What We Covered
Orientation II served as our introduction to Sacred Scripture and explored the Bible as God's love letter to humanity. Together, we examined what Divine Revelation is, how God reveals Himself to His people, and how Sacred Scripture serves as one of the primary ways we come to know Him. Through Scripture passages, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and group discussion, participants were invited to reflect on the unique role the Bible plays in the life of every Catholic.
We also discussed the inspiration of Scripture and what it means for the Bible to be truly the Word of God. Drawing from the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of St. Jerome, we reflected on the importance of knowing Scripture in order to know Christ more deeply. Participants shared their own experiences with reading the Bible, identified common obstacles that prevent young adults from engaging with Scripture regularly, and considered practical ways to develop a more consistent prayer and reading life. The class concluded with an invitation to continue reading through the Gospel of Mark in preparation for the following session.
Our first session focused on introducing Sacred Scripture as God's revelation of Himself to humanity and His ongoing invitation into relationship with us. Through passages such as 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 4:12, and Luke 24:13-35, participants explored the power of God's Word and its ability to teach, guide, challenge, and transform the lives of believers. The class emphasized that Scripture is not merely an ancient collection of writings, but a living and active means through which God continues to speak to His people today.
Participants were introduced to the Church's teaching on Divine Revelation and the inspiration of Scripture through selected readings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We examined how God reveals Himself throughout salvation history and how the Holy Spirit guided the human authors of Scripture so that the Bible faithfully communicates the truth God desired for our salvation. Special attention was given to understanding the Catholic approach to Scripture, recognizing that the Bible is to be read within the life of the Church and in harmony with Sacred Tradition.
The session also addressed the practical question of why Catholics should read the Bible. While many Catholics faithfully attend Mass and participate in the sacramental life of the Church, Scripture often remains an underutilized source of spiritual growth. Drawing from the famous words of St. Jerome, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ," participants were encouraged to see Bible reading not as an academic exercise but as an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ personally and deepen their relationship with Him.
Through discussion and reflection, participants considered the challenges that often prevent young adults from engaging with Scripture, including lack of time, uncertainty about where to begin, and difficulty understanding biblical texts. Together, we explored ways to overcome these obstacles and develop habits that foster regular prayer and study. The session concluded by encouraging participants to begin reading the Gospel of Mark, allowing them to encounter Christ through one of the earliest and most direct accounts of His public ministry as we continue our study in the weeks ahead.
We ended class with fellowship and pizza! Yum!