Scripture nurtures relationship with God

By KARA KOCZUR, Globe staff reporter
May 22, 2008

The answer is quite simple for Mary Salocker. The reason she studies the Bible is "because it's God's word."

"Praying in our minds is one part of prayer, but studying God's word is how God talks back to us and it's the completion of the whole prayer," said Salocker, who participates in a Bible study at Holy Trinity Parish in Fort Dodge.

And ultimately, she said, "When God speaks to you, your life is changed."

The Vatican also believes reading Scripture is important for the life of Catholics, as well as for the life of the church. Pope Benedict XVI has called some of the bishops and cardinals to Rome this coming October 5-26 for a synod to discuss "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church."

In the Lineamenta, which is a document that briefly presents the synod's theme on the word of God, it states that the "synod wishes to promote an inspired rediscovery of the word of God as a living, piercing and active force in the heart of the church, in her liturgy and in her prayer, in evangelization and in catechesis, in exegetical studies and in theology, in personal and communal life, and also in the cultures of humanity, purified and enriched by the Gospel."

It continues to state that Scripture "casts light on every person's life and indicates the road to be followed. ... The word of God searches the sentiments of the heart, inclining persons towards good and purifying them from what is sinful."

But what if a person doesn't know where to begin when it comes to reading the Bible? What if he or she has tried before and gets lost in names like Amminadab, Naphtalites or Zelphehad? What if a Bible study isn't offered at that person's parish to provide guidance?

"People shouldn't be so afraid of the Bible," said Father David Hemann, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Ida Grove and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Holstein. "It's about communication with the living God. It's not a static, dead mental gymnastics exercise. It is a conversation with the living God."

Father Hemann suggests Catholics should first get a Catholic Study Bible with good footnotes and introductions, such as the New American Bible or the New Revised Standard Version.

Read the introductions carefully, he said, because they tell about the author, when a particular book was written, who it was written for and what are some of the main theological purposes of the book.

Overall, the footnotes and introductions, along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, help a person understand and interpret Scripture correctly.

"It's so very important that when we read the Scriptures we pray and ask that the Holy Spirit, who inspired those Scriptures, will help us to understand the sacred Scriptures," Father Hemann said. "It's important that we read the Scriptures in light of the authority of the church. . .and bring out the authentic meaning of the text, instead of projecting in what we want the text to say."

Father Hemann recommends reading one small passage at a time. While he said reading a book straight through in one sitting can be helpful to get an overview, a reader should then go back and read one section at a time.

"Too many people want to take the Bible and swallow it whole," he said. "Well, you're not getting it then. You really have to just take it a little bit at a time."

It's about quality, not quantity, he added, and about what God is trying to tell a person through his inspired word.

Some books of the Bible are harder to understand than others. If a person wants to get into the Old Testament, Psalms is a good place to start, Father Hemann said. However, people often find the New Testament easier to read.

"Read the Gospels, discover who Jesus is and to the best of your ability, imitate him," he said. "St. John of the Cross says that is the first step to real holiness, imitation of Christ."

The epistles of Paul, James and John are also books Father Hemann suggested Catholics could easily delve into.

An ancient form of prayer connected with Scripture that people can do, Father Hemann said, is Lectio Divina. In Lectio Divina a person reads a passage, looks for particular words or phrases that stick out to him or her, meditates on it and then contemplates or rests in the presence of God.

"The Scripture is the kindling, and when we read Scripture our hearts are set on fire," he said of the process. "But then the hottest part of the fire is the coals, and that's the contemplative dimension, where we just simply be and rest in the presence of God."

Catholics should set aside a little time each day to read Scripture, he added. It's better to read a little each day, than to do a large portion all at once.

"For the Catholic out there in the workforce, out in the world. . .it's important to take time and find the place," Father Hemann said. "Don't give the Lord the last part of your day. Find prime time in your day."

It is important for Catholics to remember that the reason for reading Scripture is to hear God speak to them, he said.

"The bottom line is what's the goal of all this?" Father Hemann said. "[It's] union with God, listening to God, talking to God, pouring our heart out to God. One of the best ways to do that is through his word, the living word."