The Tradition of Scripture in Catholicism

It always amazes me when people question the use of the Bible in Roman Catholicism, because almost every tradition and custom is supported by scripture. Many of them even came about as a direct response to the Word of God.

Scripture at Mass

The Mass incorporates scripture throughout. Readings from the Old Testament, Book of Psalms, and New Testament are read and discussed in the priest's homily. A gospel reading is mandatory at every Mass. These readings are called Liturgy of the Word, referring to the Bible. We also have Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass. This tradition is taken directly from the Bible, and it is where Roman Catholics focus on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Liturgy of the Eucharist was first instituted by Christ at the Last Supper. This event is well documented in scripture.

Scripture in the Rosary

The rosary also has ties with scripture. All of its mysteries can be found in the gospels of the Bible. The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary include: Annunciation, Visitation, Birth of Jesus, Presentation, Finding Jesus in the Temple. Meditations for each of these mysteries can be found in the Gospel of Luke.

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary include: Agony in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar, Crowning with Thorns, Carrying the Cross, Crucifixion. The Gospel of Mark, chapter 15 has meditations for these mysteries.

The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary include: Jesus' Baptism, Wedding at Cana, Call to Conversion, Transfiguration, Institution of the Eucharist (also known as the Last Supper). They focus on the physical ministry of Jesus, which can be found throughout the gospels.

The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary include: The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Descent of the Holy Spirit, The Assumption of Mary, Mary Crowned as Queen of heaven and earth. These mysteries are found in the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles.

Scripture in the Sacraments

The 7 sacraments of Roman Catholicism are also found in scripture. Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation (Descent of the Holy Spirit), Matrimony, Holy Orders (the call to religious life), Eucharist (receiving Holy Communion), Anointing the Sick have been well documented and substantiated by scripture throughout the New Testament.

Scripture in the Community

Roman Catholics are encouraged to love their neighbors, give alms to the poor, follow the Ten Commandments, reflect the Beatitudes in our behavior, refrain from judging others, and represent our faith in thought, word, and deed. All of these things came from the very Word of God, the Holy Bible.

The true strength of scripture isn't found in being able to ramble it off on command. Scripture is strong when it gets incorporated into the very fiber of the faith, infiltrating every aspect of it, so that it nourishes and grows throughout the community of believers. Roman Catholicism stands strong in scripture because without it, there would be no traditions, customs, or sacraments. Without it, there would be no reason to have faith in its teachings at all.