Scripture:
Joel 4:12-21
Luke 11:27-28
Reflection:
Once when I was about to process in at Mass, the lector held up the Gospel book and started to walk in. A jolt of energy went through me. His right arm was prosthetic. We processed in as everyone in the assembly watched. When the Mass was complete I approached the man and asked what happened to his arm. He replied that he lost it in the war. I thanked him for his service to our country and will never forget how he was "not ashamed of the Gospel."
As I travel I meet people everywhere who are in love with the Scriptures. Scores read it daily and derive much inspiration and encouragement from its pages. As Jesus taught, "Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it." Yet, there are many who do not read the Bible and are very unfamiliar with it. I personally have been so touched and strengthened by the teachings of the Bible that I want everyone to read it. This is something the Pope and Synod of Bishops met about two years ago. They wanted everyone in our Church to read the Scriptures. This echoes the Vatican II document on the Word of God which said, "we forcefully exhort all the Christian faithful to read the Scriptures."
Years ago I contacted the people at "The Word Among Us." This Catholic magazine contains the daily Mass readings, reflections and articles each month. I have them mail some 300-600 copies at each of my missions, free of charge. People love receiving these free as a gift. The Word Among Us benefits by getting many more subscriptions. As a priest and as a Christian I delight that many more people are including the Bible as part of their daily devotion. Now I labor at trying to get them not just to read the Bible, but to keep it!
Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 15 books and creator of television and radio programs airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/