In 2022, I gave a keynote address at the University of Notre Dame preaching conference. My talk was entitled “Receiving the Sunday of the Word of God.” It was later published as part of the proceeds of the conference (Preaching in the Light of the Word, Liturgy Training Publications, 2024). In it I argued that this observance is actually more important than it looks. I still believe that, and in anticipation of another year’s observance this coming Sunday, I’d like to explain why.
First, it is important because it represents a continuing reception of Vatican II, which articulated a deep commitment to reviving the role of Scripture in the spiritual life of Catholics. This work is ongoing. The observance of a Sunday of the Word of God concretizes our commitment to this labor of love by returning our attention to it explicitly in the cycle of the liturgical year.
Second, it forms a link between two other initiatives of Pope Francis: the creation of the instituted ministry of catechist, and the broadening of the instituted ministry of lector to include women. This trio of initiatives may not look like much of a priority in American parishes right now, but arguably the impact of these moves is being felt in the global church. And of course they can be fruitful here too if we embrace them in the right spirit, not just as “another thing to do.” The Sunday of the Word of God connects these specialized ministries to the priestly and apostolic calling of the whole people of God.
Finally, and most critically, it is important simply because the Scriptures are truly a font of life. They are prophetic — meaning that they represent and make possible in our own time the in-breaking of God’s Word into human history. In my talk, I told a few stories to illustrate this. Readers will no doubt have stories of their own.
God’s Word is powerful. In the liturgy Christ is “still proclaiming his gospel.” There is cause to celebrate.
This year, the Sunday of the Word of God will be celebrated on January 26.