Still Life with Bible -Vincent van Gogh
Jesus is the Word of God who from “the beginning” was with God and is God (Jn 1:1). St. John the Apostle who was closest to Jesus while He was on earth testifies that this same Word of God through whom all things came into being also came into the world to be the light of the human race (Jn 1:4).
Jesus gave a “new testament” to the world, a gospel for life and holy living. Yet Jesus did not cast aside the “old testament” which makes up the history and prophecy and sacred law of the Jewish People. In fact, He cites this “old testament” to testify to Himself that He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Because Jesus is the Word of God He is not only the inspiration of the New Testament but also the very foundation of the Old Testament which precedes it.
In the late 4th Century, the Church gathered to itself all sacred writings that either told of or anticipated the coming of Christ and adding to these all the chronicles and letters of the disciples of Jesus Christ that were traditionally held in high esteem, established for itself an official canon, or list, of Sacred Scripture – a Holy Bible. Since then, the Catholic Church has been the guardian and primary interpreter of this blessed book (i.e. biblus) which it established.
The Holy Bible forms the Church’s liturgy, underlays its moral philosophy, and inspires its daily charity. Catholics have always been encouraged to study and know the truths and lessons of the Bible. This study carries on today in homes and in small groups, both in living rooms and in church halls. The continual study of the Bible helps to steer the proper course of human civilization toward the certain hope of heaven. Neglect of its study causes human society to forget its heavenly destiny and to go astray.
At St. Julie Billiart Parish we understand and cherish the vital role of the Holy Bible and will offer study and reflection on Sacred Scripture in various venues. We hope you will join us when we do, and in the meantime keep up your own personal study of Holy Bible on a regular basis.