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Weekend or One day Bible Sharing workshops conducted by the Institute. Practical and enjoyable method for both studying the Scriptures and sharing the fruits of those studies with fellow Christians in a faith environment. Bible sharing is a simple and uncomplicated process whereby groups of ten to twelve of like-minded, faith-filled Christians come together to share the meaning of the Sacred Scriptures for their lives.
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The term " Bible Sharing" conjures up a cozy picture of a small group bonded by their common faith. The picture is a memory: six or seven adults of various ages sitting around a large table with books and notes, in turn relating how the particular passage under discussion had something to say to our lives, past or present.
I came to this group having already been trained in the monastic way of reading the Bible, known as lectio divine. This training taught me to read the Bible slowly and prayerfully, pondering each word and even dialoging with the text (e.g., asking why the Lord chose to respond in this way rather than in another way). But most of all, I learned that the Word of God has transforming quality if you humbly accept the text as what it really is: that which teaches, and that which judges us (and not we it). Then the humility acts like a concavity for absorbing the text into yourself.
For me, this happens when I repeat a phrase over and over again until I have identified with it. Then I can in some small way, "Put on the mind of Christ" (cf. Phil 2:5). By humbly repeating the text over and over, it becomes a part of me and I begin to understand it from Christ's perspective. Understanding it then leads to living it, and finally reflecting it to others.
Joining the Bible study group added several new dimensions to my reading the Word. First, with the readings we were to read and prepare, we were also given four or five questions to keep in mind while pondering the sacred text. While used to dialoging with the text by asking my own questions, I found an advantage to others' questions. They expanded my own horizons by making me look at the text with "different eyes."
Furthermore, when we went over the texts together, the insights from the others in the group added
If you humbly accept the text as what it really is: that which teaches, and that which judges us (and not we it), then the humility acts like a concavity for absorbing the text into yourself.
to the richness of the text. The questions never made anyone afraid of answering wrongly. Questions concerning doctrine (our Lord's teaching) were all very easy to answer by referring to the text. Those addressed to our individual lives could have no wrong answers for it was a matter of what you felt the text was saying to you at this particular moment in your life. For example, "What is the Lord telling me through this passage? Does my own life conform to this teaching? Or, Do I have to change my way of thinking or acting on this particular point?"
The most consoling part of the discussions was seeing the growth that took place in individuals. One man in particular was initially reluctant to share some of his failings with others. Little by little he began to ask us to pray for his temper or for his resentment against his brother who, he felt, was not helping to care for their mother.
One unforgettable night he told us that his mother had died the week before and he had been very worried about meeting his brother at the wake and funeral. How would he be able to control his feelings? How shocked he was to see himself go up to his brother and embrace him, totally forgiving him and sharing their grief. Where had this change of heart come from? He said his deeper relationship with Christ, through the reading of scripture, and the support of the group had changed his perspective. No longer was it what should my brother be doing, but what does the Lord want me to do now.
Yes, the Word's transforming effect is facilitated by Bible sharing Seeing others change makes it easier to change ourselves. Sharing also allows us to name and be less self-conscious about what needs to be changed in our lives. That is for some the greatest benefit: seeing someone else admit a simple fault. Saying "I'm not so good at this," or " I need to work on that" helps others to be more honest with themselves, even if not out loud. Interior conviction is always the beginning of conversion. I do not mean, however, that all Bible sharing is like an AA meeting.
There is also much positive enrichment from the insight of others into scripture. But the theological insights and the conversion go hand in hand, whether one is reading scripture alone or in a group. The advantage of the group is that it allows each person a wider perspective on the teachings and a greater support for personal response.
Sr. Gertrude, professed as a Benedictine in 1984, is working on a doctorate in Early Christian Studies and teaching at the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore.
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At first we phoned each other to ferret out who would be interested in a Bible sharing group. Fr. Burke, whose book we planned to use, was invited. He challenged us to be effective by meeting weekly! A not-very demanding once-a-month group had been our idea. So a pattern was established: desire met the Word which challenged us to action. This progression from desire to Word to challenge to action has been my experience of Bible Sharing for four years, two locations and three sets of people!
