Stewards of Sacred Scripture

“All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.”

The above quote, taken from this Sunday’s second reading from St. Paul to Timothy, underscores the importance of scripture in the lives of Christians. The Bible (in all of its’ versions) contains both The Old Testament (Hebrew Scripture) and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. It is important to note that while God inspired all scripture, it was written in the words of men. As such, there are anomalies having to do with translation and interpretation that in no way compromise the integrity and inerrancy of Sacred Scripture. The Bible, then, conveys God’s saving truth, faithfully and without error. The following quote is from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

“The gift of the Holy Spirit which assisted a human author to write a biblical book so that it has God as its author and teaches faithfully, without error, the saving truth that God has willed to be consigned to us (105). “Sacred Scripture: the books which contain the truth of God’s Revelation and were composed by human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit (105). The Bible contains both the forty–six books of the Old Testament and the twenty–seven books of the New Testament (120).”

There are many ways to study and reflect on the books within the Bible. Selecting a passage for daily, private meditation and parish Bible studies are two examples. In addition to the Bible itself, there are many commentaries and Catholic study Bibles that contain commentary with expanded footnotes. In The lectionary for Sunday Mass, selections from every book of the Bible can be heard over the course of a three-year cycle. Each year, in cycles A, B and C, all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) are featured. The Gospel According to John is utilized throughout all three years, especially in the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Every Christian is called to be a good steward of God’s gifts. Knowledge of Sacred Scripture along with its proper application for building up God’s Kingdom on Earth, is stewardship at its finest. The following passage from Matthew’s Gospel illustrates how scripture can be used effectively in the life of every Christian:

“Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” (Mt. 13:53)
 Stewards