Bible is the most effective ‘spiritual hearing aid’ - Filipino cardinal

A Filipino cardinal said that the Holy Bible is the most effective “spiritual hearing aid” in today’s highly digital era.

In an invitation video published by the Philippines’ National Bible Society, Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said the Sacred Scriptures are the best guide “in a world that often finds itself drowned by a cacophony of discorded messages.”

He stressed why the Word of God cannot be set aside in this social media age, “where the very technology for disseminating information has become just as useful for propagating disinformation, giving us a glimpse of both the best and the worst of ourselves.”

Moreover, Cardinal David reminded the faithful to rely on the Word of God during the most problematic moments of life.

“Crisis situations are indeed the most common circumstances in which we find ourselves drawing from the most precious resources of our faith – our divinely inspired sacred scriptures,” he stated.

“The biblical Word of God is indeed our source of hope,” he also said.

January is set as the National Bible Month in the Philippines. The culminating days of the celebration are the last Sunday and Monday of the month, which are designated as the National Bible Sunday and the National Bible Day, respectively.

In line with this, David invited Filipino Catholics to initiate “scripture-guided Conversations in the Spirit,” the discussion approach used during the recently concluded Synod where the prelate attended himself.

“[Pay] attention to not just what each one can say but what the Holy Spirit is saying in each one of us. May these conversations contribute to the revitalization of the Church and the renewal of society towards social justice, peace, and integrity of creation,” he said.

The theme for this year’s National Bible Month in the Philippines is “God’s Word: Source of HOPE (Harmony, Obedience, Peace, Empowerment).”