PREPARATION FOR THE SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD. BELOW ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT

SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD: MAKING THE WORD OF GOD NEW AND ALIVE

A note issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and signed by the prefect, Cardinal Robert Sarah, provides instructions for the celebration of The Sunday of the Word of God. Pope Francis instituted The Sunday of the Word of God to be held every year on the third Sunday of Ordinary Time, with the Apostolic Letter in the form of a Motu proprio Aperuit illis issued on 30 September 2019. The Pope intended it to be a day dedicated to the celebration, reflection and dissemination of the Word. Just to remind us of our duty in cherishing and in the proclamation of the WORD of God throughout the year.

IMPORTANCE OF SACRED SCRIPTURE IN OUR LIVES

A note by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and signed by the prefect, Cardinal Robert Sarah, explains that The Sunday of the Word of God is a means to help people reawaken an awareness of the importance of Sacred Scripture for our lives as believers, beginning with its resonance in the liturgy which places us in living and permanent dialogue with God. It adds that the day is also "a good opportunity to reread some ecclesial documents, especially the Praenotanda of the Ordo Lectionum Missae."

The note itself is divided into ten points, the first of which points out that through the proclaimed biblical readings in the liturgy, God speaks to his people and Christ himself proclaims his Gospel. It indicates that One of the ritual possibilities suitable for this Sunday could be the entrance procession with the Book of the Gospels or simply placing the Book of the Gospels on the altar.

The document then specifies that the biblical readings arranged by the Church in the Lectionary should not be replaced or suppressed, and that versions of the Bible approved for liturgical use should be used.

"The proclamation of the texts of the Lectionary constitutes a bond of unity between all the faithful who hear them," says the note, which also recommends the singing of the Responsorial Psalm.

THE HOMILY

The note, focusing on the homily, it invites bishops, priests and deacons to "explain and enable all to understand Sacred Scripture" and to "make it accessible to their communities", carrying out this ministry "with special dedication, treasuring the means proposed by the Church". The importance of silence in liturgical celebration is also emphasized, because, "favouring meditation, it allows the word of God to be received inwardly by the listener.

With regard to those who proclaim the Word of God in the assembly - priests, deacons and lectors - the note specifies that "specific interior and exterior preparation, familiarity with the text to be proclaimed and the necessary practice in the way of proclaiming it are required.

It also insists on the care of the ambo from which the Word of God is proclaimed, and while "the homily and the intentions of the universal prayer can be proclaimed from it", "it is less appropriate to use it for commentaries, announcements or for directing singing." There is also a request to take care of the material value and the good use of "books containing the readings of Sacred Scripture", adding it is "never appropriate to resort to leaflets, photocopies, and other pastoral aids as a substitute for liturgical books."

FORMATION MEETINGS

In order to make Sacred Scripture and its value in liturgical celebrations better known, the Congregation urges the promotion of formation meetings, in proximity to or in the days following the Sunday of the Word of God, to highlight in greater detail the criteria for the liturgical distribution of the various biblical books in the course of the year and its seasons, as well as what the structure is of the Sunday and weekday cycles of the readings for Mass.

Finally, the document identifies the Sunday of the Word of God, where the community celebration of Lauds and Vespers is promoted, as a fitting occasion to deepen the link between Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy of the Hours, the praying of the Psalms and Canticles of the Office, as well as the biblical readings.

ST. JEROME

It also suggests that St. Jerome be proposed as an example "for the great love he had for the Word of God."

HOW ARE WE TO CELEBRATE SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD? 

According to the special Apostolic Letter establishing "Sunday of the Word of God", parishes can do some of the following to mark the day:

1. Enthronement of the Word of God.  At Pope Francis suggestion, enthrone the Word in some prominent way and after the Gospel proclamation, the Book of the Gospels  could  be enthroned somewhere prominent in the sanctuary.

2. Emphasizing the honour due to the Word of God and the centrality of the Bible for Christians.

3. Encouraging people to read and pray with Scripture daily, especially through the practice of Lectio Divina.

4. Celebrating the Rite of Installation of new Lectors or Commissioning of new Readers, where candidates are available. 

5. Where there are no new Lectors, existing Lectors could be made to renew their commitment to ministry. 

6. Training for Lectors.

7. Blessing and appreciation of Lectors,  Psalmists,  Leaders of Childrens Liturgy  of the  Word, etc.

8. Giving a Bible, or one of its books, to parishioners or at least to some of them.

This coming Sunday's celebration of "Sunday of the Word of God" is very appropriate. 

NOW YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO:

1. Own a Bible

2. Read the Bible

3. Celebrate the Word of God

4. Live the Bible

5. Share the Word of God

OWN THE WORD

Pastors can also find ways of giving a Bible, or one of its books, to the entire assembly as a way of showing the importance of learning how to read, appreciate and pray daily with sacred Scripture, especially through the practice of lectio divina. (Pope Francis, Aperuit illis, no. 3)

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE THE OWNING THE WORD OF GOD 

(a) All should be encouraged to own a Catholic Bible and read it prayerfully.

