Scripture is the word of God in the words of men. It reveals God’s will to us and can change our lives if we let it. It reveals a path to live by and gives us strength against evil.

The gospel of Jesus is a message of good news, wonderful news that needs to be shared with everyone. The best way to share this good news is to live it. Who does not appreciate the kindness of someone who comes to the aid of the sick, who visits those in prison, who provides food and drink to the hungry, who welcomes the stranger, and gives shelter to the homeless? These acts of love are at the heart of being a Christian, a follower of Jesus. There are those among us who live their lives by this marvelous code of conduct, and you don’t have to look too far away. They are the every day, good people who practice the command of the Lord : “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people you do unto me.”

Of course, there are some who have achieved a level of heroism that stands out as a model to all, Christian and non Christian alike. Sr Ruth from Dresden in Germany comes to mind. She witnessed the terrible bombing of her beloved city during the Second World War, and decided to dedicate her life to helping others. She became a physician and a nun. While passing through Pakistan to India to help the needy, she was appalled at the extent of leprosy on the streets of Pakistan. She stayed there and over a period of several years effectively eliminated the scourge of this terrible disease from the country. She was invited to neighboring Afghanistan to continue this good work there before she passed away. What is remarkable about this heroic physician and nun is that she was given a State funeral in Muslim Pakistan. All because she lived by Jesus’s golden rule : “whatsoever you do to the least of my people you do unto me.” What better way to bring about peace and understanding among nations and people of different religions and cultures than to help one another? This is more powerful than all the words, diplomacy, and armies of the world combined.

The word of God is the driving force that transforms our lives to love one another for it opens up a path that leads us into a future that’s bright and beautiful. God’s word lays a foundation to stand on when the storms of life make you feel unbalanced and unsure of yourself. It has the strength to defeat evil, and the tenderness to comfort you in every trauma.

When you meditate on the word and spend time soaking in its truth, it rewires the way you think. Then you can recognize the web of lies and deceit of this world that lie strewn along your path; then you can feel empowered to trust in the Lord and His righteousness, and follow His way.

Never underestimate the importance of studying the Word regardless of the number of years you’ve been reading the bible. God’s word is filled with treasures that always inspire and uplift the mind of man. Spend a little time each day meditating on it, and you’ll never regret it.

Let us pray :

Lord, let your Word and my being become entwined so I may walk in your wisdom when I set my mind on You.

—Fr. Hugh Duffy