Category Archives: Aperuit Illis

15. Along our path of welcoming God’s word into our hearts, the Mother of the Lord accompanies us. Accompaniment, you may remember, is a favorite theme of Pope Francis. We go a bit deeper with a preliminary beatitude to the … Continue reading →

On occasion, Pope Francis offers a thought from off the beaten path. I wouldn’t have expected the Transfiguration to be tied closely with the Word, but here it is–the witness of Moses and Elijah: 14. One of the most significant … Continue reading →

13. Yet another challenge raised by sacred Scripture has to do with love. God’s word constantly reminds us of the merciful love of the Father who calls his children to live in love. The life of Jesus is the full … Continue reading →

To be clear, the headline and Pope Francis are not talking about soothsaying the future, but the traditional Judeo-Christian understanding of prophetic witness. Put simply: God speaks to people today–he speaks to all of us, really. Do we draw sustenance … Continue reading →

Pope Francis finishes up his commentary on Vatican II input on the Bible and divine revelation. 11. Finally, Dei Verbum makes clear that “the words of God, expressed in human language, are in every way like human speech, just as … Continue reading →

The Holy Spirit didn’t put her feet up after the text was translated from inspired mind to scroll. God is still an active agent today and everywhere for those who seek. It’s a basic  Vatican II–we covered it here. 10. … Continue reading →

We turn our attention from Emmaus to a strand of advice to Saint Timothy from his mentor. If it rings familiar, it was proclaimed at Mass this weekend: 9. In the Second Letter to Timothy, which is in some ways … Continue reading →

8. The journey that the Risen Lord makes with the disciples of Emmaus ended with a meal. The mysterious wayfarer accepts their insistent request: “Stay with us, for it is almost evening and the day is now far spent” (Lk … Continue reading →

There’s a thought that all of the Old Testament speaks of and points to Christ. I wouldn’t outright disagree, but in the sense that the Bible presents a saving act by God toward all humankind, and this presentation culminates in … Continue reading →

People gravitate to the parables and miracles of Jesus. But the story of the encounter on the road in Luke 24 opens a window on the power of the Word and Eucharist for believers. Pope Francis returns to the biblical … Continue reading →

5. In this unity born of listening, pastors are primarily responsible for explaining sacred Scripture and helping everyone to understand it. Since it is the people’s book, those called to be ministers of the word must feel an urgent need … Continue reading →

The return from Exile is recounted in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Pope Francis zeroes in on the commitment of the returnees to the Law, a moment of tears swept aside into joy: 4. The return of the people … Continue reading →

This section sets the particular Sunday for the celebration. 3. Consequently, I hereby declare that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God. This Sunday of the … Continue reading →

Some background, starting with Pope Francis’ notion at the end of the Mercy Jubilee: 2. At the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, I proposed setting aside “a Sunday given over entirely to the word of God, so as … Continue reading →

I think this document was something of a surprise. The title, “Aperuit Illis” comes from the first two words of the Latin text of this apostolic letter (known in Latin as motu proprio). For more clarity, consider the subtitle, “Instituting … Continue reading →