There is an interesting expression I heard often growing up: You may be the only Bible some people ever read. Some may never pick up the Scriptures, and our lives will give testimony to the words found in the book. There may be a connection with that phrase and a saying attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words. This quote is an exhortation to live life with the love of Jesus and not let our ego or pride get in the way.

If my life may be the only witness of Jesus, what are they to read when they see me? Today’s Second Reading (2 Timothy 3:14-4:2) gives us insight into the Scriptures power in our lives.

When Paul is writing to Timothy, his reference to Scriptures points to the Old Testament and not to the collection of books as we have them today. At the time of its writing, Paul did not even consider his letters to be part of the canon of the Christian scriptures. And yet, Paul says that the Scriptures are “capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” The point is that all the prophecies of the Old Testament point to Jesus.

Here are four takeaways about Scripture that Saint Paul points out in the reading.

Saint Paul calls all disciples of Jesus to be faithful to the Scriptures. The Bible acts as our anchor and firm foundation in life.

Scripture is something we experienced since our youth. We come in contact with it at Sunday Children’s Liturgy, Faith Formation programs at all ages, and even in our adult lives. God’s Word is for everyone! The biblical lessons are so clear that children can articulate them better than scripture scholars.

Another essential aspect of Scripture is that God inspires it. God does not put human beings under a trance and dictate everything that comes from him. God works through our human participation. There is one divine author and many human authors.

Saint Paul tells us that Scripture is practical. The Word of God contains lessons for daily living. Scriptures help us understand the truth of ourselves and the reality of God, revealed in Jesus.

At the end of the Second Reading, Paul uses some strong words. He says:

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

Our life without Christ will not change hearts. Our life in Christ can move mountains and more importantly move the hearts of others. A life lived in the Scriptures will help us convince, reprimand, and encourage each other to life in Christ. The final line is important. All of this is done in patience.

We must persevere in the Christian life. In the First Reading (Exodus 17:8-13), Aaron and Hur helped Moses keep up his hands in prayer so that Joshua could defeat Amalek in war.

This story teaches us that God works with us in accomplishing his will. None of us can do things alone, we need each other. Through the community, God accomplishes his will for all of us.

Perseverance is the theme of today’s Gospel (Luke 18:1-8). God never delays in answering our prayers. God waits for us to pray. Prayer motivates us to ask the right thing from God and changes our hearts. God waits for us to work through the desires of hearts and provides generously for what we need. God never delays and shows up at the perfect time.

Persevere in being a good book! When people see our lives, may they see Jesus who calls them to a life made for Heaven. May they find the necessary correction, encouragement, and conviction to open their hearts to Christ.