3 – Scripture: Dei Verbum – Wisdom & Beauty of Vatican II – Dcn Edward Walker
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Ave Maria!
In this 3rd talk on the Beauty and Wisdom of Vatican II, Deacon Ed Walker explores Dei Verbum, emphasizing the Catholic Church's understanding of divine revelation through scripture and tradition, guided by the Magisterium.
He delves into Dei Verbum, a pivotal document from the Second Vatican Council, promulgated on November 18, 1965, which articulates the Catholic Church’s understanding of divine revelation (DV 1). He explains that God reveals Himself through sacred scripture and sacred tradition, which together form a single deposit of faith entrusted to the Church (DV 10). This revelation, culminating in Jesus Christ as the mediator and fullness of all revelation, invites humanity into a living relationship with Him (DV 2). Dcn. Ed emphasizes the Magisterium’s role, noting, “The Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant” (DV 10), ensuring faithful interpretation across generations. He discusses the document’s encouragement of historical-critical methods for interpreting scripture, which must consider the context and unity of the Bible, as well as the Church’s tradition (DV 12). This approach has led to renewed biblical scholarship and increased Bible studies, such as those from the Augustinian Institute. He also addresses the Old Testament’s role in preparing for Christ and the New Testament’s preeminence, especially the Gospels (DV 17-18). He highlights St. Jerome’s quote, “Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ,” underscoring the call for Catholics to engage deeply with scripture (DV 25). Additionally, he touches on practical concerns, like participating in non-Catholic Bible studies, advising that a well-catechized Catholic can engage fruitfully but must be cautious of differing interpretations (CCC 112). Dei Verbum has enriched liturgical life by expanding Old Testament readings and fostering ecumenical dialogue (DV 22).
Handout: https://airmaria.s3.amazonaws.com/conf/conf0643_Beauty-of-Vat-II_Handout_2025.pdf
For Further Reading
Dei Verbum - Vatican II Document - On Divine Revelation - https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html
Paragraphs referenced from this document:
DV 1 - Church’s divine revelation understanding
DV 2 - Christ as revelation’s fullness
DV 10 - Single deposit of faith
DV 12 - Contextual scripture interpretation
DV 17 - New Testament’s preeminent role
DV 18 - Apostolic transmission of teachings
DV 22 - Scripture in ecumenical dialogue
DV 25 - Encouraging diligent scripture study
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Sacred Scripture #101-141 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s1c2a3.htm
Catholic Answers - Dei Verbum - Synoptic Gospels - https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/dei-verbum-and-the-synoptic-gospels
Vatican I - Dei Filius - On Faith and Revelation - https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/dogmatic-constitution-on-the-catholic-faith-1462
00:00 - Opening Prayer to Holy Spirit, Trust in Church
01:15 - Questions: Communion, Collegiality, Cultural Adaptations
06:00 - Dei Verbum Overview
07:30 - Scripture and Tradition Unity
09:00 - Magisterium’s Servant Role
11:00 - Biblical Interpretation
13:30 - Old and New Testament
15:00 - Impact on Catholic Life
Recommended Books
The Word on Fire Vatican II Collection: Constitutions - https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/vatican-ii
The Second Vatican Council - The Four Constitutions - https://ignatius.com/the-second-vatican-council-9svcp/
The Word of God at Vatican II - Exploring Dei Verbum - https://litpress.org/Products/3556/The-Word-of-God-at-Vatican-II
Keys to the Council - Unlocking the Teaching of Vatican II - https://litpress.org/Products/E3424/Keys-to-the-Council
All the Vatican II documents: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/index.htm
Playlist for this Vatican II series with 4 talks and one homily: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLejh_e0-LN4yhASgRT7msLh4_vV-Cldv4
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