ASIA/PHILIPPINES - The Bible in every home and workplace: the Church's commitment in times of suffering

Wednesday, 27 January 2021 bible evangelization pandemic

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Manila (Agenzia Fides) - The Filipino bishops encourage believers to hold fast to the Word of God, especially in times of pandemic, and to practice Bible reading in private households. In cooperation with the Bible Society of the Philippines and the Association of Bible Societies, Bibles were distributed in every house, office or workplace as part of a special initiative.
"In this emergency situation, we are invited to deepen our faith through the Word of God", said Msgr. Sofronio A. Bancud, President of the Biblical Apostolate Commission of the Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), on the occasion of Sunday dedicated to the Bible, celebrated on January24th.
The Bishop invited Filipinos to "commit themselves as a people to read, study, pray, live, share and celebrate the Word of God, opening their hearts toits transforming power".
"By reading and hearing the Word of God, we will live in truth and in harmony with others. We will become people who are not afraid to share the suffering of others", wrote the Bishop in a message sent to Agenzia Fides.
The Biblical Apostolate Commission, which maintains contacts with parish officials, coordinators and Bible study group leaders in the Philippines, urged officers across the country to seek "the spread of the Bible in parishes and families". Fr. Arlo Bernardo Yap, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Biblical Apostolate, stressed that "the faithful, in this time of suffering and difficulty, must remember that Christ is present in people's lives through his Word, the source of life, strength and hope". Maintaining Bible reading and the display of the Bible in the home or at work "affirms the presence of Christ and a reminder that all areas of a Christian's life are under the inspiration of the Spirit of Christ", said the priest. "As the world experiences the Covid-19 pandemic, God's Word nourishes and sustains people's lives as the Bible is both a source of inspiration and a guide to all action", he added.
Delores Tiquia, a Catholic and mother of five children, tells Fides: "We are called to experience the presence of Christ in our homes and hearts. Christ is present in our life through the ups and downs of life when there are problems and worries in our family". (SD-PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/1/20201)