Enjoyment of reading

Literacy and ability to process symbols into meaning in general is one of our gifts. I am tickled to reflect how this capacity can lead us into exploration, learning and creativity. Reading a good book at a time can be really good way to reflect and 'listen to' something outside of ourselves. However, of course we need to be somehow selective of what we are going to read, because not everything is beneficial and even can be harmful to our soul.

So, in this post I really want to encourage my beloved readers and dear friends of mine to take up something to nourish our mind. Number one and foremost, of course the Holy Scripture! Since in these sacred text we are not only studying, but even we are being enlivened: just picture a dough being leavened so that we might grow and alive! For the words from Holy scriptures, very especially the books of Gospel has power to brighten our understanding and transform our mind into His likeness. What a blessing it is! It's that simple: Can you read? Then grab and open reverently your Bible and read it. Well, that's sounds rather easy. But in reality? Yes, I know. Since I also experience that heaviness, reluctance and excuses not to practice this. But only  one or two things we really need to have --specific time and consistency! And these two are in our power.

Again, we have that gift of understanding letters, combination of them to make a meaning (very amazing if you know in Original languages of Holy Scripture, yet at least in our mother tongues), so let's read! It just needs a bit of 'smart tactic' in sparing the time and being consistent in that. The Lord who sees our earnestness to approach Him and our faithfulness in struggle will grant His grace and mercy even more (as He has been). So #1 let's dedicate our reading to... Holy Scriptures!

Then, the second book which I really recommend to be recited regularly is the prayer book. All other books might require us to wander around in imagination and mental activity, but this beautiful book collects us and empowers, even sanctifies us into a real person. Since through this book we submit our ego and let ourselves to be taught and to be purified both in thought and in wisdom to dispose our hearts into the right bearings and into the truth. So, let us embrace and diligently search and recite our treasures and let our hearts be strengthened and recharged by the expressions inside. So, #2 let's sit and recite our prayer books (by this I include psalms and hymns of the church).

The rest of the books which beneficial are the writings of Holy Fathers and Mothers in the Church.They warm up our heart and seed the desires to be with God and to praise Him. And since we are also called to serve others in the world, we might find any subjects which we are on. I especially love history and geography books since they let me know how wonderful is God's secret hands among mankind from ages to ages.