Quick Trip Through the Bible by Deacon Bob

Quick Trip Through the Bible by Deacon Bob

It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of being familiar with the Bible in becoming a good Christian.  The Bible is our primary source of Divine Revelation.  Yet, most of us have never sat down to read the Bible.  I am encouraging you to pick up the Bible and read it.  Saint Augustine was a pagan struggling with his conscience when he heard a child's voice say, "Tole, Lege!" which means roughly, 'Pick it up and read it!'  When Saint Augustine did read the Bible, he became a Catholic.

Yes, we hear bits and pieces of the Bible at Mass.  If we attend mass every day, in the course of three years we will have heard over 70% of the New Testament and about 25% of the Old Testament.  However, we are hearing bits and pieces and sometimes it's difficult to understand the whole story from these bits and pieces.  Father Andrew tells me that he reads the entire Bible each year.  Pope Leo XIII back in 1898 gave a plenary indulgence to Catholics who would read the Bible using Lectio Divina** for at least 15 minutes each day, make a good confession and recieve Holy Communion. 

For those of you who want to begin, here are some tips on reading the Bible:

1.  Start with 14 books (listed below).  Professor Tim Gray of the Augustine Institute and the Biblical School suggests reading only 14 books the first time through the Bible.  This will give you the chronological sequence of events and enable you to understand how the other 59 books fit in.
2.  Join a Catholic Bible study.  The late Father Henri Nouwen said, "Scripture has a personal word for us, yet knowledge of historic Christian teaching will help us avoid the easy trap of wanting to support our own designs."  To avoid this trap always have a Catechism of the Catholic Church handy to explain difficult ideas.  Having other sources available is a great way to stay on the right track.
3.  Use a good edition of the Bible.  The Revised Standard Version, Cathlic Edition published by Ignatius Press or the New American Bible are good picks.  These are available in our STM Gift Shop.

May Christ, who has spoken with us in the Holy Scriptures, continue to nourish us as we reflect upon His Word.

Fourteen Books of the Bible for a Quick Trip through the Bible

Genesis
Exodus
Numbers
Joshua
Judges
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
Ezra
Nehemiah
1 Maccabees
Luke
Acts

 **Lectio Divina is a way of praying with Scripture to study, ponder, and listen to God's word from within the soul.