Having family that are exRC's that was not my experience. On the few occasions I attended RC services family members thought it odd that I brought my Bible and I did notice that no one else attending brought a Bible.
You wrote:
“On the few occasions I attended RC services family members thought it odd that I brought my Bible and I did notice that no one else attending brought a Bible.”
Because we have missals. Those are the books used at Mass. Worshiping God in the liturgy He originally created is not about reading scripture alone. It is always about worshiping God first and that means more than just reading or even praying the Bible.
Because Christianity is not a religion of a book, but a religion of the entire revealed Word of God.
.....”no one else attending brought a Bible”.....
That’s like going to a Military Instruction class without your book. Better.. who goes to war without their “sword”?
I know my own weapon very well, why would I want to use someone elses “sword” even if provided? But If I didn’t have one I’d use theirs.
Gn 18:1-10a
The LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot. Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby.
When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, he said: Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way." The men replied, "Very well, do as you have said."
Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, "Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls." He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it.
Then Abraham got some curds and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set these before the three men;
and he waited on them under the tree while they ate. One of them said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son."
Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5
Responsorial Psalm
R. (1a) He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. One who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue.
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
One who does these things shall never be disturbed. R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Col 1:24-28
Reading 2
Brothers and sisters: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church,
of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Lk 10:38-42 Gospel
Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me."
The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."
Same here.
*GASP!* Reading the Bible? Isn't that what cults do?