The Scriptures testify on Jesus' behalf (Jn 5:39). If we believed Moses, that is, the first five books of the Bible, we would believe Jesus (Jn 5:46). If we don't believe the Bible, how can we believe what Jesus said? (see Jn 5:47) If we don't believe Moses and the prophets, that is, two major parts of the Bible, we will not be convinced of our need to repent, "even if one should rise from the dead" (Lk 16:31). St. Jerome's words are true: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133).
On the afternoon of the day on which Jesus rose from the dead, Jesus walked about seven miles with two disciples and "beginning, then, with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him" (Lk 24:27). That first Resurrection evening, Jesus "opened their minds to the understanding of the Scriptures" (Lk 24:45). On the day of His Resurrection, Jesus spent hours teaching the Scriptures. This was a statement about the extreme importance of the Scriptures.
Therefore, "search the Scriptures" (Jn 5:39). Read the Scriptures daily, especially the Bible readings for daily Mass. Build your life on the foundation of obedience to God's Word (Mt 7:24). Share God's Word "whether convenient or inconvenient" (2 Tm 4:2). Be men and women of God's Word.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I devour Your Word. May it be the "joy and the happiness of my heart" (Jer 15:16). |
| PROMISE: | "So the Lord relented in the punishment He had threatened to inflict on His people." –Ex 32:14 |
| PRAISE: | St. Cyril is both a Father and Doctor of the Church. While in office as a Fourth Century bishop, he authored numerous catechetical lectures for those preparing to be baptized. He was exiled more than once but returned to fight for the Truth. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College