HELLO TO YOU, I LIKE TO READ WHAT HAVE HERE…EXPLANATION…SET EXAMPLES BECAUSE I MYSELF IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND ON WHAT BIBLES SAYS…KEEP IT UP SIR..YOUR A GREAT BLESSING TO SOMEONE LIKE ME…I LOVE TO READ BIBLES…BUT SOME OF IT…I DON’T REALLY UNDERSTAND…

REGARDS,

Mark, whether it’s enough to read the scriptures – or whether you need to read and understand them – is a great question.

First, I’d argue no one alive can truly say they understand with 100% certainty everything about Sacred Scripture. (If nothing else, there are many references in the Bible to lost manuscripts, the absence of which requires us to guess at their contents.) So, in a lot of ways, everyone who reads the Bible is on some continuum of how much or little they understand what they’re reading.

Second, I’d argue that the Holy Spirit can work in mysterious ways, even when we don’t know it’s working. This is especially true with the Bible. I know I’ve read passages and haven’t understood or gotten much out of them, and then reread them years later and gone, “Huh! I think I have a bit more insight here now!” (Even passages I thought I knew pretty well have surprised me when I’ve re-read them with fresh eyes!)

Finally, remember that – in a lot of ways – the Bible is supposed to be challenging. Remember that during Jesus’ ministry, the things he was saying were not “common sense.” In a lot of cases, they were not accepted wisdom. Christ’s teachings confused, frustrated, and challenged many people, from simple shepherds to the mightiest scholars. If you’re reading Scripture and you find pieces you don’t understand – even large swaths! – take some comfort in knowing that those who saw Christ in person two millennia ago were probably similarly confused by what they saw, heard, and were taught.

Not all parts of the Bible were meant to speak to all people. For example, the Book of Job is one of my favorite parts of Scripture, but I know and accept that many people find it challenging or painful. Fortunately, the infinite wisdom of the Creator has ensured that there are many avenues to know, love, and serve God, and we shouldn’t feel guilty or inferior if one avenue doesn’t speak to us or seems incomprehensible. However, I’d encourage everyone to at least try reading what they can, reflecting on bits that make sense, and seeing how the Spirit speaks to you in the parts that don’t seem to make sense. The fact that we try, no matter how imperfectly, opens our hearts to the Spirit more actively than not doing anything at all.

I hope this helps!

You bring up some very good points in your reflection on today’s readings.

Reading scripture can be challenging, as you’ve stated. In a way, it reminds me of poetry.
You give some good examples on how find solutions to tough questions.

I guess I’m just wondering, is it enough to read scripture or is it necessary to understand it?

Mark

Praise the Lord!

Participating in the International Eucharistic Congress as held this week in Cebu, Philippines could helped a lot understanding more and keeping His words; It is His Word who became flesh in the Eucharist. Through Him we can talk and He shall give the explicit meaning of His words.

Thank you, your reflection and clear explanation of today soothed inner inside me.

God bless!