Story by Randy Porter
(SNR) - As Catholics celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, people in the Diocese of Lincoln may already make Holy Scripture a greater part of their daily lives year-round.
Pope Francis instituted the special day for celebrating the Word of God in the Church with the promulgation motu proprio of the apostolic letter Aperuit Illis, Sept. 30, 2019, the 1,600th anniversary of St. Jerome’s death and his feast day.
The annual observance takes place on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time which falls on Jan. 24 this year. The Vatican’s liturgy congregation Dec. 19 encouraged Catholic parishes around the world to celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God with new vigor.
“The Holy Father stressed that a ‘day devoted to the Bible should not be seen as a yearly event, but rather a year-long event,’” said Vernon J. Steiner, Ph.D., president of the Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies in Lincoln.
We urgently need to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures, Pope Francis said. We need to develop a closer relationship with Sacred Scripture.
Getting Started
“One way to heed those words is to make Bible reading a daily habit, as daily as eating or sleeping,” Steiner said. “Following the guidelines already offered, a person might begin with the daily Mass readings, giving special attention to how all the passages focus on a common theme that sheds light on God’s person, plan, and purposes for His people, especially as revealed in Christ.”
Scripture selections are usually short, he said. It’s worth spending a little extra effort by looking them up in your Bible and reading the fuller context, such as the entire chapter or the entire psalm from which the lectionary reading comes. He especially encourages people to focus on the Sunday Mass readings, either beforehand in preparation, or afterward in reflection.
“Over time, many people find themselves falling in love with certain books or portions of Scripture,” Steiner said. “There is nothing wrong with this, especially since the lectionary cycles of the Church ensure that we hear more than just our chosen parts.”
It is good and necessary, of course, to listen to all that God has to say, he said.
“But I have discovered that sometimes God opens His heart and speaks more intimately to mine as I snuggle into one of my favorite books and live there awhile,” Steiner said.
God speaks to us
Lori Wehrs, a regular participant in Bible studies through the Emmaus Institute, has exponentially increased her understanding and love of Scripture.
“I can’t really remember when I started studying Scripture,” Wehrs said. “Through the seasons of life, working and raising a family, the actual studying of Scripture in my life has waxed and waned.”
At one point as an adult, she decided to read the Bible cover to cover and did so in about a year. She didn’t understand it all. Some parts were a little difficult to get through, but she was determined.
“I am glad I did it, because now, I still have a basic recollection of parts of the Bible I don’t know thoroughly,” Wehrs said, “even though I could never cite chapter and verse or even book sometimes.”
She has participated in Bible studies through the years, but mostly she has tried to study on my own. The Milford resident continues to study Scripture because it is God’s own words to us as a people, and to her as an individual, she said. It can never be exhausted because the love of God is eternal.
“There is so much depth and richness to Scripture,” said Wehrs, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Seward. “Every time you read it, you may see it differently, or there may be a word or phrase that you never noticed before. But at that moment, it stands out and speaks to you.”
She said the best thing about studying the Bible is that, at one time or another, you hear or read a certain passage and feel those words were meant just for you. God speaks to us through His word. He speaks to us not only as a people, but also to each of us as His beloved child.
“Scripture study has brought me into a closer relationship with God and therefore has helped me to love others better,” Wehrs said.
It may be difficult to decide to start studying the Bible, she said. It’s a big book and some parts are very confusing. A reader may even feel bored by some parts of it because it makes no sense to him. Don’t let those feelings stop you, she urged.
Some parts of the Bible feel familiar – the Gospels that we hear frequently and the Old Testament Bible stories with which we grew up. But there is so much more.
“That is why I think it is important to participate in formal Bible studies if you can,” Wehrs said. “With the internet, the possibilities are endless, but I have benefited the most from in-person studies where you can ask questions and have discussion.”
There are many Scriptures she thought she knew and understood. When studied, however, she found another whole meaning with depth, breadth and beauty to it. That is why she recommends finding a good Bible study in which one can fall in love with God’s word.
At the Emmaus Institute, she has the benefit of Scripture scholars who can open up the Word of God in a beautiful way, Wehrs said; however, if one is not ready for Bible study, start with a good study Bible — a Bible that has notes and explanations.
Muster the courage
Another Emmaus Institute student, John Greving, said his faith has grown from regular Scripture study.
“It is time I choose to be immersed in the Word of God,” Greving said. “Reading, listening, writing, reflecting, praying — being open and attentive to the will of God.”
It is mustering the courage to be open to God’s story; His covenant, he said. When deeply engaged and open to the Holy Spirit, studying the Bible is an ongoing conversation. He enjoys Bible study.
One of the best ways to start adding more Scripture to your daily lives is to find a program such as the Emmaus Institute, said Greving of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln.
Its teachers are deeply knowledgeable with passionate conviction. It is amazing how much there is to learn. He may come across a few verses in a chapter in the Book of Numbers, of all places, and he is in awe of what is revealed. How does one follow God’s will, unless he knows God’s will?
“An Emmaus class for me is a weekly retreat,” Greving said. “A break away from the now, to be attentive to the eternal. Every class opens the way to knowing and loving God more.
“And, every lesson reveals a message to be lived out today.”
The Bible is God’s story, his revelation; and guidance from well-informed, enlightened mentors is imperative, he said. Therefore, he is confident he is receiving the Word of God — not some person’s word — but God’s word.
The Bible is initially daunting, the Bible student said. It may seem overwhelming. Spiritually, studying the Bible requires the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Practically, it necessitates human guidance.
Greving encouraged others who may be hesitant to consider Bible study and/or reading more Scripture. How often have you read a best-selling book filled with mystery, romance, violence, humor, suspense, action and self-help, and yet, applicable to your daily life? More so, eternal salvation, he asked?
“Give it a chance!” Greving said, “you are going to be surprised!”
