Reading Scripture and it's Indulgence

[Nelka]

***Reading of Sacred Scripture (Sacrae Scripturae lectio) **

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who with the veneration due the divine word make a spiritual reading from Sacred Scripture.

A plenary indulgence is granted, if this reading is continued for at least one half an hour. *

My questions.

Does it matter how we read? Do we have to read out loud or can we just read it in our heads?

Also, what does it mean with the veneration due in regards to reading Scripture?

And does the plenary indulgence need the usual requirements?

Thanks.

 

[odile53]

I found this on this website. It seems you have to adhere to the conditions of confession, communion, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, and being free of attachment to sin. The last condition is the tough one for all of us; if we can’t meet that condition, we gain a partial indulgence instead of a plenary indulgence.

catholic.com/tracts/myths-about-indulgences

It doesn’t note whether you have to read Scripture aloud or silently. I’d assume that you’d want to read at a time and place where you are as distraction-free as possible, meditate on what you’ve read, and pray about it. “Reverently and devoutly” probably would exclude reading scripture while eating a bag of chips, for example.

Having a nice meditative atmosphere in which to read (my favorite is out of doors, where I can look at God’s creation,) helps set the stage, so to speak, for getting the most you can get out of reading. In the front of the St. Joseph’s New American Bible there is a great section on how to read the Bible. It’s a good orientation if you’re new to seriously reading it, and for those of us who do make a habit of it, a great refresher course. Although I have to say, my current favorite translation is the RSV Catholic Edition, I like to go to the NAB for its notes on some texts.

I usually start my period of reading by echoing the experience St. Augustine had at the start of his conversion, the sing-song admonition of a child’s voice to “take and read, take and read,” and then say a prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Enjoy these times you have studying the Word of God. They have done so much to nourish my heart, mind, and soul, that I can’t imagine not spending some time each day in reading!

 

[Russ_of_Tokyo]

I have a relevant question and this year-old thread is the obvious place to put it.

What if you listen to the scriptures (eg Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible) for half an hour? Does that count as reading? Will the plenary indulgence still be possible?