Society
Of The Divine Word

Br. Szymon Porwoł prepared the weekly fliers, while Fr. Vincent Agbeyome-Akpah oversaw the project, providing the readings for each week and encouraging us to persevere. This was far more than a mechanical exercise. As Fr. Vincent reminded us, it was an invitation to “open and dive into God’s Word, our treasure of wisdom and strength.”
For me, the daily reading of Sacred Scripture is like the response of a little child who, when asked, “Where is your mother?” does not answer with words but runs straight to her and leaps into her arms. Our 150 days of conscious and intense immersion in the Word of God were just that—running toward God’s Word and embracing its boundless richness.
Scripture imparts the wisdom of life. It teaches moderation, for life’s circumstances can change from day to day (cf. 2 Mac 5:10). Like a patient teacher, the Word illuminates what is constant and truly worth investing in (cf. Ps 37:35–36). Earthly achievements fade quickly, but what is rooted in God endures forever (cf. Lk 6:46–49).
At times, the tasks God calls us to may seem beyond human capacity. Yet if we make ourselves available and trusting, God will accomplish them through us—for “unless the Lord builds the house” (Ps 127:1), our efforts are in vain. Our human contribution is often unstable and unreliable, with no guarantee of success. Yet opposite our fragility stands God’s unfailing faithfulness—and that is what we celebrate in this 150th year. The awareness of God’s ongoing work is both refreshing and profoundly consoling.
The Word of God also confronts us; it does not allow us to remain indifferent before the truth (cf. Mt 14:1–12). Pope Leo once placed in his coat of arms a pierced heart resting on the Bible, echoing the words of St. Augustine: “With Your Word You pierced my heart, and I loved You.” This image reveals the transforming power of God’s Word in human life.
We may fail many times, but God never breaks His covenant with us. Though we are insufficient, He does what is necessary—and He invites us to share in His great plan (cf. Sir 17:3). We may feel the heavy burden of our failures, yet God continues His marvelous design for humanity, restoring us to our original communion with Him, the source of indestructible joy. Together, we journey toward that joy amid the turbulence and wounds of our world.
The Psalms, prayed daily in community or alone, help us to see our lives in God’s light. Day by day, they reassure us of His care and presence. Even when we feel powerless before the world’s hostility, we are never abandoned.
Journeying with God’s Word is a great adventure. Just as it lit the path of the Israelites and guided people across times and cultures, so it guides us today. Time spent with the Word is never wasted—it is always a gain. Each time we pause to be with it, we are renewed in spirit and return to our daily tasks with deeper meaning.
Daily encounters with Scripture draw us into the great history of salvation. As Divine Word Missionaries, we are especially blessed: God has delighted to bring our missionary Society into being and has called each of us personally, from many different places. Together, we are chosen to play a vital role in bringing God’s love to all people, everywhere—tirelessly “witnessing to the Light.”