At Carlisle Barracks where my husband and I live and the population changes by two thirds each year, the first meeting of the year begins with this question: what do you hope for in a Bible sharing group? The answers: to learn anything about Scripture, to know more clearly God's will for me, to share my insights, to hear the insights of others about the Word of God, and to belong to a support group that will help me be a better Christian in the world. These hopes never grow stale, are never sated, and do help us to live in joyful expectation of the fullness of Christ in our lives.
Studying the Word always means more than I expected and, in some cases, intended! The reality of Scripture being "alive" and a "two edged sword" comes into focus as we share our life experiences. Our heightened awareness of Jesus' example, teachings, and the activity of the early Church has called us to examine our lives. Sometimes these new eyes enrich the understanding we bring our relationships and activities. Other times they prod us to bring our lives into a more honest alignment with Gospel values.
We have been challenged to read the Bible intelligently recognizing the differences in literary forms and styles, learning who the original readers were, and identifying the author's purpose. This helps us to focus on the big picture of God's everlasting love as it was revealed to the Hebrews, made flesh in Jesus, and spread to the ends of the earth by Christians enlivened with the Spirit.
Touched by this same Holy Spirit we open our heart to God's message for our lives now in the passages we read. This requires personal effort and a climate of respect and love in the group. Where this is true a lively discussion is possible as we learn. We accept that we are on a journey together. So we are each valued for who we are. The experiences and opinions of each member of the group offer
This progression from desire to Word to challenge to action has been my experience of B/b/e Sharing for four years, two locations and three sets of people!
something important to the whole.
Another result of Bible sharing is the desire to be a more responsible Christian. As Catholics, we examine anew the call of Vatican II for a vigorous laity in the world by reading the Beatitudes: "Feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, sell all you have and follow me" and by reading about the courageous activity of the first Christians.
Eventually all of us have been moved to join various ministries in the parish and to reach out to people in need. One day a member would say, "Will you put a sign in your yard in support of prolife for the upcoming legislation?" or, "Can't we organize a food drive for the needy people?" or, "I know a woman living in a small trailer who needs a new porch. I can make the plans if you will all help:' Or, "Lets have a dinner and invite people who might be interested in joining our group." This kind of initiative is inevitable in a Bible sharing group. And to me, a sign of a Spirit-filled group.
Still another precious result of Bible sharing is growth in prayer. Responsibility for leading prayer is shared. Our favorite devotions, songs, readings are shared as we praise God and ask for his guidance at the beginning of our meetings. In closing we thank God for the good things of the week and tell him our needs. Even the most hesitant at spontaneous prayer will express thanks and needs. Learning the necessity of prayer from Jesus in the Gospels, the power and binding force of prayer from the new Christians in Acts, and the need to be faithful in prayer by Paul's letters, we practice together!
If you have a hunger for the Word, accept my challenge to join or form a Bible sharing group. There are several programs that outline the process for Bible sharing. We have used Beginners' Guide to Bible Sharing by John Burke, OP and The Little Rock Scripture Study Program. God will be with you; his Word is never ineffective.
"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes out of My Mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I send it." (Is.55:101 1.)
You will hear the call. And our group in Carlisle, PA will be praying for you.
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Several small faith sharing groups already existed within the Blessed Sacrament Community, but in the wake of Father Burke's invitation a number of new groups came into being. Among these was a group of twelve women who had indicated their availability on Wednesday nights. Five years later, this group continues to meet every Wednesday night to study Scripture, share faith experiences, provide support, offer intercessory prayer, and participate in various ministries at both the parish and community levels.
