Bible study brings Scripture to life

Every year since 1941, the week of Thanksgiving has been declared National Bible Week by each U.S. president. This year marks the 77 ^th celebration of the weeklong event that begins Nov. 18 on the International Day of the Bible. While the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops designates the week as a time for all Catholics to celebrate the word of God, it also serves as an opportunity to encourage people of all faiths to read the Bible.
 
At Corpus Christi Catholic Church in northeast Oklahoma City, one man works throughout the year to fulfill that mission.    


For nearly a quarter century, George Johnson has unfailingly led his fellow parishioners in a weekly bible study. Using the Sunday Missal as a study guide and a whiteboard full of notes, he uses his expansive knowledge of Scripture to dissect each reading. His unique approach focuses on creating a deeper comprehension of the Gospel, what Jesus is saying and how it resonates with us today.
 
“Getting them to understand the connection is wonderful,” Johnson said. “It’s really exciting to talk about what Jesus is trying to get us to understand today, through the words He has written - His living word.”
 
Johnson, a former college professor, published author and communications executive described how the decision he made 25 years ago to facilitate the group changed the way he reads the Bible.
 
“When I really started reading Scripture to study it and I had this great big wow moment,” Johnson said. “I stopped reading it like you would read anything else, and that’s when the Bible started reading me.”  
 
Parishioners from ages 19 to 89 from diverse cultural backgrounds have attended the Bible study. At times, there have been as many as 30 people signed up, although the group consists of about six to 12 core members that regularly participate. Currently, there are Catholics from three continents attending the adult study group. Each meeting starts with prayer, then a hearty breakfast that Johnson says follows the Lord’s example.
 
“He always fed the crowds who came out, so we do too,” he explained. “When people show up, you know there’s something they need, so you feed them. You feed them breakfast first, then the word,” Johnson said.
 
Father Danny Grover, pastor at Corpus Christi, called Johnson’s Bible study group extensive, describing the big whiteboard full of notes that break apart the Scripture.
 
“He knows his Bible! This is a supplement to what I can’t do – because I am spread thin,” Fr. Grover said. “He does more in that hour than I’m able to do in my own homilies.”
 
Grover explained that he likes to send new parishioners to Johnson when they are looking for a way to become active in the parish.
 
“We are blessed to have him at the parish. He and his wife Kay do some pretty amazing things.”
 
In giving of his time and talent to lead the Bible study group, the experience has made Johnson feel more like Jesus than anything else ever has.
 
“It has been a true privilege,” Johnson said. “He has allowed me to stand before His children and give them greater insight into the words He wants them to understand and comprehend.”
 
Parishioner Carol Manning, who has been in the group for 15 years, explained how her participation has brought her closer to God.
“Focusing on the readings and Gospel allows you to talk about them beforehand, so by the time you hear it during Mass you have that added background and information that makes those verses resonate with you even more,” she said.
Manning added that Johnson’s approach to analyzing Scripture has helped her realize how much the words apply to present day circumstances.
“He challenges us to reflect on what we’ve learned – and we become better Christians as a result.”
For Johnson, the importance of helping others understand Scripture is just as important as imparting the knowledge that Jesus’ words in our own mouths are just as powerful as the words that came from His mouth.
 
However, even after almost 25 years leading the group, the former professor never describes himself as a teacher.
 
“I’m not the teacher, I’m the leader,” he said. “Nobody teaches, but the Father.”
 
Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.