*The power of God's word*

Dear children of God, today's readings remind us of the power of God's word as we can read from the Letter to the Hebrews (4:12): "The Word of God is something alive and active, it cuts more finely than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and can judge secret emotions and thoughts." The word of God can cause what Leon Festinger calls: *"cognitive dissonance".* It causes mental discomfort that challenges and transforms our innermost thoughts, our cultures, our mindsets, our ways, our attitudes, decisions and our styles. Our response to its cognitive dissonance will determine how positive and fruitful our lives will become.

Like the Israelites, we are invited to embrace the Decalogue, God's code of conduct and instructions as the path to true freedom and fulfillment (Exodus 20:1-17).

We are encouraged, like the psalmist (Ps 18) to delight in God's law, allowing it to reshape our hearts and minds. In the same manner, the parable of the sower invites us to allow our hearts to be receptive so that they can yield an abundant harvest.

We must cooperate with God's Word, allowing it to challenge and transform us from within.

O Most precious blood of Jesus Christ, praise and honour to you for ever!

*Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*