Is it hard for you to read scripture?

[d_floyd77]

I often find myself feeling pained and condemed when reading scripture, mainly the Gospels.

When I read Christ’s words, or even those of St. Paul, I often feel like I am the Pharisee’s he is condeming. It’s strange.

Anyone else have these feelings?

 

[PBP]

Welcome to the church and we are happy to have you. Remember that conversion is an ongoing process which does not cease. I ask you to become active in your parish even if it just means you being a silent presence for support on the nights RCIA meets in the future. I certainly have know idea of your knowledge of scripture. Dont do what I did and read only 1 verse and sink into depression at the thought of being doomed. Read the whole context and ask for guidance when needed.

 

[water]

I often find myself feeling pained and condemed when reading scripture, mainly the Gospels.

When I read Christ’s words, or even those of St. Paul, I often feel like I am the Pharisee’s he is condeming. It’s strange.

Anyone else have these feelings?

To see yourself as the Pharisee is way better than to see yourself as a very holy man if you are not really a holy man. (actually, a very holy man always considers himself a very sinful man) However, for you to be able to see this, it is by grace of God. He is just but also mercy and He wants you to see how He sees you … not because to condemn you but to let you know that He loves you and He wants you to keep growing holy with his Grace.

Welcome Home, d_floyd77!!!

 

[Super_Grover]

Consider an annotated catholic bible. I have a pocket version of the New Testament, and I keep one finger in the annotated section in the back and can never get more than a few lines before I’m turning to the explanation of the passage that I just read. I would miss so much if I did not do that. I’m sure there are posters here who could give suggestions on good annotated or study bibles.

And yes, I know the feelings that you express. Isn’t it interesting how Jesus is talking to you in the present in a book written so long ago. I can’t help but feel personally shamed every time I read of Peter’s denial of Jesus. Sometimes it brings tears to my eyes. I don’t completely understand it, but I think that the scripture speaks to us in this way to help us become better.

 

[RobNY]

I often find myself feeling pained and condemed when reading scripture, mainly the Gospels.

When I read Christ’s words, or even those of St. Paul, I often feel like I am the Pharisee’s he is condeming. It’s strange.

Anyone else have these feelings?

This sounds like a very good indication that you’re reading the Scriptures the right way.

Woe to us who read the gospels and don’t feel challenged.

-Rob

 

[arvinsim]

It really is painful.

But better to be painfully aware than to be “blissfully” ignorant of one’s fallen nature

 

[BarbaraTherese]

This sounds like a very good indication that you’re reading the Scriptures the right way.

Woe to us who read the gospels and don’t feel challenged.

-Rob

Very true! We are reading Scripture well if, for one, it challenges us and often…

**arvinsim - **"It really is painful.

But better to be painfully aware than to be “blissfully” ignorant of one’s fallen nature "

Very true again! St. Teresa of Avila (a great saint, mystic and doctor of the Church) states that self knowledge is essential to humility always, which is the foundation of all the virtues.

Reflecting on your post, Arvinsim, it struck me that if one feels like the pharisee that Jesus is talking about, then one is in fact the sinner acknowledging one’s sins and sinful status (fallen nature) whom Jesus commends:
Luke 18
*

*11 The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. 12 I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O god, be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather that the other: **because every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted ***

May any sorrow and regret be dissipated in The Lord’s Mercy to sing His Praises and thank Him…*