Scripture Matters

Objectives

At the end of the assembly, MFC members are expected to:

1. Realize the importance of reading and praying with scriptures.

2. Value the transforming power of the Word of God.

3. Commit to read and study the bible every day.

Expanded Outline

I. Introduction

When was the last time you read the Bible? Not just heard some of the Bible during our household meetings and community gatherings. Or just listen to them being read during the mass. But intentionally getting our bibles and read them in silence, reflecting every word from its pages. 

I know for fact that for most of us we have been reading our bibles since our covenant tells us to read our bible every day. But just in case that we have not done it for a while, then may this teaching encourage us to pick up our bible and value once again this beautiful gift that we have received from the Lord. 

II. The Gift of Sacred Scriptures

“God, who dwells in unapproachable light, wants to communicate his own divine life to the men he freely created, to adopt them as his sons in his only begotten Son. By revealing himself God wishes to make them capable of responding to him, and of knowing him, and of loving him far beyond their own natural capacity” (CCC 52).

The Bible is a great gift to us. By reading the different books in the bible we can know, love, and serve the Lord. This is because it is in the bible where we can read how God has revealed Himself to us His people. 

In revealing Himself, God use the gift of his Word. This word of revelation was first pass on through stories in various communities which we call the oral tradition. Later, they have written these stories so that it can be better preserved and shared which started the written tradition. These stories that were compiled and declared by the Church as inspired is what we now called the Bible.

In reading the bible we are not just reading an inspired book, but we are reading various books. That is why we say that The Bible is not just a book, it is a library. It is really a library because it contains seventy-three (73) books that is preserved and pass on over the course of many centuries.  Its books are written by a variety of authors with different literary styles, social backgrounds, personalities, and purposes. These books were written to help us discover new truths about God at every turn. Some of these truths will resonate with us more than others, and some will strike us more profoundly at various times during our lives. Thus, we say that the bible is written by human hands but with inspired minds through the power of Holy Spirit. Thus, if we really want to know God and grow in His love then it is essential for us to read, reflect, and relive the message found in our bible. 

III. Growing with the Sacred Scriptures

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of God.” St. Jerome

The Church encourages us to grow in our relationship with God by praying, reading, and studying the scriptures. Only by making time to pray, read, and study it can we come to know our God, who is both eternally simple and utterly complex. Only by praying, reading, and studying with scriptures can we become His friend. 

A. Praying with the Scriptures

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

Praying with scriptures daily will allow us to deepen our relationship with God by constantly communicating with Him. It will allow us to love what God loves and hate what God hates. Here are some tips that can help us pray with scriptures daily:

·      Read the Word

                        i.         Use daily Catholic Reading guides (e.g., God's Word Today, Didache)

                       ii.         Read the bible reading for the day.

                      iii.         Read the bible verse for today slowly and attentively for several times.

·      Reflect on the Word

                        i.         Look for the word or sentence that moves you or affects you the most while you are reading the verse.

                       ii.         Ask yourself “What message does the bible verse is trying to say to me?”

·      Respond to the Word

                        i.         Decide to put into practice the message of the bible verse to you.

                       ii.         Accept the invitation of the message of the bible verse to you.

B. Reading the Scriptures

“I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.” Psalm 119:11

Reading the scriptures daily will allow us to grow spiritually. By taking the challenge to read the bible daily, going through its various books, chapter by chapter. We are helping our faith to grow strong and be spiritually mature. That is why we must really make time to read it. Here are some tips that can help us read our scriptures daily:

·      Own a Bible Reading Plan

                        i.         It is a helpful tool that leads you to read through the different books of the Bible.

                       ii.         It helps you read your bible in parts each day until you read the entire Bible.

·      On Your Own Phase

                        i.         Find a Bible plan that fits you.

                       ii.         Do not be pressure by following a timeline to finish the bible. What is important is your commitment to read it continuously regardless of the timeline.

·      Onwards to Finish It

                        i.         It is normal to get behind on your reading plan.

                       ii.         Do not quit even if you get behind.

                      iii.         Make it a goal to be able to read the entire bible in your lifetime. 

C. Studying the Scriptures 

 “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”  Psalm 119:130

Studying the scriptures daily will allow us to be convicted in our faith. By taking the challenge to read and understand the bible it will convict us to changes our lifestyle and live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God. That is why we must really make time to study it. Here are some tips that can help us read our scriptures daily:

·      Underline or highlight key words or phrases in the Bible passage. Use a pen or highlighter to mark new discoveries from the text.

·      Ask and answer some questions. Questions unlock new discoveries and meanings. Ask questions about the passage using these words: who, what, why, when, where, or how. Jot down your answers to these questions.

·      Capture the big idea. God’s Word communicates big ideas. Periodically ask: What’s the big idea in this sentence, paragraph, or chapter?

·      Personalize the meaning. Respond as God speaks to you through the Scriptures. Ask: How could my life be different today as I respond to what I’m reading?

Conclusion

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

God’s words are alive, and it was sent so that we can know, love, and serve God. It’s given to us so that we can respond to God’s love. Let's value this gift by reading it daily and allowing it to transform us. Let us allow to make the living Word of God truly alive in our life and in our world today.

Discussion Question

What are my challenges that prevents me from praying, reading, and studying the scripture? 

What must I do to overcome these challenges?