SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD

SESSION 1

READING THE
WORD OF GOD
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SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD

INTRODUCTION Scripture plus apostolic tradition, as manifested

in the living teaching authority of the Catholic
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for Church, to which were entrusted the oral
training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped teachings of Jesus and the apostles, along with
for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) the authority to interpret Scripture correctly.
In the Second Vatican Council’s document on
Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium divine revelation, Dei Verbum (Latin: “The Word
We start this module with a look at the “word of God” and it might be an interesting way to begin of God”), the relationship between Tradition and
the session by looking at how Catholics and non-Catholics look at the subject because there are Scripture is explained: “Hence there exists a close
some fundamental and very important differences in the two viewpoints and understanding connection and communication between sacred
these differences will help us better understand why we believe what we believe. Tradition and sacred Scripture. For both of them,
First let us look at what we believe in common. All the words that make up the Bible or flowing from the same divine wellspring, in a
Scripture­—the word of God (note the lower case in ‘word’)—find their fullness, their meaning, certain way merge into a unity and tend toward
and their substance in the Word of God (note the capitalization) made flesh and that is Jesus. the same end. For sacred Scripture is the word
This is a shared belief. However, there is also the unwritten word of God being passed down, of God inasmuch as it is consigned to writing
generation to generation, by the Church, which is known as Tradition and that is where we under the inspiration of the divine Spirit. To
differ from our non-Catholic brethren. Non-Catholics believe in Sola Scriptura, or Scripture Alone, the successors of the apostles, sacred Tradition
whereas Catholics believe in Sacred Scripture AND Sacred Tradition as being the word of God. A hands on in its full purity God’s word, which was
tract from Catholic Answers explains the entire thing very succinctly. entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and
Protestants claim the Bible is the only rule of faith, meaning that it contains all of the material the Holy Spirit.
one needs for theology and that this material is sufficiently clear that one does not need apostolic “Thus, by the light of the Spirit of truth, these
tradition or the Church’s magisterium (teaching authority) to help one understand it. In the successors can in their preaching preserve this
Protestant view, the whole of Christian truth is found within the Bible’s pages. Anything extraneous word of God faithfully, explain it, and make it
to the Bible is simply non-authoritative, unnecessary, or wrong—and may well hinder one in more widely known. Consequently it is not from
coming to God. sacred Scripture alone that the Church draws
Catholics, on the other hand, recognize that the Bible does not endorse this view and that, her certainty about everything which has been
in fact, it is repudiated in Scripture. The true “rule of faith”—as expressed in the Bible itself—is revealed. Therefore both sacred Tradition and

