SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD
Now and then the Church invites us to slow down and reflect on what really matters. Today’s observance, Sunday of the Word of God, is a good example. Instituted by Pope Francis in 2019, it is an annual reminder that God is speaking to us in many ways. It is the Church’s way of saying, “Let God’s Word be part of your life, let it comfort and guide you, and remind you that you are loved.”
Life can feel heavy at times. We worry about our families, our health, our work, even our world, given what’s happening in Ukraine, Gaza, and now Venezuela. This Sunday, we are invited to pause and listen to the quiet, steady voice of God reaching out to us.
Think about this: the creator of our universe with its trillions of galaxies that follow complex laws that challenge our best scientists, always keeps everything very simple when he talks to us. He does so in gentle terms as if speaking to little children. You don’t need to read books of theology or be a saint to understand God’s language. When we open our hearts, he does the rest. The Church invites us today to rediscover the Word of God; to remember that God is with us not just on Sundays or in prayer, but also when we drive, cook, wait, worry or hope. He never ceases to talk to us in his own way, and no one is left out.
The Sunday of the Word of God also reminds us that we’re not alone in our journey. When, for instance, we gather for Mass and listen to the readings or pray the psalms, we are all listening to God’s voice together, we’re learning together. In a world that can often feel divided and rushed, this shared listening to his words can be a source of unity and peace.
The Church invites us to mark January 26 this year in a special way. It doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Keep it small and sincere. Maybe read the Gospel slowly and choose one verse to carry with you through the week. Or just pray, “Lord, speak to my heart.” God’s Word can be a companion through joy or sorrow.
May this Sunday of the Word of God be a day of peace for us. Let’s open our hearts to scripture and let it breathe new life in us, because even the smallest step toward God opens the door to his grace.
Eugene Aucoin is a retired human resources director and university professor. He spoke around the world about nurturing human potential, but his passion is sharing his love for the teachings of Jesus. His first book won Asia’s best Catholic book of the year in theology in 2020. His latest one, with Novalis, is The Beatitudes: Eight Steps to Inner Peace and Happiness. He also gives seminars on these topics.