(b) Pastors can also find ways of giving a Bible, or one of its books, to the entire assembly or to some of the faithful, especially to those who cannot afford to buy one. 

(c) Parishes could make Catholic Bibles available for sale on this day and on a regular basis.

(d) During Mass, priests could bless Bibles brought by or given to the faithful. Other than this Sunday, parishes could have bless your Bible Sunday 

(1) when the faithful are invited to bring newly acquired Bibles to Mass for them to be blessed. This is to encourage the owning of Bibles. 

(2) Parishes should own a copy of the Book of the Gospels.

(3) The faithful should be encouraged to own a copy of the Missal.

(4) The faithful could be encouraged to own a copy of the breviary.

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE THE STUDY OF THE WORD OF GOD

(a) The faithful should be encouraged to study the Word of God as individuals and as families, not only on this Sunday but daily. When members of the family are spread across different locations, modern means of social communications can be of great assistance in having family Bible study.

(b) Parishes could have Bible study sessions not only on this day but on a weekly basis.

(c) At an appropriate time, parishes could organize the Study Dei Verbum of the Second Vatican Council and Verbum Domini of Pope Benedict XVI.

(d) Pastors could encourage the study of the Word of God at the meeting of all Church societies and organizations. 

(e) Rite of commitment to the Word of God could be held. 

(f) The culture of memorizing short Bible verses should be encouraged

(g) The following could be considered for children and youths 

(1) Bible quiz (2) Having childrens liturgical bulletin in parishes (3) Exposing the Children to the Bible during Sunday school. (4) Sharing Bible stories with children (5) Showing Bible based movies

CELEBRATE THE WORD OF GOD 

All pastors are encouraged to promote times devoted to the celebration of the word in the communities entrusted to their care. These celebrations are privileged occasions for an encounter with the Lord. This practice will certainly benefit the faithful, and should be considered an important element of liturgical formation. (Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini, 65).

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE THE CELEBRATION OF THE WORD OF GOD 

(a) The book of the Gospels should be used during Mass.

(b) The Book of the Gospels could be enthroned in a prominent position on the sanctuary after the proclamation of the Gospel. The use of candles and flowers will add to the solemnity of the enthronement.

(c) The Word of God could also be enthroned in Churches outside Mass and in homes. 

(d) Emphasis should be placed on giving proper reverence to the Word of God.

(e) Special attention and reverence should be given to the ambo.

(f) The Liturgy of the Hours could be celebrated in Churches and homes.

(g) Bishops could Install new Lectors or commission new Readers.

(h) Priests could bless, in a solemn way, those who proclaim the Word of God, such as the lectors, readers, catechists, psalmists and cantors; and have them renew their commitment.

(i) At an appropriate time, pastors could organize a session of reflection/get-together for all those who proclaim the Word of God -as mentioned above. 

(j) A session to pray the Lectio Divina could be organized.

(K) Resolution could be made to invest in public address systems that very well facilitate the hearing of the Word of God in Churches.

(l) Plans could be made to put in place systems that better accommodate the visually and hearing impaired within the liturgy.

LIVE THE WORD 

Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path. Ps 118 (119): 105

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE THE LIVING OF THE WORD OF GOD

(a) Encourage the faithful to serve Jesus in the least of his brethren by engaging in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy

(b) The faithful should be led towards allowing the Word of God to lead to a better appreciation of the Sacraments and into an intimate relationship with God.

(c) The faithful should be encouraged to live out the idea of the unity of life which consists in:

(1) Being guided by the Word in ones decisions;

(2) Reflecting the Gospel values in ones ordinary life situations: at work, in the home, in living ones vocation, in ones personal relationships, etc.;

(3) Doing Gods will in every aspect of ones life;

(4) Being guided by Gods commandments in ones thoughts, words and actions;

(5) Being prepared to boldly stand alone in doing what is right before God

SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

We cannot keep to ourselves the words of eternal life given to us in our encounter with Jesus Christ: they are meant for everyone, for every man and woman. Everyone today, whether he or she knows it or not, needs this message. May the Lord himself, as in the time of the prophet Amos, raise up in our midst a new hunger and thirst for the word of God (cf. Am 8:11). It is our responsibility to pass on what, by Gods grace, we ourselves have received. (Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini, 65)

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE THE SHARING OF THE WORD OF GOD 

(a) The homily should be on the centrality of the Word of God in the lives of the Christian faithful. 

(b) The faithful should be encouraged to bear witness to Christ in word and action.

(c) Emphasis should be placed on the link between the Word of God and social justice service to the poor, the suffering, the sick, the oppressed, etc.

(d) The faithful, in their various circumstances, should be encouraged to permeate our society, mentalities, legislations with values of the Word of God.

