Year C: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Second Reading: based on  St Paul’s second Letter to Timothy 3: 14 - 4: 2

St Paul is reminding Timothy of the important role Scripture should play in the lives of the faithful. He highlights its role in teaching - refuting error and guiding people to lead good and holy lives.

Many of as familiar with Jehovah’s Witnesses and others who seem to know their Scriptures so well. We can feel intimidated by their knowledge and uncomfortable when we cannot quote chapter and verse in support of our own faith tradition. In years gone by, Catholics were well-schooled in catechism answers and could respond with an answer learnt by heart. For many years this was enough and, in fact, ordinary Catholics were discouraged from reading the Bible unless they had an official interpretation alongside.

During the course of this century - and certainly since Vatican II, this attitude has shifted greatly. In the document called the Constitution on Divine revelation (Dei Verbum  - Word of God), the Council quotes St Jerome, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” - highlighting the way in which Scripture is essential to  growth in knowledge and love of Jesus - and of God

Since then, Catholics have begun to read the Bible - but many remain a little apprehensive. We may still feel embarrassed that we can’t find our way around the Bible as easily as others seem to. We may be confused by the different styles of book that there are in the Bible - history - poetry - prophecy - and forget that each style needs a different approach.

These are real concerns - but they can be addressed. There are helpful books that can help you to read the Bible and understand a little more about when and why it was written.

You can get insights into the lives of the people who wrote the Scriptures - and begin to see why they expressed things as they did. Then read the stories (some quite racy!) try to hear the poetry - imagine yourself in some of the Gospel stories .Just enjoy reading various parts of the Bible without worrying too much about remembering chapters and verses - the content is more important than the index!

All these things will help in the more important task of praying with the Scriptures. there are different ways of doing this - but one of the simplest is to see the Scriptures as God’s side of a conversation. We read the Word of God - we listen - we reflect (let the idea play in our minds - and hearts - and souls) - and try to hear what God is saying to us - here - today. Then we talk to God about what we have learnt - and how His word has been like a lamp to our feet... 

What does it mean for me?

Take time out with your Bible this week. Either browse through and explore the different kinds of books it contains - or choose a specific passage and pray with it - letting the words drift deep within you.

         Text © 2006 Wellspring

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