Saint Junípero Serra, Priest (Optional Memorial)
Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? (Genesis 18:17)
Have you found a way to study the Bible that works for you? Some people practice the Benedictine method lectio divina. Others leaf through academic commentaries. Still others are tempted to lament, “God does ‘hide’ his wisdom from us everyday people (Genesis 18:17). Leave the Bible studying for the theologians!”
One simple, straightforward way to study Scripture involves asking just two questions. You don’t have to be a mystic, and you don’t have to spend a lot of time at it. Let’s try it.
Here’s the first question: Lord, how are you revealing yourself in this passage? At the foundation of this question is a belief that God wants to speak to us through his word. According to the Catechism, “In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them” (104). That sounds like today’s first reading from Genesis, doesn’t it? Far from hiding, God reveals himself to Abraham and shares his plans with him.
How would you answer the first question? One potential answer is that God is revealing his mercy in the first reading. He was willing to endure a profusion of sins for the sake of just a handful of innocents. Usually you’ll find more than one answer to the question, especially if you reread the passage slowly.
Here’s the second question: Lord, in light of this passage, how should I live?Sometimes passages clearly state the answer. In today’s Gospel, for example, Jesus announces, “Follow me” (Matthew 8:22). Other passages are different—like today’s first reading from Genesis. They don’t have a clear to-do message. However, they often contain hints. For instance, let’s say you were startled by Abraham’s audacity in speaking to God. Maybe God wants you to be bolder in prayer or to be blunt with him about how you’re feeling.
This method is one way to walk and talk with the Lord. Remember, studying the Bible isn’t just reserved for saints and mystics. So what is God saying to you today?
“Lord, I want to hear you speak in the Scriptures.”
Psalm 103:1-4, 8-11
Matthew 8:18-22
