How do you interpret the Bible correctly?
Catechism Meditation:
In Sacred Scripture, God speaks to man in a human way. To interpret Scripture correctly, the reader must be attentive to what the human authors truly wanted to affirm, and to what God wanted to reveal to us by their words. ―No. 109
REFLECTION. If you’re feeling intimidated by the Bible, you’re not alone — and that shouldn’t keep you from opening it. Reading Sacred Scripture can help our faith mature. Many Catholics stop studying their faith when they’re confirmed. This epidemic leaves our adult believers with a stunted faith. Confronted by difficult questions from non-Catholics, all too often we offer weak or uncertain defenses of our faith. Not every Catholic has to become a seminary professor, but every Catholic can benefit from grappling with serious questions of faith, grounded in the study of the Scriptures.
The Church recommends specific Bible translations to ensure accuracy and fidelity to doctrine. In English, the New American Bible (NAB) and the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE) are widely used. Using an approved translation helps Catholics avoid errors from incomplete or poorly rendered texts. The Church also approves study Bibles with notes that reflect Catholic teaching. For instance, the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible is a popular choice for its detailed commentary. Reading an unapproved version might lead to confusion about doctrine or context. Additionally, you can listen to The Bible in a Year podcast hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz as he guides Catholics through the entire Bible in 365 daily episodes.
At the start of a new year, make reading the Bible every day your New Year’s resolution. It’ll be a resolution worth keeping!
PRAYER. Father, anoint me with Your Holy Spirit, so that as I read Your eternal word, Your word may penetrate my whole being and transform me.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“The Scriptures are not merely a record of historical events that have passed. They constitute for every age a revelation of God’s mind and will to each individual.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen