BIBLE SUNDAY: LIVING BY THE WORD (Part I)

This Sunday has been designated Catholic Bible Sunday by the Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Team (PMPT). It presents an opportunity for us to hear afresh and be renewed in our attentiveness to God’s Word through reading and reflecting on the Word of God in our Church, in all liturgical celebrations and at home.

WHY PEOPLE DON’T STUDY THE BIBLE:
1. “It’s archaic, out of date.”
2. “I don’t know the technique of studying the Bible. I don’t have the   skills of reading.”
3. The problem of priorities. “I just don’t have the time.”
4. “I have my doubts about the Bible. It is difficult to understand.”
5. Laziness: “It’s such a boring and dull book, and I don’t enjoy reading it.”
6. “I can’t seem to make the Bible come alive.”

The Bible leads us to Jesus Christ and eternal life! It transforms us into the image of Jesus by renewing our minds and hearts. On this Bible Sunday we shall commit ourselves to study the Bible for personal improvement and find fulfilment in our lives.  Even if the Bible were the most boring book in the world; dull,  uninteresting and seemingly   irrelevant, it would still be our duty to study it!

Pope Francis encourages parents and children to share a few verses of Scripture when together at home in the evening. Such a habit     without fail creates a prayerful atmosphere within a family, because Christ is speaking to that family.

The Word of God is inspired by God and it has the power to change and transform our lives. We always fail in our duty to study the Word of God. Success or failure in our Christian life depends upon how deeply we study the Bible and get it into our heart and our lives on a regular basis, and how obedient we are to it. If we are not reading the Word of God, then it only will be a matter of time before we fall apart spiritually. Ultimately the main  reason why we should read the Bible is because it is our duty! It is our Christian duty and not an option. When we study and imbibe God’s Word, it becomes a source of strength for our lives and we will be more effective in our Christian living.

Get into the Word! Read your Bible! Love your Bible!

 “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Heb. 4:12)