I’m glad to hear that the bishops of the world will gather later this year (October) with Pope Benedict XVI for a Synod on the Bible. This will be a good opportunity for Catholics to reflect on the role of Scripture in our formation. For too many Catholics, the Bible has been kept at arm’s length, causing us to miss out on the power of God’s Word in Scripture. Catechists are at the forefront of integrating Scripture into the lives of young Catholics. We ourselves need to do all we can to learn more about Scripture so that we can help those we teach to gain access to the transforming grace that comes to us from the Living Word.
How’s your relationship with the Bible these days?
My Catholic Study Bible is pretty worn and marked up. I recently saw nice new one (of all places, it was at Costco!!)and I contemplated buying it. Then I rethought it because it would be like loosing an old friend.
I believe an important way of promoting the importance of the Word is to begin a class, workshop, parish meeting etc with not only a prayer but an appropriate passage from scripture as well. It doesn’t have to be long. Reflecting on even a short passage can be beneficial to anyone’s spiritual life, no matter what age.
Lauretta, your suggestion about starting any class, workshop, etc. with a Scripture reading is right on target. Prayers should not just be us speaking to God but should always include space for us to listen to God speaking to us!