Word of God Sunday

21 Jan 2024 | Liturgical Year

On the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Word of God Sunday, join Catholics throughout the world in re-committing and deepening our engagement with Sacred Scripture. The theme this year is from John 8:31 “Remain in My Word.” Salvation, faith, unity and mercy all depend on knowing Christ and Sacred Scripture. Below are several ways we can do this. Read on...

Readings

Jonah 3:1-5, 10: The Ninevites renounced their evil ways.

Psalm 24:4-9: R. Teach me your ways O Lord.

1 Cor 7:29-31: The world as we know it is passing away.

Alleluia, alleluia! The kingdom is near: believe the Good News. Alleluia!

Mk 1:14-20: Repent, and believe the Good News.

Prayers of Intercession – some suggestions

For our readers/proclaimers: that with deep faith and confident voice they may announce God’s saving word, we pray to the Lord.

Lord hear our prayer.

For our Catholic schools: where children are formed and inspired by the Word of God, we pray to the Lord.

Lord hear our prayer.

For priests, deacons, lectors, cantors, and catechists: and for all who bring God’s Word to others, we pray to the Lord.

Lord hear our prayer.

Proclaiming the Scriptures, St Peter's Basilica Rome 2020. CNS photo/ Stefano Del Pozzolo

Ars Celebrandi (The art of celebration)

'Every gesture and every word contains a precise action that is always new because it meets with an always new moment in our own lives… for the celebration of the Word… Ah, what are we summoned to learn for the proclamation of the Word, for the hearing of it, for letting it inspire our prayers, for making it become our very life?' #53

From Desiderio Desideravi - Apostolic Letter on the Liturgical Formation of the People of God; Pope Francis 2022.

What can we do?

Below are some suggestions for this Sunday with reference to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio Aperuit illis (2019). Available at the link for FDLC below.

Focus attention in the liturgy. “It is important that in the Eucharistic celebration the sacred text be enthroned, in order to focus the attention of the assembly on the normative value of God’s word.”

Pray for Proclaimers of the Word. Take the opportunity on Word of God Sunday to pray for those who are entrusted with reading the Scriptures at Mass.

Commit time to reflect on the Word. Read the scriptures of the following Sunday as a companion for daily reflection and ministry. Share with others your own reflections for the following Sunday’s readings. Alternatively you could listen to the Homily Studio podcast HERE for a 30 minute conversation about the following Sunday readings.

Lectio Divina. Listen to the scripture readings each day. HERE. Lectio Divina is a method of prayer for listening to scripture with our hearts. A 20 minute podcast with the daily scripture readings is available to guide you every day of the week.

Resources

Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (USA). Link HERE

This free resource contains the following:

Introduction

Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis:

Readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pastoral Suggestions

Universal Prayer – Sample Intercessions

Music Suggestions