Scripture Study Reflection
By Laura Kennedy

When Scripture Study was first offered at SJFC, I took a leap of faith, and joined in. I was apprehensive at first, not knowing what to expect. I considered myself Bible illiterate. Although I was able to navigate my way through the Bible, to find passages, I had never really studied the Bible. The only exposure I had to the Bible, was what was offered at weekend mass.

It was time for me to dig deeper into my faith. I was in my middle years, and searching. I believed study of the scriptures was a necessary step in my faith journey. Yet, I had no comfort zone…and did not know where to start. At the first Scriptures Study session, I discovered there were other participants who shared my circumstance. There were no prerequisites for the program, and no homework assignments. The study group would meet weekly, Wednesday mornings. I decided, “Here I am Lord. I can do this.”

The format of the program was not what I expected…but I grew to deeply appreciate it. Where my non-Catholic Christian friends went to classes to study particular books of the Bible, start to finish… that was not our goal. This program was lectionary based. Our plan was to study the scriptures that would be read at mass the upcoming weekend. We were provided with a copy of “Living the Good News,” a scripture journal that lists the scripture readings for each session, and provides background information for each reading as well as a place for jotting notes. Our sessions were not classroom style, with a teacher and students, but rather a study group, with Nancy Mason Bordley as our facilitator.

During study sessions, we read the scriptures out loud. Nancy offers background information to help us understand the context of the writings, and poses questions for reflection and discussion. Then, together, we share our thoughts and insights. We dig deep, “unpacking” the written words, looking beyond the literal interpretation of the writing, seeking the truth conveyed by the passage and its relevance in our lives today. Somehow this really happens, week after week. The presence of the Spirit is so powerful during our sessions. Our encounter with God’s word and each other raises questions, challenges us and transforms us. We leave with new insights as well as questions, pondering them in our hearts the rest of the week. When the weekend arrives, I come to mass ready to hear again the readings we studied, and eagerly await yet another reflection on these passages.

It has now been seven years since I first started Scripture Study at SJFC…and I remain committed to this endeavor. This faith-sharing group has continued to challenge and inspire me in my faith journey. It has nudged me to look at things in new ways, and has offered me a comfortable venue to question and seek insight. This group has been diverse in terms of age, perspective, and life experience. It has been dynamic… growing and changing. As we grow and change, and have new life experiences, the scriptures we have heard many times through the years continue to speak to us and have relevance, offering new insights..the living Word of God at work in our lives.

Now Scripture Study is a part of my life. I miss it when we are not in session. Sharing time, space and intimacies with such spirited people is an incredible blessing. Together our collective wisdom offers both answers and more questions. Together we grow in relationship with each other, and with our God. Together we challenge and support each other on our faith journeys. Sometimes I come to the group full…and have much to share. Other times I come empty, and sit and listen. Always, I leave changed, nourished, and fed…more acutely aware of God’s presence and movement in my life.