The Bible is Sacred Scripture, the Holy Spirit-inspired Word of God, God’s written revelation to us. But studying this holy book can be intimidating. Where do you begin? How do you understand what you’re reading? How do you know you’re “doing it right”?
A Catholic Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With some simple practices, you can develop a natural rhythm of engaging with Scripture that both fits your schedule and fills your soul.
A Catholic Bible study simply means you’re reading the Scriptures through the lens of Sacred Tradition and the infallible teaching of the Catholic Church. While we hear Scripture readings (and homilies expounding on them) at Mass, our responsibility as lay people is to grow in our devotion to God’s Word through personal Bible reading and study.
The Bible contains seventy-three books. Where do you start? Here are some ideas:
Perhaps you know exactly where you want to start studying the Bible, but you’re not sure how to find the time for it. It’s easy to let good intentions fall by the wayside while trying to keep up with a busy schedule. If that’s you, these tips will help you build a consistent Bible study habit.
One of the best ways to study the Bible is with others, and many parishes offer Bible study groups. However, it’s not always possible to attend an in-person group, whether due to schedule conflicts or other reasons. Thankfully, there are other resources for Catholics who want to grow in their understanding of Sacred Scripture.
At CatholicTV, we offer two Bible studies that are as easy as turning on your TV or streaming from your smart device: Evangelista Bible Study and The Word Exposed.
In the Evangelista Bible Study, Sonja Corbitt walks you through the pages of Scripture, exploring the stories of biblical characters and different Bible themes. Sonja presents topics—such as dealing with anger and learning to rest in the Lord—in an approachable and uplifting way, much like having coffee with a close friend. Each season is filmed in a church or outdoor setting, making every episode as enjoyable to watch as it is to listen to. If you’re interested in learning how the Holy Spirit can speak to you through the Bible in your everyday life, please join us for the Evangelista Bible Study.
Another Bible study option is The Word Exposed, a program that dives into the Sunday Mass readings. Join Cardinal Luis Tagle for reflections on Scripture as well as practical applications for your own life. In each episode, the Scripture is read by a narrator while being displayed on screen, and Fr. Tagle’s reflections are interpreted through sign language for those who are hearing impaired. The addition of music for the responsorial Psalm and sacred art and illustrations make The Word Exposed an engaging Bible study experience for any viewer.
Whether you choose to join a Catholic Bible study at your parish, watch one of the programs on CatholicTV, or build a Bible study habit on your own, diving deep into the Scriptures will be a source of grace in your life that will be well worth the effort.