2014 Veritas Scripturae

The Bulletin of the St. Biblical Guild Annual Edition ■—■—■—■ A publication that focuses upon the doctrines of Biblical inspiration and inerrancy — Volume 6 in light of Tradition and the Magisterium of the

“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (Jn 17:17)

From the Director: Papal Motivation for the Task The discovery of Benedict Spiritus Paraclitus focuses upon XV’s papal encyclical, Spiritus the “Father of Biblical Studies,” Paraclitus (On the Fifteenth St. Jerome; an influence behind Centenary of the Death of St. Veritas Scripturae. Some of the Jerome), decades ago, was a highlights from the document: turning point in my intellectual • St. Jerome and his work. formation. Divine Providence • His teachings on inspiration, used this document to train and authority, and inerrancy. encourage me, with a Catholic • The errors of the Modernists. mindset, to read and study and • The uses of Holy Writ for the meditate upon God’s Word. Church Militant. www.sjbg.me • The graces derived from the Promulgated in 1920, Spiritus knowledge of the Scriptures. Scripture Memorization and Exegesis Paraclitus falls under the ordi- from the Old Testament: nary and universal Magisterium Much could be written about this Sirach 2:1-6 ……….....…………………… 2 of the Catholic Church. Available forgotten papal dispatch. Please Scripture Memorization and Exegesis in pamphlet form, the length is read it; Spiritus Paraclitus is the from the New Testament: about 40 pages. Written in plain Magisterium at her finest. Jude 3 …………………….…………………. 3 Inerrancy Basics: language, the encyclical is the Counsels from St. .… 4 right blend of history, doctrine, Godspeed, The Church Fathers and Scripture: and practical application. Salvatore J. Ciresi, M.A. The School of Antioch …………….…….. 5 St. and Revelation: Commentary on John 8:58 …………….. 6 The Magisterium Speaks: St. Jerome (A.D. 343-420) says: Pope Pius XI’s Bibliorum Scientiam: Timeless Directions for Today ..……….. 7 “Read assiduously and learn as much as you can. Let sleep find you The Pontifical Biblical Commission: holding your Bible, and when your The Response of 1908, Part IV ……….. 8 head nods let it be resting on the Addressing Bible Difficulties: sacred page” ( Letter 22.17.2; A.D. Daniel 1:1 ...…………..…………………… 9 384). The Biblical World: “Constantly read the Bible; in fact, St. Peter the Apostle …………....…….. 10 have it always in your hands. Learn what you have got to teach” (Letter The Life of Christ: 52.7.1; A.D. 394). The Parables of the Savior ….……….. 11 “Ignorance of the Scriptures is igno- Book Recommendation (out-of-print): rance of Christ” (Commentary on The Birth: An Evaluation bk. 18, prologue; A.D. 408- of Scriptural Evidence …………………. 12 410). Book Recommendation (in-print): ”Love the Bible and wisdom will love Bible Basics for Catholics: you...” (Letter 130.20; A.D. 414). A New Picture of Salvation History …. 13 Scripture Memorization and Exegesis from the Old Testament: Sirach 2:1-6

“My son, if you come forward to serve Secondly, following the first point, is the the Lord, prepare yourself for tempta- call to be “steadfast” (karterēson) and tion. Set your heart right and be stead- to “cleave to Him” (kollēthēti). Related fast, and do not be hasty in time of ca- concepts are found in Sirach 6:7 and lamity. Cleave to Him and do not de- 44:19-20. The New Testament mirrors part, that you may be honored at the this thinking in James 1:2-4: “Count it end of your life. Accept whatever is all joy, my brethren, when you meet brought upon you, and in changes that various trials, for you know that the humble you be patient. For gold is test- testing of your faith produces steadfast- ed in the fire, and acceptable men in ness. And let steadfastness have its full the furnace of humiliation. Trust in Him, effect, that you may be perfect and and He will help you; make your ways complete, lacking nothing.” straight, and hope in Him” (Sir 2:1-6). Thirdly, one’s resignation to God’s will The book of Sirach goes by the Latin with docility, and by longsuffering, is title, “Ecclesiasticus,” in older English brought home with a popular Biblical translations. On the book’s value, “St. illustration (“gold is tested in the fire”). Augustine professed himself to have As precious metal is refined to bring ‘discovered more essential material in out its best qualities, so the disciples of this work’ than in any other of the the Lord are humbled as a means of Scriptures” (N. McEleney, gen. ed., sanctification. The result — they are Pamphlet Bible Series 40:13). The called “acceptable men” (Gr. anthrōpoi Greek translation is the canonical text. dektoi points to the Heb. ’anšê rāṣôn). This purification has a rich testimony in The decision to “serve the Lord” (recall the Old Testament (cf. Ps 66:10; Prov the Heb. phrase na‘ăvōdh ’eth-yᵉhwāh 17:3; Wis 3:6; Is 48:10; Zech 13:9; Mal from an earlier study of Josh 24:14-15) 3:3). is the main theme in the pericope of Sirach 2:1-6. Here are three points. Ending this brief study, Fr. J. Cevetello gives an incentive for further reading Firstly, a believer’s commitment to the and meditation upon Sirach: “This book one, true God comes with the warning aims to point out a way of life for those about “temptation” or “testing” (the Gr. who seek wisdom and strive to live ac- peirasmon equals the Heb. nissāyôn). cording to the Divine Law” (Getting to The “lead us not into temptation” line in Know the Bible,” p. 92). It is no surprise Matthew 6:13, from the mouth of the that Sirach was quoted so often by the Savior, comes in relief. St. Peter also: Church Fathers. “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring In addition to the sources mentioned lion, seeking some one to devour. Re- above, this column drew assistance sist him, firm in your faith, knowing that from P. Skehan and A. Di Lella, The the same experience of suffering is re- Anchor Bible 39:148-151, and L. Keck, quired of your brotherhood throughout et al., The New Interpreter’s Bible the world” (1 Pet 5:8-9). V:653-655.