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SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD
sacred Scripture are to be accepted and venerated with
the same devotion and reverence.”
But Evangelical and Fundamentalist Protestants, who
place their confidence in Martin Luther’s theory of sola
scriptura (Latin: “Scripture alone”), will usually argue for
their position by citing a couple of key verses. The first is
this: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have
life in his name” (John 20:31). The other is this: “All Scripture
is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, and for training in righteousness; so that the
man of God may be equipped, prepared for every good
work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). According to these Protestants,
these verses demonstrate the reality of sola scriptura (the
“Bible only” theory).
Not so, reply Catholics. First, the verse from John refers
to the things written in that book (read it with John 20:30,
the verse immediately before it to see the context of the
statement in question). If this verse proved anything, it
would not prove the theory of sola scriptura but that the
Gospel of John is sufficient.
Second, the verse from John’s Gospel tells us only that
the Bible was composed so we can be helped to believe
Jesus is the Messiah. It does not say the Bible is all we
need for salvation, much less that the Bible is all we need
for theology; nor does it say the Bible is even necessary to
believe in Christ. After all, the earliest Christians had no New
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How and when was the canon
of the Bible put together?
The canon of the Bible refers to the definitive list of the books which
are considered to be divine revelation and included therein. A canon Testament to which they could appeal; they learned from oral, rather than written, instruction.
distinguishes what is revealed and divine from what is not revealed
and human. “Canon” (Greek kanon) means a reed; a straight rod Until relatively recent times, the Bible was inaccessible to most people, either because they could
or bar; a measuring stick; something serving to determine, rule, or
measure. Because God did not explicitly reveal what books are the not read or because the printing press had not been invented. All these people learned from
inspired books of the Bible, title by title, to anyone, we must look to
his guidance in discovering the canon of the Bible. oral instruction, passed down, generation to generation, by the Church.
There was no canon of scripture in the early Church; there was no Much the same can be said about 2 Timothy 3:16-17. To say that all inspired writing “has its
Bible. The Bible is the book of the Church; she is not the Church of
the Bible. It was the Church--her leadership, faithful people--guided uses” is one thing; to say that only inspired writing need be followed is something else. Besides,
by the authority of the Spirit of Truth which discovered the books
inspired by God in their writing. The Church did not create the there is a telling argument against claims of Evangelical and Fundamentalist Protestants. John
canon; she discerned the canon. Fixed canons of the Old and New
Testaments—the Bible—were not known much before the end of Henry Newman explained it in an 1884 essay entitled “Inspiration in its Relation to Revelation.”
the 2nd and early 3rd century.
Melito, bishop of Sardis, an ancient city of Asia Minor (see Rev 3), c. 170
AD produced the first known Christian attempt at an Old Testament Newman’s argument
canon. His list maintains the Septuagint order of books but contains
only the Old Testament protocanonicals minus the Book of Esther. He wrote: “It is quite evident that this passage furnishes no argument whatever that the sacred
The Council of Laodicea, c. 360, produced a list of books similar Scripture, without Tradition, is the sole rule of faith; for, although sacred Scripture is profitable for
to today’s canon. This was one of the Church’s earliest decisions
on a canon. these four ends, still it is not said to be sufficient. The Apostle [Paul] requires the aid of Tradition
Pope Damasus, 366-384, in his Decree, listed the books of today’s (2 Thess. 2:15). Moreover, the Apostle here refers to the scriptures which Timothy was taught in
canon.
his infancy.
The Council of Rome, 382, was the forum which prompted Pope
Damasus’ Decree. “Now, a good part of the New Testament was not written in his boyhood: Some of the Catholic
Bishop Exuperius of Toulouse wrote to Pope Innocent I in 405 epistles were not written even when Paul wrote this, and none of the books of the New Testament
requesting a list of canonical books. Pope Innocent listed the
present canon. were then placed on the canon of the Scripture books. He refers, then, to the scriptures of the Old
The Council of Hippo, a local north Africa council of bishops created Testament, and, if the argument from this passage proved anything, it would prove too much,
the list of the Old and New Testament books in 393 which is the same
as the Roman Catholic list today. viz., that the scriptures of the New Testament were not necessary for a rule of faith.”
The Council of Carthage, a local north Africa council of bishops Furthermore, Protestants typically read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 out of context. When read in the
created the same list of canonical books in 397. This is the council
which many Protestant and Evangelical Christians take as the authority context of the surrounding passages, one discovers that Paul’s reference to Scripture is only
for the New Testament canon of books.The Old Testament canon from
the same council is identical to Roman Catholic canon today.Another part of his exhortation that Timothy take as his guide Tradition and Scripture. The two verses
Council of Carthage in 419 offered the same list of canonical books.
immediately before it state: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly
Since the Roman Catholic Church does not define truths unless
errors abound on the matter, Roman Catholic Christians look to believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have been acquainted
the Council of Florence, an ecumenical council in 1441 for the first
definitive list of canonical books. with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus”
The final infallible definition of canonical books for Roman Catholic (2 Tim. 3:14–15).
Christians came from the Council of Trent in 1556 in the face of the
errors of the Reformers who rejected seven Old Testament books
from the canon of scripture to that time.
Paul Flanagan
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Paul tells Timothy to continue in what he has learned for two reasons: first, because he knows
from whom he has learned it—Paul himself—and second, because he has been educated in the
scriptures. The first of these is a direct appeal to apostolic tradition, the oral teaching which the
apostle Paul had given Timothy. So Protestants must take 2 Timothy 3:16-17 out of context to
arrive at the theory of sola scriptura. But when the passage is read in context, it becomes clear
that it is teaching the importance of apostolic tradition!
The Bible denies that it is sufficient as the complete rule of faith. Paul says that much Christian
teaching is to be found in the tradition which is handed down by word of mouth (2 Tim. 2:2).
