July 10, 2009
The Second Half
Getting the word out
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
A small article listed on our computer home page caught our attention: “World’s Oldest Bible Online.” It was part of a group of articles that included the deaths of infomercial king Billy Mays and quarterback Steve McNair as well as an item on a reported deal to sell the Chicago Cubs.
We had little interest in the other articles in this odd collection. However, we were curious to know more about the oldest Bible.
The “Codex Sinaiticus” (Sinai Book) turned out to be a handwritten Greek manuscript from the middle of the fourth century. Written on more than 400 large sheets of parchment, the manuscript preserves a good portion of the Old Testament, as well as all of the New Testament and two other early writings. The Sinai Book was named after the Monastery of St. Catherine where the manuscript was held for many years. The monastery was built between 527-565 on the site where some believe Moses encountered the Burning Bush and later received the Ten Commandments. We find it interesting this copy of scripture had been hidden away on the mountain thought to be where God first spoke to Moses. Preserved at St. Catherine’s for many years, today the largest portion of the manuscript is now held by the British Library while some pages are still held at St. Catherine’s as well as the University Library Leipzig, and the National Library of Russia at St. Petersburg. The four institutions have signed an agreement to study and publish this ancient document. The only comparable manuscript from antiquity is the Codex Vaticanus, a complete manuscript of the New Testament held by the Vatican Library in Rome. We can only stand in awe of the way God preserves his Word while the stuff that passes for news seldom lasts more than a few days.
In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus sends his apostles into the world with instructions to travel light. They are to travel without food, money or even a second tunic. However, they do carry the message of salvation; something far more precious than material goods. We forget how costly it has been in other times and places to be a disciple. In the past 1,600 years, it has often been illegal to own copies of scripture or speak about it in public. The Word is still banned in many countries. Christians have risked their lives to smuggle it across borders. Many have died to preserve and spread the gospel message.
At the end of each Mass, we, too, are sent out into the world. Fortified with the Eucharist, we become bearers of the Word in a world consumed by infomercials, untimely deaths and deals designed to reap huge profits for a few people. This Sunday we join the company of a long line of faithful travelers stretching back to the time of Christ. We renew our commitment to travel light and to preserve and carry God’s Word to a world hungry for things that last.
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.