The fourth talk in the series entitled ‘Proclaim the Word’, designed for Readers, but also useful for those wanting to deepen their knowledge of the holy Scriptures, took the theme of ‘the Book of Genesis’. Fr Adrian Graffy, speaking in the hall at Gidea Park Catholic Church on Thursday 12thMarch 2026, explained that if readers have a better grasp of the nature of Scripture, and of how the various books were put together, they will read with fuller understanding and greater conviction. This in turn will foster enthusiasm for the Scriptures among the people. Fr Adrian explained that the book of Genesis is made up of two halves. Chapters 1 to11 deal with ancient traditions about creation and the spread of evil in the world, while chapters 12 to 50 cover the story of the family of Abraham. What do these chapters teach us today? Fr Adrian pointed to their deep relevance to the events of contemporary history: the need for harmony among the nations, for respect for the ‘other’, for resistance to the evil forces still active in the world. He concluded the talk by covering the story of Joseph, and the affirmation that God can bring good out of chaos and human evil. Throughout the talk Fr Adrian pointed to the use of important parts of Genesis during the season of Lent, and at the Easter Vigil.