Your Next Dashing Step To Learn The Bible…

While the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (“River of January”), Brazil opened today (on Friday), our second annual and yet very, successful, Vacation Bible School (VBS) also concluded today for our first – fifth graders. This year’s theme was “Camping in God’s Creation.” It was wonderfully organized by our Director of Religious Education, Karen Clor and assisted by many talented volunteers who were generous with their time. In addition, the adults had a campfire experience of the Holy Spirit as they encountered the fiery, inspiration of the Word of God. Fr. Sal led most of the adult Bible Studies, while I led Friday’s session. You may ask the question, “what do we do next,” or “where do we go from here?” Whether it be as a kid or as an adult, I’m sure there are numerous, positive answers to those questions. But if you are just beginning to learn the Bible and attempting to understand the basics of a book full of several other books that cover different genres over the course of thousands of years, I have one good answer and thus a good book to recommend to you. The name of the book is called Bible Basics for Catholics (BBC), by John Bergsma, and it could be your next dashing step of learning and growth in Sacred Scripture. The book explains the story of the Bible connected by a series of covenants. BBC (not in reference to the British TV station) is divided into seven chapters that are each explained by a covenant. What is a covenant? I’ll let you find out by reading the book. Although the book is less than 160 pages long, most of the pages are not full of text. Actually, several are less than half, because they are chalked full of illustrations with stick figures. I don’t know about you, but I like simplicity. It’s a fun, easy-to-read book, and if you’re not a fast reader like me, it’s one of those books you can’t put down. As a result, you move through it quickly. The last time I checked amazon.com, the book could be purchased “new” for $7.26 or “used” for $5.76. If you buy it, maybe you could enjoy reading it between the commercials of the Olympic Games which last until August 21st.

In The Living Word of Jesus Christ!
– Fr. Jeff

Bible Quiz Questions:
1. How many books are there in the Bible?
2. How many books are there in the Old Testament?
3. How many books are there in the New Testament?
4. Who authored the most books or letters in the New Testament?
5. What is your favorite Scripture quote?

* Beware, #4 could be a trick question.
** Answers will be posted next week, except #5 😉
*** If you know the answers, then kudos to you! If not, challenge yourself by resisting the temptation to use Google/Internet or “Suri” on your phone.

Author: Fr. Jeff Allan

Biography - Fr. Jeff Allan, was ordained a Catholic priest on June 7th, 2014 for the Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD). He graduated from Adrian College in 2001 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Criminal Justice. After working in the pharmaceutical sales industry for almost three years, he felt called to discern the priesthood. Before being ordained a priest, Fr. Jeff was blessed to receive three degrees from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. They include a Bachelor of Philosophy, Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB), and a Master of Divinity (Theology). His assignments in the U.S. have included serving at multiple parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit as an associate pastor and currently as a weekend assistant. Fr. Jeff is certified as a hospital chaplain through ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education). He has had the opportunity of serving at three Metro-Detroit Area Hospitals since 2017 where he serves in full-time ministry as a Catholic Priest and Hospital Chaplain. View all posts by Fr. Jeff Allan