'The God Who Speaks'

Published: 17/07/2020

Last Updated: 30/04/2021

'To encounter Jesus Christ is at the heart of evangelisation.'

'The God Who Speaks' , now extended to Sunday of the Word of God, 23rd January 2022, encourages us to focus on the Bible. The Bishops of England and Wales, invite us to renew our encounter with Jesus through a greater exploration of the Bible. At Mass each Sunday, at various liturgies in the week and even in our simplest of prayers we already touch on the riches of the Bible. Yet, it seems that for many Catholics the Holy Scripture feels inaccessible, or there is a perception that the regular reading of the Bible is for other traditions. Pope Francis tells us, ‘The Sacred Scriptures are the very source of evangelisation’ and if we are to evangelise, that is, bring others to an encounter with Jesus Christ, ‘A Christian's first task is to listen to the word of God, to listen to Jesus, because he speaks to us and saves us with his word’. He suggests that we should always carry a small Bible or pocket edition of the Gospels, whether in a book or on our smartphone, so that we can explore God’s word whenever and wherever we have few minutes to spare. Pope Francis has also declared that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (in January each year) is designated as ‘Sunday of the Word of God’.

Whether it is through the books of Wisdom and the Prophets of the Old Testament, or through the Gospels and Letters of the New Testament, by engaging more fully with the word of God, we come closer to Jesus Christ. We cannot walk with Jesus across the hills of Galilee or along the dusty roads to Jerusalem, but we can hear the witness of those who did.

‘We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.’ (1 John 1: 1).

In an increasingly demanding and confusing world, let the Bible be our guide. Pope Benedict, in his exhortation, Verbum Domini, speaking to young people particularly, says that sacred Scripture can be a ‘compass pointing out the path to follow’.

Latest:

May Focus: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost - godwhospeaks.uk/pentecost

Our Lady of Fátima Church in White City, London shares their discussions around racial justice in both a video and parish resource to bring about change in the Church’s life and to celebrate our rich diversity.

Catholic Parish Discussion on Racial Justice

For Lent and Easter

Finding Hope in Scripture this Lent - Lent Scripture Retreat from the Dominican Sisters in Portsmouth Diocese godwhospeaks.uk/lent-at-home/finding-hope-in-scripture

Ideas for online Groups:

Echoes of God - David McLoughlin’s journey through the whole Bible in this wonderful 7 week course. A great resource for personal use or for online groups to share together this Lent. godwhospeaks.uk/lent-at-home/ideas-for-online-groups
I AM MARK – a dramatic retelling of Mark’s gospel by a Christian actor brings the gospel to life with energy and power - https://iam-mark.com/on-film
Listening with Love - inviting people to reflect on the impact of abuse on individuals and the Church.
The Let’s be Honest Group has prepared with Survivors, a series of reflections on Scripture in the form of conversations between survivors. https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/events/listening-with-love/

Family and school resources - Lent and Easter posters for your school, parish or home - godwhospeaks.uk/lent-at-home/family-resources

Stations of the Cross and prayer resources to aid your personal devotions: godwhospeaks.uk/lent-at-home/personal-devotions

Please do our very short Scripture survey to help us help you in future support and resources – godwhospeaks.uk/send-us-your-feedback

'Journeying with the Bible' - Talks

A series of lectures given by Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz PhD and Sr Monica Cardona STL as part of the celebrations for 'The God Who Speaks' Year of the Word 2020.

The God Who Speaks - of Justice and Peace

The Catholic Biblical Association was founded in 1940 to promote understanding of the Holy Scriptures. During the recent lockdowns the CBA has begun to livestream events. You may have been one of those who joined the livestream of Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP on 'The Joy of the Gospel', and the presentation of Dom Henry Wansbrough on 'The Adventures of a Biblical Translator'.

If you wish to add your name to the mailing list of the CBA in order to receive news of future biblical initiatives, send your name and email address to catholicbiblicalassociation.gb@gmail.com