Faithful readers of this blog will recall that one of my New Year’s resolutions was to read the Bible. I read it once a long time ago in college but it was for a humanities class and not read through the lens of my Catholic faith. This year, I decided to read it again, thinking about my faith and more carefully about what’s happening through each passage.
I started out reading one chapter a night starting at the beginning. I, of course, fell out of that routine after about three weeks, reading a few nights a week instead. That same week I learned that my parish was sponsoring a Bible Study during Lent. Though the Wednesday evening meetings were tough for me to make, I signed up and have been following along on my own, watching the videos, using the workbook and reading for homework each week. We’re at week 5 now, and this week I’ll attend my second in-person study.
Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible, by Ascension, teaches the reader to think strategically about the Bible and recommends only some books read together and in conjunction with related books. This makes the whole book more manageable and it helps it make more sense. An accompanying chart helps the reader identify key characters, plot lines, themes and historical references. In a somewhat linear fashion, the reader can see how something that happens in Genesis foreshadows what’s to come in the New Testament.
I’ve really enjoyed the videos, as well, since the leader of the study is engaging, smart and funny. I can imagine he must be amazing to hear in person, as well. The workbooks follow his talks and there is lots of room to make notes, which I have done fastidiously.
Not many people have an opportunity to do studies like this one. What’s more, I’m fortunate that this came at a time when I was attempting to read the Bible on my own. This support has made it all the more possible that I will make it through, if only through the books highlighted in this study.
The wine that I have enjoyed during one Bible reading session is Liberty Vineyards and Winery’s Pinot Grigio. It is described as a wine you want to sip while reading a good book. And there is no greater book than the Bible.