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www.sjbg.me Scripture Memorization and Exegesis from the New Testament: Jude 3

“Beloved, being very eager to write to The term “faith” (pistei) used in Jude 3 you of our common salvation, I found it signifies that collection of immutable necessary to write appealing to you to truths known as the deposit of faith. contend for the faith which was once These divine teachings are “incapable for all delivered to the ” (Jude 3). of increase or diminution” (J. MacEvilly, An Exposition of the Epistles of St. The epistle of St. Jude is one chapter Paul and of the Catholic Epistles II: of 25 verses; approximately 461 words 466). Such unalterable instructions are in the Greek text. This fills about two non-negotiable for St. Jude: “In the pages in a vernacular translation. Such face of danger, he exhorts the Chris- a small missive may appear trivial, but tians to contend for the purity of the the book is both inspired and inerrant; it faith… preached by the Apostles as an rates our attention. unchangeable doctrine for all times” (Catholic Biblical Association, A Com- “Beloved” (Agapētoi), the opening word mentary on the New Testament, p. in the extract, is a familial name for the 651). This deposit is described as “the members of the Catholic Church. The standard of teaching” in Romans 6:17, term is used in like manner in Jude 17 “the faith” of Colossians 2:7, and “the and 20. Outside the epistle, the New word of God” per 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Testament employs this same tender (cf. E. Kevane, gen. ed., Resources for description (cf. Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 10:14; Catechetical Teachers: Teaching the 2 Cor 12:19; Phil 4:1; Heb 6:9; 1 Pet Catholic Faith Today, pp. xix-xx). 2:11; 2 Pet 3:8; 1 Jn 4:7; 3 Jn 5). In a related way, “beloved” also designates The pivotal expression “delivered to the the Church’s head; Christ Himself (cf. saints” (paradotheisē tois hagiois) is Mt 12:18; Eph 1:6). likely a reference to “catechetics”: the passing down of Catholic truth. The The words “our common salvation” (tēs cognate Greek term paradoseis, which koinēs hēmōn sōtērias), according to is rendered “traditions” in 1 Corinthians St. , conveys the 11:2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:15, and unity among the Church Militant with the related word paradosin, given as respect to “one common salvation, one “tradition” in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, lends faith and one love of Christ” (G. Bray, confirmation to this interpretation. St. ed., Ancient Christian Commentary on Jude’s divine opus gives testimony that Scripture, New Testament XI:249). the Church of the New Testament took This unity or “oneness” is a mark of the seriously the Master’s command to Catholic Church. A “mark” is a quality teach all the nations (cf. Mt 28:18-20). or endowment that is attributed to the religious society founded by Jesus Fr. E. Maly tells us that “Jude wrote to Christ (cf. P. Parente, et al., Dictionary bolster the traditional faith and morality” of Dogmatic , p.174). One (New Testament Reading Guide 12: may conclude, after reading St. Jude’s 26). This is an incentive to grapple with entire book, that there is a link between this divine book that came from the age sound doctrine and ecclesial unity. of the Apostles.

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www.sjbg.me Inerrancy Basics: Counsels from St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was Near the end of his life, St. Francis a battle-tested apologist, trusted guide would say of God’s Word: “In the first for the interior life, revered member of place, we must prepare ourselves to the episcopacy, and a providential hear it with the attention it deserves, founder of a religious congregation. not as if it were just any other word. As Such qualities led to his , a woman who did not love her husband and later, his declaration as a Doctor of more than her servant would not love the Church. If one has never read any- him enough, nor as she should; as a thing about this luminary of the Catholic child who would love his father with a Church, then consider A. Ravier’s love equal only to that he bore his tutor Francis de Sales: Sage and . would not love his father properly; so whoever hears a sermon with the same This learned bishop’s attitude toward dispositions and attention he pays to Holy Writ is a guide for every student of any entertaining story or tale, does not the Holy Bible. In his Introduction to the hear it as he should. If his pleasure is Devout Life, de Sales teaches: the same for both, one could certainly “Always give good heed to the Word of conclude that he did not love God’s word sufficiently. To dispose ourselves God, whether you hear or read it in pri- “Always give vate, or hearken to it when publically to understand it well we ought to open preached: listen with attention and rev- good heed to our hearts in the presence of the Divine erence; seek to profit by it, and do not the Word of Majesty, receptive to this heavenly let the precious words fall unheeded; God, whether dew…” (L. Fiorelli, ed., The Sermons of receive them into your heart as a costly you hear or St. Francis de Sales for Lent, p. 156). balsam; imitate the Blessed Virgin who read it…” ‘kept all the sayings’ concerning her The saint points to the required interior Son ‘in her heart.’ And remember that disposition for receiving benefits from according as we hearken to and re- the Scriptures. There we find the voice ceive God’s words, so will He hearken of God Himself — the “Divine Majesty” and receive our supplications” (II:XVII). (a favorite Salesian expression). Thus, to treat Holy Writ in the same manner Francis tells us that attentiveness and one views television, reads the local devotion to the Sacred Scriptures are newspaper, or listens to the radio, is not limited to lectures or during Holy unacceptable. St. Francis tells us the Mass. Truly, our focus and respect Book of Books deserves better. should be shown to the divine word even during our personal studies. We The holiness of St. Francis de Sales should follow the example from our is worthy of imitation. The faithful would Heavenly Mother, who meditated upon do well to likewise copy his esteem for revealed truth (cf. Lk 2:19, 51). Indeed, the Sacred Page. We should not over- there is a relation between how intently look the saint’s zeal for God’s Word; as we listen to God speak in Divine Reve- much a trait of Francis as his renowned lation and His subsequent response to gentleness. Abundant proofs on this our prayers. This implies the Catholic matter can be discovered in De Sales’ adage that grace builds upon nature. The Catholic Controversy.

