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1. Choose a Catholic translation of the Bible.
Not all Bibles are the same, and some translations may omit or alter some books or verses that are part of the Catholic canon of Scripture.
The Catholic Church has approved several translations that faithfully convey the original meaning and message of the biblical authors, such as:
- the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)
- the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE),,
- or
- the Douay-Rheims Bible (DRA).
2. Understand the different genres and contexts of the biblical books.
The Bible is not a single book, but a collection of 73 books written by different human authors over many centuries, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The books of the Bible have different literary genres, such as history, law, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, letters, and apocalyptic. Each genre has its own style, purpose, and conventions that affect how we interpret it.
Moreover, each book has its own historical, cultural, and religious context that influences its meaning and message. We need to be aware of these factors when we read the Bible, and avoid imposing our own assumptions or expectations on the text.
3. Read the Bible in light of the whole story of salvation.
The Bible tells us the story of God's love for humanity and his plan to save us from sin and death through his Son Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament prepares us for the coming of Christ by revealing God's covenant with Israel and his promises and prophecies.
The New Testament fulfills the Old Testament by showing us how Christ accomplished our salvation through his life, death, and resurrection, and how he continues to work in his Church by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We need to read each part of the Bible in relation to this overarching story of salvation, and see how it connects to Christ and his Church.
4. Read the Bible with the help of tradition and magisterium.
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of interpreting and teaching the Scriptures that spans over two thousand years.
The Church Fathers, doctors, saints, councils, popes, and catechisms have provided us with valuable insights and guidance on how to understand and apply the word of God in our lives.
The magisterium, or the teaching authority of the Church, has the responsibility and charism to authentically interpret the Scriptures in accordance with God's revelation and will.
We need to read the Bible with respect for this tradition and magisterium, and consult them when we encounter difficulties or doubts.
5. Read the Bible prayerfully and practically.
The ultimate goal of reading the Bible is not to gain information or knowledge, but to encounter God and his love for us.
The Bible is not only a book to be studied, but also a prayer to be prayed. We need to read the Bible with an open heart and mind, attentive to what God wants to say to us personally through his word.
We can use methods such as lectio divina or Ignatian contemplation to meditate on the Scriptures and listen to God's voice.
We also need to read the Bible practically, meaning that we should apply what we learn from it to our daily lives. The Bible is not only a word to be heard, but also a word to be lived.