January 23 Sunday Word of God January 23, the Church celebrates the Sunday of the Word of God. The Pope Francis instituted this Day on September 30, 2019, with the signing of the Apostolic Letter in the form of "Motu proprio" Opened to them, in order to dedicate a Sunday completely to the Word of God.

The Biblical Pastoral area of ​​the Episcopal Commission for Evangelization, Catechesis and Catechumenate has edited some materials to contribute to the celebration of this Conference: a presentation by the director of the secretariat of this Commission, Francis Julian Romero; a method to help read the Word of God; and a liturgical subsidy for the celebrant and another for the monitor.

The Word of God feeds life

"The Word of God feeds life" is the title you have chosen Francis Julian Romero for the presentation text of this year's Conference. A title with which unites the Sunday of the Word of God to the celebration of Synod that the Church celebrates. «The word -explains- It is the food for life that we need in this journey together as the people of God.. She is like the wise one who within us gives us enthusiasm, hope and a firm desire to continue along the path of God and make his kingdom present. Besides, invites "to read it in community and with the feeling of the Church."

Faced with the questions posed by the daily routine of personal and ecclesial life, he proposes look for the answer in the Word of God which is "the "light that resolves your doubts, that strengthens your convictions, that answers your questions and that reinforces your concerns."

In addition, it offers some recipes so that approaching the Word produces these fruits. And he does so by turning to Benedict XVI, Saint Augustine and Pope Francis: leave a space for the Word of God in our daily lives and read the Bible, engaging in a conversation with God, knowing that the Lord is there to speak to us and to reveal his most intimate secrets.

Francisco Julián Romero ends his presentation claiming that this Conference should not remain an event but rather that it be an occasion to strengthen "in personal, community and pastoral life the value of the Word of God and the concern to read it, meditate on it and turn it into food for personal, community and pastoral life." Especially in this time of Synod, “let us in this way strengthen the synodal path that we are traveling. “In this way our journey together will have greater fruitfulness.”

How to read the Word of God? lectio divina method

lectio divina is an ancient practice that teaches to read, meditate and live a text of the Word of God through a very simple method that consists of following several steps. This method is included among the materials for the preparation of this Conference.

advance preparation

What advance preparation must look for the reading to be meditated along with what we are going to need help or support for understanding the text, its deepening and reflection. Afterwards, it is done the sign of the cross, and after a moment of silence, the Preparation Prayer.

Let's get started: step by step guide

1. Reading of the Word of God: what does the text say? We read the text as many times as necessary until we fully understand what is said in it. You have to do a leisurely reading. This moment is of the utmost importance. It is necessary to understand what the Word narrates.
2. What is God saying to me with this text? After another reading we stop to ask ourselves what the Lord has told us through the text. It is the time to deepen the Word of God to welcome it within us. God when he inspired the author wanted to speak to men. We try to discover the divine message contained in the text: what is the Lord saying to me? What particular message does God want to convey to me? We take the time necessary to find out. We do it with serenity and peace.
3. Not. Talk to God about what He has communicated to you. Talk to the Lord about what you have discovered in this text. You can, if necessary and you want to express it, thank him, ask for forgiveness, praise him, adore him, make a request... tell him everything that is in your heart. Tell him honestly.
4. Contemplation: remain silent for a few moments in the presence of God. Do not say anything. Just put your thoughts and your affections on the Lord.
5. Action: It is time to specify what the Lord wants you to live from what he has told you. You don't have to set many purposes. He tries to specify and decides to carry out an action or at most two. See how you can put it into practice in your real and concrete life.
6. We end with a closing prayer of thanksgiving: Give thanks to the Lord for this lectio divina that you have lived.

Disseminate the Word of God and ecumenical value

Pope I entrust all the sick and their families to the intercession of Mary instituted this Conference September 30th of 2019 with the signing of the Paper The apostolic form of "Proper Motu" has opened to them.

The Pontiff proposes this Sunday dedicated to the celebration, reflection and dissemination of the Word of God:

• To understand the wealth that comes from this constant dialogue of God with his people.
• So that the Church revives the gesture of the Risen One who also opens for us the treasure of his Word so that we can announce this inexhaustible wealth throughout the world.
• So that the decisive relationship with the living Word that the Lord never tires of directing to his Bride is never lacking, so that she can grow in love and in the testimony of faith.

In addition, the celebration has been made to coincide with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. A time “in which we are invited to strengthen ties with the Jews and to pray for Christian unity. It is not a mere temporary coincidence: celebrating the Sunday of the Word of God expresses an ecumenical value, because the Holy Scripture indicates to those who put themselves in an attitude of listening the path to follow to reach an authentic and solid unity”.

https://www.conferenciaepiscopal.es/domingo-palabra-dios-2022/