The prayer for peace is held in the basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Reading of the Word of God

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

This is the Gospel of the poor,
liberation for the imprisoned,
sight for the blind,
freedom for the oppressed.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Luke 8,16-18

'No one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed. No, it is put on a lamp-stand so that people may see the light when they come in. For nothing is hidden but it will be made clear, nothing secret but it will be made known and brought to light. So take care how you listen; anyone who has, will be given more; anyone who has not, will be deprived even of what he thinks he has.'

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

The Son of Man came to serve,
whoever wants to be great
should become servant of all.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

In order to explain the mystery of the Word of God Jesus uses the example of the lamp. As the light of the lamp does not have the task of illuminating itself but everything which surrounds it, so must the Word of God illuminate the heart and life of every disciple. No man and no woman must remain in the dark; everyone has the right to the light. Believers have the duty to show the light of God to the men and women of every generation. This is the reason that Christians cannot live for themselves. Disciples are sent by Jesus to show to all men and women the light of the Gospel. They are called above all to welcome the Word of God in their heart. Jesus warns: "Then pay attention to how you listen." It is not sufficient simply to listen. Jesus demands an attentive hearing that allows the Word of God to enter and reach one's heart. From the heart it must become real life in the community of people. Certainly we know well that those who do not listen cannot transmit anything of God, but at most something of themselves. But that person's life is like a light that has been turned off and has no life. On the contrary whoever allows his or her heart to be enlightened by the Word of God will have a heart that is full of divine wisdom; they will bear good fruit both for themselves and for all. And this is the meaning of Jesus' words: "To who has, much will be given," that is, who welcomes the Gospel in the heart will receive abundant wisdom. Gregory the Great said: "The Scriptures grow with whoever reads them," uniting in this way the growth of the Word together with that of the heart of the disciple.