Reading Sacred Scripture with the Church
Sacred Scripture is the inspired Word of God and belongs at the heart of Catholic life.
The Bible is not a collection of disconnected religious stories. From Genesis to Revelation, it tells one great story of creation, fall, covenant, redemption and fulfilment in Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament prepares for Christ.
The New Testament reveals Him.
The Church receives, proclaims and lives the Word of God through her teaching, prayer, liturgy and sacramental life.
These parish Bible studies are intended to help you read Scripture prayerfully, intelligently and within the faith of the Catholic Church.
You do not need any previous biblical knowledge. Begin wherever is most helpful and take your time.
New to Bible Study? Begin Here
How the Bible Fits Together
If the Bible sometimes feels like a collection of unrelated people, events and books, begin here.
This study walks through the great story of salvation — Creation, the Fall, Abraham, Moses and the Exodus, David, the prophets, Jesus Christ, the Church and the hope of eternal life.
It is probably the best starting point for someone who wants to understand where everything fits.
READ: HOW THE BIBLE FITS TOGETHER
How Catholics Should Study the Bible
How should a Catholic actually read Scripture?
This study explains inspiration, Scripture and Tradition, the place of the Church, the different senses of Scripture, Lectio Divina, the importance of context and some common mistakes to avoid.
It also gives practical help for beginning regular Bible reading.
READ: HOW CATHOLICS SHOULD STUDY THE BIBLE
How Catholics Should Continue Growing in Sacred Scripture
Reading the Bible is not simply about acquiring information.
Sacred Scripture should lead us into deeper knowledge of Christ, prayer, conversion and holiness.
This study is particularly useful if you already read the Bible occasionally and want to allow the Word of God to become a more regular part of your Catholic life.
READ: HOW CATHOLICS SHOULD CONTINUE GROWING IN SACRED SCRIPTURE
Seeing Christ Throughout the Bible
Biblical Typology
One of the great joys of Catholic Bible study is discovering how God prepares the New Testament through the Old.
Adam points towards Christ.
The Flood points towards Baptism.
The Ark points towards the Church.
Melchizedek points towards Christ’s priesthood and the Eucharist.
Isaac carrying the wood points towards Christ carrying the Cross.
The Passover Lamb points towards the Lamb of God.
Manna points towards the Eucharist.
Typology helps us see that God has been preparing the mystery of Christ from the beginning.
Scripture and Catholic Worship
The Mass and the Bible
The Holy Mass is filled with Scripture.
We hear the Word of God in the readings, pray with the Psalms, hear Christ speak in the Gospel and then enter sacramentally into the mystery proclaimed by Scripture.
This study explores the biblical character of the whole Mass, from the gathering of God’s people and the Penitential Act through the Liturgy of the Word, the Eucharistic Prayer, Holy Communion and our being sent out to live the Gospel.
Study the Books of the Bible
General introductions are helpful, but the best way to grow in Scripture is eventually to open a particular biblical book and read it carefully.
Our longer studies explore individual books and chapters in greater depth, looking at the biblical text, Catholic teaching, the Fathers of the Church, connections across Scripture, fulfilment in Christ and what the passage means for Christian life today.
Genesis: The Beginnings of Salvation History
The first eleven chapters of Genesis provide the foundation for understanding the whole of Sacred Scripture. They reveal God as the Creator of all things, the dignity of man made in His image, the entrance of sin into the world, and God’s continuing mercy towards fallen humanity.
Beginning with the creation of heaven and earth, these chapters lead us through Adam and Eve, the Fall, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, and the Tower of Babel. Throughout, we see the consequences of human disobedience, but also the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation, which finds its fulfilment in Our Lord Jesus Christ.
These studies follow the traditional Catholic understanding of Scripture, drawing upon the teaching of the Church, the Fathers, biblical typology and the spiritual lessons of the sacred text. Each chapter includes explanations of the biblical account, its place in salvation history, its connections with Christ and the Church, and its meaning for Catholic life today.
The eleven studies form a complete introduction to the opening chapters of Genesis and the great themes that run throughout the Bible.
God Chooses a People: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph (Genesis 12–50)
Following the beginnings of salvation history in Genesis 1–11, God begins a new stage in His plan to redeem mankind. He calls Abraham, establishes a covenant with him and promises that through his descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
This study follows the great patriarchs of the Old Testament: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. We explore Abraham’s faith and obedience, the sacrifice of Isaac, Jacob and the twelve tribes of Israel, and Joseph’s remarkable journey from slavery to authority in Egypt.
Throughout these events, we see God’s faithfulness to His promises, His providence amid human weakness and suffering, and the gradual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Particular attention is given to the traditional Catholic understanding of Scripture, the teaching of the Fathers of the Church, and the ways in which the patriarchs foreshadow Christ, His Church and the work of redemption.
Rather than examining every chapter separately, this study brings together the principal events of Genesis 12–50 into one complete account of this important stage in salvation history.
God Chooses a People: Genesis 12–50 Study
How to Use These Studies
There is no need to work through everything at once.
For a study of a particular biblical chapter, first read the chapter itself slowly in your Bible.
Then work through the parish study.
Notice words or ideas that particularly strike you.
Follow the connections with other parts of Scripture.
Pay particular attention to the ways in which the Old Testament prepares for Christ and the ways in which Scripture illuminates the Mass, the sacraments and Catholic life.
Finally, allow study to become prayer.
Bible study is not complete when we simply understand a passage better.
The Word of God should gradually shape what we believe, how we pray and how we live.
Scripture, Prayer and the Sacraments
Catholics do not read the Bible apart from the life of the Church.
We hear Scripture proclaimed at Mass.
We pray Scripture in the Psalms and the Liturgy of the Hours.
The sacraments fulfil realities prepared throughout salvation history.
The Church Fathers and saints help us read with those who have gone before us.
And above all, Scripture brings us to Jesus Christ.
After His Resurrection, the Lord walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus and opened the Scriptures to them.
Then they recognised Him in the breaking of the bread.
That remains the Catholic pattern:
Word → Christ → Sacrament → Christian life.
Keep Going
If something in Scripture raises a question about Catholic belief, you may also find our Defending the Faith studies useful.
For a systematic introduction to Catholic belief and life:
For practical help living the faith day by day:
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures, the things that were concerning him.”
Luke 24:27
The purpose of Catholic Bible study is ultimately not simply to know the Bible better.
It is to know Jesus Christ more deeply, hear His Word more faithfully and follow Him more closely.
St Mary’s • St John Bosco • St Edward’s
