Word Sunday

Becoming Familiar with Scripture Throughout the Year

“Becoming familiar with the Word” and cultivating a living relationship with Sacred Scripture in order to “grow closer to the Word of God and to the Risen One” are among the profound motivations that led Pope Francis to establish the Sunday of the Word of God, celebrated each year on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

This special observance invites celebration, reflection, and the proclamation of the Word—not as a one-time event, but as a journey meant to continue throughout the year. In his apostolic letter Aperuit Illis (September 30, 2019), Pope Francis explains that this day dedicated to the Bible “is not meant to be celebrated once a year, but rather to be a year-long event.”

The Word Accessible to All God’s People

Pope Francis also emphasizes the importance of making the Word accessible to everyone. “The Bible cannot be the heritage of a few,” he affirms, reminding us that it is above all “the book of the Lord’s people, who, in listening to it, move from dispersion and division toward unity. The Word of God unites believers and makes them one people.”

A Strong Ecumenical Dimension

The decision to celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity clearly highlights its ecumenical significance. As Pope Francis states:

“Celebrating the Sunday of the Word of God expresses an ecumenical value, because Sacred Scripture points out to those who listen the path to follow in order to arrive at an authentic and solid unity.”

The Biblical Text Chosen This Year

The passage selected for this year is the parable of the unforgiving servant, taken from the Gospel according to Matthew (18:21–35). This text highlights the call to mercy, forgiveness, and conversion of heart.

Practical Tools to Deepen Engagement with the Word

Illustrations sources: Socabi

To support meditation and reflection, the Catholic Biblical Society (SOCABI) is offering four free animation toolkits, adapted to various contexts:

• individual reflection
• family life
• small spiritual groups
• parish or community groups

These toolkits are accompanied by an introductory document to facilitate their use and understanding (in French only).

An Additional Source of Inspiration

Finally, the apostolic letter In unitate fidei by Pope Leo XIV, published last November on the occasion of the Council of Nicaea, can further enrich reflection on this day. In this text, the Pope reaffirms the shared faith and unity of Christians with strong ecumenical emphasis.