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A Year in the Word

I am definitely one of those new year's resolutions types. I set one or two each year. It's usually some achievable goal like run my first marathon (did it), visit a major city like Chicago (did it) or even the age old "lose weight". For this year I chose something a little bit different. I am reading the entire Bible, cover to cover throughout 2023. Father Mike's Bible in a Year made me think of it but I can't keep up with podcasts. I would much rather read on my own. Then I came across Meg Kilmer's "A Year in the Word, Catholic Bible Journal" the very last week of December 2022 and I thought, that's it! Let's just get into the Bible and write about it each day. The schedule is 15-20 mins per day, usually one OT reading and NT reading, along with one of the Psalms or part of a letter from Paul. I am also reading the Catechism in a year, but I have listened to the podcast maybe twice. Again, I do better on my own. The Catechism is something I have studied previously and it is a surprisingly great read.

I'm one month into the Bible and have completed Genesis, letter to the Philippians and am maybe halfway through Matthew. I got started on Exodus today. As I finished the first book of Genesis, I was struck by the unending faithfulness of God, despite how many times people kept mucking it up. It is such a reminder of the overwhelming love and mercy of God that we cannot even truly comprehend. Many people speak negatively about the Old Testament but I think there is so much hope in it. In my own life, there are times when I am not sure of how things are going, but one thing I can always be sure: God remains faithful. If you really look at every story in the Bible, you will see how that is true. Give the old books a chance. They are filled with beautiful stories about real life and the tangled webs we weave, with God right there among all of it. 

I have this really fantastic Bible study set called The Navarre Bible that breaks down every single book line by line with excellent commentary. However, it takes a lot longer to get through. I do still read through the Navarre commentaries and find it very useful for a passage that I feel needs further explanation or historical information. I am determined to have read every single line of the Bible by the end of the year. There is such a real peace that it brings, similar to being in Mass and receiving the Eucharist.

It's kind of a funny thing to say, but I have noticed myself listening to the Holy Spirit considerably more. Like when I feel I am going to snap at my daughter for not listening, or don't want to get up to wash up some dishes for the 100th time today, I hear "hush and do this task.. don't complain..." And so I do.

I cannot recommend daily Bible reading enough to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is one of the best parts of my day.



May the Lord answer in time of trial. May the name of Jacob's God protect you. May he send you help from his shrine. May he remember all your offerings and receive your sacrifice with favor. May he give you your heart's desire and fulfill every one of your plans. May we ring out our joy for your victory and rejoice in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your prayers. -- Psalm 20

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