St. Jerome asserted: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133). If we are ignorant of Christ, we will not discern the will of the Lord (Eph 5:17). This means we will not make "the most of the present opportunity" (Eph 5:16). In other words, we will be fools (Eph 5:15) wasting our lives. But through knowledge of the Scriptures and through good discernment of God's will, we are saved from a futile (see 1 Pt 1:18), vain (see Eccl 1:2) existence.

Therefore:

• "Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal" (Jos 1:8).
• Let the law of the Lord be your joy, and study God's law day and night (see Ps 1:2).
• Devour God's words and make them the joy and happiness of your heart (Jer 15:16).
• Abide in God's word (Jn 8:31).
• Devote yourself to the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42).
• Each day study the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).
• Preach God's word and "stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient — correcting, reproving, appealing — constantly teaching and never losing patience" (2 Tm 4:2).

How precious is God's word! Love, live, and proclaim His word.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, February 27, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2003