The Bible Speaks 2025
#TheBibleSpeaks #WeListen
Third Week in Ordinary Time | Sunday, January 26, 2025
In the Apostolic Letter Aperuit illis, Pope Francis instituted the Sunday of the Word of God, which is celebrated on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. We are encouraged to spend this day learning how #TheBibleSpeaks and how #WeListen.
"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."
To live out the Sixth Sunday of the Word of God, Pope Francis has chosen as the theme, “I hope in your Word” (Psalm 119:74). It is a cry of hope: man, in a moment of anguish, tribulation, and confusion, cries out to God and puts all his hope in him. 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 C - A Look Through Luke
In Lectionary Year C, the Church reflects deeply on the Gospel of Luke. To help us in our exploration through this synoptic Gospel, please see the following resources below:
For Adults: A Look Through Luke
A brief presentation by Father David Perrin entitled, "A Look Through Luke."
David B. Perrin, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus at St. Jerome’s University in Waterloo, Ontario and a priest of the Diocese of Hamilton. He is the former President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Jerome’s University, a past-President of the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, and was the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Saint Paul University, Ottawa.
This video presentation complements personal or group Bible study as well as provides food for thought for adult faith study groups.
For Teens: Luke Through Lent
During Lent, beginning March 5, 2025, we are called to pray, fast and give alms. These practices are not meant to be burdensome or a challenge; rather, they are meant to be acts of sacrifice that draw us closer to our Lord. Over the next six weeks of Lent we pray that these reflections will help you grow closer to the Lord.
In this series, we will be praying with the scripture for the upcoming Sunday Gospel and a paired illumination from The Saint John’s Bible. We will continue to reflect on the Sunday Gospel through the suggested activities the following week.