He instructs us to “stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by
word of mouth or by letter” (2 Thess. 2:15).
This oral teaching was accepted by Christians, just as they accepted the written teaching
that came to them later. Jesus told his disciples: “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects
you rejects me” (Luke 10:16). The Church, in the persons of the apostles, was given the authority
to teach by Christ; the Church would be his representative. He commissioned them, saying, “Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19).
And how was this to be done? By preaching, by oral instruction: “So faith comes from what
is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). The Church would
always be the living teacher. It is a mistake to limit “Christ’s word” to the written word only or to
suggest that all his teachings were reduced to writing. The Bible nowhere supports either notion.
Further, it is clear that the oral teaching of Christ would last until the end of time. “’But the
word of the Lord abides for ever.’ That word is the good news which was preached to you” (1
Pet. 1:25). Note that the word has been “preached”—that is, communicated orally. This would
endure. It would not be supplanted by a written record like the Bible (supplemented, yes, but
not supplanted), and would continue to have its own authority.
This is made clear when the apostle Paul tells Timothy: “[W]hat you have heard from me
before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).
Here we see the first few links in the chain of apostolic tradition that has been passed down
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intact from the apostles to our own day. Paul instructed Timothy to pass on the oral teachings
(traditions) that he had received from the apostle. He was to give these to men who would be
able to teach others, thus perpetuating the chain. Paul gave this instruction not long before his
death (2 Tim. 4:6–8), as a reminder to Timothy of how he should conduct his ministry.
What is Tradition?
In this discussion it is important to keep in mind what the Catholic Church means by Tradition.
The term does not refer to legends or mythological accounts, nor does it encompass transitory
customs or practices which may change, as circumstances warrant, such as styles of priestly dress,
particular forms of devotion to saints, or even liturgical rubrics. Sacred or apostolic tradition
consists of the teachings that the apostles passed on orally through their preaching. These
teachings largely (perhaps entirely) overlap with those contained in Scripture, but the mode of
their transmission is different.
They have been handed down and entrusted to the Churchs. It is necessary that Christians
believe in and follow this tradition as well as the Bible (Luke 10:16). The truth of the faith has been
given primarily to the leaders of the Church (Eph. 3:5), who, with Christ, form the foundation of
the Church (Eph. 2:20). The Church has been guided by the Holy Spirit, who protects this teaching
from corruption (John 14:25-26, 16:13).
Handing on the faith
Paul illustrated what tradition is: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received,
that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures. . . . Whether then it was I or they, so
we preach and so you believed” (1 Cor. 15:3,11). The apostle praised those who followed Tradition:
“I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as
I have delivered them to you” (1 Cor. 11:2).
The first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42) long before
there was a New Testament. From the very beginning, the fullness of Christian teaching was
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found in the Church as the living embodiment of Christ, not in a book. The teaching Church,
with its oral, apostolic tradition, was authoritative. Paul himself gives a quotation from Jesus
that was handed down orally to him: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
This saying is not recorded in the Gospels and must have been passed on to Paul. Indeed,
even the Gospels themselves are oral tradition which has been written down (Luke 1:1–4).
What’s more, Paul does not quote Jesus only. He also quotes from early Christian hymns, as in
Ephesians 5:14. These and other things have been given to Christians “through the Lord Jesus”
(1 Thess. 4:2).
Fundamentalists say Jesus condemned tradition. They note that Jesus said, “And why do you
transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matt. 15:3). Paul warned,
“See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human
tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ” (Col.
2:8). But these verses merely condemn erroneous human traditions, not truths which were
handed down orally and entrusted to the Church by the apostles. These latter truths are part
of what is known as apostolic tradition, which is to be distinguished from human traditions or
customs.
“Commandments of men”
Consider Matthew 15:6–9, which Fundamentalists and Evangelicals often use to defend their
position: “So by these traditions of yours you have made God’s laws ineffectual. You hypocrites,
it was a true prophecy that Isaiah made of you, when he said, ‘This people does me honor with
its lips, but its heart is far from me. Their worship is in vain, for the doctrines they teach are the
commandments of men.’” Look closely at what Jesus said.
He was not condemning all traditions. He condemned only those that made God’s word
void. In this case, it was a matter of the Pharisees feigning the dedication of their goods to
the Temple so they could avoid using them to support their aged parents. By doing this, they
dodged the commandment to “Honor your father and your mother” (Ex. 20:12).
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Elsewhere, Jesus instructed his followers to abide by traditions that are not contrary to God’s
commandments. “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; so practice and observe
whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice” (Matt. 23:2–3).
What Fundamentalists and Evangelicals often do, unfortunately, is see the word “tradition” in
Matthew 15:3 or Colossians 2:8 or elsewhere and conclude that anything termed a “tradition” is to
be rejected. They forget that the term is used in a different sense, as in 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 2
Thessalonians 2:15, to describe what should be believed. Jesus did not condemn all traditions; he
condemned only erroneous traditions, whether doctrines or practices, that undermined Christian
truths. The rest, as the apostles taught, were to be obeyed. Paul commanded the Thessalonians
to adhere to all the traditions he had given them, whether oral or written.
The indefectible Church
The task is to determine what constitutes authentic tradition. How can we know which traditions
are apostolic and which are merely human? The answer is the same as how we know which
scriptures are apostolic and which are merely human—by listening to the magisterium or teaching
authority of Christ’s Church. Without the Catholic Church’s teaching authority, we would not
know with certainty which purported books of Scripture are authentic. If the Church revealed to
us the canon of Scripture, it can also reveal to us the “canon of Tradition” by establishing which
traditions have been passed down from the apostles. After all, Christ promised that the gates of
