“Let’s Settle Our Accounts”: A Call to Transforming Grace
Word of God Week 2026 invites us to cross an inner threshold: to move from a mindset of calculation to the astonishing logic of grace. Inspired by the parable in Matthew 18:21–35, the theme “Let’s Settle Our Accounts” echoes Peter’s question: “How many times must I forgive?”
Jesus responds with the story of a servant crushed by an overwhelming debt, forgiven by his master yet unable to show mercy in return.
Through this parable emerges a powerful truth:
God does not keep accounts the way we do.
He does not hold a ledger of faults but freely offers mercy. The theme becomes an invitation to let received grace transform our hearts — to go beyond calculation and build relationships rooted in forgiveness, generosity, and gratitude.
A Week Filled with Spiritual, Cultural, and Formational Activities
The entire program is inspired by this rich and transformative theme. Activities are varied and accessible to all.
Activities include:
- Liturgical celebrations and times of meditation
- Biblical storytelling, sharing circles, and public readings
- Conferences and conversations on topics such as restorative justice and selected economic concepts
- Thematic gatherings that foster dialogue and a deeper encounter with Scripture
Source: Word Week 2026
All activities are free of charge.
The full program is available in PDF format, and additional activities may be added throughout the week.
Several partners — including Socabi — also offer animation toolkits for Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis and integrated into this special week.
A Movement Rooted in Tradition
Word of God Week began in 2003 in the Diocese of Saint-Jean–Longueuil. Since then, several dioceses — Chicoutimi, Joliette, Montreal, Bathurst, Sherbrooke and Gatineau — have joined the initiative, in collaboration with:
- The Canadian Bible Society
- The Association for Symbolic Biblical Catechesis
- Socabi (Société catholique de la Bible)
- Société expo-bible du Québec
- Biblical Storytelling groups
- The Ermitage Saint-Antoine (Lac-Bouchette)
Together, these partners help make Word of God Week a meaningful time of encounter, reflection, and spiritual growth.
To learn more about the history of Word of God Week, you can view the 2012 video produced by Sel et Lumière (in French only).