Are you still reading your Bible at home?
Does it bore you?
It need not be boring if we only understand why we should be avid Bible readers!
In our rapidly changing world, the study of the Bible, a vital aspect of our Catholic identity, is significantly declining. We are living in an era dominated by modern technology, where spiritual life is often compromised and undervalued.
Moreover, we often see born-again, INCs and Jehovah’s flaunt their bibles on their armpits whenever we see them on the streets. Aren’t we curious as to why these sects are very eager to preach it by all means?
Let me give you 3 reasons why you should start reading and studying the Bible.
1. Strengthens our personal relationship with GOD.
Through the Bible, we encounter Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, and grow in our personal relationship with Him.
John 20:31 says:
“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
The phrase “personal relationship with God” is an example of a theological or religious expression proudly used by Born Again Christians. However, this phrase is not exclusive to them. Catholics are invited to have that personal relationship with God through the bible’s moral guidance and wisdom for daily living.
YOUR CHALLENGE: Read 1 chapter of the Bible every day, I suggest start with the New Testament. As you begin the study of the Old Testament, let the Ministry on Biblical Apostolate help you with the study part.
2. To be able to defend the Faith, the Church and Proclaim the Gospel.
Understanding Scripture equips us to engage in discussions about our beliefs, respond to misconceptions, and share the Good News effectively in a charitable way.
1 Peter 3:15 reminds us: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”
Protect the Holy Catholic Church which was bought by Christ’s own blood on the cross;
Acts 20:28 “So, keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock which the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he made his own through the blood of his Son”
Proclaim Jesus to all nations;
Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
YOUR CHALLENGE: Identify a church teaching that you are finding hard to understand biblically and send us your questions via email at: BibleandFaith@gmail.com
3. To grow spiritually and for the contentment of heart.
The Bible serves as a wellspring of spiritual nourishment. Catholics are encouraged to engage in Lectio Divina or Veritas Encounter – prayerful and meditative reading of Scripture that fosters a deeper relationship with God. Both are being practiced by our parish’s Ministry on Biblical Apostolate and Lay Dominicans.
The bible teaches us life lessons to be able to keep up with various life challenges. Remember this verse always by heart:
Matthew 6:25-26
“25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
YOUR CHALLENGE: Open your bible randomly and pick one verse. Read it and contemplate on the message of the verse.
Hence, we invite you to be part of an incredible journey with Ministry on Biblical Apostolate (MBA).
The MBA seeks to inspire our lives through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, helping us uncover the profound meaning of our faith and deepen our relationship with God through the Sacred Scriptures.
This is a heartfelt invitation for all of us to actively participate in the Church’s mission through the spirit of the New Evangelization, guided by the Ministry on Biblical Apostolate.
Contact Persons:
Ms. Tata Valdueza – 0995.133.0740
Mr. JC Recto, OP – 0905.370.3152
Email: BibleandFaith@gmail.com
Let us embrace this call to deepen our knowledge of Scripture and share its transformative power with the world!