
Friday, January 24, 2024
Feast of Saint Francis de Sales
Dear friends,
Welcome to week four of BMW, Be My Witnesses. Having started us off in prayer over the past two weeks, now we turn to a bit of learning. Here, it is important to emphasize the role of Scripture in our being Witnesses to Jesus.
After the death of Jesus, a couple of very disappointed disciples were on their way to Emmaus when Jesus suddenly began to walk with them. They voiced their discouragement. Jesus responded: “’Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures” (Luke 24:25-27).
To be his witnesses, we really have to get to know Jesus. The scriptures assist us in this process, that is, they help us know about him and know him personally. The Catechism, quoting Dei Verbum from the Second Vatican Council as well as St. Jerome, affirms this: “The Church ‘forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful…to learn “the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ,” by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.”’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #133)
This means that we all need to make sure we have a Bible handy and especially one we can write in. If it needs to be out of the reach of little ones, have it on a bookshelf; otherwise place it on the coffee table in your living room. And then read it.
Now, this is not a text to be conquered. Rather, in these words we seek to encounter Jesus Christ, who is THE Word of God. If this is a new experience, then start with one of the Gospels and ask Jesus to share himself with you. An easy way to do that is to place yourself in whatever scene is described. However, you are not just watching what is going on. You want to know this character, Jesus.
If you are more accustomed to reading the Scriptures, give some thought to purchasing a commentary. One good one is the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, some of which volumes have been written by local folks of our diocese. But there are many others.
Now this approach to Scripture is not strictly speaking prayer, though prayer usually enters in when we approach this Holy Book. Rather, we are seeking to know someone, both things about him and to know him personally as well. This takes work, effort, and commitment.
So, our challenge for this week is to open to any chapter in one of the Gospels and read it several times, each time seeking the Lord’s presence.
If you also have a commentary on that chapter, perhaps spend a few minutes reading that as well. Then figure out what you are learning about Jesus and what you might also be learning of Jesus.
Until next week, may God Bless you.
I am sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
P.S. Below is a video version of this week's Be My Witnesses. Please do share with family and friends. Thank you. God bless you.