The beginning of Ordinary Time offers a marvelous opportunity to renew our commitment to Christ as he calls us to discipleship. In 2019, Pope Francis designated the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time as Sunday of the Word of God, inviting the Church to enter more deeply into sacred Scripture as a living presence in our daily lives. Today’s readings beautifully illuminate our call to be both hearers and doers of the Word.
The First Reading from Isaiah echoes the joy of Christmas:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone.
This familiar passage from Isaiah 9 was proclaimed at the Christmas Mass During the Night. Today, however, the focus is not on the birth of the Child, but on God’s light itself – a light powerful enough to dispel darkness and lift heavy burdens. This teaching is reinforced by today’s Responsorial Psalm: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” The Word of God is a primary means by which that divine light shines into our lives.
In the Second Reading, Saint Paul addresses the Christian community in Corinth, a city marked by moral confusion and competing loyalties. He urges unity, “that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and purpose.”
Paul reminds them that Christ alone is the source of their faith. He was crucified for them; he is the one who unites them. As Pope Francis wrote in his decree for Word of God Sunday, “The Bible is the book of the Lord’s people who, in listening to it, move from dispersion and division toward unity.”
The Gospel from Matthew brings this message to life. Jesus begins his ministry by proclaiming repentance and calling ordinary people – fishermen like Peter and Andrew – to follow him. During a time of uncertainty and oppression, his words brought clarity, purpose, and hope. In encountering Jesus, the disciples encountered the Word of God made flesh – and their lives were forever changed. May we, too, recognize that same living Word calling us today.
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon O Sing a New Song to the Lord (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan
Let Us All Rejoice #42
Today’s Antiphon is from Psalm 96: “O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendor; strength and honor in his holy place.”
Entrance Chant Love Has Come (Matt Maher)
Spirit & Song #329; Never Too Young #155; Breaking Bread #410
Matt Maher’s powerful “Love Has Come” sings in praise of the Word and reflects God’s “majesty and splendor,” as referenced in the Entrance Antiphon.
Responsorial Psalm The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation (Cooper Ray)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 74
Cooper Ray’s verbatim setting of Psalm 27 is an upbeat response to the First Reading.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Endless Mercy (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 76
This acclamation verse places us at the beginning of Jesus’ dynamic ministry.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Fish with Me (Ken Canedo)
Spirit & Song #211; Never Too Young #128
A favorite with young people, “Fish with Me” mentions Peter and Andrew by name as they are called by Jesus at the Sea of Galilee.
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon I Am the Light of the World, Says the Lord [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #44
Antiphon Option 2 continues to reinforce the light imagery from today’s readings.
Communion Chant Christ Shine in Our Lives (Chris Muglia)
Breaking Bread #462
This relatively new song by Chris Muglia is a welcome addition to the contemporary repertoire. It sings of the way Christ’s light inspires our service to the lost, the poor and those who live in darkness and fear.
Sending Forth With One Voice (Ricky Manalo)
Spirit & Song #232; Never Too Young #38; Breaking Bread #392
“With One Voice” inspires us as we go forth from this Eucharist on Word of God Sunday. “Take the Word and go out to every land. Shine the light of Christ for all to see!”
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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