We Read Scripture. Does It Read Us?

September 1, 2026

The word of God not only informs our minds but also searches our hearts and transforms them

By Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

September 1, 2026

Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

It is good for us to read the Scriptures prayerfully. But how?

Often we gravitate toward favorite passages that inspire or console us. I frequently return to Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). Those words of Jesus never fail to encourage and strengthen me, especially when cares weigh heavily on my heart. Most of us, I think, have a few “go-to” verses in Scripture, especially in times of trial.

Sometimes we read Scripture to jump-start our prayer. Setting aside time for quiet prayer, we may find it difficult to focus our thoughts and affections. We think of everything except the Lord and his love. Reflecting on a few lines of Scripture can channel our thoughts and feelings, prompting conversation with God.

At other times, we may want to study Scripture. When we come upon a passage that is hard to understand, we might consult the footnotes in our Bibles. This might further prompt us to join a Bible study group. The Knights of Columbus offers a wonderful Scripture study, Men of the Word, that is used in Cor and other Bible study settings to help participants understand and love sacred Scripture more deeply. There are many Bible study groups for women as well.

The parables of Jesus “read” what is in our hearts. In John 2:24-25, we are told that “Jesus … did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.”

In these ways, we read and understand Scripture. But isn’t it also true that Scripture reads us? How often do biblical passages shed light on what we are feeling, thinking or doing, leading us to take stock of ourselves and repent of sinful patterns of behavior? Scripture is like a mirror in which we see ourselves as we really are, not the image we project before others, whether online or in person. Scripture reveals us to ourselves.

Consider Psalm 51. It is a penitential psalm in which King David repents of his adultery and his treachery in trying to cover it up. David acknowledges his sin before an all-knowing God. He begs to be forgiven. He asks the Lord for “a pure heart” and “a steadfast spirit.” Can we not see ourselves in his plea for forgiveness? Psalm 51 is like a searchlight. Its beam shines on the sins we admit, but also on those we seek to deny, forget or hide. When we allow this psalm to read our hearts, we are set free to acknowledge our guilt, confess our sins and give thanks to God for his mercy. What a good psalm to pray before going to Confession or examining our consciences at night.

Other psalms “read” our human experiences — the perplexity we feel when someone gets ahead by cheating (see Ps 73), the bewilderment we feel when we are betrayed by a friend (see Ps 55), the distance from God we may experience in time of trouble (see Ps 22), the exultant praise and thanksgiving that wells up within us (see Ps 34). Yes, we read the Psalms, but the Psalms also read us.

The parables of Jesus “read” what is in our hearts. In John 2:24-25, we are told that “Jesus … did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” We see ourselves in the prodigal son and the indignant older brother. Or in the servant who pleaded before his master for the forgiveness of his debt only to throttle a fellow servant who owed him much less. Or in the merchant searching for fine pearls who sells everything to obtain one of great value. Jesus’ parables reveal our need to forgive and to be forgiving, our search for God’s love, and much more.

We shouldn’t be surprised that the Scriptures “read” what is in our hearts. After all, in every Scripture passage the voice of Christ resounds. So whenever we open the Scriptures, let this be our prayer: “Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my thoughts” (Ps 139:23).

We Read Scripture. Does It Read Us?

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