By PEGGY MOEN
Catholics now are reading more Scripture than they did in earlier generations, possibly as a reflection of Vatican II and greater ecumenical involvement. But I think the increased reading might reflect another reality — the need for the consolation of the Word of God in trying times, with so many people moving further and further away from the Almighty.
If you would like an incentive toward studying Scripture more regularly, read Dave Mishur’s book The Big Tent, available at Amazon.com. Mishur also wrote The Jesus Diary. Similar to The Jesus Diary, in The Big Tent, an ancient parchment bears the account of an eyewitness who trailed the apostles and recorded their activities in his diary. We don’t know his name, but we can read his story.
In this passage, Mishur shows the meaning behind the title:
“Jesus said we must spread His name to all the world,” Peter continued. “I myself baptized a Roman centurion. Paul has baptized many Greeks. The only qualification for our faith is belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
“But it seems not everyone is happy with my concept of the Big Tent. They like their tiny little tents that keep their tight little cliques all huddled together, preventing any newcomers like Gentiles from entering.”
Peter continued: “In my vision of Christ’s church I see a large and generous and welcoming faith that has room for anyone who confesses a belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life. It transcends Moses and the Law. It’s a new concept and we must preach it to the entire world.”
Thus the beginnings of authentic evangelization. Of course, there is need for further understanding of the faith for professed Catholics, but Mishur’s portrayal of the early Church is a great start for growth in faith.
The narrator of the story describes Paul’s appearance before King Agrippa and Festus:
“Paul stood up and scanned the crowd, bowing slightly to Festus and quite dramatically to Agrippa. Then he related the story he had told so many times before. I was impressed at how energetic and thorough he was at explaining that he was a humble tentmaker who became a persecutor of Christians; then was knocked off his horse on the way to Damascus; converted to faith in Jesus Christ and confirmed as an apostle; and finally how his troubles began when he started preaching to Gentiles. Agrippa and Festus listened with unconcealed curiosity. This was the first time they heard Paul’s life story.”
Another one of my favorite passages:
“I wondered what kind of reception Paul would have received under Caligula. I wondered what kind he would receive under Claudius as well.
“ ‘Who will take over after Claudius?’ I asked.
“‘Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus,’ Fortis said, shaking his head.
“‘Yeah,’ added Justus, ‘but that’s not his name now that Claudius has adopted him as his son.’
“‘What do they call him now?’ I asked.
“‘Nero’.”
Finally, the book is overall an enjoyable read — well written, with plenty of action and suspense, even though we already know how most of the story turns out!
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