men and women of god's word
"Search the Scriptures." —John 5:39
The Scriptures testify on Jesus' behalf (Jn 5:39). If we believed Moses, that is, the first five books of the Bible, we would believe Jesus (Jn 5:46). If we don't believe the Bible, how can we believe what Jesus said? (see Jn 5:47) If we don't believe Moses and the prophets, that is, two major parts of the Bible, we will not be convinced of our need to repent, "even if one should rise from the dead" (Lk 16:31). St. Jerome's words are true: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133).
On the afternoon of the day on which Jesus rose from the dead, Jesus walked about seven miles with two disciples and "beginning, then, with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him" (Lk 24:27). That first resurrection evening, Jesus "opened their minds to the understanding of the Scriptures" (Lk 24:45). On the day of His resurrection, Jesus spent hours teaching the Scriptures. This was a statement about the extreme importance of the Scriptures.
Therefore, "search the Scriptures" (Jn 5:39). Read the Scriptures daily, especially the Bible readings for daily Mass. Build your life on the foundation of obedience to God's word (Mt 7:24). Share God's word "whether convenient or inconvenient" (2 Tm 4:2). Be men and women of God's word.
Prayer: Father, may I devour Your word. May it be the "joy and the happiness of my heart" (Jer 15:16).
Promise: "So the Lord relented in the punishment He had threatened to inflict on His people." —Ex 32:14
Praise: After years of quietly praying and practicing her Catholic faith, Judy's faith and prayers bore fruit when her husband entered the Church at the Easter Vigil.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999