January 20-21, 2024

Sunday of the
Word of God

Year-Long Observance

We celebrated the Sunday of the Word of God on January 20-21. Now, let’s follow the advice from John 8:31, and “Remain in my Word” throughout the year.

We are now some weeks past the Sunday of the Word of God observance.  But recall that the purpose of that special observance is to encourage us to “Remain in my Word” (John 8:31), that is, engage with the Bible beyond just the Sunday readings.  Make reading of Holy Scripture and contemplating on that reading a more frequent faithful act in our lives.  The following Biblical examination of conscience comes from the Vatican as encouragement to “Remain in my Word.”

Reflections

Enjoy the writings below as you remain in His Word during this year. Check back periodically for updates.

What is the Sunday of the Word of God?

  • The Sunday Word of God observance was instituted on the Feast of St. Jerome, September 30, 2019.

    • Aperuit Illis (“Opened to them”): Apostolic letter issued “Motu Proprio” and first suggested in the Apostolic Letter Misericordia et misere (Nov. 2016)

    • Designated to be observed on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time and first observed in January 2020 (Year A)

  • In tracing the rediscovery of the Word of God post-Vatican II, Pope Benedict XVI issued in 2010 the Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini which “emphasizes, in particular, the performative character of the Word of God, especially in the context of the liturgy, in which its distinctively sacramental character comes to the fore.”

“Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.”
— Aperuit Illis, 3

What does the logo for the
Sunday of the Word of God represent?

This is an icon of Our Resurrected Lord on the road to Emmaus with two disciples. Jesus is holding a scroll in his left hand representing the fulfillment of Sacred Scripture in Him. One of the disciples, Cleopas, is holding a walking stick which shows he is on a pilgrimage. The light above Cleopas represents Christ as the Light of the World guiding us through Sacred Scripture as we make our way on our earthly pilgrimage, absorbing the light and reflecting that light to others as we share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

  • “The Bible cannot be just the heritage of some, much less a collection of books for the benefit of a privileged few. It belongs above all to those called to hear its message and to recognize themselves in its words.”

    Pope Francis, Apertuit Illis, 4.

  • “A profound bond links Sacred Scripture and the faith of believers. Since faith comes from hearing, and what is heard is based on the word of Christ (cf. Romas 10:17), believers are bound to listen attentively to the word of the Lord, both in the celebration of the liturgy and in their personal prayer and reflection.”
    Pope Francis Apertuit Illis,7.

Let our own Pilgrimage begin!

First, let us prepare ourselves...

Are you ready to begin your pilgrimage? Jesus is waiting to accompany you!

Children can join in the pilgrimage too! Below is the Lectio Divina for them, along with a couple of fun activities.

“The relationship between the Risen Lord, the community of believers and Sacred Scripture is essential to our identity as Christians.”
— - Pope Francis, Aperuit Illis,1.

Below are links to the pamphlet for the Sunday of the Word of God, a helpful tool for your pilgrimage.

Resources to help you as you walk your own road to Emmaus

  • The Bible in a Year

    The Bible in a Year

    Check out The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz! It’s a podcast or video that you can follow each day to read the entire Bible in 1 year!

    Check it out!

  • Bible in a Year (Español)

    Check out the Bible in a Year in Spanish! Listen on any podcast app.

    BIY Spanish
  • Verses App

    Verses App

    Download the Verses App to make a habit of memorizing Scripture! The app uses fun games and techniques to help you keep God’s Word in your memory.

    Verses App

  • Hallow

    Hallow is a prayer app for Catholics that includes Daily Mass Readings and other Scripture studies.

    Check it out!

  • SFX Parish App

    Our Parish App has many resources to help you encounter the Word of God: Mass Readings, an Audio Bible, and many more buttons.

    My Parish App
  • Formed

    FORMED

    Formed is an amazing resource with a ton of Bible studies, movies about Bible characters and the saints, and more! Our parish has a subscription, so you can watch for free!

    FORMED

  • USCCB Daily Readings

    Visit the USCCB website to read the daily readings each day.

    USCCB