hell would not prevail against the Church (Matt. 16:18) and the New Testament itself declares
the Church to be “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15).
In Summary
Christianity is a religion of the Word, not of a book! And the Word is a Person—Jesus Christ. “In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the
beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came
into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people” (John
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The Glories of God’s Law
1:1-4). Through Jesus, God has revealed everything he wanted to reveal to us about who he is and
1 Happy are those whose way is blameless,
who we are, and this revelation comes to us in three ways: through Scripture (the Bible), Tradition who walk in the law of the Lord.
2 Happy are those who keep his decrees,
(the living transmission of the faith as handed down through the ages), and the Magisterium (the who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
Church’s teachings, such as its dogmas and creeds). but walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded your precepts
The Second Vatican Council taught on tradition, scripture, and magisterium in Dei Verbum: to be kept diligently.
Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God, committed 5 O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
to the Church. Holding fast to this deposit the entire holy people united with their shepherds 6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
remain always steadfast in the teaching of the Apostles, in the common life, in the breaking of 7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous ordinances.
the bread and in prayers (see Acts 2:42), so that holding to, practicing and professing the heritage 8 I will observe your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.
of the faith, it becomes on the part of the bishops and faithful a single common effort. 9 How can young people keep their way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
But the task of authentically interpreting the word of God, whether written or handed on, 10 With my whole heart I seek you;
has been entrusted exclusively to the living teaching office of the Church, whose authority is do not let me stray from your commandments.
11 I treasure your word in my heart,
exercised in the name of Jesus Christ. This teaching office is not above the word of God, but serves so that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
it, teaching only what has been handed on, listening to it devoutly, guarding it scrupulously and teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips I declare
explaining it faithfully in accord with a divine commission and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it all the ordinances of your mouth.
14 I delight in the way of your decrees
draws from this one deposit of faith everything which it presents for belief as divinely revealed. as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts,
It is clear, therefore, that Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the teaching authority of the and fix my eyes on your ways.
Church, in accord with God’s most wise design, are so linked and joined together that one cannot 16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
stand without the others, and that all together and each in its own way under the action of the 17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
so that I may live and observe your word.
one Holy Spirit contribute effectively to the salvation of souls. 18 Open my eyes, so that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
Consequently, whenever we speak about the Word of God, we refer to 19 I live as an alien in the land;
do not hide your commandments from me.
both Scripture and Tradition, with all interpretation and understanding filtered 20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your ordinances at all times.
through the Magisterium. The Holy Spirit is at work through all three channels. 21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments;
He inspires Scripture, animates the Church’s living Tradition, and guarantees 22 take away from me their scorn and contempt,
the teaching of the Church’s Magisterium. for I have kept your decrees.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
Having understood that, let us move on to an important question: Why your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your decrees are my delight,
read Scripture? they are my counselors.
25 My soul clings to the dust;
revive me according to your word.
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes.
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Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Put false ways far from me;
and graciously teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to your decrees, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame.
32 I run the way of your commandments,
for you enlarge my understanding.
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees,
and not to selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life.
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.
42 Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
43
Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, 73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me
for my hope is in your ordinances.
44
I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
45 I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your decrees before kings,
and shall not be put to shame;
47 I find my delight in your commandments,
because I love them.
48 I revere your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my distress,
that your promise gives me life.
51 The arrogant utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your ordinances from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
those who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
wherever I make my home.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
for I have kept your precepts.
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I implore your favor with all my heart;
SESSION be
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READING to meTHE WORD
according to yourOF GOD
promise.
59 When I think of your ways,
I turn my feet to your decrees;
60 I hurry and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous ordinances.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes.
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was humbled I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.
70 Their hearts are fat and gross,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was humbled,
so that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right,
and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
76 Let your steadfast love become my comfort
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame,
because they have subverted me with guile;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
so that they may know your decrees.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
so that I may not be put to shame.
81 My soul languishes for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail with watching for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me;
they flout your law.
86 All your commandments are enduring;
I am persecuted without cause; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth;17
