Abp. Anyolo: Bibles not just for keeping on the shelf

Rose Achiego – Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairperson and Archbishop of Kisumu, Philip Anyolo, has said Bibles should not just be kept on shelves but the faithful need to make it their daily practice to read, understand and reflect on the meaning of the Word of God in their lives.

The Archbishop urged Catholics to also read the Bible with their families.

Listen, read and reflect on the Word of God

Before the Second Vatican Council, Catholics were not encouraged to read the Word of God. It was actually seen as the Protestant way of looking at Christian expression. After the Second Vatican Council, the Church realised the importance of individuals reading the Word of God for themselves. Now that the Holy Father has emphasised the significance of the Bible, it becomes a wonderful opportunity for the faithful to take on board the Pope’s call, said Archbishop Anyolo.

Prayer of the Rosary is based on Scripture

The Arcbhishop who is also the Apostolic Administrator of Homabay Diocese said praying the Rosary beads was in fact another expression of reciting short excerpts from the Bible.  Such prayers which are shorter versions of Bible texts have in the past been used to introduce Scripture into the lives of the faithful.

Priests and deacons as hearlds of the Word

Archbishop Anyolo further reminded priests and deacons, as heralds of the Word of God, to remember the words of their ordination which commissioned them to proclaim the Gospel: “Share with all mankind the Word of God you have received with joy.  Meditate on the law of God, believe what you read, teach what you believe, and put into practice what you teach,” the Archbishop quoted from the ordination rite.

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Motu proprio "Aperuit illis", published on 30 September 2019, establishes that "the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God".