During its fiveyear existence, the Scripture Squad faced a number of procedural hurdles, including the issues of open admission and appropriate size limitations for the group. Since the group met in members' homes, admitting more than twelve to the group would have been difficult logistically. Other issues related to intercessory prayers developed a life of their own. These included establishing a format and ending time for sessions, dealing with loss of focus and "dry" spells, participating in charitable projects as a group, and integrating into the planned worship and study of the large Blessed Sacrament Community during Lent, Advent, and at other times. After prayer, reflection, and sometimes heated discussion, these issues were also resolved. And the group continues to meet and to share, with many unexpected results.
One unexpected result ot rotating the weekly sessions to different members' homes every two weeks has been the opportunity to give witness to family members. Sessions are lively and sometimes loud. It has been interesting to observe the developing awareness, particularly among the children, that Bible sharing is anything but dull. In fact, it was a member's son who coined the name "Scripture Squad" by which the group is known even among members of the larger parish community.
When I started, it was because there was just an emptiness. Obviously, I was searching for something. That's probably why I went to the Bible.
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Following are edited comments from the Nov. 1994 meeting of the Scripture Squad.
Deirdre: Now no matter what event in the life of the parish you go to, whether a fund-raiser, the soup kitchen during Lent, Penance service, the blood bank drive, Mass on Saturday or Sunday mornings, there is always another member of the Scripture Squad there, and it has made me not only more involved but it's made the larger parish more of a community.
Marty: It's been a very positive experience and showed me how important community is. I suddenly realized that God in His three Persons was community and that we aren't meant to be alone.
Deirdre: I found too, from sharing Scripture, insights and doubt as well, I find myself much more likely to discuss these things with people in the business world.
Adrian: Sometimes even if you don't know their religious orientation, saying that you'll pray for them or mentioning that you belong to this Scripture group. I gained security in my own faith journey and felt comfortable in it from discussing it so much with you all. So it feels okay to test the waters, find out where others are or just let them know where I am to witness.
Marty: And where an individual act might seem presumptuous like I somehow thought my prayers would be effective - l can say to someone who's troubled or experiencing tragedy, like my classmate whose Dad has cancer, "I don't know if you're a religious person, but I belong to a Bible study group, would you like us to pray for you7" A group prayer feels much more powerful, like we wrap them in our community and they feel connected to a community, not just another person.
Deirdre: Speaking of that, how has the role that the Scripture Squad plays in your life changed/evolved? What were you expecting when you started? And what have you gotten? Patricia, I know you had some strong views at first.
Patricia: One of the things I observed that first night was that everyone admitted that they either had never read the Scriptures or had never studied them. This appalled me because I had taken many courses in Scripture in college, at the Scripture Institute, and so forth so I thought: Oh dear, what are they going to be able to teach me? Group Laughter
Patricia: And the fact is that in many, many instances people have brought a perspective on a particular passage of Scripture that never would have occurred to me. It gave me a chance to see it in another way, and I've learned a lot in the process. Another thing that I think we've done which was helpful, is that we weren't all using the same translations.
Deirdre: When I started, it was because there was just an emptiness. Obviously, I was searching for something. That's probably why I went to the Bible mission in the first place. I had some sort of a faith that was up on a mental plane I was a Catholic. I was raised Catholic, but it didn't have any life to it. That's what I was searching for, e living thing, not something just on paper. I saw others that had a faith that moved them, that was an active, meaningful part of their lives. I started to want that. I prayed about it and went to the Bible mission and signed up and found myself in a stranger's house with a bunch of strangers wondering, "Whet am I doing here?" But little by little, through study and prayer, things changed.
Adrian: For me personally, going from lighter study, from brief readings of the Bible to, getting into whole books has made me feel much more comfortable with the readings in church and just with picking up the Bible and reading it on my own to read not only Sunday's passage, but to see where it fits in the chapter and into my life.
Deirdre: One of the big fears about lay-led Bible studies or Bible sharing is that we will be led into some sort of improper interpretation. And I don't sense this happening.
Adrian: No, we often state our desire to be led by the Spirit, so I have to believe that that will guide us.
