Thom O'Leary Mountainbrook How to Read the Bible as a Catholic: Tips and Techniques

Diving into the Bible can be a daunting experience if one does not know where to begin. As Catholics, we know that Scripture is the center of our faith but the length and complexity of the Bible can be daunting. The good news is that there is no need to tackle it alone.

Using the insight of church tradition, the advice of scholars, and some practical strategies, reading the Bible can be a richly rewarding and life-changing habit. Pastor Thom O'Leary, an enthusiastic Bible teacher, challenges believers to read Scripture in a way that is understandable, applicable, and powerful.

Thom O'Leary Mountainbrook

If you’ve ever found the Bible hard to understand, don’t worry. Let’s look at simple and practical ways to read Scripture as a Catholic that will resonate with our hearts.

Start with a Catholic Bible

Not every Bible contains the same books. The Catholic Bible contains seven additional books that are not found within Protestant Bibles, which are the Deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Sirach, and Wisdom). If your Bible does not include them, then part of the Word of God is missing.

A good starting point is the New American Bible (NABRE) or the Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition (RSV-CE). Both are Church-approved translations that also include useful footnotes providing historical and theological context.

Follow the Church’s Guidance

The Catholic Church offers a structured way to read the Bible. A daily Mass reading plan systematically guides us through Scripture. Even if we cannot attend Mass every day, reading the daily reading from the Gospel keeps us on the Church's liturgical rhythm.

Another valuable resource? The Catechism of the Catholic Church. This gives us an understanding of how various passages within the Bible pertain to Catholic doctrine.

Read with Prayer and Hope

Before opening the Bible, one should pray. A simple prayer like, “Holy Spirit, open my heart to understand Your Word,” can be a real difference-maker.

Instead of speeding through chapters, use Lectio Divina (divine reading), a prayerful process that has four steps:

  1. Reading: Read slowly through a short passage.
  2. Reflect: Look for words or phrases that stand out.
  3. Pray: Engage in a conversation with God.
  4. Reflect: Be present with God and listen.

This process turns reading the Bible into an experience with God personally rather than an intellectual one.

Make It Practical with a Study Guide

Even the most dedicated Catholics will find some verses in the Bible to be confusing. That is where study guides are helpful. Guides written by Catholic scholars or books by qualified teachers like Thom O'Leary Mountainbrook can simplify confusing concepts into understandable truths.

Pastor Thom O'Leary has the gift to bring Scripture alive. Books such as Keep Moving Forward offer practical applications that allow us to bring biblical wisdom to our everyday lives.

Final Thoughts

For a Catholic, reading the Bible does not have to be overwhelming. Following church principles, using a Catholic Bible, praying before reading, and learning from a great teacher such as Pastor Thom O’Leary, help one benefit from the Word of God.

Start small. Just five minutes of scripture each day can change the way we think and strengthen our faith. The Bible is not a dusty book; it’s God talking to us today. So let’s pick it up and hear what He has to say.

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