GROW IN FAITH 22 – The Liturgy of the Word

God Speaks to His People

Opening Prayer

Lord,
You speak to Your people.
Open our ears and our hearts.
Help us listen carefully
when Your Word is proclaimed.
Amen.

Part One

God Speaks at Mass

The Mass has two great parts.

First, we listen.
Then, we offer and receive.

The first part is called the Liturgy of the Word.

We sit and listen to readings from the Bible.

These readings are not just stories from long ago.

They are God’s Word for us now.

The Bible says:

“For the word of God is living and effectual.”

When Scripture is proclaimed at Mass,
God is speaking to His Church.

Not only to one person.
Not only to the priest.
But to all of us.

Listening is not passive.

It is an act of attention and faith.

Scripture

“For the word of God is living and effectual.”
(Hebrews 4:12)

Think and Discuss

Why do you think we listen before receiving Communion?

What happens if we hear words but do not pay attention?

How can we show respect when Scripture is read?

Why do you think we stand for the Gospel?

Allow thoughtful answers.

Part Two

What We Hear

At Sunday Mass, we usually hear:

A reading from the Old Testament.
A Psalm.
A reading from the New Testament.
The Gospel.

The Gospel is especially important.

It tells us about the life and teaching of Jesus.

We stand because Christ Himself speaks in the Gospel.

After the readings, the priest or deacon gives a homily.

The homily helps us understand
what we have heard
and how to live it.

The Word prepares our hearts.

Before we receive Christ in the Eucharist,
we receive Him in His Word.

Guidance for Adults

Encourage children to listen for one sentence that stands out.
Short attention, consistently practised, forms deeper habits than long explanations.

Part Three

Listening With the Heart

Listening at Mass is different
from listening to a story at home.

We listen with faith.

We can ask quietly:

“Lord, what are You teaching me?”

We may not understand every detail.

That is all right.

Over time, Scripture shapes our thinking.

It teaches us:

What is true.
What is good.
What matters most.

If we listen carefully,
God’s Word begins to guide our choices.

The Liturgy of the Word
is not only preparation for Communion.

It is nourishment for the mind and heart.

God speaks first.

We respond.

That is the rhythm of worship.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think of one reading you remember from Mass.

What line stayed with you?

Now say quietly:

“Speak, Lord.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Listen carefully to one reading at Sunday Mass.
• Write down one line from the Gospel.
• Read the Sunday Gospel at home before Mass.
• Sit quietly for a moment after the homily.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“The word of God is living.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Stand up and practise standing attentively.
Say: “Lord, I am listening.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for speaking to us.
Help us listen with attention and faith.
May Your Word guide our lives
each day.
Amen.