Hey there,
Our parents taught us to listen as soon as we could talk. In school we learned by listening to our teachers.
As we matured, we honed our listening skills with friends and loved ones, and in our professional lives.
We work at being an active listener … using our body language and providing feedback.
The success of our relationships depends on being a good listener.
The question is … are we listening to what the Lord has to say to us?
This is, afterall, the most important relationship in our life. We certainly spend a lot of time talking to God. But do we listen to Him?
I admit that I sure don’t … not enough.
Pope Francis designated last Sunday as the first “Sunday of the Word of God,” a day to celebrate and study the Word of God.
The Bible is one of the most popular books of all time. It’s reach is global with more than 2,100 languages having at least one book of the Bible in that language.
And the Bible’s popularity continues to grow with more than 168,000 Bibles sold or given out in the United States every day.
We believe God is the author of the Bible, inspiring numerous men to write it. So reading the Bible is our opportunity to hear what the Lord has to say to us.
This week’s issue of Genuflect aims at helping us all listen more to the Lord’s messages. We look at a brief history of the Bible, the meanings of the various names of the Bible, how to read the Bible, a plan to read the Bible, how to pray with Scripture, and even how to take advantage of digital Bibles.
So won’t you join me in opening up your Bible … and becoming a better listener to God.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
A Short History of The Bible
The Bible is a collection of books written by numerous authors, for different audiences, over thousands of years. Catholics determined the books of the Bible over time. Other denominations removed books to create their version of the Bible. Here’s a quick overview of the evolution of the Bible.
A Short History of The Bible | Catholic365
Understanding The Many Names of The Bible
The Bible goes by many names: Gospel, Scripture, Word of Christ, to name just a few. If you’ve ever wondered where these names came from and what they mean, you’ll want to check out this concise overview.
Does The Bible Have Different Names And Titles? | Compelling Truth
How to Choose a Catholic Bible
There are so many versions of the Bible–even Catholic versions–that one can be overwhelmed trying to find the “best” one. If you’re in the market for a new Bible, or want to make sure your family Bible is good, here’s what you need to know.
What is The Best Edition of The Bible for Catholics? | Aleteia
A Catholic Guide to The Word of God
Before reading the Bible, make sure you understand how to read the Bible. Here are the three essential points you need to know for a basic understanding of the Bible.
Understanding The Bible: A Catholic Guide to The Word of God | Beginning Catholic
How to Begin Reading The Bible
To build your love for Scripture, it helps to have 3 things: the right tools, a blueprint to guide you, and the construction (reading) itself. Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Want to Start Reading the Bible? Here’s How to Begin | Life Teen
A Plan to Read The Bible in 365 Days
If you’ve ever set out to read the Bible, but didn’t get very far, this one’s for you! In honor of the recent “Sunday of the Word of God,” St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene, OR has put together a plan to read the Bible in 365 days. Download the plan, spend 15 minutes each day reading the recommended Bible passages, and this time next year, you’ll be able to say you’ve read the entire Bible. And don’t miss the one-page timeline of the Bible from creation to the time of Christ!
Read The Bible in 365 Days | St. Mary Catholic Church
Before Reading The Bible, Pray This Prayer
The Bible is not a book, it’s the Word of God. And when we sit down to read Scripture, we should pray that our soul will be open to the message the Lord wants to communicate to us. This prayer, attributed to Saint John Chyrsostom, is perfect.
Before Reading The Bible, Pray This Prayer of St. John Chrysostom | Aleteia
How to Pray With Scripture
The Lord speaks to us through the Bible. And we speak to Him when we pray. Combine your prayer with Scripture and you’ll have a 2-way conversation with the Lord! Here’s a simple 5-step method for taking scripture to prayer.
Praying With Scripture | Catholic News Agency
Tools to Make “Word of God Sunday” Last All Year
Last Sunday was declared by Pope Francis to be “Word of God Sunday,” a day to celebrate and study the Word of God. But it doesn’t have to stop there. Here’s a suggestion and several tools you can use to include Scripture in your daily prayers all year long.
Tools to Make Word of God Sunday Last All Year | Aleteia
Top Catholic Bible Apps
Mobile phones put convenience in the palm of our hands. Music, food, news, and much more are available on demand. So it’s probably no surprise that you can also have the Bible on your phone thanks to several apps. Here are 10 top Catholic Bible apps for iPhone and Android.
Top Catholic Bible Apps so The Word of God is Always With You! | Catholic Apptitude
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