Inclure TOUS les mots Inclure un/des mots				Reading a Scripture Passage An Approach to Reading Scripture Passages One cannot remain completely indifferent when reading a Scripture passage, whether it is the Old or New Testament. Knowing the content and message of a Scripture passage can form preconceived ideas that hinder our view regarding the text and could lead to stereotyping. It is important to develop a method for studying a text which allows you to approach it as a new passage. I suggest the following method for reading Scripture passages which does not require you to be an expert in Biblical exegesis. This method deals with both form and meaning conveyed in a Scripture passage. Text Form Taking A First Look: Learning about the Text The objective of this first step is to get in touch with whatever the Scripture passage is saying and examining its form. Ask yourself the following questions: Does the text describe an event that is historical in nature? Is it a miracle or an incident of daily life? Does the text consist of a teaching, and if so, what form is it presented as? Is it a parable, a discourse, a controversy? This first step allows you to identify the literary style comparable to an instrument that serves for teaching and transmitting a message. For example, a parable does not hold the same function as a story about a miracle. Taking A Second Look: Asking Questions for Better Understanding The objective of reading a text a second time is to deepen our understanding by asking questions. By discovering the catechetical meaning of a Scripture passage, as it meant to be transmitted, it brings a new richness to the lives of believers. The text is then read for a second time all the while asking ourselves new questions: Let us use the example of a Gospel passage: If it is the story of an action by Jesus, you could ask yourself the following questions: What action did Jesus undertake? For whom did he do this? (for example, when it is a miracle) What words were exchanged? Who were the people present? (for example, disciples, Pharisees) What reactions did these people have? (For example, acceptance, astonishment, denial, questioning) How did Jesus react? Is there a word, a phrase, an attitude that seems more important than others? If the text speaks about one of Jesus’ teachings: Who are the people Jesus is speaking to (disciples, apostles, scribes and Pharisees, religious authorities, the crowd)? For example, in Matthew’s parable stories, he speaks about the Kingdom in the world and this is addressed to the crowd, while the passage on ecclesial life is addressed only to the disciples. To whom Jesus addresses the passage, indicates the meaning and importance of the teaching. Is it a parable? Is it a discourse? Is it a lesson meant for a person, a group? What topic is addressed in the teaching? In the case of a parable, these following questions can be asked: What comparisons can I make to life today? (for example, an occupation, a life situation, an element of nature,…) What does Jesus want his listeners to understand? What is Jesus alluding to? Do people understand what he is saying? As a result of reading the passage a second time: We can understand more clearly the basic points leading us to the message of the text. New questions may arise from words/attitudes that we do not fully understand. If this is the case, read the passage for a third time. Taking A Third Look: Consulting Resources If you need to read a passage for the third time, consult various resources such as: Explanatory notes integrated in some Bibles; Refer to other Scripture texts that give you a more complete image of the text you are studying; Consult commentaries, books with homily outlines, to help you compare your research results with that of others. Text Meaning Taking A Fourth Look: Making the Word Concrete The objective of reading a text for a fourth time is to make a connection between the Scripture passage and those Jesus intended it for. This final fourth reading, used at the end of this method, may also be used throughout this exercise with any of the steps already outlined. A Scripture passage comes to life when it is proclaimed and especially when it takes root in the hearts and minds of those who hear it. It is at this precise moment that God speaks to us daily, thus opening the way for people not only to accept the Word, but also to discover what God is saying to them. The Word transmitted and welcomed, enables us to speak out and uphold the Living Word. In asking questions the Word becomes concrete. This is a reflection of an existential approach that promotes common ground between people of today and those of the past. What does the text in this Scripture passage tell us about the living conditions of people who took on active roles, as well as those who heard this text during that time? (For example, the first Christians) What life situations and human preoccupations are addressed throughout this biblical text? How do they affect their search for a spiritual life? What are some common meeting points between today’s people and those who lived at the time of this scripture passage? (Whether they are the ones who are doing the action or who benefit from the action) What spiritual experience emerges as a result of this text? What does the text tell us about the relationship between God and us, between Jesus and us? What is God revealing to me about himself and about others? How does the message in this passage help me discern God’s plan of salvation? Or, how does it help me to participate in this plan? What commitment am I being invited to undertake in my faith life? How can I embody this message in my daily life? What steps can I take so that events in my life can become intertwined with God’s Word for today’s world? Yves Guillemette, prêtre Centre biblique
				Histoire | Archevêque | Présence au monde | Organisation | Activités | Communications accueil | dons | liens | nous joindre | english L'Église accueille et accompage les jeunes, les familles, les malades, les personnes souffrant d'un handicap, les personnes en deuil, les personnes démunies, les recommençants, les personnes en milieu carcéral, les forces de l'ordre et de sécurité et les nouveaux croyants. l'Église transmet son héritage aux enfants, aux ados, aux jeunes adultes et aux adultes. L'Église célebre les moments de la vie : le baptême, la confirmation, l'eucharistie, le pardon, le mariage, l'ordre, l'onction des malades et les funérailles. L'Église et l'oecuménisme : à venir Les communautés culturelles : à venir l'Église donne de la formation par des colloques, des cours et des sessions. l'Église ressource avec la Bible, des lieux de retraites, des sites de pèlerinage, des sessions de spiritualité. Les journées mondiales de la jeunesse : JMJ www.diocesemontreal.org 20 mars 2006