If we want to know Jesus we need to know what is written about Him in the Scriptures. The four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, in particular, were written so “that you may [come to] believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).
In the Gospels, Jesus becomes present to us. Through the parables, Sermon on the Mount, and my personal favorite, the Last Supper Discourses, we can hear the voice of God calling to us.
For many older cradle Catholics, who were not raised to study the Scripture on their own, there was often a disconnect between what was read at Mass and the study of the Scripture. We actually received massive amounts of Scripture and still believed we did not “study the Bible." This put us at a disadvantage when speaking with a non-Catholic about our faith.
The time has come, gentle reader, to make that connection. Believe what the Catholic Church teaches because it is true but, also, take the time to study the scripture on your own. If you are not sure where to start, consider picking up a copy of “Where is That in the Bible?” by Patrick Madrid or Karl Keating’s, “What Catholics Really Believe.” Both are excellent at connecting the truths of the Catholic faith with the Scripture. Another resource for those of us addicted to our computer is Sacred Space, run by the Irish Jesuits. At Sacred Space you may either read or listen to a scripture reading, meditation, and prayer for the day.
If you don’t have a Bible study at your church, consider starting one with the help of your pastor and the many fine Catholic study aids available. And, how about having a group meet in your home or a local restaurant for scripture study? I think that last one is such a great idea I am going to make out an invitation list right now and get one started.
(picture stolen from the British On-Line Library . They may not prosecute if I send folks to their wonderful site.)
In the Gospels, Jesus becomes present to us. Through the parables, Sermon on the Mount, and my personal favorite, the Last Supper Discourses, we can hear the voice of God calling to us.
For many older cradle Catholics, who were not raised to study the Scripture on their own, there was often a disconnect between what was read at Mass and the study of the Scripture. We actually received massive amounts of Scripture and still believed we did not “study the Bible." This put us at a disadvantage when speaking with a non-Catholic about our faith.
The time has come, gentle reader, to make that connection. Believe what the Catholic Church teaches because it is true but, also, take the time to study the scripture on your own. If you are not sure where to start, consider picking up a copy of “Where is That in the Bible?” by Patrick Madrid or Karl Keating’s, “What Catholics Really Believe.” Both are excellent at connecting the truths of the Catholic faith with the Scripture. Another resource for those of us addicted to our computer is Sacred Space, run by the Irish Jesuits. At Sacred Space you may either read or listen to a scripture reading, meditation, and prayer for the day.
If you don’t have a Bible study at your church, consider starting one with the help of your pastor and the many fine Catholic study aids available. And, how about having a group meet in your home or a local restaurant for scripture study? I think that last one is such a great idea I am going to make out an invitation list right now and get one started.
(picture stolen from the British On-Line Library . They may not prosecute if I send folks to their wonderful site.)
3 comments:
The Synoptic Gospels main thrust is indeed to introduce an audience to Jesus, but not so much in the detailed facts the normally accompanies a contemporary introduction. Rather, their intentionality was to EVANGELIZE, with each author addressing their own distinct communities. Emphasis is place on the Gospel according to Mark because it’s believed that it is the oldest of the books (Markan Hypothesis).
Another good book is Answering a Fundamentalist by Albert J. Nevins. This is a very short book, so it should be looked as a topographical introduction to the fundamentalist’s claim the Catholicism is not based on scripture text. You wont be an expert by the time you get done reading it, but as a primer is quite good.
Tom
My dh is taking the RCIA course and they are talking about the bible right now. It's very interesting...even to me!
newbie or not, the more catholic blogs the better!
I highly recommend Catholic Scripture Study course through Catholic exchange. it is written by Dr. Scott Hahn and others.
very good for any level of student and we have often, like you said met in restaurants to do it although it is nicer when there is a room available at church.
God bless!
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