If we truly believe what the Church teaches, that God is the author of Sacred Scripture, (CCC 105), what difference would it make in our lives? Hebrews 4:2, states, the Word of God is living and active. Sacred Scripture should penetrate our hearts like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32) and the people listening to Peter on the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:37). When we read scripture in all its fullness and in the light of Catholic Church teaching, we experience conversion and our lives must change.
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. As we begin Lent, we start thinking of what we are going to give up (coffee or chocolate). It is also important to add something to our spiritual life. This Lent, I encourage you to delve deeper into scripture and to read it daily, whether for 10 minutes or an hour. ARISE, bible study and faith sharing, starts this week. It is not too late to sign up (see left hand column for info). When you read the Word of God, here are some practical suggestions.
First of all, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading/studying. If you are new to reading scripture and are wondering where to start, pick one of the four Gospels. The Gospels have a special place… they are the source for the life and teaching of the Incarnate Word, our Savior, (Dei Verbum 18). Read a chapter a day. Don’t get overwhelmed or feel rushed, if God is revealing something to you, take it at a prayerful pace. I like praying the scriptures using, Lectio Divina, which is Latin for “Holy Reading.” The ancient tradition of Lectio Divina has been used by many of the saints as a way to contemplate. Pope Benedict XVI stated that the practice of Lectio Divina will bring to the Church a new spiritual springtime (16 Sept. 2006). Through Lectio Divina, one diligently reads a particular scripture, so that it becomes a meditation, putting one’s self in the scripture. Thus, this prayerful reading brings about an intimate exchange between the reader and the Author, causing the reader to respond with an open heart, entering into union with Him, the Author of Life itself.
By Michael Webster
Director of Religious Education
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
mwebster@stjmod.com
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. As we begin Lent, we start thinking of what we are going to give up (coffee or chocolate). It is also important to add something to our spiritual life. This Lent, I encourage you to delve deeper into scripture and to read it daily, whether for 10 minutes or an hour. ARISE, bible study and faith sharing, starts this week. It is not too late to sign up (see left hand column for info). When you read the Word of God, here are some practical suggestions.
First of all, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading/studying. If you are new to reading scripture and are wondering where to start, pick one of the four Gospels. The Gospels have a special place… they are the source for the life and teaching of the Incarnate Word, our Savior, (Dei Verbum 18). Read a chapter a day. Don’t get overwhelmed or feel rushed, if God is revealing something to you, take it at a prayerful pace. I like praying the scriptures using, Lectio Divina, which is Latin for “Holy Reading.” The ancient tradition of Lectio Divina has been used by many of the saints as a way to contemplate. Pope Benedict XVI stated that the practice of Lectio Divina will bring to the Church a new spiritual springtime (16 Sept. 2006). Through Lectio Divina, one diligently reads a particular scripture, so that it becomes a meditation, putting one’s self in the scripture. Thus, this prayerful reading brings about an intimate exchange between the reader and the Author, causing the reader to respond with an open heart, entering into union with Him, the Author of Life itself.
By Michael Webster
Director of Religious Education
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
mwebster@stjmod.com
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