Patricia: To phrase that somewhat differently, I think through our opening prayer, our attitude is, not what can I make of the words of the Scripture, but what can God, through his Spirit, help us to find in the words of Scripture that will help us to live the life of God. We're not in this to become intellectual giants and find something that no one else has been able to find. (laughter) We're here to be kind of steeped in the Word of God and have it change our lives.
Deirdre: And I think, going from Father Burke's format of knowledge, understanding, application questions, it's impossible for me now to read a passage without going to the footnotes. And that will pique curiosity to go to reference works. In the past, when I would read a passage, that was it. If I didn't understand it, that was just too bad. Without the background, you really are at sea. You do have to understand the historical perspective, the culture, the language.
Marty: So many times it's been like a light going on when that's been explained. Like one time, maybe it was a parable about not letting someone in because the door was barred for the night. That seemed so harsh and petty until you explained that many houses had only one room where everyone slept on the floor and that the door stood open during the day so barring it let the world know that knocking would disturb everyone there. Little things like that changed Scripture from being something remote, ancient, to being about people and having relevance for me.
Deirdre: What I find nice too, is when someone is reading and we recognize it: That's Romans.
Marty: There's one thing you did, Adrian. Maybe out of self-preservation. Rotating the leadership role was so important. It could easily have been "Adrian's Group," with us passive.
Sandy: That was the beginning of training us to prepare ourselves. I don't think any of us would have gone out to buy our own reference materials if we hadn't had to lead. It was a very gradual thing, because in the beginning we had Fr. Burke's materials, and leading just meant reading the questions and letting people thrash around with them! (laughter).
Adrian: We don't each lead in the same way, but I think it's given each of us growth and confidence. And I have to admit that the weeks I'm leader I get just that much more out of the readings because of the extra preparation I've put into it. I think that's been a benefit for all of us. Yet at the same time, we all lead differently and we're all very understanding, accepting, of how busy our lives are and appreciative of any additional feedback others bring to the discussion.
Marty: And I think, I hope, that some members who felt they weren't doing enough connecting with God, I hope from our feedback they've come to see that their ordinary daily lives can be a prayer.
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The GoodNews Letter is published three times yearly by The National Institute for the Word of God. Story suggestions, news items, and correspondence are welcome and may be forwarded to the Editor
Epiphany, 1995
The National Institute for the Word of God 487 Michigan Avenue, NE Washington. DC 20017 Editor, MaryAnn McGuire, Ed D
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The Catholic Coalition on Preaching calls their 1995 National Conference "The Gathering." The conference will be held September 2427, 1995 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare in Rosemont, IL. Info: Rev. Eugene Lauer, Center for Continuing Formation in Ministry, 1201 Hesburgh Library, Notre Dame, IN 46556. (219) 6315328.
The Seventh Annual Meeting ot ACCSE/2000North America and the Caribbean will convene May 16 May 20, 1995 in the Atlanta Central Holiday Inn, Atlanta GA. Meeting will foster cooperation with the Local Church of Atlanta in preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Info: Evangelization 2000, 3045 Fourth St, NE, Washington, DC 20017. (202) 5262814.
The NCCE 12th Annual Conference will meet June 21 24, 1995 in Oklahoma City, OK. The theme is "Evangelization and Catechesis." Walter Burghardt will preach opening day. Other speakers include Archbishop Beltran, Bishops Guillorv and Vlazny, Mrs. Mimi Reilly, and Dr MeUar, McKenna. Info: NCCE, 7494 Devon Lane, Manassas, VA 22111. (800) 786-NCCE.
Tour Turkey and Greece in the Steps of St. Paul April 21 May 8, 1995 with Fr. John Burke and Fr. Joseph Allen. Copies of the manuscripts from their 1988 tour are available. Info: Fr. John Burke 487 Michigan Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20017. (202) 5295300.
John Burke will lead a retreat on the Gospel of John June 19 24, 1995 at the St. Stephen Priory Spiritual Life Center, Dover, MA. Info: Fr. Michael DeTemple, OP: St. Stephen Priory, 20 Glen St., PO Box 370, Dover MA 02030. (508) 7850124.
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