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Do I participate actively in the sacraments of the Church? What are two or three steps I can take to become a sacramental man?
Do I look forward to blessings? What blessings came my way this week?
Week 2
Lover of the Word
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16–17
The Bible is God’s love letter to humanity — his inerrant, perfect, and powerful revelation of himself to his children. Scripture is our guide, our strength, our power, and our peace. Together with Tradition, it forms the great foundation of our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that in the Scriptures God reveals himself to us, and because God is the true author of the words, we can trust that the Bible teaches us God’s truth without error.
As Catholic men, we are called to grow in our knowledge of God’s word. The Scriptures have the power to shape our hearts, renew our minds, feed our spiritual hungers, and sharpen our souls as we walk the road to perfection. When we allow the word of God to break up the fertile soil of our lives, plant the seeds of hope, and harvest the fruit of the Spirit, we become productive and profitable cultivators of other lives. This week, we will consider five essential truths of God’s word and the power it has for our lives.
1. God’s word is our hope.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom 15:4).
2. God’s word nourishes us.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, / but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4).
3. God’s word cuts deep into our souls.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb 4:12).
4. God’s word is forever.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, / but the word of our God will stand for ever” (Is 40:8).
5. God’s word lights our way.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, / and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105)
We cannot become true witnesses of the gospel without growing in knowledge of God’s word. To do this, we need to develop a love of Scripture that becomes a passion burning within us. As you read the Bible, dig deeply into the words. Allow the Spirit to speak to you, drawing strength from the Church’s wisdom, and let the word of God shape your actions each day. Scripture should become so much a part of you that you will always be ready to defend your faith. Remember that the teachings of the Bible provide the power that moves your hands and feet in the service of Christ.
This Week’s Call to Action
This week, meditate on the power of God’s word. Develop a hunger for the word of God and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with understanding and a desire to mature in wisdom as you grow in your knowledge of the Scriptures. Take a specific time every day, in a place of solitude and prayer, to read and meditate on the passages of the Bible suggested in this book. Think about how you can apply what you read to specific situations in your life: at work, at home, and wherever you interact with others in this broken world.
Sunday
This week, we will focus on the power of God’s word. Scripture is a living and eternal document that should penetrate deep into our hearts and bring us insight, healing, and spiritual growth. Allow spending time with God in his word to become a familiar and enjoyable habit. This is key to growing in our relationship with Jesus and applying his truth to our everyday lives. As you cultivate the seed of God’s word in your heart, you will discover that it is an essential part of all that you are.
During Sunday Mass, as you participate in the Liturgy of the Word, remember that you are not just a spectator but an active listener. The beautiful cycle of readings that we hear at Mass repeat the rhythm of God’s saving love over and over throughout your lifetime.
Questions for Reflection
How does hearing God’s word help you to participate more fully in the celebration of the Eucharist?
Are you truly allowing God’s word to penetrate your heart and bring real and lasting change to all that you are?
How will you allow God’s word to guide you in the coming week?
Praying with Scripture
“Oh, how I love your law! / It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119:97).
Monday
God’s word is our hope.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
Although the Bible is composed of many books written by different authors over a long period of time, it contains a consistent and unbroken message of hope for those willing