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www.sjbg.me The Church Fathers and Scripture: The School of Antioch

Fr. Aloys Dirksen writes in Elementary Following the Dirksen quote as a guide, Patrology: “Antioch had been for years the thrust of the Antiochene practice to a great center of pagan scholarship read Holy Writ with respect to the literal and its Christian school was started to sense may be described twofold. First- counteract the influence of Origen and ly, there is the stress given to the his- the Alexandrian school. All these early torical context of each book of God’s Christian schools, although theological, Word. Here is an example from each were chiefly exegetical. The Antiochian inspired Testament. One will grasp the school concentrated on the literal, his- meaning of a book such as Leviticus torical, and grammatical study and ex- only when situating it within the back- position of Scripture” (pp. 56-57). The ground of the Pentateuch. One will previous column examined Alexandria; grasp the meaning of a book such as now, a look at Antioch. Hebrews only when situating it within the background of worship in the First Antioch of Syria was founded circa 300 Century. Secondly, with the Antiochene B.C. by Seleucus I Nicator (d. 281 B.C.). method, there is an attention directed In the Old Testament era, Antioch was to the grammar of the Sacred Page. In the royal city of the Seleucid Empire, our time, think of how valuable are the with the municipal serving as a kind of scholarly monographs of even a single headquarters (cf. 1 Macc 3:37; 4:35). key Biblical term or phrase, such as Moving to the New Testament period, “atonement,” “Son of Man,” “law,” or St. Paul spent some time in Antioch; a “day of the LORD.” base for his early mission trips (cf. Acts 13:1-3; 15:35). The memorable line in In view of both Alexandria and Antioch, Acts 11:26 discloses “in Antioch the Fr. Boniface Ramsey states: “What the disciples were for the first time called Fathers lacked in the kinds of exegeti- Christians.” As an aside, the Scriptures cal skills that we consider indispensa- mention a second Antioch; tied to the ble today, they made up for, first of all, region of Pisidia (cf. Acts 13:14; 14:21). by their very proximity to the time of the composition of the New Testament, The School of Antioch launched near whose human authors used some of the end of the Third Century. Lucian is the same techniques, like typology and often attached to the institution’s begin- allegory, that the Fathers themselves ning. Other names connected with the used. They had a certain sensitivity, in place are Eustathius of Antioch, Titus other words, to the and method of of Bostra, Diodorus of Tarsus, Theo- the New Testament that we have una- dore of Mopsuestia, Theodoret of Cy- voidably lost. In addition, thanks to their rus, and . The gem of insistence on seeing Christ as the fun- the group is the latter; one of the “Great damental meaning of the Old Testa- Doctors of the East” — renowned for ment, and of course of the New, they his preaching, exegesis, and heroism. had an infallible standard by which to Chrysostom’s commentaries, accessi- judge what they read and how it was ble to this day, remain popular in aca- understood” (Beginning to Read the demic circles. Fathers, p. 39).

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www.sjbg.me St. Thomas Aquinas and Revelation: Commentary on John 8:58

