Bible Reading

To love God more fully, we must know Him. Saint Jerome says that ignorance of the Holy Scriptures is ignorance of Christ. Anyone who wishes to know Jesus must know His Word. Do I read the Bible regularly? Am I growing through reading the Bible? Many people have reasons for not reading the Bible. Some say they do not understand what they are reading, so they cannot continue reading what they do not grasp. But does a student only study what they understand clearly? Others say that when they read, they cannot remember the Bible verses. Even if that’s the case, carry on reading anyway, because over time this problem will be resolved, if only partly. Other believers don’t read the Bible because they say they’ve already read through it: ‘Why should I read something I already know?’ they say. They forget that the Word of God is nourishment. Just because I know what chocolate tastes like doesn’t mean I stop eating it. On the contrary, the more delicious a dish is, the more one wants to eat it. So, the more someone knows the passages of the Bible, the more they will enjoy reading them, because through them the Holy Spirit guides and nourishes. Anyone who thinks they know the Bible and no longer wants to read it is falling into a great temptation. Other people do not read the Bible because they say they are often tired and short of time. These people may have the energy and time to do everything else – to read other books, watch television, and use social media – yet claim to have neither the energy nor the time to read the Word of God. This behaviour is, rather, a sign of laziness that paralyses them. There is also a group of people who, at one point in their lives, read the Bible a great deal. So it is as though reading the Bible is no longer necessary for them. Now they want to engage in other spiritual activities. Yet there is no limit to reading the Bible. Those who stop reading stop nourishing themselves.

How can we get into the habit of reading the Bible?

The liturgical calendar provides us with daily readings suggested by the Church. The ‘Word of God Groups’ Prayer Sheet is also a great help for most laypeople, as it even includes an exercise to help us live out the Word of God for the day. Spiritual retreats are also an ideal time for Bible reading. Furthermore, one can read the Bible whilst waiting at the bank, in hospital, on the train, or at the coach station before the coach sets off, especially if one has a small, portable Bible. You can read by choosing a chapter or book in advance, underlining certain passages that particularly interest you. You don’t always have to meditate on everything you read. The habit of reading the Bible is in itself a great asset.

Examples of Bible readers

Jesus, the Son of God, knew the Holy Scriptures. He often quoted from them. He is an example to us in his knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Most of the saints loved the Holy Scriptures. I am delighted today to see so many people, including many young people, who have discovered the beauty and necessity of reading the Bible. Amidst their studies and leisure activities, they find time to read the Bible regularly. In the ‘Word of God’ groups, even primary school children are already able to find a Bible passage and read it. Am I able to take great pleasure in reading the Bible? Can I spend an hour or two reading the Bible? ‘If you remain in my Word, you will truly be my disciples’ (Jn 8:31). Even if I already read the Bible, I can still deepen my understanding of it and renew my enthusiasm for reading the Word of God. There is always room to grow in the knowledge of God. The ‘Word of God’ groups, drawing on the Spirituality of the Incarnation—whose charism is living out the Word of God—encourage members to become familiar with reading the Bible.

Henri Bayemi