How should a Catholic start reading the Bible?

Start with Jesus Christ. Read one of the Gospels in short daily sections, pray over what you read, and gradually add the rest of Scripture.

Choose a good Bible and a simple plan. Use an approved Catholic edition containing all 73 books, such as the NABRE, RSV-2CE, or NRSV-CE. Avoid beginning at Genesis with the expectation of reading straight through without help. The Bible is a library of history, law, prophecy, poetry, wisdom, Gospels, and letters. A helpful starting order is:

1. The Gospel of Luke or Mark.
2. Acts of the Apostles.
3. Genesis and Exodus.
4. Psalms and Proverbs.
5. A New Testament letter, such as Ephesians or James.
6. The remaining Gospels and the rest of the Bible.

Read slowly and prayerfully. Begin by asking the Holy Spirit for light. Read a paragraph or one chapter, then pause. Ask: What does this reveal about God? What does it reveal about the human heart? Is there a command to obey, a promise to trust, or a sin to reject? End with a brief prayer in your own words. The Church teaches that prayer should accompany Scripture reading so that God and the reader speak to one another (CCC 2653). Mary provides the pattern of receiving God's word and pondering it in the heart (Lk 2:19).

Read with the Church. Pay attention to context and literary form. Poetry, parables, historical narrative, and apocalyptic visions communicate truth in different ways. Scripture must also be read within the unity of the whole Bible, the living Tradition of the Church, and the analogy of faith (CCC 109-114). When a passage seems to conflict with Catholic teaching, consult the Catechism, a sound Catholic commentary, or a knowledgeable priest rather than building a doctrine from one difficult verse.

Make the habit realistic. Ten attentive minutes each day are better than an ambitious plan abandoned after a week. The daily Mass readings provide another excellent structure and unite personal reading with the Church's worship. Mark questions, but do not let every unanswered question stop you. The purpose of Scripture is to know Christ and be changed by His grace, since the Scriptures bear witness to Him (Jn 5:39; CCC 134).

Begin today with Mark 1 or Luke 1. Read a small section, sit quietly for a minute, and ask Christ to help you hear and obey His word.