In 2019, Pope Francis established the Sunday of the Word of God to be celebrated each year on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. As the Holy Father stated in his apostolic letter instituting the observance, “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 illus, no. 2).
Resources for Formation
- Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis – Instituting the Sunday of the Word of God
- Blessing of those Who Read the Bible
- Enthrone the Bible in Your Home
- Video Series on The Sunday of the Word of God (Available January 21)
1. Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church: The Historical Biblical Perspective
Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Hartford
Video
Reflection Questions
2. The Biblical Brilliance of the Eucharist
Bishop François Beyrouti, Eparchial Bishop of Newton for the Melkite Catholic Church in the United States of America
Video
Reflection Questions
3. Praying with the Psalms
Dr. Andrew Davis, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Boston College
Video
Reflection Questions
4. The Gospel of John and the Johannine Literature
Dr. Sherri Brown, Associate Professor of Theology, Creighton University
Video
Reflection Questions
- Resources from Liturgy Training Publications (An Agency of the Archdiocese of Chicago)
- Liturgy and the Bible Series
This series aims to entice and equip all Catholics to greater love and knowledge of the Bible. Deeper understanding and warmer familiarity will help all the faithful to participate more fully in the liturgy, so that all may hear God’s Word more clearly, experience the sacraments more deeply, and serve the world more joyfully. - Scripture Backgrounds for the Sunday Lectionary
- Violence and Nonviolence in Scripture: Helping Children Understand Challenging Stories
- At Home with the Word® 2024
At Home with the Word® guides readers to a deeper understanding of the Sunday Scriptures, providing the readings for this liturgical year, insights from Scripture scholars, and action steps to help parishioners fully connect with the readings from Mass.
- Liturgy and the Bible Series