With the onset of Advent and the beginning of a new liturgical year, I would like to invite your participation in the Bible Challenge.
At our most recent General Convention this summer, we passed the following resolution:
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That every Episcopal diocese, cathedral, church and mission shall invite their entire membership and people beyond their church to read the entire Bible in 2013 (C083).
Many faith communities have already begun or plan to begin soon. Some have chosen small group settings; others are encouraging families to engage in the yearlong endeavor. A significant number of folks are using the book The Bible Challenge, authored by The Rev. Marek P. Zabriskie, one of the main proposers of the resolution.
Regardless of the methodology or the grouping of participants, it is essential “to develop a life-long daily spiritual practice of reading the Bible in order to know God’s love more clearly and to receive comfort, strength and guidance for daily living.” (C083).
Daily reading of our sacred story has been a part my spiritual discipline for many years. It has in fact become my primary source of “strength and guidance for daily living” and so much more. My intention is to now augment my practice with the Bible Challenge with my family for the next year. I warmly encourage you to join me.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Proper 28: The Sunday closest to November 16, BCP pg. 236)