(e) Plans could be made to better promote knowledge of the Word of God in schools and universities.

(f) Efforts could be initiated towards awakening/establishing Biblical movements in Dioceses, parishes, chaplaincies, etc. E.g. Catholic Biblical Instructors Union, Catholic Bible Society, Catholic Biblical Movement, Holy Name Evangelization Movement, Catholic Lectors, etc.

(f) The establishment of Basic/Small Christian Communities  could be promoted with a lot of focus on sharing the Word of God.

(g) Parishes and individuals could explore how to better share the Word of God using the digital Media.

ENTHRONEMENT OF THE BOOK OF THE GOSPEL WITHIN THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION

1. Entrance procession with the Book of the Gospel slightly elevated

2. On getting to the sanctuary, the Book of the Gospel is placed on the altar.

3. At the introduction of the Mass, the celebrant emphasizes the Word of God Sunday.

4. During the Alleluia, the Book of the Gospel is reverently carried, slightly elevated, to the ambo. The minister is accompanied by the thurifer, carrying smoking incense and by servers with lighted candles. 

5. The Book of the Gospel is incensed as usual at the appropriate moment.

6.  After the Gospel, the Book of the Gospel is placed on a stand in a dignified, visible and decorated place within the sanctuary. Candles are lit where the Book of the Gospel is enthroned.

7.  During the prayer of the faithful, it is fitting that some intentions be suited for the celebration of the Word of God Sunday. 

NB: It is encouraged that, beyond this Sunday, the Bible or Book of the Gospel is enthroned for a considerable period of days in Churches to foster devotion to the Word of God.

ORDER OF BLESSING OF BIBLES WITHIN THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION

This blessing could be done just before the final blessing.

*Prayer of Blessing*

The assembly is invited to hold up the copies of their Bible. With hands extended over the assembly the celebrant says:

*Everlasting God, when he read in the synagogue at Nazareth, your Son proclaimed the good news of salvation for which he would give up his life. Bless all who will read from these sacred texts. As they read, listen and reflect on your words of life, strengthen their faith so that what they read in hope, they may live in love and charity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.*

RITE OF COMMITMENT TO THE WORD OF GOD WITHIN THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION (Adapted from the special circular of Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, January 2020/No. 088.2)

This may take place right after the homily. 

The priest invites all to stand and says: The Word of God is indispensable to the Christian life. Jesus himself says than man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Today, as we celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, I call on you to commit yourself to revere the Word of God; to regular reading of and meditation on it; to live it; and to share it. 

Priest: Do you promise to show greater reverence and attention to the Word of God?

Response: Yes, I do.

Priest: Do you commit to regular reading of and meditation on the Word of God as a family and as individuals? Response: Yes, I do.

Priest: Do you promise to strive with the grace of God to obey the Word of God? Response: Yes, I do.

Priest: Do you promise to endeavour to share the Word of God with others and popularize the study of the Word of God?

Response: Yes, I do.

Then, the priest says the following prayer: *Almighty and ever-living God, you created the universe by your spoken word. In the fullness of time, Your Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth; and you call us to listen to your Word, the fountain of wisdom. Help us by your grace to treasure it in our hearts, meditate upon it, live by it and share it with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.*

The Mass continues with the prayer of the faithful

LECTIO DIVINA

Theres no strict method to Lectio Divina, but the steps articulated here may help in praying with the Scriptures as individuals or in a group.

i. Choose a short Bible passage

ii. Opening Prayer: Opening prayer from a Psalm or your heart. Sitting comfortably, invite the Holy Spirit to guide your reading and to open your heart and mind. 

iii. Lectio: Read the passage aloud or in silence, then sit for a while in silence. Be open to Gods presence in stillness. What is God saying through this text and the events of this day? What did the text mean to its first readers/listeners, and what does it mean today?

iv. Meditatio: A time of reflection. Note any word or phrase that touches your heart. Reflect silently why it might be significant for you. You may wish to speak just that word or phrase aloud.

v.Collatio: A time of sharing, if praying with others. Share some of your impressions and reactions about the text if you wish. This is not a time for debate or study, but rather for personal and community reflection.

vi. Oratio: A time for spoken or silent prayer of the heart. Your prayer may be one of repentance, thanksgiving, intercession, or however the Spirit moves you.

vii. Contemplatio: Spend a good while resting in God. As much as is ever possible, try to clear your mind even of the text itself and enter into the silence where God is seeking you. Giving God your intention is more important than your attention, so if you get distracted gently give back your intention to God by silently saying your chosen word or phrase.

viii. Actio: In silence try to discern if God is calling you to make some kind of action or commitment in your life. How will the Word bear fruit?

ix. Closing prayer: A time in prayer to thank God for this encounter with the Word. 

WISHING A NICE AND GRACE-FILLED SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

© Rev. Fr. Utazi Prince Marie Benignus

January 10 2020.