IN 2019, POPE Francis issued, motu proprio (of his own initiative), the apostolic letter, Aperuit Illis, establishing the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time as the Sunday of the Word of God, allowing the Church to experience “anew the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world” (#2)
The Church constantly finds its nourishment and strength in sacred scripture. For this reason, the scriptures are venerated hast as the Lord’s Body is venerated. The Church never ceases to offer the bread of from the table of God’s Word and Christ’s Body. The Catechism of the Catholic Church expounds clearly: “In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them” (#103-104).
Since the Word nourishes the Church, As Christians must earnestly study the Word. We have a general understanding of the Bible thanks to the guidance and sharing during catechism classes, the readings and homilies during Sunday Masses and a prayer life based on the scriptures. However, we still have to continue to deepen our understanding strengthen the roots of faith and to meet Christ in the Word.
In his apostolic letter, Scripturae Sacrae Affectus, the Pope Francis posed a challenge to young people: “… begin exploring your heritage. Christianity makes you heirs of an unsurpassed cultural patrimony of which you must take ownership. Be passionate about this history which is yours. Dare to fix your gaze on the young Jerome who, like the merchant in Jesus’ parable, sold all that he had in order to buy the ‘pearl of great price’.”
Yet another challenge raised by the sacred scriptures has to do with love. God’s word constantly reminds us of the merciful love of the Father who calls his children to live in love. Christ’s love is full and he dedicates himself to all without reserve. To hear to the scriptures and then to practice mercy is the great challenge of Christian life. God’s word has the power to open our eyes and to enable us to renounce a stifling individualism and instead, to embark on a new path of sharing and solidarity. (cf. Aperuit Illis #13)
Due to the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, there will be no public Mass to celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God. However, Masses are being livestreamed by the Diocesan Audio-Visual Centre and some parishes allowing people to hear to the Word at home.
In addition, the diocese is encouraging people to read the Bible and pray frequently during this time when public Masses are suspended.
May the Sunday of the Word of God strengthen the faith of our Christian community and to us become increasingly and intimately familiar with the Bible which, from the ancient times to the present, teaches us: “… it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out” (Deuteronomy 30:14). SE
