Category Archives: Dei Verbum

Concluding Dei Verbum, the bishops give one final pep talk for us: In this way, therefore, through the reading and study of the sacred books “the word of God may spread rapidly and be glorified” (2 Thess. 3:1) and the … Continue reading →

This section prescribes reading (first) and study (second) for clergy and other leadership: Therefore, all the clergy must hold fast to the Sacred Scriptures through diligent sacred reading and careful study, especially the priests of Christ and others, such as … Continue reading →

Word plus tradition: a foundation on which to build: Sacred theology rests on the written word of God, together with sacred tradition, as its primary and perpetual foundation. By scrutinizing in the light of faith all truth stored up in … Continue reading →

This section affirms the value of studies in Patristics and liturgy as well as the Biblical studies that preceded the council. Why? Not necessarily for knowledge’s own sake, but for the pastoral aim of enlightenment, strength, and love on the … Continue reading →

This section opens out with the hallmark Vatican II statement on the Bible: Easy access to Sacred Scripture should be provided for all the Christian faithful. That is why the Church from the very beginning accepted as her own that … Continue reading →

Now the council bishops turn to a final chapter, “Sacred Scripture In The Life Of The Church.” Let’s read it: The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures just as she venerates the body of the Lord, since, especially in … Continue reading →

Nothing surprising here: Besides the four Gospels, the canon of the New Testament also contains the epistles of St. Paul and other apostolic writings, composed under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, by which, according to the wise plan of … Continue reading →

Here the Church asserts that the gospel authors sifted through material, and used it not for the purpose of the most historical accounting possible, but for the greater good of developing the faith in the apostolic Church. The greatest truth … Continue reading →

In the days of Brown (Dan not Raymond), a reminder of the trustworthy origin of the four Gospels: It is common knowledge that among all the Scriptures, even those of the New Testament, the Gospels have a special preeminence, and … Continue reading →

On to the New Testament, Chapter V, and a recounting of the significance of the “reality” of Jesus: The word of God, which is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe (see Rom. 1:16), is set … Continue reading →

The great doctors of Christian antiquity are quoted, and the Vatican II bishops add yet more weight to the value of lectionary reform: God, the inspirer and author of both Testaments, wisely arranged that the New Testament be hidden in … Continue reading →

More on Vatican II’s take on the Old Testament: The principal purpose to which the plan of the old covenant was directed was to prepare for the coming of Christ, the redeemer of all and of the messianic kingdom, to … Continue reading →

The document begins a chapter on the Old Testament. It reads like a minute (or minute) version of Biblical history: In carefully planning and preparing the salvation of the whole human race the God of infinite love, by a special … Continue reading →

A short conclusion to chapter III: In Sacred Scripture, therefore, while the truth and holiness of God always remains intact, the marvelous “condescension” of eternal wisdom is clearly shown, “that we may learn the gentle kindness of God, which words … Continue reading →

A favorable review of modern Biblical scholarship follows: However, since God speaks in Sacred Scripture through (authors) in human fashion, (St. Augustine, “City of God,” XVII, 6, 2: PL 41, 537: CSEL. XL, 2, 228.) the interpreter of Sacred Scripture, … Continue reading →