The ageless commentary on the fourth computed everything in terms of it — it Gospel by the Angelic Doctor stands out was a time for freeing captives and giving by its theological richness and devotional up certain possessions. They were saying efficacy. John 8:58 will be the focus. in effect: you have not yet lived beyond the span of a Jubilee, and have you seen Here is some context as the Divine Savior ? However, our Lord did not say faces His opponents: that he saw Abraham, but that Abraham “Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my saw his day. glory is nothing; it is my Father who glori- To counteract their ridicule, our Lord an- fies me, of whom you say that He is your swers the Jews by explaining his words, God. But you have not known Him; I know saying, ‘amen, amen I say to you, before Him. If I said, I do not know Him, I should Abraham was made, I am.’ These words of be a liar like you; but I do know Him and I our Lord mentions two things about himself keep His word. Your father Abraham re- that are noteworthy and efficacious against joiced that he was to see my day; he saw it the Arians. One is that, as Gregory says, and was glad.’ The Jews then said to Him, he combines words of present and past ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have time, because before signifies the past, you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, and am signifies the present. Therefore, in ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham order to show that he is eternal, and to in- was, I am’” (Jn 8:54-58). dicate that his existence is an eternal exist- ence, he does not say, before Abraham, I was, but ‘before Abraham, I am.’ For eter- The words above have taken place in the nal existence knows neither past nor future Temple, in or near the treasury (Jn 8:2, 20, time, but embraces all time in one indivisi- 59). In the bigger picture, this part of St. ble instant. Thus it could be said: ‘he who John’s Gospel is often called the “Book of is, sent me to you,’ and ‘I am who am’ (Ex Signs;” chapters 1 to 12. The signs from 3:14). Jesus had being both before Abra- that portion are the seven notable miracles ham and after him, and he could approach by the Messiah. Chapters 13 to 21 are him by showing himself in the present and known as the “Book of Glory;” this section be after him in the course of time. centers upon the suffering and exaltation The other point, according to Augustine, is of the God-man. that when speaking of Abraham, a crea- ture, he did not say, before Abraham was, With that background, here is Thomas but ‘before Abraham was made.’ Yet when (adapted from F. Larcher, trans., Saint speaking of himself, in order to show that Thomas Aquinas: Commentary on the he was not made as a creature is, but was Gospel of John, Chapters 1-8, pp. 486-7): eternally begotten from the essence of the “Because Christ had said that Abraham Father, he does not say, I came to be, but rejoiced that he was to see his day, the ‘I am’ he who ‘in the beginning was the Jews, having a carnal mind and consider- Word’ (Jn 1:1); ‘before the hills, I was ing only his physical age, ridiculed him brought forth’ (Prov 8:25).” and said, ‘you are not yet fifty years old.’ Indeed, he was not yet fifty years old, or Aquinas employs the Gospel of St. John to even forty, but closer to thirty: ‘and Jesus, refute the opponents of Christ’s Deity. This when he began his ministry, was about is a lesson for Biblical Apologetics today: thirty years of age’ (Lk 3:23). Thomas’ same arguments are still valid The Jews said, ‘you are not yet fifty years when addressing modern opponents such old,’ probably because they held the year as Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses. of Jubilee in the greatest reverence and

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www.sjbg.me The Magisterium Speaks: Pope Pius XI’s Bibliorum Scientiam: Timeless Directions for Today

Pope Pius XI (r. 1922-1939) issued an Firstly, Pius speaks of “how much the Apostolic Letter, motu proprio, named Church has always esteemed biblical Bibliorum Scientiam. This 1924 papal studies.” History has shown that his document, probably little known today, papal predecessors, and successors, conveys perennial guidance for Bible have manifested the same attitude and students in the Twenty-First Century. encouragement for the Divine Letters (a fact which justifies publishing a bul- The Holy Father explains in his open- letin such as Veritas Scripturae). Long ing paragraph: “From the beginnings of and deep study of God’s Word is one the Christian religion up to now, writ- of the best intellectual exercises, with ings that teach and defend the faith its attendant periods of contemplation, demonstrate particularly how much the that may be undertaken by a believer. Church has always esteemed biblical The Catholic Church approves of such studies. In fact, whatever we know of labors. God, of Christ the redeemer of the human race, of the innate constitution Secondly, the Vicar of Christ does not of the Church and of instruction about shy away from calling out the critics morality relies on and is supported by who attack “the authority of Sacred the sacred Books which are one of the Scripture itself and its immunity from sources, no less than unwritten tradi- error.” Pius confronts those outside the tion, of divine revelation. This is why fold who were attacking the power and the more biblical studies have flour- veracity of Holy Writ, but it was evident ished, so much the more has it been that the attacks came also from within necessary either to explain the truth or Holy Mother Church. Modernism was a refute deceptive errors brought with danger to the Catholic Faith at that great ill-will against the divinity of Christ time, as neo-Modernism is a danger to and the Church. When non-Catholics the Faith at this time. The Pope knew and rationalists advanced in their rash- of this threat; his own Holy Office ness and audacity up to the point of (today’s Sacred Congregation for the attacking the authority of Sacred Scrip- Doctrine of the Faith), less than six ture itself and its immunity from error, it months earlier, had to condemn a text, seemed to Us necessary that Catholics Manuel biblique ou Cours d’Écriture should descend into the arena well Sainte a l’usage des Séminaires — a supplied with a balanced erudition in purportedly Catholic work that found its order to defend the divine gift of heav- way into Catholic circles (see the 1923 enly Wisdom against the devices of letter, Iam Pluribus). false knowledge” Thirdly, the Holy Father says “Catholics The Supreme Pontiff’s text addresses should descend into the arena well both the doctrinal and the practical supplied with a balanced erudition.” spheres. His words could have been The Church Militant ought to train with uttered today; we still face the same prayer, humility, and charity. Such challenges. Here are three observa- preparation will undergird scholarship tions from the Apostolic Letter. that is reasonable and has depth.

