Read the Bible with Me!

Welcome to the Pauline Family's "Year of the Bible"! I'm reading the Bible clear through this year, and I invite you to read along with me. But first, let us pray: 

My God, I adore and thank your loving and wise Providence, manifested on every page of Sacred Scripture. You have always been close to sinful and erring humanity, and have indicated the way and given hope. Amid the shadows of error and corruption, you kindled the light of your truth; amid universal corruption, you are the Just One; amid so much idolatry, humanity in every corner of the earth has cultivated a sincere worship of you.
Let my reading today increase my trust in your goodness, your mercy, and your unfailing faithfulness.

The Archangel Raphael and Tobias
by Piero del Pollaiolo c 1465

Today's chapters are Tobit 5-7.

You'll often find a dog and/or a fish in images of Raphael and Tobit. Today's reading explains why. 

As the journey continues Tobias learns the whole truth about Sarah, and yet he is reassured by the Archangel that she will be his bride. Tell me that these are not the most romantic, and yet supernatural words ever spoken about a bride-to-be to the man who will be her husband: "Do not be afraid, for she was set apart for you before the world existed."

Start reading here.

If you are looking for a solid but approachable companion to the Bible, I can wholeheartedly recommend A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament by John Bergsma and Brant Pitre. Although the authors are top-level Scripture scholars, they write for "real" readers. Notes include recent findings from archaeology and ancient manuscripts, and how each book of the Bible has been understood by the Church Fathers and used in Liturgy.