Word of God

Some quarters in society are almost entirely preoccupied with politics. They will obviously go nowhere. I don't know if it's true, but the more people indulge in politics, the less progress will ensue. The converse is true: in the first world, the citizens don't care about politics; they become apolitical. Common sense tells us that the right route is in the middle. What we need is constructive politics, not destructive as is the case. Instead of this nonsense, people should instead read and understand the Bible.

But why is the book not being read by people? One obvious reason is that it is a big book! Another not so obvious reason is that it is a dangerous book; what do I mean by that? It's dangerous if you read it and don't intend to follow what is written there. There are several warnings regarding this danger. In Matthew 7.24-27 (RSV), a metaphor is presented in following or not following the bible's message; I'll quote it...

"Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."

If you read the bible carefully, it'll stir your soul; you have to do something about it. Hebrews 4.12 (RSV) mentions, "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." It becomes a font of graces without ever knowing it. Although scripture gives warnings, they're there for a reason. The road is much more dangerous it no traffic signals or signs are available.

Begin reading at the New Testament, the Gospel according to St. Matthew, perhaps one topic or chapter at a time, and allow time for meditation or comtemplation. A good translation is the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition or the New American Bible; if you already have a bible, then use that. The best bible translation is the one you read. If you prefer reading on-line, try http://www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. In 2-3 years, you would have read the entire bible. Have a fruitful reading everyday!