QUESTION:
How do you read the Bible? I never got taught on how to read the Bible. Can you please help me?
ANSWER:
Thanks for the great question. Catholics believe that the Bible is the Word of God. “We venerate the Scriptures, as we venerate the Lord’s Body.” (CCC103) We believe that the Bible is both human and divine. God worked through human authors and their natural talents to teach us about Himself and His saving plan for humanity.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (a summary of what we believe as Catholics) has some wonderful information on Scripture and how to read it. Start with this link at paragraph 101 (http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect1chpt2.shtml ) for lots of great information.
CCC 85-”The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living, teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ.”47 This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.
Also remember to ALWAYS say a prayer before reading Scripture. Get yourself in a place of openness and reception to God’s Holy Word. It’s not about quantity, rather it’s about quality. More is not necessarily better.
A great place to start is the New Testament. Get to know Jesus, the “Word of God made flesh.” Read a few sentences and reflect on any word or sentence that pops out at you. What does it mean in your life? What might God be saying to you through His holy Word? God is always teaching us something through Scripture. It is as relevant today as 2000 years ago- ever new, always life-giving.
In Peter Kreeft’s book, You Can Understand the Bible, he says this: Reading the Bible should be a form of prayer. The Bible should be read in God’s presence and as the unfolding of His mind. It is not just a book, but God’s love letter to you. It is God’s revelation, God’s mind, operating through your mind and your reading, so your reading is your response to His mind and will. Reading it is aligning your mind and will with God’s; therefore it is a fulfillment of the prayer “Thy will be done”, which is the most basic and essential key to achieving our whole purpose on earth: holiness and happiness. I challenge each reader to give a good excuse (to God, not to me, or even just to yourself) for not putting aside fifteen minutes a day to use this fundamental aid to fulfilling the meaning of your life.
Both prayer and Bible reading are ways of listening to God. They should blend: our prayer should be biblical and our Bible reading prayerful.
So dig in to Scripture and get to know your Savior and Lord. You will find a marvelous journey awaits you, filled with adventure, peace and joy!.