Catechism Corner | Do We Catholics Read the Bible?

Many protestants think that Catholics do not read the bible. They often think that the Catholic Church even discourages reading the bible. In more extreme cases, some people think that the Church tries to hide biblical truths from lay Catholics.

Catholics Read the Bible at Mass

Did you know that the Catholic Church reads the entire Bible to her congregation over the span of three years? The Bible is read during the first part of the Catholic Mass: 3 readings on Sundays and 2 readings Monday through Saturday, also known as daily Mass. At each weekend Mass Catholics hear an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading, and a Gospel reading, all relating to a central theme. Then the priest gives a homily typically on that theme or sometimes directly regarding one or more of the Scripture readings. At daily Masses is typically one Old Testament reading and a Gospel reading. Catholics also sing the Scriptures during the Responsorial Psalm which takes place between the first and second readings, and Scripture is also sung throughout the hymns which are primarily based on the Bible.

Catholics Read the Bible at Home

While it is true that many, many Catholics never really read the bible on their own, that is not the case for all Catholics. It is also not true that the Church discourages it! In fact, Saint Jerome said "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." That was back in the 5th century!

Catholics are certainly encouraged to read the Bible for personal devotion and study outside of Mass. Additionally, there are many excellent Bible studies held at parishes around the world.

Not only do Catholics read the Bible, they experience the Bible like no other Christians in the Mass. Sprinkled throughout the Mass, in the prayers the priest prays or the responses from the congregation, are rituals and quotes directly from the Bible. You see, the Catholic Church celebrates, lives, and teaches everything through the Scriptures. The Catholic Church is the most biblical church in all of Christianity.

Why the Misunderstanding?

So why is it, then, that so many protestants think that Catholics don't read the bible? It's probably because many of them have met Catholics who don't know much about the bible. This is a sad, but true reality. All people, including Catholics, should read the bible more, we can all agree on that!

Fr. Antonius David Tristianto, O.Carm.