On Verbum Domini
The Holy Father expressed concern that the relationship of the word of God with the sacraments of healing, namely Penance and the Anointing of the Sick, seems to be given little value. Since God’s word is one of reconciliation, the Pope exhorts penitents "to prepare for confession by meditating on a suitable text of sacred Scripture and to begin confession by reading or listening to a biblical exhortation such as those provided in the rite" it is also worth recalling that Appendix II of the Rite of Penance offers a number of sample penitential services, especially in Advent and Lent, that make good use of the word of God. The Scriptures also provide healing in times of illness. The Exhortation commends communal celebrations of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick – a not uncommon experience in parishes in the United States –and encourages its continuance. These celebrations allow for the consolation of knowing that the Incarnate Word "shouldered our pain and suffered out of love for us, thus giving meaning to sickness and death".
With a view to making the People of God ever more familiar with the word of God in the context of liturgical actions or, in any event, with reference to them", the Holy Father offers several other liturgical suggestions for highlighting the transformative power of the word and letting it enrich our lives:
-Celebrations of the word of God are encouraged, particularly as part of liturgical formation, as preparation for the Sunday Eucharist, and as a time to pray and meditate on sacred Scripture. These types of celebrations are particularly recommended during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
-The celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, particularly Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, ought to become more widespread among the lay faithful. Pastors should give emphasis to such public celebrations, particularly the First Vespers of Sundays and solemnities. Clergy and religious communities should promote the Liturgy of the Hours with the participation of the lay faithful.
-Whether during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass or at other occasions, the proclamation of the word of God "is to be celebrated in such a way as to promote meditation". Proclaiming the word of God also involves silence afterward, in order to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us in the Lord. In the Mass, sacred silence should take place before the Liturgy of the Word begins, after the First and Second Readings, and after the homily. Pastors are exhorted to foster moments of recollection so that the word of God can truly take root in people’s hearts.
-In the selection of songs for the liturgy, "preference should be given to songs which are of clear biblical inspiration and which express, through the harmony of music and words, the beauty of God’s word". These words should give new impetus to composers, and also inspire all to make greater use of Gregorian chant, "songs handed down to us by the Church’s tradition" The 2007 guidelines document of the USCCB, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, can provide help in song selection.