Word of God¶
The Catholic Church uses the expression Word of God at several places of the Holy Mass. The Ordo Lectionum Missae specifies that two of the four Bible readings are to be concluded with the words “Verbum Dei” (translated to “(This is) the word of God” or “Acclamons la Parole de Dieu” or “Wort des Lebendigen Gottes” or “See on Jumala Sõna”). And the other participants of the mass are then to answer “Deo gratias” (“Thanks be to God” or “Louange à toi Seigneur” or “Dank sei Gott dem Herrn” or “Tänu olgu Jumalale”).
I never get tired of warning people that this ancient formulation is dangerous because it can be misunderstood. Too many people use the terms “Bible” and “Word of God” as synonyms. But the Word of God is far more than what is written in the Bible. Mixing them up can lead to Biblicism.
- Word of God¶
A divine inspiration, i.e. a concrete message perceived by a particular human as coming from God. For example “The word of the Lord came to Jonah” (Jonah 1:1).
Christians use the expression to designate the immutable eternal message revealed by God to all humans through Jesus Christ. (John 1)
Similar concepts¶
- divine plan¶
The assumed plan God has for humanity and the whole Universe.
- God’s plan¶
Another word for God’s divine plan
- Will of God¶
Something God wants to happen as part of his divine plan.