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love spare my life,
soSESSION 1: READING
that I may keep THE
the decrees of yourWORD
mouth. OF
89 The Lord exists forever;
your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand today,
for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my misery.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your decrees.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
97 Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all day long.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my
enemies, for it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your decrees are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn away from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your ordinances.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
113 I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Go away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116
Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope.
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
18 have regard for your statutes continually.
and
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes;
GOD
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you count as dross;
therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
do not let the godless oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from watching for your salvation,
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124
Deal with your servant according to your steadfast
love, and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Truly I love your commandments
more than gold, more than fine gold.
128 Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts;
I hate every false way.
129 Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 With open mouth I pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your custom toward those who love your name.
133 Keep my steps steady according to your promise,
and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears
because your law is not kept.
137 You are righteous, O Lord,
and your judgments are right.
138 You have appointed your decrees in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your decrees are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord.
I will keep your statutes.
146 I cry to you; save me,
that I may observe your decrees.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before each watch of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise. SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD
149 In your steadfast love hear my voice;
O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.
150
Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near;
they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
Why read Scripture?
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees Well, because it is God’s word and God uses it to speak to us, revealing himself to us for our
that you have established them forever.
153 Look on my misery and rescue me, knowledge and our enlightenment. Through it we get to know him and discover his tremendous
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; love for us, and in return, to love him, to cherish him, to treasure him, to enjoy him. It helps us in
give me life according to your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, developing a deep personal relationship with him, as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which is his entire
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O Lord; purpose in creating us. God also uses it to indict us, to commend us, to command us, to reassure
give me life according to your justice.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, us, and to bless us in countless ways as even a cursory examination of Scripture will reveal. In this
yet I do not swerve from your decrees.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
session, we will look at some of the things that Scripture says and sees how it impacts our lives.
because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I love your precepts;
preserve my life according to your steadfast love. The word of God reveals and restores
160 The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your
righteous ordinances endures forever. One of the first things the word of God teaches us is the great love that God has for us, a love so
161 Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words. great he sacrificed his son for our sake. As the gospel writer John records, “For God so loved the
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil. world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
have eternal life” (John 3:16). He follows this up with words, perhaps not as famous, but equally
164 Seven times a day I praise you meaningful. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in
for your righteous ordinances.
165 Great peace have those who love your law; order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).
nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord, Why did we need to be saved? From what? Why did God have to sacrifice his son so that we
and I fulfill your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your decrees; could be saved? Even as the Bible throws up questions, it also provides answers, but we need
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and decrees, to read it in order to discover them. The book of Genesis tells us about our beginnings and how
for all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord; God created us to be co-rulers of the universe with him, but how a single act of disobedience
give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my supplication come before you;
caused us to lose it all. Subsequent books show us how we moved further and further away from
deliver me according to your promise. God, but how God continuously reached out for us with merciful arms. We learn of the provision
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
because you teach me your statutes. that God made for partial restoration by the sacrifice of animals as atonement for our sins, until
172 My tongue will sing of your promise,
for all your commandments are right. the perfect sacrifice that would be made by his son, Jesus.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts. We read about the coming of Jesus, and how he revealed to us the full truth about God and
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight. his love, only partially understood by people before him, finally demonstrating it by his death
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and let your ordinances help me. on the cross. And then we learn about the resurrection and how he defeated death once and
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
seek out your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
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SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD Want more
SESSION reasons?
1: READING THE WORD OF GOD
There are thousands of reasons to read the Bible and even a cursory
glance of the Holy Book would reveal these reasons to us. Go through
some of these verses to discover some of them:
for all, bringing eternal life for all those who believe. “Do you not know that all of us who have When Paul wrote to the Corinthians pointing
been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried out the error of their ways, his words cut deeply, Psalm 119:105

