http://www.roca.org/OA/53-54/53d.htm
On Reading the Gospel
Let us remember, brethren, the lessons of Holy Scripture, because the Scripture is --the book of life. Unfortunately, in many homes it is left on a shelf collecting dust, and some homes do not even possess a copy. For the Christian the Gospel should be close to him at all times. You know that in many cases a scientist or scholar is immediately recognizable. If, for example, he takes a book pertaining to his specialty, you can see as he turns the pages that lie feels at home; he orients himself at once, finds what he is searching for, and all this is familiar to him. A Christian should have the same relationship with the Gospels. When he takes into his hands this book of life, it should be apparent that he has a close acquaintance with it, and that it is dear to him. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, in the last days of His earthly life, forewarned that at the Last Judgment man would be judged by the word which He spoke (John 12:48). This word is contained in the holy Gospel. And if at the Last Judgment, when the Lord brings to account all that a man did in his lifetime, both good and bad, if it appears that the man had little acquaintance with the Gospel, that he didn't open it, didn't read it, the conversation with him will be very short; i.e., he will be quickly judged. Let us remember this, brethren.
What a wondrous book we have in the holy Gospel. Whoever has the ability to read it properly never tires of reading it. Saint John of Kronstadt, Bishop Theophan the Recluse and many others knew the Gospel by heart, and still continued to read it. Bishop Theophan said that the Gospel of Christ is endlessly deep; the more you read it, the more remains unread. This holy book is offered to each and every one of us. Let us not be lazy and shamefully indifferent, but with God's help let us begin to apply ourselves to the daily reading of God's word--the holy Gospel.
