MALAWI: Catholics Advised to Read the Bible Ahead of Bible Month
Fr Chinkanda urging Christians to read the Bible
Williams Mponda- ECM
National Pastoral Coordinator for Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Fr Henry Chinkanda has called on Catholic faithful across the country to be readers of the Bible to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the word of God.
The call was made Sunday at St Peters Cathedral in Mzuzu during the commemoration of St Jerome, the translator of the original Hebrew Bible and Greek Bible into Latin and also the closing of the bible month.
He said Catholic Christians could fully understand and appreciate the teachings of the Bible and Sacramental teachings if they read the Bible.
“It is becoming a great concern as most of us have lost the interest in reading the Bible. We need to rejuvenate our culture of reading the Word of God so that we strengthen our spiritual lives,” Said Fr Chinkanda .
He said Christians should always be aware that they are in the Lord’s Vineyard hence the need for them to nourish their spiritual lives with the Word of God found in the Bible.
The National Pastoral Coordinator added that reading the word of God helps Christians to fully understand the Sacred Scriptures which can guide their actions.
He said the Word of God is a source of life as it comforts its people when they are grieved.
“The Catholic Church has always been advocating for people to read the Bible because the Word of God comforts when one is in sorrow.
“When you read the Word of God, it comforts, consoles, it gives encouragement when in trouble. The Lord said, ‘Come to me all you who are burden and I will give you rest’,” Fr Chinkanda added.
He said the purpose for St Jerome to translate the Bible into Latin was to ensure that the Bible is read and understood by all.
Bishop, John Ryan of Mzuzu Diocese of the Catholic Church advised Christians to have the Word of God in their hearts and share it with others for many people to know and praise God.
St Jerome the translator is commemorated on September30 every year and this years’ commemoration was under the theme ‘The Word of God is a Light to My Feet’.
