It happens rarely, but there have been a few readers who have called the attention of our editorial team to the Bible versions we use in our publications. “Why do you use the King James Bible or the New International Version? Don’t you know that those are Protestant versions?” they argue.

I don’t know if they’ve read both the Protestant and Catholic Bibles from cover to cover. I have, and while I am not a theologian, I can assure you that they have the same content—except for seven Old Testament books that are missing in Protestant versions. Decades ago, some Catholic Bibles warn Catholics not to read Protestant Bibles, but that is no longer an issue today. Truth be told, the Catholic version of the Bible was the only one existing since the 4th century. It was only in the 16th century when Martin Luther removed some books and made a Protestant version. 

Personally, I’d prefer that Catholics read a Protestant Bible than not read Scripture at all. That way, we get to know Jesus the Living Word more—the Lord of Catholics and Protestants alike. 

Rissa Singson Kawpeng (rissakawpeng@gmail.com)

reflect

What “version” of Jesus do you preach? Jesus, use me to fulfill Your heart’s desire today—the reunion of all Christians. Let me be an instrument of unity, not of discord and confusion. Amen

Saints Philip and James, Apostles, pray for us.

First Reading | 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

Paul includes the appearance of Jesus to him at the end of the kerygma of the Gospel. This means Paul sees himself as standing in the line of the Apostles entrusted to bring the Gospel to the world. Paul’s particular area of responsibility is the Gentile people. Faith incorporates even the Gentiles into the tradition of revelation that goes back to Abraham, and of which Jesus is the culmination and fulfillment.

¹ I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. 2 Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; 4 that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; ⁵ that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. ⁶ After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷ After that he appeared to James, then to all the Apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.  

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: Their message goes out through all the earth.

2 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 3 Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 4 Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard;5 through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

Gospel | John 14:6-14

The promise that we will perform greater works than Jesus seems to be ridiculous at first. However, it is understandable when seen from the perspective that we cannot perform even lesser works without relying on the grace of Jesus. Jesus is at work in and through us. He and the Holy Spirit can perform all miracles. As vessels of His love to others, Jesus uses us as His instruments to manifest His power and love to the world.

Gospel Acclamation

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; Philip, whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

6 Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. 12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

Reflect: 

What miracles has Jesus performed in your life? 

Who were His instruments in fulfilling these?

Read the Bible in one year! Read DEUTERONOMY 12 - 14 today.