend as proclaimed by the cantor is “Your words, Lord are Spirit and Life.”
Since the Holy Spirit was present when the Word became Flesh to dwell among us, and the Son of God is united to the Father and Holy Spirit in triune splendor, we know that the Words of Jesus are filled with Spirit and Life! In fact, when the word is spoken at Mass through the voice of the lector, those words are full of spirit and life at that moment. The word of God is in fact bread for our souls. We take in the word of God at Mass, much in the same way a plant takes in water and sunlight. We are consumed with the word of God. Our God speaks to us in the Word. Later in the Mass, we are fed again, with the Bread of Life, where the Body, Soul and Divinity of Christ is consumed and dwells deep within us.
With both the Word and the Eucharist, we have the strength to carry out the mission God has intended for us! We are equipped with the armor that will lead us in the battle. We praise you, O God! What great hope this reality should be for us!