Memorized Scripture
Mar 12th, 2008 by michelle
I will openly admit that I do not know the Bible as well as I should. So this Lent, I have decided to read through the New Testament (wish me luck!). I started today at the beginning and quickly realized that I know a lot of the book of Matthew by memory. This, admittedly, is not attributed to my own reading, but to attending the Liturgy and many other church services. How exciting it was for me to realize how much I have been taught by faithfully going to church!
The Beatitudes are definitely a section of the Gospel of Matthew that I know (thanks to singing it in the Liturgy):
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10
Isn’t that a nice discovery?
Good luck on your endeavor. I know it will go well
Someone once commented that, should the Scriptures for one reason or another be lost completely, that the Church could rebuild them from our Liturgy and private memorization. I’m glad your reading is going well for you!
It sort of shoots holes in the fundmentalist Protestants’ notion that churches like the Orthodox ignore and/or do not teach Scripture.
I also appreciate icons more as a parent, as I’ve used them to explain Christ’s life to my 3- and 4-year-old daughters within the last week.
We decided to try something with our 4 year old: every night when we do evening prayers, we recite the same psalm (instead of different ones for each night). After a few weeks, he could do the whole psalm himself. The faithful repetition of a liturgical life does produce results. Now, if only I could get the “faithful” part down as we attempt the liturgical life!