Each year, the Church sets aside a special Sunday to celebrate the Word of God.
Known as Sunday of the Word of God, it invites us to reflect more deeply on Sacred Scripture and to renew our love for God’s Word. It takes place this Sunday (25 January).
Where did it come from?
Sunday of the Word of God was established by Pope Francis in 2019. He chose the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time so that, each year, the whole Church could focus together on the Bible and its central place in our faith.
He said that the day should be “given over entirely to the word of God, so as to appreciate the inexhaustible riches contained in that constant dialogue between the Lord and his people”.
Why does it matter?
For Christians, Scripture is God speaking to us today. When the Word of God is proclaimed at Mass, Christ himself is present and addresses his people. This Sunday reminds us that listening to God’s Word is essential to knowing Jesus and living as his disciples.
What are we invited to do?
Sunday of the Word of God is not only about hearing Scripture at Mass—something we do every week—but about letting the Word of God shape our lives. The Church encourages us to:
- Listen attentively to the readings at Mass.
- Spend time reading the Bible at home.
- Pray with Scripture, perhaps using the daily readings.
- Reflect on how God’s Word calls us to conversion, hope, and love.
A celebration for the whole Church
This Sunday highlights the unity between Scripture, the Eucharist, and the life of the Church. Just as we are nourished by the Body of Christ, we are also nourished by the Word of God. Both strengthen us for our mission in the world.
Sunday of the Word of God is a simple but powerful reminder: God is speaking. The question for each of us is whether we are ready to listen—and to respond.
