Scripture:
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Mark 12:35-37
Reflection:
A Love Story!
Today’s Scriptures help us focus on and appreciate the value of the Scriptures themselves. More than simple words on nice paper for an elegant book that sits on a coffee table, the Scriptures are indeed a "handbook to holiness" for we who believe!
The selection from Paul’s second letter to Timothy cited today wisely contains a summary of the value of the Scriptures: "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". God continues to use the Scriptures to reveal divine Life and Love in our day – and then challenge us to live the Message we have received.
I readily remember my days of initial formation as a Passionist, and some fellow Passionists of Holy Cross Province who have excelled in promoting Scripture studies: Fr. Barnabas Ahern, CP, Fr. Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP, Fr. Don Senior, CP – men for whom Paul’s words cited above were a motivation to probe the richness of the Scriptures and then share their insights in their classes, workshops, books and other communications. Their love for the Scriptures continues to inspire thousands of people on a daily basis.
We are reminded that God used the sacred authors of the Scriptures to write the words we treasure — we are to read and be inspired to follow their teachings…and grow in holiness! The Bible contains thousands of chapters and verses in its books; indeed The Bible is one long, beautiful and enduring love story, God speaking words of love for each of us.
As we move into the "lazy, hazy" days of summer, perhaps we can carve out some special time to take up our Bibles and let that "love story" once again come alive in our hearts… May we too hear with delight: Jesus is Lord, and his words are spirit and truth.
Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky