Many of us find it hard to read the Bible, but the Lord wants us to eat the Bible, to consume, even devour it. "Not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4). His Word is like honey from the comb (Ps 19:11), sweet at first although later soured by persecution (Rv 10:9-10). Nonetheless, God's Word is still our joy and happiness because we bear His name (Jer 15:16).
If God's words are not that important to us, possibly we don't have a deep, personal relationship with Him. If we don't spend time reading the Bible, then how can we bear His name? "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 133).
Have you read an article about someone you knew personally? You probably read it with much more enthusiasm than other articles. You would be even more interested if you knew the author. If you have a personal relationship with the Author of the Bible, God the Father, and know the Word made flesh, Jesus, then you will read, study, and devour God's Word in the Bible. Delight in the Word of the Lord and meditate on it day and night (Ps 1:2).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, Word of God, may I feel called to kiss the Bible as a sign of my love for You and Your Word. |
| PROMISE: | "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant's search for fine pearls. When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it." –Mt 13:45-46 |
| PRAISE: | One lonely night, Joseph turned to the Bible rather than to the bottle. Jesus gave him the grace to remain sober. |
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