How to Read the Bible
Oct
4
Written by:
Sunday, October 04, 2009
How to Read the Bible
Pastor’s Column
27th Sunday Ordinary Time
October 4, 2009
Having a goal to read the whole bible is a good one, but many people begin in Genesis and get stuck in Leviticus! Much of the Old Testament is exciting reading, but mixed in are parts that one ought to skip. One good way to read the bible is with a good Catholic commentary in one hand and the bible in the other. Two that I can recommend would be the Navarre Bible series and the Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture.
The best place to begin a plan of reading the Bible is with one of the four gospels. This year we are reading Mark at Sunday Mass. Mark is a short gospel full of detailed eyewitness accounts of Jesus. One might also want to read from the New Testament letters. Following the Sunday and daily readings (printed in the bulletin) is an excellent way to follow the Scriptures.
When we read Scripture, the Lord speaks to us. It is not necessary or even desirable to read fast or simply to get through the book! The bible can be read profitably by thinking of it like sipping a fine wine or enjoying a good meal. Slowing down the reading process can yield big rewards. One method we can use is known as lectio divina..
We begin by reading the whole passage, or until we encounter a word or phrase that has meaning for us. Stop at that word, phrase, or paragraph and turn it over in your mind. You might want to highlight that word or phrase in your bible.
Next, we meditate on the passage. Perhaps we may form a picture of the scene in our minds. We might place ourselves in the scene with Jesus. We listen as the Lord speaks. Begin to notice the little details in the passage. What is he saying to me? What meaning does this passage have in my life?
After this, we pray more deeply with the passage. This is where we respond to God. What will I say to God, who has spoken to me in this Scripture passage? I might talk to God about what I have read, and how it may affect my life. In this way, we begin to recognize the voice of God as he speaks through the Scriptures to our soul.
Finally, we may enter a phase knows as contemplation. In this step, we can dwell further on the word silently, praying that we might be more disposed to putting into practice what we have read and what God has said to us, and we to him.
Father Gary