Learning from St. Jerome: Making Time for Daily Scripture Study

Today we honor St. Jerome, Priest, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Born around 347 AD, Jerome dedicated his entire life to the study and translation of Sacred Scripture. He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin, creating what we know as the Vulgate, which served the Church for over a thousand years. Jerome famously declared, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." As patron saint of Scripture scholars, he reminds us that knowing God's Word is essential to knowing God Himself.

St. Jerome's Example of Dedication

Jerome's commitment to Scripture was extraordinary. He spent decades in Bethlehem, living simply while pouring over Hebrew and Greek texts. He learned multiple languages, consulted Jewish scholars, and worked tirelessly to ensure accuracy in his translations. What drove this incredible dedication? Jerome understood that Scripture is not merely ancient literature, but the living Word of God speaking to every generation.

His famous quote reminds us that we cannot truly know Christ without knowing His Word. Jerome saw Scripture study not as academic exercise, but as intimate communion with the Lord. Through careful study, prayer, and meditation on God's Word, Jerome grew in holiness and wisdom. His example challenges us: How seriously do we take our own Scripture reading?

Scripture Reading:2 Timothy 4:1-8

Let us hear Paul's charge to Timothy: "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

Paul's urgency mirrors Jerome's dedication. Both understood that God's Word must be proclaimed and preserved "in season and out of season." Jerome embodied this charge through his scholarly work, ensuring future generations would have access to Scripture.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-19

Jesus teaches us: "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Jerome understood that faithful Scripture study helps us become salt and light. Through knowing God's Word deeply, we can better fulfill our calling to preserve truth and illuminate the world around us.

The Time Challenge We All Face

Let's be honest about a struggle we all share: finding time for daily Scripture reading. Between work responsibilities, family obligations, household duties, and countless daily demands, many of us feel overwhelmed. We know we should read Scripture regularly, but the day slips away, and we find ourselves too tired or too busy.

This struggle is real and common. We live in a time of unprecedented busyness and distraction. Unlike St. Jerome, who could dedicate his entire day to Scripture study, we juggle multiple responsibilities. Yet this challenge doesn't excuse us from engaging with God's Word. Instead, it calls us to be creative and intentional about how we approach Scripture reading in our modern context. Practical Solutions:

Quality Over Quantity

Here are three simple approaches inspired by St. Jerome's dedication, adapted for our busy lives:

First, start with just five minutes daily. Jerome spent hours in study, but he began somewhere. Choose a consistent time - perhaps with your morning coffee or before bed. Five minutes of focused Scripture reading is infinitely better than no time at all. Read slowly, prayerfully, asking God to speak to your heart.

Second, find small pockets throughout your day. Jerome carried Scripture in his heart wherever he went. You can do the same. Keep a small Bible in your car for waiting moments. Read a verse while your coffee brews. Meditate on a psalm during your lunch break. These brief encounters with God's Word can transform ordinary moments into sacred ones.

Third, prioritize quality over quantity. Jerome didn't just read quickly through texts; he studied, pondered, and prayed over every word. Better to read one verse thoughtfully than an entire chapter hurriedly. Ask yourself: What is God saying to me through this passage? How does this apply to my life today?

St. Jerome, who loved God's Word so deeply, continues to intercede for us from heaven. We can ask for his prayers as we develop consistent Scripture study habits. Jerome understands our struggles and desires to help us grow in love for Sacred Scripture.

Let us close by making a simple commitment. This week, following St. Jerome's example, let us dedicate ourselves to daily Scripture reading, even if only for five minutes. Let us ask God to help us find those pockets of time throughout our days when we can turn our hearts to His Word.

Go forth this week with St. Jerome's example inspiring you. Remember: ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. Make time for God's Word, and let it make time for transformation in your life.-F.D.