Living God's Word in our Life

“Let your house be a Church”. These words of St. John Chrysostom emphasize the importance of the family as a domestic Church, where the Word of God is present to accompany, proclaim and witness to the ongoing encounter with the Lord, renewing hope and pointing to the nature and mission of the Church. 

“When it enters us, the Word transforms our hearts and minds; it changes us and leads us to direct our lives to the Lord…Here is Jesus’ invitation: God has come close to you; recognize His presence, make room for His Word, and you will change your outlook on life.” `Pope Francis, Jan 22, 2023.

Make Scripture a part of everyday life
Here are some practical tips from the Dicastery of Evangelization (Vatican) to encourage the love of Scripture:

• Carry the Word with you, physically or on your phone (i.e., YOUCAT-Daily, Amen, Hallow, Living With Christ, The Bible in a Year)
  
  
• When visiting a Church with mosaics or stained glass sacred art, ask children to identify the biblical episodes they recount, the details, or other aspects that may arouse particular curiosity
  
  
• Enthrone the Bible in your home
  
  
• Consider the practice of Lectio Divina
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  • ​Pray with the Seeds of the Word ministry of Lectio Divina and get their copy of Lectio Divina Compendium (the Compendium brings together the Daily Liturgy, space for the practice of the Prayerful Reading of the Word of God, prayers, and monthly formations)​
    
    
  • For Weekly Lectio Divina with Gospel readings, check out this 2024 resources from Canadian Bible Society - Download
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• Join a Bible Group study in your church or community
  
  
• Have this Biblical Examination of Conscience handy for a regular examen
  
  
• Delving into Dei Verbum, the document of the Vatican II that deals with Divine Revelation through Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church | Video
  
  
• Handing out Bible Quotes. Write Bible quotes on paper to hand out at the end of Mass for congregants to read and share at home.
  
  
• Biblical Exhibits. Biblical exhibits could be made, with visuals, information, historical data and motivation to continue to delve into Scripture.
  
  
• Meditated Rosary. The Rosary is a traditional Catholic prayer with a Christological focus. It leads us to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord's life and is essentially contemplative. To deepen the meditation, it is helpful to follow the announcement of the mystery with a corresponding biblical passage. After the announcement, it is appropriate to pause for a suitable period of time to gaze on the meditated mystery before beginning the vocal prayer.
  
  
• Read the complete Liturgical & Pastoral Handbook for 2024 Sunday of the Word of God

In the Family
Consider setting aside some family time for a short reading of a Scripture passage, away from distractions. Begin with a prayer, read the passage aloud, then allow some time for reflection and sharing. Finish with a prayer together. Or consider the following activities:
 

• Ask a family member to gather artistic images representing biblical themes from a particular passage. These images can be used to reflect on the Word of God in its artistic form.
  
  
• Praying the Rosary as a family.
  
  
• Watching movies, Bible series (such as The Chosen), and cartoons followed by discussions to share opinions or explain a scene.

Adapted from "Remain in my Word" 5th Sunday of the Word of God - 2024 Liturgical and Pastoral Handbook.