National Bible Celebration

The Bible takes a very important role in the life of individuals and society. Christians and non-Christians are aware that various celebrations for the Bible have been proposed and declared from both the Government and Church sectors. The National Bible Week celebrations is extended into National Bible Month celebration. Pope Francis declared the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time as Sunday of the Word of God. In the Philippines, the last Monday of January is declared as National Bible Day.

The Bible then is not meant to be kept only in the corners of our altars. It is to be read, studied, prayed, shared and lived. The Word of God needs to be incarnated in our daily encounters with others in our homes, work places and in the streets. It has to be translated in our concrete way of life whether in business or in Church, in private or in public.

May this year’s theme of this celebration, “God’s love heals a suffering world” (Lamentations 3:22-24/Romans 8:38-39), impel us to become instruments of God’s healing, especially for those victims of typhoon “Odette” and of COVID-19 variants. May healing come in all forms – physical, relational, moral and spiritual – as we try our best to make the Word of God alive in our daily living. Throughout the year, may believers get involved in their parishes for activities that may enhance their love of the Bible.

May Jesus, the Word-became-flesh, allow us to share in His divinity. Amen.