When the people of God read, hear, revere, obey, and share the Word of God, the Holy Spirit renews the face of the earth (see Ps 104:30). Thus, Jesus began His public ministry reading God's Word (Lk 4:16). He began His ministry after His Resurrection by interpreting "every passage of Scripture which referred to Him" (Lk 24:27).
When the Church began, she devoted herself to learning and living God's Word (see Acts 2:42). Throughout history, the Church has been tempted to lose its focus on God's Word. But she repeatedly accepts the grace to "concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). We too must devote ourselves "to the reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching" (1 Tm 4:13). As we sow the seed of God's Word (see Mk 4:14), we will reap the harvest of salvation (see Rm 1:16).
We have hope in God's Word, for the Lord approves those who tremble at His Word (Is 66:2). Love and live God's Word. Make it the "joy and the happiness" of your heart (Jer 15:16). God made the world through His Word (see Ps 33:6; Heb 11:3); He will renew it through His Word.
| PRAYER: | Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me Your Word as proclaimed through Your Church. |
| PROMISE: | "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members share its joy." –1 Cor 12:26 |
| PRAISE: | "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, God will bring forth with Him from the dead those also who have fallen asleep believing in Him" (1 Thes 4:14). Alleluia! |
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