Wednesday, July 25, 2007

The Bible

On Sunday and Monday Irish newspapers reporting on Joe O'Reilly being brought to prison mentioned that he asked to be given a Bible. Paris Hilton also had the 'Great Book' in prison.
That sort of detail always surprises/interests/amazes me.
I imagine a large number of Irish people are not familiar with the Bible as a whole or individual parts of it. And yet a man goes off to prison and he asks for a copy of the Bible. Why? Had he asked for 'Oliver Twist' would the newspapers have reported it? Maybe. If you were heading to prison would you ask for a copy of the Bible?
Just this morning I asked a colleague what was the first book of the Bible and she did not know.
Maybe I am wrong, but it often strikes me we pay great lip service to the Bible and know so little about it.
The readings at Mass at times seem difficult to understand. What a pity we don't sit down in our communities and discuss the readings at Mass in an open and honest way. We could learn so much from one another.
Are we as Dominicans excited about our preaching?
Is there not a great need to take on the challenging job of making the Bible come alive for people, seeing it through the eyes of faith and reason? We have some great biblical experts. Do we use them enough?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would attend and participate in a community discussion on the readings (and possible ideas for the homily) for the following Sunday's Mass. By definition, it seems to me, you are suggesting a gathering that would be held weekly, Michael, but it could take place occasionally to begin with, in order to see how it developed. Venue? At home, in Newbridge, or at some other convenient venue? Over a plate of pasta? I am excited still about preaching, and what you suggest, or a similar forum for discussion, could help me do it better.

Michael Commane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michael Commane said...

Yes Tom, why not let us start an hour-long once-a-week-meeting in preparation for the Sunday homily.
Why not make it an open invitation to priests and non-priests.
What say you to that?
I am sure we could 'borrow' a room in one our houses. What about asking Clyde Road for a 'loan' of a room?

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