# Nourished by God's word
*2016-02-16*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Gilbert of England and explores the essential role of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church and the individual believer.

## The Legacy of St. Gilbert of England

Today is Tuesday, February 16th, the feast day of St. Gilbert of England. Living in the 12th century, St. Gilbert was a simple priest who founded his own religious house, the Gilbertines. This order continued until Henry VIII suppressed all religious orders in England. Today, we pray to St. Gilbert for all those who lack religious freedom and live in countries where their faith is not allowed.

## The Power of the Word

As we continue with 'Renew Our Hearts,' a personal invitation to conversion from Pope Francis, we focus on being nourished by God's word. In Isaiah 55:11, we are reminded: 'My word shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.' All evangelization is based on the word of God—to be listened to, meditated upon, lived, celebrated, and witnessed to. The Sacred Scriptures are the very source of evangelization.

## A Church That Listens

We must be constantly trained in hearing the word. The Church does not evangelize unless she constantly lets herself be evangelized. It is indispensable that the word of God be ever more fully at the heart of every ecclesiastical activity. When God's word is listened to and celebrated, especially in the Eucharist, it nourishes and strengthens Christians, enabling them to offer an authentic witness to the Gospel in their daily lives.

## Word and Sacrament

We have long since moved beyond old comparisons between the word and the sacrament. The preaching of the word, which is living and effective, prepares us for the reception of the sacrament. In turn, in the sacrament, the word attains its maximum efficiency.

*Jesus, help me find ways to make God's word a greater part of my life.*