with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of but although it did create consternation among the Matthew 4:4

the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). people of Corinth, the ultimate result was sorrow and Joshua 1:8

repentance. In his second letter, Paul speaks of this: Romans 15:4

The word of God cuts and convicts “For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not Psalm 119:18

The prophet Isaiah, speaking for God, says, “For as the rain and the snow come down from regret it (though I did regret it, for I see that I grieved 1 Peter 2:2

heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and Psalm 19:7-11
you with that letter, though only briefly). Now I rejoice,
sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from Psalm 1:1-3
not because you were grieved, but because your grief
1 Timothy 4:6
my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief, so that
1 Timothy 4:13
succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11-12). you were not harmed in any way by us. For godly grief
2 Timothy 2:15
Preachers and teachers in Christendom need not fear that the words they speak about God produces a repentance that leads to salvation and
2 Timothy 2:7
and his kingdom, especially the words they quote as God saying, fall on deaf ears because they brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death” (2
Psalm 119:10-11
have God’s assurance that his word will not return to him without fulfilling the purpose for which Cor. 7:8–10).
Acts 17:11
he sent it. This assurance is reinforced by the author of the letter to the Hebrews who writes:
Psalm 19:10-11
“Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until The word of God encourages and reassures
John 15:7
it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of God’s word is not always cutting, however. More often
Matthew 22:29
the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). it is reassuring as it gives us courage, hope, confidence
John 8:32
How does this happen? By eliciting a response from the listener or reader. For example, when and faith. This assurance is reiterated time and time
Matthew 24:35
Peter preached his first sermon on the day of Pentecost, this is what happened: “Now when they again, under a variety of circumstances, but especially James 1:22-25
heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what when he calls us to do something. Ephesians 6:10-17
should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus This is what he told Isaac: “Do not go down to Egypt; Psalm 33:4
Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the settle in the land that I shall show you. Reside in this Joshua 1:9
promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our land as an alien, and I will be with you, and will bless Psalm 56:4
God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save you; for to you and to your descendants I will give all 2 Peter 1:5
yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, these lands, and I will fulfill the oath that I swore to your Job 23:12
and that day about three thousand persons were added” (Acts 2:37-41). father Abraham” (Gen 26:2-3). John 1:1

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SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD

