23 September 2020

Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Do not add to his words,
or else he will rebuke you, and you will be found a liar.
From Proverbs 30:5-9, NRSV

Before the invention of printing, it was not unheard of for a scribe to add some thoughts of his own to text or for someone to put their own “spin” on an oral telling of God’s word. Today’s proverb is a strong warning to those who would seek to manipulate the word of God to give a message of their own. “Padre Pio” (Saint Pio of Pietrelcina), the saint whose feast we celebrate today, was steeped in the word of God from his young life when he attended Mass daily with his family and throughout his life as a Franciscan Friar. One can only imagine the pain that came with his being denied the opportunity to celebrate Mass and preach the Gospel for a period when some were skeptical about remarkable acts of healing and prophecy that were attributed to him. How great must have been his joy when he was once more allowed to celebrate Mass and preach publicly.

• • Why do people sometimes change or add to to words of Scripture ?
  • Are there any parts of the Scriptures that make you or others feel uncomfortable? Why should they still be included in the Scriptures?

Pray today for those who are privileged to share and “break open” the scriptures today; that they might be true to God’s intention.