Anchor your faith on God’s Word – Word of God Sunday message

GRENADA

Fr Hugh Logan, Zonal Coordinator for the Caribbean Zone of the Catholic Biblical Federation, is calling on the faithful and all local churches within the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) to unite in celebrating the Sunday of the Word of God, January 26. This event, which has become an important occasion in the universal Church, offers a chance to reflect on the power and significance of God’s Word.

In a video message shared by Good News Catholic Communications in the Diocese of St George’s-in-Grenada, Fr Logan highlighted the theme for this year’s celebration, chosen by Pope Francis: “I hope in your word,” inspired by Psalm 119:74.

Fr Logan emphasised that this verse teaches believers to place their trust not in ever-changing circumstances, but in the unchanging and faithful Word of God. He explained that God’s Word is a source of hope that can sustain people through even the most difficult times.

Fr Logan reflected on the meaning of God’s promises, acknowledging that life’s struggles and hardships do not mean that God’s promises have failed. Instead, he suggested that enduring through such challenges in faith becomes a powerful testament to God’s reliability.

He commented, “When struggling parents are unable to put food on the table for their children are faced with hardship, it does not mean that the promise they made has failed. In fact, the very perseverance in the midst of struggle, the refusal to give up on the Word becomes a greater testament to the promise itself.”

The message focused on the need to anchor one’s faith in the constancy of God’s Word, particularly in today’s turbulent world. Fr Logan reminded faithful that hope must be placed in God’s Word, which is “dynamic and faithful, ever true.”

Fr Logan also shared ideas for parishes to consider as they prepare for the Sunday of the Word of God. These activities, designed to deepen the celebration and bring the Word of God into everyday life, include:

• Prayer and Study: Bishops, priests, and deacons can come together in prayer and study, reflecting on biblical texts, and sharing homiletic ideas. “This could be the beginning of what can be a weekly or monthly exercise,” Fr Logan said.
• Parish Reflections: Pastoral teams can gather to discuss the readings for the liturgy and prepare spiritually for the Sunday celebration.
• Bible Blessings: Parishioners can be encouraged to bring their Bibles to Mass “to be blessed.”
• Witnessing the Word: During the Mass, individuals can be invited to “witness” to how the Word of God has “nourished” their lives.
• Bible Procession: A procession with an enthroned Bible throughout the streets of the parish community, a church compound could be held before or after the Mass.
• Recognising small wins: Groups and individuals who have “digested” the Word of God and are “manifesting” its fruits in “concrete ways” in the community could be recognised. “Special recognition” can be given to children, youth, and young adults.
• Children’s Liturgy: A special liturgy of the Word can be prepared for children, celebrated in a “space specially designed” for that day. “Again, this could be the start of an ongoing children’s ministry,” Fr Logan said.