Bible Sunday 

Readings: Isaiah 55v1-11; Psalm 19v7-14; 2 Timothy 3v14 – 4v5; John 5v36b-47

Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

A Word: As we celebrate the 21st Sunday after Trinity we also have the option to celebrate Bible Sunday. For the Bible is important, and as we read in Paul’s letter to Timothy, the Scriptures are sacred writings, writings inspired by God. For, as the psalm teaches, the commandments of God are precious because they give us the guidance we need to live in-accordance with God’s ways. All of the guidance we need to live as God’s people can be found in the Bible and the guidance we find in the Bible is important. For as Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy, through the Scriptures we learn about Salvation. And, through the Scriptures, we are guided in the ways of righteousness and trained for the good works that God has in mind for us. And, if we read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the Scriptures then, like Timothy, we can become persistent in our faith, kept safe from false or untrue beliefs and fulfil the ministry given to us by God. For, as the prophet Isaiah explains, God’s ways are so different to ours, and even though we do not deserve it, we are offered an invitation into a life and future that God has prepared for us. A life and future that, in the gospel we hear Jesus saying he was sent to open up for us by completing the mission He was sent to fulfil. A mission that pours out on us multiple blessings if we dare to believe what Jesus says and teaches about, for He is the one that Moses spoke about.

Let us pray: Lord grant to each one of us: the ears of disciples; the eyes of apostles; the tongues of prophets; the feet of servants; the grace to see you at work in the world; and to hear your call to us; then help us to live our lives in accordance with your word and calling. Amen. (Saint Ignatius of Loyola)