Spiritual Snippet -- Carry A Pocket-Sized Gospel!

This past Sunday, after his Angelus address, Pope Francis handed out pocked-sized gospels to  pilgrims visiting St. Peter's Square. What a beautiful and holy gesture!  

Pope Francis shared the following words with the crowd:

"During the last few Sundays I have suggested to all of you to obtain a small copy of the Gospel, to carry with you during the day, so you can read it frequently. Then I thought of an ancient tradition of the Church during Lent, of giving the Gospel to catechumens, and to those who are preparing for Baptism. So, today I wish to offer you, here in the square – but as a sign to all – a pocket-sized Gospel. It will be distributed free. … And like Him, I say to you, freely you have received, freely give – give the message of the Gospel! … Let us do something: in exchange for this give, carry out an act of charity, a gesture of love, freely given; a prayer for enemies, reconciliation, something. Today we can also read the Gospel using many technological instruments. You can carry the entire Bible around with you in a smartphone, in a tablet. The important thing is to read the Word of God, by any means – read the Word of God, is it Jesus who is speaking to you!”

Saint Dominic used to always carry a book of the Gospel of Matthew and the letters of Saint Paul everywhere he traveled.  He felt studying and reflecting on scripture was essential to effective preaching!

I remember when the Gideon bibles used to be passed out in local churches and street corners.  Of course, with so much anti-religious sentiment in our culture these days, the poor Gideons would be cursed and yelled at.  Some people think the bible should be tossed aside unread.  I mean, it advocates good moral living and love for our enemies which is so foreign in our secular environment.  Pope Francis makes it very clear that we should read the gospels regularly and allow Jesus to speak to us on an intimate level!  

There's really no excuse not to read the bible.  So many apps are available on our smartphones and tablets which can quickly link us to scripture.  I like to visit the readings of the days through the USCCB website.  Also, one of the best free phone apps for the Liturgy of the Hours and scripture readings of the day is iBreviary.  

Let us take the Holy Father's advice and immerse ourselves in the message of the Gospel!  The bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge.  Don't think of it as boring reading but nourishing food for the soul!

-J.