Why Read Paul’s Letters?

Has your life ever changed because someone asked you a question? Colleen Vermeulen tells Sarah Christmyer how two questions drove her to search for truth in scripture—leading to a relationship with Christ and into the arms of the Catholic Church. Colleen shares her journey and tips for why and how to read difficult scriptures like Paul’s letters.

Colleen Reiss Vermeulen is executive director and instructor at the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan and teaches occasional classes for Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life. The mother of four also serves in the US Army Reserve. She wrote several book introductions and reflections for the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible. Learn more or contact her at cbsmich.org or Practical. Catholic. Evangelization.

Take Colleen’s Favorite Scripture to Your Next Holy Hour 

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to hear your word today. 

Read the Word: Mark 9:24  

(Read it in your own Bible to get the context, and so you can make notes.)

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 

Ponder the Word: Read several times, lingering where it touches your heart. What catches your attention? What do you hear the Lord saying to you? 

Because this is so short, it may help to consider it piece by piece, emphasizing one word or phrase at a time and considering a question about each. 

Pray with the Word: Bring to the Lord what you have heard, and talk to him about it. Ask for his grace. Thank him for his loving care. 

Live the Word: How does what you read touch your life? What can you do this week to put it into practice?