a) What is the reading of the New Testament and of other spiritual books?
The Gospel and the whole New Testament contain the history of the life and teachings of Jesus, written under the guidance (inspiration) of the Holy Spirit. Many saints and other persons, after meditating on the life of Jesus and living a holy life themselves, have written books to help us know Jesus better. These books serve as our spiritual reading.
The New Testament and other books for spiritual reading teach us how to live a Christian life, by imitating the life of Jesus. We can follow him by constantly doing God’s will, which he shows to us in our prayers and in the ordinary activities of our day. We should also learn with great enthusiasm the teachings of the Church, who is our guide, and of the saints, who are our models, since through them we can clearly see God’s will for us.
b) How do we read the New Testament and other spiritual books?
The first step is to ask a priest which type of Catholic Bible and book for spiritual reading is best for us. The Altar Server can spend at most five minutes daily to read the New Testament, and then at most ten minutes for the other spiritual book, going from the first to the last page. He may say a Hail Mary before and after reading.
When we read the Gospel, we may imagine ourselves to be present in the scene, together with Jesus, our Mother Mary, the Apostles, our guardian angel, and other friends of Jesus. Also, during the day, we may remember that they also accompany us always, to guide us in our activities and to help us do them well.