I know that many Catholics don’t read the Bible.. (or at least didn’t until recently), from my friends who are Catholic. Some of them say they have “sneaked” into Bible study at other churches.
I have one Catholic friend who says that she doesn’t consider herself a Christian- but a Catholic.. and she worries sometimes when she hears people talking about the Bible, because she was told to not read it, because she wouldn’t understand it.
I feel bad for people who do not read the Bible for themselves- because it is the power to save.
And I am sure you know that, after spending time there...right?
So, if you indeed stop and look up those verses and read them, and contemplate them- and you do that everyday, than that is GREAT and I hope that you will encourage others to do the same!
And to answer your questions, I spend a great deal of time in the Old Testament. I have been on that learning path for about 3 years now. Today, I am in the book of Joshua again. I will listen to the Bible, while I work- then I will read it as the day goes on. I will read something OT, then NT, then some psalms on occasion (Don’t usually spend too much time there). I don’t often have a written plan, as I go where the spirit leads. I read the Bible 2-3-4-5 times a day and always for a few mins before bed. Just opening to where ever and reading what is in front of me.
What I pray about, well.. mostly current events and my family. I pray for the church, and for the leaders. I spent time on my face today- praying for the Pastor being held in Iran for not denying Jesus. I will think about how Biblical that is, and like Paul, if he is evangelizing his captors. I pray throughout the day, asking Jesus to bless people, when I hear about illness or hardship. I pray for my children. I will send up thanksgiving, when something makes sense or goes right. Just sort of having an ongoing conversation with Jesus, about the things on my heart.
I will listen to worship music, and lift my hands up- right there in my kitchen, if I feel led to do that.
Just keeping my mind on Jesus and his ministry, and the people of Israel and why they did the things that they did..
So pretty much the same things you do, but without a formal plan.. (not that your plan is bad).
I do like to learn about the seasons and the Jewish festivals. So that is my framework , for the last year.
Currently, at a messianic congregation, we are talking about From Ramses to Sukkot.. (after observing Passover) and that has been an eyeopening lesson for me, on obedience and God’s will for us.
I am glad you embrace the word and read it for yourself. AND again, if all Catholics are encouraged to do that- then I like this Pope.
I have one Catholic friend who says that she doesn’t consider herself a Christian- but a Catholic.. and she worries sometimes when she hears people talking about the Bible, because she was told to not read it, because she wouldn’t understand it.
My mother was told the same thing in her youth, though that is was never an official injunction. You realize, of course, that private interpretation of the Bible is not condoned in the Bible Itself (2 Peter 1:20). That message may well have been misconstrued into your friend's interpretation. Catholics who attend daily mass hear 3 readings from the Bible - 1 from the OT, a Psalm, and one from the NT. Rather than selecting texts at random guided by the Holy Spirit, the church pulls these readings together based on their shared message. Freeper Salvation posts the daily Mass Readings. You may want to join her freeper list, for purposes of comparison with what you read.
Like you, it is not unusual for us catholics to lift our voices in song throughout the day as we recall hymns or chants appropriate to the liturgical season. Many Catholic Churches offer Bible Study but, not surprisingly, only those who seriously wish to learn the Bible, will show up.
From your post, I see that our daily lives are similarly paved with prayers, hymns and scripture. God bless you on your journey!
When I was old enough to be confirmed --- that would be when I was 12, and that would be 50 years ago --- I was told I could not receive the Sacrament of Confirmation unless I had a Bible of my own. I was advised to ask for one for Christmas, which I did.
I've never been a member of a parish in 50 years that didn't have Bible studies.
Moreover the entire Liturgical life of the Church --- the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, all of it --- is drenched in Scripture.
Are there parishes that fall short of this standard? No doubt.
But as usual, the one really valid criticism of Catholics amounts to this: that they are not sufficiently Catholic.
“I feel bad for people who do not read the Bible for themselves- because it is the power to save.”
Where does Jesus say this?