Where to Start Reading the Bible: A Catholic Guide
Scripture Guides
Start with one Gospel and a small daily reading time. Mark is a practical first choice because it gives a relatively short account of Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection. You do not need to begin at Genesis and finish every book in order before reading about Christ.
Choose a Bible you can understand
Use a Catholic edition with the full Catholic canon and helpful introductions and notes. A parish or catechist can suggest an edition appropriate to your country and reading needs. You can begin with a Bible you already own rather than delaying until you find the perfect format.
A fourteen-day reading plan through Mark
This is an original suggested plan, not an official liturgical schedule. Set aside about ten to fifteen minutes, allowing more time for the two-chapter days. Split a reading if needed.
| Day | Read | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 1 | Jesus begins his public ministry |
| 2 | Mark 2 | Mercy, healing and the call to follow |
| 3 | Mark 3–4 | Discipleship and parables |
| 4 | Mark 5 | People bring their need to Jesus |
| 5 | Mark 6 | Mission, rejection and compassion |
| 6 | Mark 7–8 | Understanding who Jesus is |
| 7 | Mark 9 | Faith and the difficulty of following |
| 8 | Mark 10 | Service, possessions and mercy |
| 9 | Mark 11 | Jesus enters Jerusalem |
| 10 | Mark 12 | Love of God and neighbour |
| 11 | Mark 13 | Watchfulness and hope |
| 12 | Mark 14 | The Last Supper and arrest |
| 13 | Mark 15 | The cross and burial |
| 14 | Mark 16 | The resurrection proclamation |
A simple way to read prayerfully
- Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding.
- Read the passage slowly, including the surrounding paragraph.
- Notice what Jesus says or does and how others respond.
- Choose one question or phrase to carry into prayer.
- Finish with a short response to God and one practical intention.
What if a passage is confusing?
Read the book’s introduction and notes, and record your question. Scripture includes different kinds of writing and arose in historical settings; a poem, a parable and a letter should not be read as if they were identical. Catholic interpretation also attends to the whole Bible, the Church’s living tradition and the coherence of faith.
If your Bible notes different endings to Mark, read its explanation calmly. Textual notes are there to help you understand how the text has been handed down, not to prevent you from praying with it. Bring questions to a parish Bible group or qualified teacher.
Where to go next
Continue with Luke and Acts to explore Jesus’ ministry and the early Church. Pray with a Psalm alongside your reading. Then begin Genesis and Exodus with guidance so the New Testament remains connected to Israel’s story. Avoid making isolated verses carry a conclusion that the wider passage does not support.
Learn how Scripture is heard at Mass · Pray with Gospel events in the Rosary
Sources and further reading
Prepared by Catholic Repository. Sources checked 12 September 2026. A lay educational resource, not an official Church publication.