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www.sjbg.me The Pontifical Biblical Commission: The Response of 1908, Part IV

Part I in the opening column on the Matters of philology (i.e., language and 1908 Response on Isaiah set down the style) are mentioned in Questions 4 actual document. Part II covered some and 5. In this light, much language and basics on the office of prophet. Part III style is common to both Isaiah 1—39 surveyed the main New Testament and 40—66. A crucial example is the passages that specifically name Isaiah. expression “Holy One of Israel,” spread Part IV, this closing column, will end over both parts; twelve times in Isaiah with some final considerations on the 1—39 (Is 1:4; 5:19, 24; 10:20; 12:6; Response. 17:7; 29:19; 30:11, 12, 15; 31:1; 37:23) and thirteen times in Isaiah 40—66 (Is The Response, recall, was formatted 41:14, 16, 20; 43:3, 14; 45:11; 47:4; into five questions. Questions 1 to 3 48:17; 49:7; 54:5; 55:5; 60:9, 14). The defends fulfilled prophecy, one of the phrase appears only five times in the “motives of credibility.” This adheres to rest of the Old Testament (Pss 71:22; Vatican I’s Dei Filius chapter 3 (1870), 78:41; 89:18; Jer 50:29; 51:5). Desig- about a generation earlier, which gave nations for Israel itself, found in both some particulars on the motives, when sections and unique to Isaiah, also it stated, in part, “in order that the sub- witness to a single author: “deaf” (Is mission of our faith be conformed to 29:18; 42:18), “blind” (Is 35:5; 42:16), reason, God willed that, joined to inter- “who forsake the LORD” (Is 1:28; 65:11), nal helps of the Holy Spirit, there be “ransomed of the LORD” (Is 35:10; 51: external proofs of His revelation, name- 11), and “work of my hands” (Is 29:23; ly divine acts, especially miracles and 60:21). More details are found in R. prophecies. Since these proofs splen- Margalioth’s The Indivisible Isaiah. didly display God’s omnipotence and infinite knowledge, they are most relia- In addition to the philological aspect, ble signs of revelation, and are adapted the Dead Sea Scrolls testify to a lone to the intelligence of all men” (J. Bro- writer for Isaiah. The “Isaiah Scroll,” derick, trans., Documents of Vatican perhaps the oldest complete copy of an Council I: 1869-1870, p. 43). The Bibli- Old Testament book, shows “chapter cal Commission, following the First 40 begins on the very last line of the Vatican Council, is refuting the error column which contains 38:9—39:8… known by the Latin phrase vaticinium the scribe was not conscious of the ex eventu: “prophesying from an out- alleged fact that an important change come.” This error states that rather of situation, involving an entire change than a true prediction, one has only a of authorship begins with chapter 40” prophecy placed on the lips of a narra- (O. Allis, The Unity of Isaiah, p. 40). tive figure after a real, subsequent event (cf. A. Patzia and A. Petrotta, Finally, the Isaian origin of the full work Pocket Dictionary of Biblical Studies, was the norm until the late 1700s. Both pp. 121-122). In other words, one has the Jewish and Christian testimonies predictions retrofitted back into the agree on this point of authorship. One book. This error undermines both the cannot ignore such a tradition (cf. E. writing, as well as the person, of Isaiah. Kissane, The Book of Isaiah II:xii).

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www.sjbg.me Addressing Bible Difficulties: Daniel 1:1

The book of Daniel is the last among Now, back to the passages of Daniel the four “major” prophets (following and ; their veracity the focus. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and ) in con- An apparent discrepancy arises from temporary Bible translations. Daniel the year of action by Nebuchadnezzar lived in the Sixth Century B.C., with the (or Nebuchadrezzar). Daniel 1:1 says Jewish exiles, in the locale of Babylo- “third” (Heb., shālôsh), while Jeremiah nia. He gives us an eyewitness record 46:2 reads “fourth” (Heb., hārevî‘îth). Is of this dispersion, and also sets down there a solution? future events (i.e., prophecy). There is an easy answer. R.K. Harrison Daniel opens: “In the third year of the states in his reliable Introduction to the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Neb- Old Testament: “This difference of one uchadnezzar king of Babylon came to year can be accounted for by the fact Jerusalem and besieged it” (Dan 1:1). that in Babylonia the year in which the Observe a related account from Jere- king ascended the throne was desig- miah 46:1-2: “The word of the LORD nated specifically as ‘the year of the which came to Jeremiah the prophet accession to the kingdom,’ and this concerning the nations. About Egypt. was followed by the first, second, and Concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, subsequent years of rule. In Palestine, king of Egypt, which was by the river on the other hand, there was no acces- Euphrates at Carchemish and which sion year as such, so that the length of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon de- rule was computed differently with the feated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim year of accession being regarded as the son of Josiah, king of Judah.” the first year of the particular reign. Daniel thus reckoned according to the Here is some background. Jehoiakim Babylonian system of chronology, while ruled Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Jeremiah followed the normal Palestini- a divided Israel, 609-597 B.C. Nebu- an pattern. Consequently, the third chadnezzar ruled Babylon 605-562 B.C. year of the Daniel-system of computa- He is known for his interventions into tion would be identical with the fourth Judea, especially 597 B.C. and 586 B.C. year in that employed by Jeremiah, an Daniel and Jeremiah are speaking explanation that removes the alleged above about an intrusion in 605 B.C., difficulty” (p. 1112). when Daniel was taken captive. Neco, 609 B.C. at Meggido, took the life of The precise year described by Daniel King Josiah. Neco put Jehoahaz on the 1:1 and Jeremiah 46:2 is likely 605 B.C. throne (3 mos.), then replaced him with Whatever the exact date, the main diffi- Jehoiakim. Before Daniel’s exile, the culty in these passages is alleviated Pharaoh in 605 B.C. lost his territory when the two different ways to render west of the river to the rising Babyloni- chronology in the Near East are taken ans (cf. E. Clendenen, et al., Holman into account. For further reading on this Illustrated Bible Commentary, p. 822 and other intricacies in the inspired text and J. MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible from Daniel, see Robert Dick Wilson’s Commentary, pp. 876, 947-950). Studies in the Book of Daniel.

