Who Compiled the Bible?

Reflection Date: May 23, 2026 | Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 16:1-10; John 21:20-25

Children of God:
Many people think that the Bible simply magically fell from the heavens as a complete book, but that is not how it came to be. 

The Scriptures were written over many centuries by different authors inspired by God. 

Early Christian communities preserved the teachings of Jesus through oral tradition before they were written down. 

As time passed, various writings circulated among believers. 

The Catholic Church carefully discerned which of these writings were truly inspired and faithful to the teachings of the apostles. 

Councils such as those in Hippo and Carthage helped identify the canon of Scripture that we know today. 

This process was guided by the Holy Spirit working through the Catholic Church. 

It was not a random collection but a prayerful and communal effort. 

The same Catholic Church that preached the Gospel also recognized and preserved it in written form. 

This shows that the Bible and the Catholic Church are deeply connected. 

The Scriptures we read today are the fruit of a living tradition that continues to guide us.

In the gospel of John, Peter asked about the fate of another disciple, and Jesus responded by insisting that he focused on his own mission. 

The passage ended with a powerful statement: “There are also many other things that Jesus did; but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). 

This reminded us that the written word, though essential, is not the entirety of God’s work. 

What are our inspirations for today? 

First, faith invites us to follow Christ personally, not compare journeys.

Peter inquired about the fate of the other apostle.

But Jesus said to Peter, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me” (John 21:22). 

He redirected Peter’s attention away from others and back to his own calling. 

This is a very important teaching that we must remember: Discipleship is not about comparison but about commitment.

Peter learned that his path was unique. 

Even among the apostles, each one had a different mission. 

Jesus did not explain everything but asked for trust and fidelity. 

In our lives, it is easy to compare ourselves with others. 

We look at their success, struggles, or paths and feel distracted. 

Yet Jesus reminded us to stay focused on our own journey. 

Faith invites us to follow Christ personally, not compare journeys.

Second, God’s truth is bigger than what we can fully understand or contain.

The gospel of John pointed this out clearly: “I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). 

Meaning, God’s work is far greater than what is written. 

Scripture points to a reality that goes beyond words.

The formation of the Bible itself reflected this mystery. 

The Church recognized certain writings as inspired, yet it also acknowledged that God continued to work beyond those pages. 

The living tradition carried the fullness of faith through time.

In our daily lives, we are invited to trust in this greater reality. 

We may not understand everything about God’s plan, but we are called to believe. 

Faith allows us to embrace what is beyond our comprehension. 

It reminds us that God is always greater than our expectations.

God’s truth is bigger than what we can fully understand or contain

As we reflect, we ask ourselves: Do I focus on my personal journey of following Christ, or do I get distracted by comparisons? 

Do I appreciate the Bible as part of a living tradition of faith? Do I trust in God’s work even when I cannot fully understand it?

Children of God:
The story behind the Bible reminds us that faith is both written and lived. 

The gospel showed that not everything about Jesus could be recorded. 

Yet what is given to us is enough to guide our lives. 

We are invited to continue this story through our own faith. 

May we trust in the greatness of his plan.