The Diocese gathered at Northampton Cathedral at 3.00pm on Sunday 25 January to celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, observed throughout the universal Church on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
This year marked the Seventh Sunday of the Word of God, celebrated under the theme “The word of Christ dwells among you” (Colossians 3:16). Instituted by Pope Francis in 2019 through his Apostolic Letter Aperuit illis, the day invites the faithful to reflect more deeply on Sacred Scripture, to celebrate it within the liturgy, and to allow the Word of God to shape daily Christian life.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, explains:
“Saint Paul’s words to the Colossians, ‘The word of Christ dwells among you’, invite us not only to listen to the Word but to let it dwell within us. The Word shapes our thoughts, guides our desires, and unites the Christian community. To welcome it is to allow Christ to speak through our lives, bringing hope and life to those around us.”
This year’s celebration also coincided with the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, bringing to a close the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. As the Word of God transformed Paul on the road to Damascus, so it continues to call Christians today to conversion, unity and renewed proclamation of the Gospel.
As part of the Cathedral service, Fr Jerome Ituah OCD, a Carmelite friar based in Gerrards Cross, offered a scriptural reflection centred on the theme “Jesus, the Light dwelling among us.” Drawing on the readings of the day, Fr Jerome reflected on the movement from darkness to light found in the Book of Isaiah, the Responsorial Psalm and the Gospel, highlighting how Christ fulfils the promise of light for those who walk in darkness.
Fr Jerome reminded those present that allowing the Word of Christ to dwell richly within us is not simply about listening or study, but about living the Word through forgiveness, love and compassionate action. He also spoke particularly to those who proclaim the Word in the liturgy, encouraging spiritual, scriptural and practical preparation so that the Word may be proclaimed with clarity, understanding and faith.
Concluding his reflection, Fr Jerome challenged the congregation to recognise their call as disciples today:
“The proclamation of the Word should not end in the Church, but must move us to speak that Word in our homes, our families, our schools and our workplaces. When Christ dwells in us, we give birth to him in the world through our lives and actions.”
The celebration at Northampton Cathedral offered a prayerful and enriching opportunity for the Diocese to renew its love for Sacred Scripture and to recommit to being joyful bearers of God’s Word in the world.
Listen to Fr Jerome Ituah OCD reflection here