Veritas Scripturae Page 9 Volume 6

www.sjbg.me The Biblical World: St. Peter the Apostle

The life of the man variously called after Pentecost (v. 11-26). “Simon” (Jn 1:42) or “Cephas” (1 Cor • Makes the first defense of Christianity 15:5) or “Peter” (Acts 1:13), within the before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5-12). pages of the New Testament, offers a • Administers the first ecclesiastical dis- fascinating study. He is one of the cipline (Acts 5:1-11). great personages from Sacred History. • Has his shadow sought for healing For a Catholic, most important is his (Acts 5:14-15). ecclesiastical office, not his person. • Besought for his intercessory prayer The Bible throws light on this role of St. by Simon the magician (Acts 8:14-24). Peter. • Heals a paralytic (Acts 9:32-35). • Raises one from the dead (Acts 9:36- One may begin with the three crucial 42). pericopes in the Gospels: Matthew • Ushers the first Gentiles into the 16:13-19; Luke 22:31-32; and John Church (Acts 10:9-48). 21:15-19. The Matthean texts disclose • Defends the Gentiles before the party the name change which indicates a of circumcision (Acts 11:1-18). raising in status, an establishment of a • Undergoes an imprisonment which foundation for the Catholic Church as results in earnest prayers by the the New Israel, and an explicit authority Church (Acts 12:1-11). connected to this calling. The Lukan • Leads and guides the debates at the verses single out St. Peter from among first council (Acts 15:1-21). the Twelve to reinforce papal primacy. The Johanian section is a threefold Rounding out the survey of the papal confirmation which makes amends for office in Acts, recall St. Paul verified his a painful threefold denial earlier in John Gospel message with St. Peter (Gal 18:15-27. A notable treatment of the 1:18; 2:1-2). This historical fact cannot pericopes is found in S. Butler, et al., be ignored by non-Catholics. In addi- Jesus, Peter & the Keys: A Scriptural tion, one must not overlook the two Handbook on the Papacy. inspired epistles from the “Chief of the Apostles”: 1 and 2 Peter. The eight Moving forward to the book of Acts, it chapters comprising the two books are becomes evident why St. Peter is required reading for every Christian. called the “Prince of the Apostles.” The inspired tome offers this survey about In view of St. Peter’s pedigree in the the inaugural Roman Pontiff: Bible, Msgr. Charles Journet declares: • Insists on a replacement for Judas “As far as jurisdiction is concerned, the (Acts 1:15-26). apostles are legates of Christ, to use • Preaches the first sermon after Pen- an expression of Saint Paul, for the tecost (Acts 2:14-36). carrying out of Christ’s plan, the found- • Guides the first converts into the ing of local churches and the incorpora- Church via baptism (Acts 2:37-42). tion of these in the universal Church; • Performs the first miracle credited by Peter alone is the vicar of Christ and name to a specific Apostle (Acts 3:1- possesses supreme jurisdictional au- 10) and then gives the second sermon thority” (The Primacy of Peter, p. 60).

