How many times have you walked out of Mass and realized you couldn’t remember anything about it? The Scripture readings, the homily, and all of the prayers went in one ear and out the other.
This is a common experience for Mass-goers, because it’s a common experience of life! We only retain about 5% of what we hear, and we seem to rely less and less upon our memories. Think of all the information that once filled massive libraries that is now instantly accessible on devices we carry in our pockets and purses. You might remember a few phone numbers, poems and quotes you memorized as a kid, but the saying is true: if you don’t use it, you lose it.
As we begin the yearly discipline of Lent, we each want to draw closer to God. In recent years, many Catholics have returned to sacred Scripture through programs like “The Bible in a Year.” The Mass readings for the First Sunday of Lent highlight the importance of a regular diet of God’s Word. Even the verse before the Gospel from Deuteronomy 8:3 uses this analogy of consumption: “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Just as we eat a variety of foods to maintain healthy bodies, so the health of our souls and spiritual lives depends on a balanced reception of God’s word. Whatever we starve gets smaller, and whatever we feed gets bigger!
The Navigators, a Christian ministry, developed a helpful discipleship tool called “the Word Hand” which highlights the five ways we can receive and grasp the word of God in sacred Scripture. Each method corresponds with a finger, beginning with the pinky; collectively the fingers work together to form a grip on God’s word.
-
iStock/Bubball Hearing (pinky): You hear the Scripture proclaimed at Mass, but do you listen attentively? Maybe you could listen to “The Bible in a Year” podcast at least once a week instead of listening to music on your daily commute.
- Reading (ring finger): A regular reading of the Bible is another way to receive God’s word, increasing retention to 15%. Reading along in a missalette with the lector at Mass can be helpful. Additionally, I would suggest reading the Mass readings before arriving at Sunday Mass and again later in the day to reinforce God’s word and the graces from the homily.
- Studying (middle finger): The Bible is by far the most read and studied ancient text. It is a compilation of many individual books written by many human authors and inspired by one Divine Author. Immersing yourself in the worldview of the Bible brings greater understanding and knowledge that can deepen your faith. Many study editions of the Bible and other Catholic Bible study resources are available to help us go deeper into God’s word.
- Memorizing (pointer finger): The discipline of Scripture memorization hides God’s word in our hearts; it is a game changer in living a life rooted in God. In this Sunday’s selection of his letter to the Romans, St. Paul quotes Scripture twice, from Deuteronomy and Isaiah. In Sunday’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus himself quotes three times from Deuteronomy to combat the enemy. We retain 100% of what we memorize and regularly review, making this the strongest method and most useful against temptations, doubts and fears.
- Meditation (thumb): Meditating and praying with Scripture accompanies each of the other four methods. This discipline helps us know God’s word and in turn, know God and his love for us.
This Lent, let’s consume the Scriptures, so that we can have a better grasp on God’s word and the mystery of his love.
Father VanHoose is chaplain at NET Ministries in West St. Paul.
Sunday, March 9
First Sunday of Lent
