BIBLIA CLERUS

Indeed this is a reference well worth the bookmark. It is called Biblia Clerus, and put on by the Congregation for the Clergy of the Holy See.

This program offers Sacred Scripture, its interpretation in light of Sacred Tradition and the teachings of the Magisterium, with appropriate theological commentary and exegesis.
The downloadable version allows you to connect Sacred Scripture to the complete works of many Doctors of the Church, Councils, Encyclicals, teachings of the Popes, Catechisms, as well as commentaries from secular literature, etc.

Clearly I am going to be spending some time there. You can even download the entire content. I linked to the English version, but there are five other languages available as well.

via Leon at CUF.

Wake up and smell the coffee

...while reading scripture?

Leon at CUF offers some encouragement on Seizing the Moment

In our daily spiritual lives, moments of decision typically revolve around temptations. We’re trying to follow Christ and abide by His teachings and commands. Then we’re confronted with a situation in which we’re being lured—subtly or overtly, whatever best suits Satan’s purposes at the time—into doing what we know we shouldn’t do.

We all struggle, but what about setting the tone early in the day. In essence, girding up for battle as soon as we wake.

Instead of having the day’s moral decisions dominated by choices to avoid temptations to sin, as though we’re constantly navigating through a spiritual minefield, why not capitalize on moments of opportunity to grow in the love of God and neighbor? After all, the best defense is a good offense. The first moment of decision in a given day, and one in which quiet heroes are made, occurs the instant we awake. It’s the decision literally to get out of bed. At that moment, we’re comfortable, we might still be tired or not feel so great, and it would be easy to justify hitting the snooze button so we can sleep some more.

Wise words that seem to hit home. I have wanted to get up earlier and spend some time in prayer or reading scripture for quite some time. But I keep hitting that blasted snooze button. Not motivated enough to make the commitment.

But as is often the case, prayers are answered on God's time. When you seek, you find. And this challenge is perhaps just what is needed to bring out the commitment.

Ready for Lent

As I often mention, I love the liturgy as setup by the Church. The cycle of readings ties the Old Testament, Epistles and the Gospel together, shining light on how the Bible was meant to be read. Another wonder of how the cycle of readings benefits the Church is shown in today Gospel. Take a normal Sermon centered Protestant church and their Bible readings are dependent upon the preferences of the pastor. And consider how many priest today would be willing to tackle the difficult message of Luke 6.

Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.... Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.

I was particularly challenged by the Gospel and even the first reading from 1 Samuel 26. How often I fall into judging others much more harshly than I could stand to be judged. The Psalm reminds us that the Lord is kind and merciful. How often I need to be reminded that when it comes to judging others, Justice is God's, mercy is ours.