|
Hi Russ, thanks for writing.
The fact that Catholics do not read the Bible should not distract us from
the fact that they *should* read the Bible.
- Pope Leo XIII, echoed by Pope Pius XII, asked "all the children of
the Church, especially clerics, to reverence the Holy Scripture, to read
it piously and meditate on it constantly."
- St. Jerome said, "Ignorance
of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."
- Pope John Paul II has said, "Safeguard above all the integrity of
the word of God and of Christian teaching. . . . Spare no effort in seeing
that the word of Scripture reaches the hands of everyone, even if this
entails much work and sacrifice." And, "To you, diocesan and
religious priests, I ask that you strive with every means possible to promote
among the faithful the knowledge and love of Scripture."
Moreover the Church offers an indulgence to people for reading the bible;
an indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment of sins already
forgiven (so this is a good thing to get).
You said:
My wife tells me that Catholics do not read the
Bible — yet on every Catholic site, I read references
from the Bible. Logic tells me that somebody
must be reading it.
Well, we believe the Scriptures are the written Word of God, and they
are inspired and inerrant. Three readings from the Bible are read every
Sunday, four if you count the Psalm (which you really should), so even
Catholics who refuse to open a Bible hear it proclaimed and should be familiar
with its contents. In a three year period you pretty much hear the core
of the whole Bible.
You said:
Incidentally, I read the Bible, and I agree
more with the Catholic interpretations than with
any of the others. I've also wanted to become
Catholic (both my sons were raised Catholic) but my wife says she is upset by the fact that
the Church requires that we remarry at the side
of the altar instead of in front. (We were married
in the Dutch Reform Church).
First, let me commend you for your integrity and sincerity in both raising
your sons Catholic, and in seeking validation of your marriage.
With respect to your question, to be honest, I have no idea what you are
referring to. I have never heard of anyone getting married at the "side" of
the altar instead of the front. I see some references on the Internet to
mixed marriages being celebrated at side altars, but the context indicates
that this is a past practice, which makes sense as many churches today
have no side altars. But you are referring to two Catholics being married,
not a mixed marriage. I called a friend to see if he knew but he was just
as bewildered as I was.
My impression, therefore, is that your wife is misinformed. I recommend
you speak to a priest about the subject to reassure her. I am willing to
bet he'll come back and say that there is no such requirement.
- After all,
why should a priest effectively impose a punishment on you for converting
to Catholicism?
I may ask around for more information on whether it was a past practice
or where the idea may come from. If I find out anything, I will send you
a follow up note.
If you have any questions during your study toward Catholicism, please
feel free to let me know; I'd be happy to answer them.
May God bless you as you learn and study. Encourage your wife to read
the Scriptures, maybe read them together. (A good commentary is the University
of Navarre commentary, or the Ignatius
Press Commentary (Old Testament|New Testament) written by Scott Hahn.)
Yours in Christ,
Eric Ewanco
|
