When I entered the Catholic Bible Institute, I had that hunger and thirst for God. I wanted to know Him, to know His Word, and to find answers. My expectations were based on the “knowledge of God” rather than experiencing God.” How great was my surprise in Bible study to discover that the concept of God is found through human experience.
We saw in the Old Testament, that God revealed himself in his relationship to Israel. And this occurred in different human situations. I was able to discover the loving Father in every event in the life of the Israelites. We saw how the earlier laws and commandments given by God showed his concern, protection, providence, and initiative with humanity. We also saw that God accompanied us with every decision, situation and with every fall. It was there where I found the best definition of God the Father in the wonderful relationship of love shown with each human generation.
We also discovered in the New Testament another facet of the Love of God through God Himself coming to us in person. Through bible study we were able to be part of that community of shepherds, fishermen, sowers and we had the opportunity to experience the direct message of Jesus. It was nice to see the formation of the Bible through the ages, to see how the Holy Spirit works. The Bible is not exactly the measure of our time, but how He formed, guided and led the Church from the beginning.
Finally, bible study invites you to action. It is no longer just an intuition, but an inspiration that motivates and encourages you in all aspects of your life.
We, the graduates, are more than pleased to invite everyone to immerse themselves in this wonderful three year experience of living the Word of God. But it’s only you, the reader, who can say yes in order for His Word to become living flesh.
Milagros Urmeneta is a parishioner at St. Christopher, Moreno Valley and was a recent graduate of the Loyola Marymount University Catholic Bible Institute Certificate Program.