Commit to reading the scriptures daily!
Last week, I preached about the importance of taking time daily reading and meditating on the Sacred Scriptures. At the 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Masses, I referenced a study conducted by the Center for Biblical Engagement. They found that people who “engage” the Bible four or more times per week are:
228% more likely to share the faith with others
407% more likely to memorize scripture verses
59% less likely to view pornography
30% less likely to struggle with loneliness
That’s a pretty good list of “benefits,” not to mention St. Jerome’s dictum: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” May we be among those who daily let the water of the word wash over us, and may He who Is the Word help us understand and obey the Word.
Reading Through The Bible (and Catechism) in a Year is something that I’m planning to do, and I invite you to prayerfully consider doing so yourselves. If not this weekend, definitely by next weekend, we will have cards that lay out the Scriptures and Catechism readings that would allow you to read through both documents in a year. If that seems too ambitious, perhaps think about reading through it in two years. In any case, you’ll be better off by spending time in the Scriptures and the Catechism. Here are a few links to various biblical resources for reading through the Bible in a year, and another one, from Jeff Cavins, to read through the "basic story" of the scriptures in 90 days.
This link provides a plan for Reading through the Bible in a year (beginning anytime). The website offers an option for reading through the Bible in a chronological order, as well.
This link is to the Coming Home Network to read through the Bible and Catechism in a year.
This link is to Jeff Cavins' Encountering God 90 Day Scripture Challenge.SIGN UP HERE.
Here are the resources that you can use with the Encountering God Challenge.