How can I, unless someone instructs me?
Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?" He replied, "How can I, unless someone instructs me?”
– The Book of Acts 8:30-31 (the full passage of this account is Acts 8:26-40)
 
This exchange between the Deacon Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch seems to describe the response of so many when I suggest that they would begin to read, pray, and memorize the Sacred Scriptures so as to renew their own life of faith.  It reveals a deeper issue, one that must be addressed from the beginning about how to handle the Word of God as a Catholic Christian.
 
 And… to be honest, it is quite understandable that there is some hesitation – we see around in our communities and nation, dozens and dozens of new Christian Communities each claiming to understand the Bible correctly… I believe this proliferation of so many Christian communities has caused apprehension toward the private reading of the Bible or study of the Sacred Scriptures for Catholics.  So, the question of the Ethiopian Eunuch remains, as we look toward deepening our devotion to the Word of God: “How can I, unless someone instructs me?”
 
A few principles… lest we lose our way
 
Just as it is for the study of any subject, the prayerful meditation and understanding of the Sacred Scriptures has a few principles that will help you stay on the way – within the Church established for our salvation by Christ Himself – as you read the Word of God.  So here a few points of emphasis, just my own not an official list, as we begin this necessary effort of praying with the Bible:
 

1. Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the Holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God.  – 2 Peter 1:20-21
2. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.  – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
3. If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. – Saint Augustine, Doctor of the Church
4. And let them remember that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that God and man may talk together; for "we speak to Him when we pray; we hear Him when we read the divine saying." – Saint Ambrose, Doctor of the Church
5.  “… the Bible was written by the People of God for the People of God, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Only in this communion with the People of God can we truly enter as a ‘we’ into the heart of the truth that God himself wishes to convey to us …” – Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini (§30.1)

  Suggestions and Resources
 
So, we want to approach the Bible within the Church and allow our reading, study, and prayer to help us become better Catholics.  And, since most homes probably don’t have much in the way of Scripture Commentaries, and many resources on the Sacred Scriptures are designed for serious academic work (relying on a familiarity with ancient languages, as well as a firm grasp of the tradition of the Church), it might be helpful to approach the effort from the angle of a faith study with some reliable Catholic guides and helps.
 
Now there are many ways to begin, I have a few suggestions and thoughts, where possible I have included the links to on-line resources:
 

1. Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained  – a great survey of the faith, videos lessons are available for free through the Parish account to FORMED.org (use the parish website – www.sacredheartofjesus.org – scroll down to the “FORMED” box and log-in, more instructions are on the parish mailer insert, this insert is also available on the website in the purple section of Parish Updates)
2. Lectio: Prayer with Dr. Tim Gray – an ancient and great way to pray with the Sacred Scriptures, video lessons available for free through the Parish account to FORMED.org (see above for log-in and access)
3. The EUCHARIST in Scripture – a great, currently free but time is limited, study on the Most Holy Eucharist with Dr. Scott Hahn through the St. Paul Center.
4. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Compendium (an official and brief summary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church), or the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults – each of these is a great resource for a better understanding of the Church’s Teachings, which are built upon the Sacred Scriptures.
5. Also, here is a link to the Bible – the same edition and translation as used during Holy Mass in the United States.
6. Given the popularity of The Great Adventure Bible Studies in our parish, I would be remiss if I did not encourage you to pull out one of the workbooks you have from a previous study that you were able to participate in and rework the lessons – certainly they are well put together and worthy of second, or third, consideration.
7. Magnificat – a popular devotional resource, currently free during this unique time, offers the daily readings for Holy Mass, as well as other prayers and devotionals for each day
8. For a more serious, in-depth, consideration of the Word of God I would recommend two documents: (1.) DEI VERBUM – the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation from the Second Vatican Council; and (2.) VERBUM DOMINI – the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church written by Pope Benedict XVI.

 
Since pictures have been well received… here’s a fairly famous painting of Saint Paul writing his Letters by Valentin de Boulo – I hope you like it.
 
 
 
“… may we allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to an ever greater love of the word of God.” – Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini (§6) [emphasis in the original]
 
A word of encouragement, as your Parish Priest, to each of you: you will come to know Christ through knowing the Word of God – this is among the greatest gifts of the Holy Spirit: “And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit!” (1 Corinthians 12:3)
 
Therefore, let us be a people of prayer guided by the Holy Spirit in our relationship with God through the Sacred Scriptures.
 
  
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!