This is what he said to Jacob: “Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, How to read the Bible
and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised There are hundreds of other reasons why we need to read Scripture and we will discover them
you” (Gen 28:15). as we read the Bible. But how do we read it? The Bible is very different from other books in that
To Moses: “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when it is a compendium of several books of varying types joined together and put in order by the
you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain” (Exodus 3:12). ancient Church Fathers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to form one single book.
To Isaiah: “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen In the Old Testament, which comprises 46 books, there are foundational myths and legends,
you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). legal codes, genealogies, annals, prophetic books, psalms and odes, prayers and laments,
And to us! After he gives us the great commission to “go therefore and make disciples of all proverbs, inspirational stories, and symbolic narratives.
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and In the New Testament, which has 27 books, there THE OLD TESTAMENT: A The Wisdom Books comprise
BASIC CATEGORIZATION the following books, very diverse in
teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20), he assures us: “I are the gospels, acts of the apostles, letters, church literary style and content
The Pentateuch comprise the first Job
am with you always, to the end of the age.” orders, testaments, homilies and sermons, a collection five books of the Old Testament: Psalms
Genesis Proverbs
We believe these assurances, “so we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will of general instructions in living, epistles and encyclicals, Exodus Ecclesiastes
Leviticus Song of Songs
not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” (Heb 13:6). and apocalyptic literature. Numbers Wisdom
Deuteronomy Sirach
There are many other smaller genres found within
The word of God gives us our identity the various biblical books. For example, the gospels
The Historical Books are a history
of the Israelite people and of God’s
The Prophetic Books contain the
writings of Israel’s great prophets.
intervention in their history: Isaiah
God’s word also reveals our identity in Christ. It tells us that we are children of God. “When we contain narrative materials and discourse materials. Joshua Jeremiah
Judges Ezekiel
cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, The narrative material includes genealogies, miracle 1Samuel Lamentations
2 Samuel Baruch
and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:15-17). stories, vision reports, legends and myths. The discourse 1 Kings Daniel
2 Kings Hosea
Co-heirs with Christ puts us on the same footing with Jesus, making us his brothers, and material includes parables and allegories, hymns 1 Chronicles Joel
2 Chronicles Amos
Christ actually says this: “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and and prayers, laws and legal interpretations, short Ruth Obadiah
Ezra Jonah
sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Later, speaking to his apostles, he says to them: “I do not exhortations and longer speeches, and much else. Nehemiah Micah
Tobit Nahum
call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but These can be further sub-divided. For example, Judith Habakkuk
Esther Zephaniah
I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from “miracle stories” can include healings, exorcisms, 1 Maccabees Haggai
2 Maccabees Zechariah
my Father” (John 15:15). By the same logic, we become his friends too, since he has made known restoration miracles, nature miracles, etc. Malachi
to us everything that he has heard from his Father—through his word. So how does one read such a book? Simply starting
Thirdly, God’s word tells us that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. “Do you not know,” Paul asks, at the beginning (in this case Genesis) and working our way to the end (Revelation) may not be
“that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?” (1 Cor. 6:19).

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SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD SESSION 1: READING THE WORD OF GOD

THE NEW TESTAMENT: A Ephesians

BASIC CATEGORIZATION Philippians such a good idea, because there is a good chance
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
The New Testament is composed that when one gets to Leviticus or Numbers (the third
2 Thessalonians
of twenty-seven books which
1 Timothy
were written in Greek between and fourth books in the Bible) one freezes because
50 A.D. and 140 A.D. 2 Timothy
Titus they can be extremely boring to the uninitiated.
Philemon
The Gospels (Life of Christ)
Matthew Hebrews Starting with the New Testament is not necessarily
Mark
Luke General Epistles easier. After going through the fast faced action
John James
1 Peter contained in the gospels, which can also be

»»THINK ABOUT IT§

History of the Church 2 Peter
Acts 1 John confusing because of the seeming discrepancies
2 John
Specific Epistles (or Letters) 3 John between the four, the reader might be bewildered
Romans Jude
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians Prophecy
by the theology contained in Paul’s letter to the »» Catholics believe that Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium are the three legs on
Galatians Revelation Romans or the imagery of the letter to the Hebrews. which the Christian faith rests. Share your understanding of each element, such as
Yet, it still might be the best place to start, and our it exists now, and discuss how they could be important in understanding our faith.
recommendation to readers is to begin here.
In later sessions we will look at how to study the »» Have you tried reading the Bible before? How much of it have you read? Where
word of God, understand it better, memorize relevant did you give up reading? Have you found it difficult to understand? Why do you
verses and meditate upon the texts in a way that believe this is so?
will open it up to us in a deeper and more insightful
manner. »» Although all four gospels narrate the life of Jesus, there are several differences in
how the story is told. There also appears to be some discrepancies in the narrative.
Why might this be?

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Painting of St. Luke by Andrea Mantegna