The Second Vatican Council set in motion a true revolution in how Catholics engage with the Scriptures. The three-year lectionary, Bible study, lectionary-based catechesis, scriptural songs and hymns, and prayer practices such as lectio divina, have raised our awareness of the power and vitality of God’s Word. But how does our encounter with Christ through the Word in the Liturgy actually work, in ways that are distinct from study or private devotion? Why do we “minister” the Word? Why do we “respond and acclaim” the Word? What’s all the smoke and fire about—and how does it relate to the “inner fire” of the Holy Spirit? In this session we will reflect on the challenges and joys of encountering Christ in the Liturgy of the Word.