Veritas Scripturae Page 10 Volume 6

www.sjbg.me The Life of Christ: The Parables of the Savior

Fr. W. Russell writes on the Redeemer: • Old and new garments (Mt 9:16 / Mk “He saw possible comparisons and 2:21 / Lk 5:36). analogies between natural things • Old and new wineskins (Mt 9:17 / Mk around Him and the supernatural truths 2:22 / Lk 5:37-39). • The sower (Mt 13:3-23 / Mk 4:2-20 / Lk which He came to teach. These para- 8:4-15). bles are a true picture of Galilean life • The wheat and tares (Mt 13:24-30, 36- as He saw it day by day. He wove the- 43). se natural scenes into stories, parables • The mustard seed (Mt 13:31-32 / Mk 4:30 which illustrated what He wanted to -32 / Lk 13:18-19). teach. Hence a parable is a mode of • The leaven (Mt 13:33 / Lk 13:20-21). instruction… It is an invitation to think, • The hidden treasure (Mt 13:44). to reflect, and to seek for further infor- • The pearl of great price (Mt 13:45-46). mation” (Christ the Leader, pp. 185- • The dragnet (Mt 13:47-50). 186). • The lost sheep (Mt 18:10-14 / Lk 15:3-7). • The unforgiving servant (Mt 18:23-35). • The laborers in the vineyard (Mt 20:1-16). The Greek term parabolē, connected to • The two sons (Mt 21:28-32). the Hebrew word māšāl, appears al- • The wicked vinedressers (Mt 21:33-46 / most 50 times in the Gospels. Some Mk 12:1-12 / Lk 20:9-18). classify the parables as dogmatic, mor- • The wedding feast (Mt 22:1-14). al, and prophetical. Others classify via • The fig tree (Mt 24:32-35 / Mk 13:28-31 / the “kingdom of God” theme per its Lk 21:29-33). nature, members, and duties (cf. J. • The thief (Mt 24:43-44 / Lk 12:39-40). Steinmueller and K. Sullivan, Catholic • The two stewards (Mt 24:45-51 / Lk 12:42 Biblical Encyclopedia: Old and New -48). Testaments, pp. 476-479). Whatever • The ten virgins (Mt 25:1-13). • The talents (Mt 25:14-30). the grouping, such stories set into the • The growing seed (Mk 4:26-29). minds of the Apostles certain spiritual • The watchful servants (Mk 13:32-37 / Lk and moral truths, while hiding from the 12:35-38). Master’s enemies the exact content of • The creditor and two debtors (Lk 7:41- His teachings (cf. I. O’Brien, The Life of 43). Christ, p. 286). • The good Samaritan (Lk 10:30-37). • The friend at midnight (Lk 11:5-10). The number of parables and their par- • The rich fool (Lk 12:16-21). allel occurrences are uncertain. The • The barren fig tree (Lk 13:6-9). following list is adapted from Nelson’s • The great banquet (Lk 14:15-24). • The building of a tower (Lk 14:28-30). Complete Book of Bible Maps and • The king going to war (Lk 14:31-32). Charts, p. 287: • The lost coin (Lk 15:8-10). • The salt losing its savor (Mt 5:13 / Mk • The lost son (Lk 15:11-32). 9:49-50 / Lk 14:34-35). • The unjust steward (Lk 16:1-13). • A lamp under a basket (Mt 5:14-16 / Mk • The rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31). 4:21-22 / Lk 8:16-17; 11:33-36). • The unprofitable servants (Lk 17:7-10). • The son who asks his father (Mt 7:9-11 / • The persistent widow (Lk 18:1-8). Lk 11:11-13). • The Pharisee and publican (Lk 18:9-14). • The wise and the foolish (Mt 7:24-27 / Lk • The pounds (Lk 19:11-27). 6:46-49).

Veritas Scripturae Page 11 Volume 6

www.sjbg.me Book Recommendation (out-of-print): The Virgin Birth: An Evaluation of Scriptural Evidence

Manuel Miguens, O.F.M. The Virgin “the general framework of the first two chap- Birth: An Evaluation of Scriptural Evi- ters in both Mt and Lk shows that there is a historical dimension to their infancy narra- dence. Boston: Daughters of St. Paul, tives. This historical dimension, however, 1981, second edition, 204 pp. goes beyond the general (and external) framework. In point of fact, these narratives Fr. Miguens earned doctorates in both deal with Jesus, Mary and , who are Theology and Scripture. His graduate persons perfectly identifiable at this period of work took him to Rome, Jerusalem, history by sources other than the infancy nar- and Louvain. This loyal Franciscan was ratives. The same thing applies to the case of John the Baptizer. The birth of Jesus in at home in English, French, German, Bethlehem is well established on very early Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Latin, post-biblical evidence. That Jesus and Mary Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Syriac. are related as son and mother rests on the Miguens published scholarly works in basis of the entire Christian records outside multiple languages, and was a compe- these narratives. The same tradition is wit- tent and experienced teacher. ness to the fact that Jesus and Joseph (and Mary) were related to each other within a family structure. That Jesus was raised and Such qualifications fortify The Virgin lived in Nazareth as in ‘his home town’ is Birth. Miguens analyzes the New Tes- commonplace in the fourfold Gospel tradition tament on historical grounds — to es- of Christ’s ministry; and that Nazareth is in tablish the beliefs of both the Evange- Galilee is perfectly correct. That Bethlehem lists and their apostolic community, was associated with and his family is a concerning Our Lord’s miraculous birth solid datum of Old Testament history; as it is geographically true that Nazareth is in Gali- and His divine son-ship. Both truths are lee. The distinction itself between Judea and allied to each other. Galilee is accurate. Particularly striking is that in Mt 1:22f the text of Is 7:14 is quoted in Miguens addresses several areas with- extenso as a sort of scriptural evidence of in the New Covenant writings which are the episode; now in Is 7:14 it says that the germane to his tome. He looks at St. name of the ‘virgin’s’ child is Emmanuel — Mark’s treatment of fatherhood with re- but, oddly enough, Mary’s child is called Je- sus, as historical truth demanded. That a boy spect to Jesus, in light of His mother went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem when he (pp. 7-22). The same is handled in St. was 12 (Lk 2:42) is in perfect agreement with John (pp. 33-39), with consideration the customary law of the time. The assump- outside his Gospel (pp. 39-43). Here, tion that the missing Jesus could be in the the city of David also comes into view travelling group of pilgrims (Lk 2:43f) also (pp. 28-33). The bearing of St. Paul on corresponds to the usages of the time” (pp. the topic is given attention as well (pp. 115-116). 44-53). An appendix contains Miguens’ replies Of course, Ss. Matthew and Luke are to critics of the book’s first edition. It is two objects of investigation in this kind a true pleasure to read his scholarly of book. In defense of the veracity of responses: logical, faithful, devoid of the opening sections in the Matthean timidity, with no overbearing attitude. The Virgin Birth and Lukan Gospels, Miguens, in a typi- Used copies of may be found at bookfinder.com. cal extract, writes in part:

