There is today in the Church a strong emphasis on encouraging all Catholics to become familiar with the Scriptures, and to make these Scriptures a part of their faith and a part of their prayer.
With this encouragement in mind, I am offering once again a Bible reading opportunity. The journey starts on December 1. In the course of one year, the entire Bible is read, in an organized way, from cover to cover.
The program consists of a daily scripture reading schedule accompanied by background material for each month's group of readings. The daily reading includes a passage from one of the four gospels, a psalm or proverb, and a third reading from one of the other books of the Bible. The readings follow a specific order and are read continuously, so they are not random or taken out of context. Each day's reading would take a commitment of about thirty minutes. The background material, for the most part, is blended from the work of established biblical scholars.
This is a reading program rather than a formal Bible study. Considering the extent of the reading activity, there are no questions to answer, no tests, no required meetings, no homework assignments. The sequence would be sent to your email each month. Just print, read, savor and pray. There is no cost, and if you find that the program is not quite what you expected, it can be adapted to your own circumstances, or simply discontinued at any time.
In the past twelve or thirteen years, approximately 400 people have undertaken this program. I've gone through it multiple times myself now, and have gained new insights and directions for my life with each reading.
The program is a good way to acquire a basic familiarity with the Bible. If you are up to such a challenge, call me as soon as possible so that I can set you up and get the necessary material to you before December 1. I'd be happy, of course, to answer any questions.
Deacon Jim Furey
630-289-7670