Fr. Kevin's Cluttered Desk
January 19, 2020
Pope Francis has declared that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to become known as the “Word of God Sunday”. The purpose of this is to help us become more devoted to the study and understanding of the word or God in our lives and homes.
The Holy Father has requested that at the Masses on that Sunday that all “Ministers of the Word” should be blessed with a special blessing in acknowledgement of the importance of proclaiming the Word of God. These Ministers would include: lectors, psalmists, RCIA leaders, scripture study leaders and those leading Children’s liturgy.
The Holy Father has also called for the Enthroning of the Bible in homes, schools, and during RCIA and Bible study groups. An interesting element in this is that in the home, school or study group the Bible is always to be open whereas the Book of the Gospel, after being read, is always closed for its enthronement. This is also an interesting teaching or reminder in our faith. The Bible is left open as an invitation to read and study it. Whereas when the Gospel has been proclaimed we begin by taking the word into ourselves and then we are invited to “reflect” on what we have heard so that we might integrate it into our lives.
The Holy Father is again drawing on a very old Catholic Tradition, one where every house has a prayer space, a table or stand where symbols of our faith are out in the open. Adding or ensuring that a Bible is part of that prayer space helps with the invitation to draw from the word of God not just on Sundays but on every day of our lives. The Bible need not be fancy, more often than not it should be one when looked upon is seen as worn and well used.
Prayer for a prayer space in the home: Heavenly Father, be with us as we pray and bless us in your love. Let this space be a place reserved for prayer. Listen to the praise and petitions of all who come here to pray and be pleased with their worship. Send the Spirit of Jesus to guide them and accept the praise of humble contrite hearts and we ask this grace Father through Jesus our brother, in the love and unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever Amen.
Peace Fr. Kevin
The Holy Father has requested that at the Masses on that Sunday that all “Ministers of the Word” should be blessed with a special blessing in acknowledgement of the importance of proclaiming the Word of God. These Ministers would include: lectors, psalmists, RCIA leaders, scripture study leaders and those leading Children’s liturgy.
The Holy Father has also called for the Enthroning of the Bible in homes, schools, and during RCIA and Bible study groups. An interesting element in this is that in the home, school or study group the Bible is always to be open whereas the Book of the Gospel, after being read, is always closed for its enthronement. This is also an interesting teaching or reminder in our faith. The Bible is left open as an invitation to read and study it. Whereas when the Gospel has been proclaimed we begin by taking the word into ourselves and then we are invited to “reflect” on what we have heard so that we might integrate it into our lives.
The Holy Father is again drawing on a very old Catholic Tradition, one where every house has a prayer space, a table or stand where symbols of our faith are out in the open. Adding or ensuring that a Bible is part of that prayer space helps with the invitation to draw from the word of God not just on Sundays but on every day of our lives. The Bible need not be fancy, more often than not it should be one when looked upon is seen as worn and well used.
Prayer for a prayer space in the home: Heavenly Father, be with us as we pray and bless us in your love. Let this space be a place reserved for prayer. Listen to the praise and petitions of all who come here to pray and be pleased with their worship. Send the Spirit of Jesus to guide them and accept the praise of humble contrite hearts and we ask this grace Father through Jesus our brother, in the love and unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever Amen.
Peace Fr. Kevin
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