July 11th, 2025
by Kate Souther
by Kate Souther

Today's devotional is written by Kate Souther, our Faith Formation Summer Inern Lead. Kate will share future reflections throughout the summer about important figures in church history, today her reflection focuses on Saint Jerome.
St Jerome, originally named Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus, was born in Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia or Slovenia) in 342 AD. He lived in all corners of the ancient world, from Germany to Antioch, and spent a lot of time in Bethlehem, where he founded a monastery. He was a prolific theologian, writing commentaries on a variety of controversial topics of the time. His most famous work, however, was the Latin Vulgate.
Over the course of 30 years, Jerome translated the Old and New Testaments (and some apocryphal books) into early classical Latin, a European semi-vernacular that later evolved into Spanish, French, and other romance languages we hear today. This translation, called the Latin Vulgate (vulgata meaning common or everyday), has been in use by the Roman Catholic church as the most authoritative translation of scripture for over 1600 years. However, Jerome isn’t just important in the Catholic tradition – his legacy inspired key elements of the Protestant reformation, particularly Luther’s German vernacular Bible, widely considered to be the first true vernacular translation of the scriptures.
Over 1000 years later, Jerome’s legacy of biblical scholarship, understanding academics and faith side by side, and textual fidelity lives on in the Lutheran church. Jerome wrote “Ignorance of Scripture of ignorance of Christ” - by critically evaluating the source of our beliefs and holding steadfast to the most original word of God, we maintain that the sacred word, faithfully translated and richly understood, is central to the life of our faith and church.
Today I pray that we may all embody the spirit of St. Jerome and think deeply and critically about what makes up the lifeblood of our faith, and that God may strengthen the commitment in our hearts to live and believe in a way that is even closer to our understanding of His word. May we all be humble and wise, with the word of God gently guiding our every step.
St Jerome, originally named Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus, was born in Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia or Slovenia) in 342 AD. He lived in all corners of the ancient world, from Germany to Antioch, and spent a lot of time in Bethlehem, where he founded a monastery. He was a prolific theologian, writing commentaries on a variety of controversial topics of the time. His most famous work, however, was the Latin Vulgate.
Over the course of 30 years, Jerome translated the Old and New Testaments (and some apocryphal books) into early classical Latin, a European semi-vernacular that later evolved into Spanish, French, and other romance languages we hear today. This translation, called the Latin Vulgate (vulgata meaning common or everyday), has been in use by the Roman Catholic church as the most authoritative translation of scripture for over 1600 years. However, Jerome isn’t just important in the Catholic tradition – his legacy inspired key elements of the Protestant reformation, particularly Luther’s German vernacular Bible, widely considered to be the first true vernacular translation of the scriptures.
Over 1000 years later, Jerome’s legacy of biblical scholarship, understanding academics and faith side by side, and textual fidelity lives on in the Lutheran church. Jerome wrote “Ignorance of Scripture of ignorance of Christ” - by critically evaluating the source of our beliefs and holding steadfast to the most original word of God, we maintain that the sacred word, faithfully translated and richly understood, is central to the life of our faith and church.
Today I pray that we may all embody the spirit of St. Jerome and think deeply and critically about what makes up the lifeblood of our faith, and that God may strengthen the commitment in our hearts to live and believe in a way that is even closer to our understanding of His word. May we all be humble and wise, with the word of God gently guiding our every step.
Kate Souther
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Archive
2025
January
February
Zombie ChurchFundamentalsFeasts & BanquetsAcademics & FaithShattering Our ExpectationsJesus didn't really mean that, right? Sacred Discomfort: How God Speaks in Uncomfortable MomentsThe Spirit IntercedesHappy Birthday JesusChristmas in JulyJoy in ListeningHope in the Midst of DoubtThe Gift of PresenceI'm too...Daily Bread and MindfulnessA Thousand Years is like a DaySacred Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Life's Detours
March
The Life was The Light of All PeopleWaiting PatientlyUnseenCreator God, I pray for the earth...God, I want to be better at...Holy Spirit, Help me UnderstandGod, Grant Me Patience WithThe Gospel of John - Guidance for LifeJesus Christ, Forgive Me ForThe Book of 1st Samuel - Trust During the BattlesGod of the Oppressed, protect those who are vulnerableEnduring Lord, I hope forPrince of Peace, Calm my Mind When...God, I wonder aboutThe Book of Hebrews - The Grand Story of SalvationBlessed Jesus, help me to let go ofHoly Jesus, we pray for your church
April
Preserving Lord, save me fromAwesome God, I am amazed byThe Joy of LentThe Book of 2nd Samuel - God's Redemptive PowerCompassionate God, I Weep ForThe Book of Acts - Being the ChurchPalm Sunday Spoken WordGenerous God, open my eyes to see...God, I needCursing the Fig Tree Spoken WordMaundy Thursday Spoken WordGood Friday Spoken WordThe Book of 1st Kings - Wisdom and DivisionHoly Saturday Spoken WordSing - Practice ResurrectionClean - Practice ResurrectionDo a Good Deed - Practice ResurrectionGrieve - Practice ResurrectionGive Thanks - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of Romans - The Saving Work of GodLive BoldlyPlant - Practice ResurrectionForgive Yourself - Practice ResurrectionCare for a friend - Practice Resurrection
May
Enjoy a Good Meal - Practice ResurrectionListen to Music - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Kings - Hope in ExileWorship - Practice ResurrectionAppreciate Art - Practice ResurrectionLaughter HelpsDrink Water - Practice ResurrectionWatch a Sunset - Practice ResurrectionStretch - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Corinthians - Hope in the TurmoilThe Lord is My ShepherdBreathe - Practice ResurrectionRead - Practice ResurrectionCreate - Practice ResurrectionWalk or Run - Practice ResurrectionCall a Friend - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Chronicles - God's Presence in HistoryLove in ActionFor Aging GracefullyForgive - Practice ResurrectionLearn - Practice ResurrectionWash - Practice ResurrectionExplore - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Corinthians - The Importance of ReconciliationGod Our ParentAdvocate - Practice ResurrectionLight a Candle - Practice ResurrectionTaste - Practice ResurrectionTake a Nap - Practice ResurrectionDonate - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Chronicles - Consequences of Unfaithfulness
June
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