“The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more lavishly so that a richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God’s Word”
(-Sacrosanctum Concililum 51)
The USCCB has declared November 15-21 National Bible Week, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum. This year’s theme is “A Book for the Family.” Any time is the perfect time to study sacred Scripture but I am especially thankful for the opportunity this week.
Three weeks ago, I started a free Bible Study called “Good Morning Girls” (which I talked about on episode #028 my podcast “Good Things Radio.” ) I’ve known about this for years because of a friend, Courtney Joseph who began the ministry several years ago. I just always had an excuse as to why I couldn’t do it. I was too busy, it wasn’t a Catholic-specific, I was working on something else, or reading something else. However, the more I looked into it, the more I knew I had to try it. For the last decade, I’ve poured over the daily readings of the liturgical year but I’ve never really studied the Word of God in a formal way and it was long overdue.
“Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ.” -St. Jerome
Since I have a Catholic Bible, that is my trusted resource, and all that was needed to begin. We are currently in the book of Numbers and it has been richer and deeper than I even expected. It simply requires reading one chapter a day. That’s it. I ordered a journal from the website:
I started the study alone. Then a small group began to form. Just a few of us who act as accountability partners, as well as share our reflections from the chapter that day, via text…
“Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. ” (Hebrews 13:7)
In the evenings, we re-read the chapter as a family. What surprised me most about this, is that we’ve actually been able to keep up with it. My initial thought of not having any time to fit in a bible study, has not only been proven untrue but I’m finding time for two sessions a day? God is so good!
Needless to say, I was excited about the timing of the USCCB’s announcement of National Bible Week and the encouraging words to families about the importance of studying sacred Scripture.
“Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince,reprimand, and encourage through all patience and teaching. “– 2 Timothy 4:2
The USSCB website has wonderful resources for this week and beyond. Including a contest to test your Bible IQ! Additionally, I also ran across a website launched by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, called Biblia Clerus. It allows researchers to access Bible verses with exegesis from doctors of the Church or cross reference liturgical texts with commentaries from Church Fathers. That may be more of the “advanced” level, but it’s worth noting for all the armchair theologians out there!
May The Good News of Jesus Christ bless you today and always!
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