Contrary to the old saying, what we don't know does hurt us. For example, if we don't know the Bible or don't even try to know it, we usually don't know Christ. St. Jerome stated: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133). Most of the world doesn't know that we must become new creations by faith in Jesus and by being baptized. Not to know this condemns a person to slavery, darkness, and frustration bordering on despair. Not to know the truth is to be an unprotected sheep in the midst of wolves (see Mt 7:15). The Lord laments: "My people perish for want of knowledge!" (Hos 4:6)
This explains why King Josiah tore His garments in sorrow and contrition when he heard a recently recovered part of the Bible read (2 Kgs 22:11). He knew that what the people of God didn't know would hurt them. Thus Josiah "had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been found in the temple of the Lord, read out to" the people (2 Kgs 23:2).
For many Christians, all or part of the Bible is still lost. The consequences of this are devastating for the whole body of Christ. We need new Josiahs who care enough to cry, repent, and to proclaim God's word.
| PRAYER: | Father, may my reading of Your word help me hear You more clearly and believe in You more deeply (see Rm 10:17). |
| PROMISE: | "You can tell a tree by its fruit." –Mt 7:20 |
| PRAISE: | When the meaning of the Scripture was suddenly opened up to Rosa through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, she had to share it immediately – and has been ever since. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College