Understanding Scripture Passages

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NguyenKimPhat

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Dear Catholic Answers Forum,

I am so sorry to bother you, but I was hoping that you could give me some guidance.

I am beginning to read the Bible, along with the Catholic Church - like do you know how there are daily mass readings? I am trying to read the Bible with the Catholic Church by reading the daily mass readings every single day.

My question is, “What do I do when I don’t understand the meaning of a scripture passage?” Where can I go to get an authentically Catholic understanding of that Scripture passage?

For instance, today’s gospel reading for January 22 was Mark 2:23-28, and after reading it, had no idea what it meant.

Do I search for the scripture passage in the Catechism? Or do I go onto catholic.com?
Do I buy the entire Navarre Study Bible series (I can’t… too much money)?

What do I do when I encounter a Bible passage that I don’t understand?
 
NguyenKimPhat said:
Dear Catholic Answers Forum,

I am so sorry to bother you, but I was hoping that you could give me some guidance.

I am beginning to read the Bible, along with the Catholic Church - like do you know how there are daily mass readings? I am trying to read the Bible with the Catholic Church by reading the daily mass readings every single day.

My question is, “What do I do when I don’t understand the meaning of a scripture passage?” Where can I go to get an authentically Catholic understanding of that Scripture passage?

For instance, today’s gospel reading for January 22 was Mark 2:23-28, and after reading it, had no idea what it meant.

Do I search for the scripture passage in the Catechism? Or do I go onto catholic.com?
Do I buy the entire Navarre Study Bible series (I can’t… too much money)?

What do I do when I encounter a Bible passage that I don’t understand?
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I would start by buying the ‘Ignatius Catholic Study Bible - New Testament’. Even though it is just the New Testament, it is the best way to start!
 
While it may seem frustrating and discouraging at first, your helplessness is the key to following the Holy Spirit.

Jesus spoke in parables and everyone wondered what he was saying. He said that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field and like a pearl of great price.

You sell everything to buy that field or that pearl, because it is of much greater value than anything else.

At some point, hopefully sooner rather than later, there will be a website with commentary on the entire Bible.

While you are looking for any explanation of the scripture, keep in mind that it is inexhaustible and that you should keep an open mind about greater and greater understanding of scripture, in your life.

Judaism looks at the Hebrew Bible as a love letter from God. Keep that in mind. If you look at non-Catholic commentaries, remember that they can be really misleading, as much as they may seem to be helpful. The Catechism of the Catholic Church should keep you faithful – it’s a very inspirational book.
 
Thank you all for your responses! 🙂 The best advice so far is the Haydock Commentaries on line - which are amazing! (I absolutely do not want to go to any non-Catholic bible commentaries- I want to remain faithful to the Catholic church)

Do you guys have any other advice on understanding scripture passages?
 
NguyenKimPhat said:
Thank you all for your responses! 🙂 The best advice so far is the Haydock Commentaries on line - which are amazing! (I absolutely do not want to go to any non-Catholic bible commentaries- I want to remain faithful to the Catholic church)

Do you guys have any other advice on understanding scripture passages?
Click to expand...
Bible dictionaries are a good way to gain deeper understanding about various terms and names used along with their connections.
 
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