I was talking with someone in my office recently discussing the usual things: how pray more; trust Jesus more; go to Mary more; change habits; avoid sin; grow in virtue; and how to make it
through this valley of tears and go to heaven. He asked “Is there a book I can read for this?” He was joking a little but serious too. I smiled and looked at him, as if he should know the answer to that question. I pointed said “The Bible.” Everything that has been said about our faith, inspired by the saints, in our devotions, traditions and the celebration of Holy Mass ultimately comes from or points to the scriptures. What was the last time you grasped the bible in your hands? What was the last time you read a scripture and it stopped you, challenged you, comforted you or spoke to your heart what God wanted you to hear? For us cradle-Catholics we
were raised at a slight disadvantage. We were raised to pray, pray and pray, but not necessarily to pick up the bible. However, there are different ways of knowing the scriptures as part of the
regular flow of our Catholic devotion. You hear me speak frequently of “Morning Prayer.” The Breviary or Liturgy of the Hours has been a long-treasured practice of priests and religious, but is just as accessible to any of the faithful. It is a cycle of hourly, daily and weekly prayers. It
incorporates the Psalms, Canticles, Old Testament and Letters of the Apostles into your daily life. I now know certain Psalms by heart that I rejoice when I see but can pray anytime. When I
see certain scriptures come up, I am already prepared emotionally to let God touch and move me. You can buy the books or download the “iBreviary” app on your phone. Another great practice is reading the Daily or Sunday Mass Readings. I often use the USCCB website. Let God speak to you through the scriptures BEFORE Mass or even if you can’t go that day. There are also many great Catholic apps for daily scriptures: easy to commit to and doesn’t take long. I know many who like “Bible in a Year.”
       If you want to know the Mysteries of the Rosary better, know the scriptures. If you want to understand what happens during the Mass, know the scriptures, especially the Old Testament. If
you want to enter more deeply into Biblical movies and shows, know the scriptures. If you want to know Jesus: who He was then and is now, know the scriptures. Also, when you come across
your favorite Church Hymns, look at the bottom of the page and see how many of them were inspired by scriptures written thousands of years before they were written. Ask me sometime for
some of my favorite scriptures.