Reading
the Bible : A Fresh Perspective For 2019
The
following excerpt on how to read the Bible more effectively comes from YOUCAT's
Youth Bible of the Catholic Church.
The
Bible is written for you. By reading it, you can let God's word become a part
of your life. The following seven rules for reading can help that to happen.
Read
the Bible..
1.
...and pray.
The
Bible is Sacred Scripture. Therefore, it is good to pray, before reading, to
ask God for his Holy Spirit and, after reading, to thank him. How can you pray?
Simply start with a short prayer: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path."
(Ps
119:105).
2.
...and allow yourself to be surprised.
The
Bible is a book full of surprises. Even though you have heard many of the
stories already, give them a second chance. And yourself, too! The Bible shows
you the all-surpassing breadth and greatness of God.
3.
...and be glad
The
Bible is a great love story with a happy ending: death does not have a chance.
Life wins. You find this Good News again and again in all passages of the
Bible. Look for it -- and be glad when you have found it.
4.
...and do it regularly.
The
Bible is the book for your life. If you read from it every day, even if it is
only a verse or a short paragraph, you may realize that the book does you a lot
of good. Just as with sports and music: you make progress only by constant
practice -- and once you have acquired a few skills, it is really fun.
5.
...and do not read too much.
The
Bible is a gigantic treasure. You receive it as a free gift. You do not have to
unpack it all right away. Read only as much as you can take in well. If something
speaks to you in a special way, write it out for yourself and learn it by
heart.
6.
...and allow yourself time.
The
Bible is an ancient book that is eternally young and new. It is not supposed to
be read from start to finish without a break. It is good to pause as you read.
That way you can reflect and become aware of what God wants to say to you. And
once you have read through the Bible, just start over again from the beginning.
You will again discover completely different aspects of it.
7.
...and be patient.
The
Bible is a book full of profound wisdom, but occasionally it seems puzzling and
strange. You will not understand everything right away. Then, too, much can be
understood only in terms of the time or the historical situation. Have patience
with yourself and with the Bible. When something is not clear to you, then look
at the context or at other passages that deal with the same subject. Your Bible
gives you a lot of support.
(archtoronto.org)
