Last September, Pope Francis declared today, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, as the Sunday of the Word of God. He invites us to reflect on the place of the Scriptures, the Bible in our life as a Church, as parish and as individuals. So I have a little confession to make. In August of 2002, I entered seminary in Buffalo, N.Y. I was discerning and studying with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a religious order of missionary priests and brothers. On the day after my arrival, I needed to borrow one of the community cars and go to the local Catholic bookstore. I did not need to buy books for my philosophy courses; that would happen a week later. I needed to go and buy a Bible, because I had neglected to pack a Bible when I left North Carolina.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20).