Veritas Scripturae Page 12 Volume 6

www.sjbg.me Book Recommendation (in-print): Bible Basics for Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History

John Bergsma. Bible Basics for Catho- One more extract. Explaining the Last lics: A New Picture of Salvation History. Supper in view of Luke 22:7-8, 14-20, Notre Dame: Ave Maria, 2012, 184 pp. Bergsma says: “This is one of the most important events in human history. We This book is a readable and substantial are moving from the Old Covenant introduction to Holy Scripture in under (Mosaic) to the New Covenant. There 200 pages. Dr. John Bergsma, a world are two major connections to the Old class scholar, targets the beginner. In Covenant: First, it’s Passover time, and the process, he has composed a text Jesus is celebrating the Passover. The that is also valuable for the advanced Passover was, in may ways, the big- student. gest holiday and the main sacrifice of the Old Covenant. Second, Jesus re- A strength of Bible Basics for Catholics fers to the sacrifices at Sinai when Mo- is the ability to point out interesting ses confirmed the Old Covenant with facts that are easily overlooked within the people of Israel. At the foot of Sinai, Holy Writ. An example: “In the course sprinkled the blood of the lambs of the Bible, God makes at least six on God’s altar and on the people, say- major covenants with the men I men- ing, ‘Look! The blood of the covenant!’ tioned above: , , Abraham, (Ex 24:8). Jesus says something simi- Moses, David, and Jesus. Years ago, lar, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my when I was first teaching the Bible’s blood.’ Once more, it’s the blood of the story line — which we call “salvation covenant, only this time it’s ‘my’ blood history” — I was looking for ways to and the covenant is ‘new.’ What Jesus simplify and visualize this pattern of is doing here on Mount Zion with the covenants. Looking for what they all Twelve Apostles is every bit as signifi- had in common, I noticed that each of cant as what Moses was doing at the six covenants was made on a Mount Sinai with the Twelve Tribes. mountaintop, that is, the ritual or cere- The covenant relationship with God is mony for each took place on top of a being completely remade” (p. 141, ital- mountain” (p. 6, italics in original). Such ics in original). keen remarks are found throughout the text. The book could use a Scriptural index. A better footnote/endnote format would The Sacred Page is complex at times. also improve the work (the endnotes Bible Basics for Catholics uses charts, are enlightening, it is only their layout pictures, and fitting Bible quotations that could use enhancement). from the Old and New Testaments to unravel God’s Word. Bergsma shows Here and there, the field of Catholic how the covenants in Scripture form a Biblical Studies produces small but unified whole, which in the opinion of weighty resources. One such book, many, is the best way to read Sacred worthy of multiple re-readings in order History (also called “Salvation History”). to grasp all its insights, is Bible Basics The explanation of key Old Testament for Catholics. It deserves a place in events is one of the book’s fine merits. every Catholic home.

Veritas Scripturae Page 13 Volume 6

www.sjbg.me A.M.D.G. J.M.J. The St. Jerome Biblical Guild is an educational apostolate that explains and defends Sacred Scripture via Tradition and the “You shall love the Lord your God with all your Magisterium of the Catholic Church. The apostolate takes its heart, and with all your soul, and with all your name from St. Jerome, “The Father of Biblical Studies,” and mind” (Mt 22:37). labors by God’s grace to accomplish the following: (1) explain the various Bible study tools and academic resources; for indi- “Jesus said to them, ‘Is not this why you are vidual research or study groups, (2) present studies from wrong, that you know neither the Scriptures Scripture on specific books such as the Gospel of St. Luke, or nor the power of God?’” (Mk 12:24). general themes such as the Biblical roots of home-schooling, (3) promote the classic exegetical methods and insights found “And beginning with Moses and all the Proph- within Tradition; with attention to the Church Fathers and St. ets, He [Christ] interpreted to them in all the Thomas Aquinas, and (4) defend the Magisterial doctrines of Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Lk Biblical inspiration and inerrancy; the latter the main focus of 24:27). the apostolate. The Guild places itself under the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. As well, the Guild “Now Jesus did many other signs in the pres- seeks the intercession of St. Jean-Marie Vianney and St. Thé- ence of the disciples, which are not written in rèse of Lisieux for favors and protection. In all things, the this book; but these are written that you may apostolate seeks the greater glory of God (cf. 1 Chr 28:9; Ps believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of 37:5; Jer 9:23-24; Jn 15:5; Col 3:17; Jas 4:13-15). God, and that believing you may have life in + + + His name” (Jn 20:30-31). Mr. Salvatore J. Ciresi, founder and director of the St. Jerome Biblical Guild, served two tours in the U.S. Marine Corps and is now employed in the aviation sector. He earned his M.A. in Theological Studies, with a Scripture concentration, from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, where www.sjbg.me he serves on the faculty. His other ecclesiastical activities in- clude past co-host of ‘Cross Talk,’ a Catholic radio program in To subscribe (no charge or obligation) to Virginia; a contributor on behalf of the Arlington Diocese to the Veritas Scripturae, send your name and e- 2005 revision to the National Catechetical Directory; a former mail address to [email protected]. Please board member for a private Catholic school; a past columnist type “VS subscription” in the subject line. for the Arlington Catholic Herald; and a contributor to The Latin Mass: The Journal of Catholic Culture and Tradition. Mr. Ciresi resides with his wife and children in Virginia.

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