Its the most read book in the world. Writer James Chapman created a list of the most read books in the world based on the number of copies each book sold over the last 50 years. Here is an info graphic on the findings.
I have tried and failed in the past to start reading the Bible from the start with the intention to read the whole book. Some sections are difficult to read thru for instance when they start running thru a long list of names or discussing some of the laws of the Old Testament. However if one considers the Bible to be the Word of God then even those tough sections can speak to us today. For instance a long list of people’s names may impress on us that God knows each person by name and they are each individually loved by God. In her book, He and I, mystic Gabrielle Bossis said that Jesus told her that each one is His favorite. In all of history no two people are alike. Since we are created in the image of God one can infer that each one reflects a unique aspect of God.
I digress – back to the Bible.I am now using a great podcast site that will read a section of the Bible every day in order to complete the Bible in a Year. The site is The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) It takes 20-25 minutes a day and the episodes are recorded. So you can go at your own pace even if you miss a day or two. You will have to scroll thru the episodes to get to the start. I find it is nice to have a calendar handy and mark the episode on the calendar as you do them. Fr Mike Schmitz provides his personal insight at the end of the day’s reading. I find that helpful, especially on the harder readings. It will be a worthwhile accomplishment after the year is over. I hope you find the podcast enjoyable and enlightening.
“It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”
