The Bible Speaks 2026
#TheBibleSpeaks #WeListen
Third Week in Ordinary Time | Sunday, January 25, 2026
The Sunday of the Word of God is a profoundly pastoral initiative to make it clear how important it is in the daily life of the Church and our communities to refer to the Word of God, a Word that is not confined to a book, but which remains ever alive and becomes a concrete and tangible sign.We are encouraged to spend this day learning how #TheBibleSpeaks and how #WeListen.
The biblical expression chosen for the celebration of the seventh edition of the Sunday of the Word of God is taken from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians: “The word of Christ dwells among you” (3:16). We invite you to partake in the Liturgical and Pastoral Handbook for this theme.
Four Basic Questions
While reading the Scriptures, ask yourself these four basic questions:
What does it say?
Determine as closely as possible the literal meaning of the text. What do the words say? What is the range of meaning in the words?
What does it mean?
The meaning of a text is determined not simply from the words but also from the context in which the words exist.
What does it mean to me?
How does this apply to my life? How does this apply to the life of the Church?
What am I going to do about it?
What difference does this text mean for my life? What is my response to God’s word?
Praying the Bible
Begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Read through the passage once at a normal pace.
Digest the words. Get a sense of the phrases. Allow the Word to seep more deeply into your consciousness.
Read the passage through, section by section.
How does this Word speak to me at this time, in this context?
What emotions are evoked by the Word?
How does this Word speak to me of God and how does it impact my life?
Conclude with a brief prayer of thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit.
Download PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE, a model for weekly Bible study.
Resources
Year A - A Look Through Matthew
In Lectionary Year A, the Church reflects deeply on the Gospel of Matthew. To help us in our exploration through this synoptic Gospel, please see the following resource below:
A Look Through Matthew
We invite you to join us throughout this Year of Matthew for several reflections and presentations by Father Timothy Scott, C.S.B.
Fr. Scott comes from Regina, Saskatchewan. After entering the Basilian Fathers, his training for the priesthood took him to the Toronto School of Theology and the Faculté catholique in Lyon, France. He holds a licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a doctorate in Biblical theology from the Gregorian University in Rome.
These video presentations complement personal or group Bible study as well as provides food for thought for adult faith study groups.