The Bible Speaks 2024
#TheBibleSpeaks #WeListen
Third Week in Ordinary Time | Sunday, January 21, 2024
In the Apostolic Letter Aperuit illis, Pope Francis instituted the Sunday of the Word of God, which is celebrated on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. We are encouraged to spend this day learning how #TheBibleSpeaks and how #WeListen.
"Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world."
Four Basic Questions
While reading the Scriptures, ask yourself these four basic questions:
What does it say?
Determine as closely as possible the literal meaning of the text. What do the words say? What is the range of meaning in the words?
What does it mean?
The meaning of a text is determined not simply from the words but also from the context in which the words exist.
What does it mean to me?
How does this apply to my life? How does this apply to the life of the Church?
What am I going to do about it?
What difference does this text mean for my life? What is my response to God’s word?
Praying the Bible
Begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Read through the passage once at a normal pace.
Digest the words. Get a sense of the phrases. Allow the Word to seep more deeply into your consciousness.
Read the passage through, section by section.
How does this Word speak to me at this time, in this context?
What emotions are evoked by the Word?
How does this Word speak to me of God and how does it impact my life?
Conclude with a brief prayer of thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit.
Download PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE, a model for weekly Bible study.
Resources
Year B - A Look Through Mark
In Lectionary Year B, the Church reflects deeply on the Gospel of Mark. To help us in our exploration through this synoptic Gospel, please see the following resources below:
For Youth: Gospel of Mark Illumination Exhibit
Take a virtual tour with The Saint John's Bible, looking at each illumination to come to a deeper meaning of the Gospel of Mark in your life. Pray with the illumination and live it out.