Sunday of the Word of God is an annual commemoration in the Catholic liturgical calendar and usually takes place on the third Sunday in ordinary time.
This day was instituted by Pope Francis back in 2019 and has since been devoted to the study of the sacred scripture and sharing of the word and its riches to the world. This years’ commemoration comes after the Vatican declared 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope.
To mark the Sunday of the Word of God, Pope Francis, during the holy mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, installed and blessed 40 Catholics from different countries across the world as lectors.
In his homily, the Holy Father said, “The word of God is alive, through the centuries it walks with us and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is at work in history.” He continued, “The Lord is always faithful to his promise, which he maintains out of love for humanity.”
YOUNIB television visited St. Monica Catholic Church, Njiru found in the Archdiocese of Nairobi. Youths animated the significant Eucharistic Celebration with scintillating songs and dances.
Gospel reading derived from the book of St. Luke, placed Jesus teaching the word of God in the synagogue. Christians are also called to contribute in the evangelization mission and also be the pioneers in disseminating and preaching the gospel.
Fr. Patrick Serge, an Assumptionist and also the priest celebrant during the mass, emphasized the importance of the word of God adding that it uplifts, enlightens and heals one’s soul. He says that the church can only stay afloat if the preachings of God lives with it.
“Without the word of God, we may be limited. It is the word of God that acts as a lamp on our paths and guides every step we make,” he said quoting the book of Psalms 119:105. “God is healing His people through the word as written in Psalms 107:20.”
He challenged Christians for always portraying weak faith and showing sluggishness in interacting with the Bible, which he says harbors the solutions to their problems.
“When you don’t read the word of God, you are limited. God can only communicate to you when you open your Bible.” Fr. Patrick reiterated asserting that it is only through God’s word that we get to receive both spiritual and physical healing.
Acknowledging Jesus’ statements in the gospel that ‘He has come to proclaim good news’, Fr. Patrick stated that Jesus’ mission is to restore dignity in human lives by uplifting them to greatness. “We should not doubt the word of God simply because our prayers have not been answered. We are called to believe and trust that God is always timely in giving out His responses.”
