The Word of God: A “Foretaste” of the Heavenly Paradise

We like to conclude the news of 2022, with thanks to all those who throughout this year have collaborated in spreading the Word of God… welcoming it, witnessing it, helping to translate it into the different languages and languages of communication. In the audience of 21 December last (https://youtu.be/FrKnrhzcRuY), Pope Francis dedicated much of the audience to the Word of God, reiterating that For the believer, the Word of God is not simply a text to read, the Word of God is a living presence, it is a work of the Holy Spirit that comforts, instructs, gives light, strength, refreshment and taste to live. Reading the Bible, reading a piece, a piece or two of the Bible, are like little telegrams of God that immediately reach your heart. The Word of God is a bit – and I do not exaggerate – a bit of a foretaste of paradise. And this was well understood by a great saint and pastor, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, who wrote: “When I read Divine Scripture, God returns to walk in the earthly paradise (Lett. 49,3). With the Bible we open the door to God walking.” Let us be involved by the Word and we will help to rebuild a piece of paradise. Happy 2023!