3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

01-26-2025Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

This Sunday, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, is designated as the Sunday of the Word of God. In 2019, Pope Francis instituted this day as the Sunday of the Word of God to remind us of the role of the Word of God in the life of the Church. In the Introduction to the Lectionary used to proclaim the readings at Mass, it explains that “In the hearing of God's word, the Church is built up and grows, and in the signs of the liturgical celebration, God's wonderful, past works in the history of salvation are presented anew as mysterious realities.

God, in turn, makes use of the congregation of the faithful that celebrates the Liturgy in order that his word may speed on and be glorified and that his name be exalted among the nations. Whenever, therefore, the Church, gathered by the Holy Spirit for liturgical celebration, announces and proclaims the word of God, she is aware of being a new people in whom the covenant made in the past is perfected and fulfilled. Baptism and Confirmation in the Spirit have made all Christ's faithful into messengers of God's word because of the grace of hearing they have received. They must therefore be the bearers of the same word in the Church and in the world, at least by the witness of their lives. The word of God proclaimed in the celebration of God's mysteries does not only address present conditions but looks back to past events and forward to what is yet to come. Thus, God's word shows us what we should hope for with such a longing that in this changing world our hearts will be set on the place where our true joys lie.” (Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions - Sunday of the Word of God 2025)

And so, on this Sunday of the Word of God, let’s pray that each of us may continue to respond to the word of God, which is proclaimed in our midst, and ask God to give us the grace and courage to proclaim the Gospel to those who have not yet heard the message of Christ. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)