Very Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey M. Monforton

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father" (John 1:14).

This Scripture quote underscores the depth of our relationship with our Lord. The Pontifical Biblical Commission's 1993 document, The Interpretation of the Bible, indicates God's words were put into the written word in the Old Testament as "an abiding means of communication and communion between the chosen people and their one Lord" (no. 6). The sacred words contained within the books of the Old Covenant are fulfilled in the Word of God, Jesus Christ. The words of the New Testament, or New Covenant, are eternally joined to the words of the Old Covenant in the resurrected Christ.

God reveals himself through words. As the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum, no. 7) indicates, since apostolic times the early Church communicated the Christian faith through the spoken word, through one's own example and in the institutions that were established. Jesus' spoken word invites us to follow him and to imitate him in our daily life. The very promise of eternal life comes from the lips of Jesus, as our Lord states: "Whoever lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:26).

This October, Pope Benedict XVI will preside over the World Synod of Bishops on Scripture with special emphasis on the importance of God's spoken and written word in our daily life. How appropriate that as the Synodal guidelines are being prepared one of our own at Sacred Heart has answered God's Word to serve the Universal Church. Our thoughts and prayers go with Fr. Daniel Gallagher as he begins his work in the English section of the Holy See's Secretariat of State. Father Gallagher brings a quick intellect, profound holiness and evident humility in the service of our Holy Father. You can read more about Father Gallagher on page 28 in the Winter 2007 issue of the Mosaic, posted on this website.

I invite you to delve into the many articles of the Mosaic that highlight the Word of God. May we allow the words contained within to resonate in our minds and hearts, inviting us to be more attentive to the Word's presence among us. I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey M. Monforton
Rector/President