# Listening to God’s Word in the First Week of Advent
*2014-10-29*

> Bill Young reflects on the importance of hearing and living the Word of God during Advent, emphasizing that God has already spoken and we must listen.

## God Has Already Spoken

Today is Tuesday of the first week of Advent, and we’re using the prayer book *Our Advent Journey with Christ*. As Pope Francis reminds us, “God has already spoken; let us listen.” Jeremiah 13:15 says, “Hear and give ear; do not be haughty, for the Lord has spoken.” The entire mission of evangelization is rooted in God’s Word. We are called to listen, meditate, live, celebrate, and bear witness.

## The Word at the Heart of the Church

The Sacred Scriptures are the source of all evangelization. The Church cannot evangelize unless she herself is continually evangelized by the Word. It is indispensable that God’s Word be at the heart of every activity, especially the Eucharist, where it nourishes and strengthens us to offer an authentic witness to the Gospel in daily life.

## Preparing for the Sacraments

Effective preaching of the Word prepares us to receive the sacraments, where the Word reaches its fullest impact. Study of the sacred sacraments should be open to every believer, enriching our catechesis and helping us pass on the faith.

## A Call to Ongoing Scripture Study

Evangelization demands familiarity with God’s Word, which requires ongoing, prayerful study of the Bible. We must not wait passively for God to speak; the Word has already been revealed. Let us receive the sublime treasures of the revealed Word.

## Prayer for Listening

God, help me to listen to your Word.

*Advent invites us to hear the Word that has already been spoken and to let it shape every aspect of our lives.*