Dom Gilson Meurer reflects on the Bible as a living word that transforms life

Bishop Gilson Meurer of Lages invited the faithful to rediscover the importance of the Bible during the month of September. In his reflection titled “A Bíblia: Palavra viva que transforma a vida,” the bishop described the Bible as the living word of God that communicates a project of life and salvation rather than just an ancient literary or historical record.

Meurer referenced the memory of São Jerônimo, celebrated on 30 de setembro, to discuss the history of Bible translation and the necessity of making the word of God understandable in the language of every people. He noted that Portuguese translations allow Christians to access the Bible during the Eucharist, personal reading, and within various Church formation groups and spaces.

Drawing on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, specifically the Constitution Dogmática Dei Verbum, the bishop emphasized the centrality of the Bible in the life of the Church and the faith experience of each Christian. He encouraged the diocesan community to use the Bible as daily nourishment through reading, prayer, study, and participation in pastoral activities and celebrations.