The significance of discovering the ACTUALIZATION and INCULTURATION in the Bible's Interpretation, according to the instructions of the Pontifical Biblical Commission (PBC) (1), keeps Christians in true Faith of the Catholic. Given the importance of these documents, I humbly suggest that the writings be presented in small sections, with attached examples. Hope that it will remain fruitful for a few Christians.
Part I: ACTUALIZATION
1. The principles for actualizing the Holy Bible.
Read HERE
2. Methods for Actualization in Bible's Interpretation
PBC's instructions emphasize the significance of methods of actualization for Biblical exegetes because those methods "can shed light upon many current issues" arising from the real-life of the people of God. After reading the Holy Bible, many Christians wonder about the meaning or message they read or hear every day. Finding one or more common points between the Holy Bible and their own lives is a familiar practice for many people. However, have we ever taken a moment to wonder: Is my understanding of the Holy Bible appropriate to the Church's teachings? Surely, there are many replies: This isn’t something I pay much attention to!.
PBC shows many methods, but I think that some of them are fruitful for laypeople's practice during their religious life:
(1) "Actualization presupposes a correct exegesis of the text, part of which is the determining of its literal sense." Yet lay people often do not have opportunities to discover the specific senses of the Holy Bible, so they often need explanations from bishops or priests through homilies at Mass or Holy Bible classes at parishes or dioceses. Laymen and laywomen have the right to ask and clarify ambiguous points in the Holy Bible, not asking in a confrontational or challenging way, but asking with a humble, seeking-to-understand attitude.
(2) The actualization process occurs, in an exact method, in relation to Christ and Church mysteries. In Part I, as mentioned, the New Testament fulfills the Old Testament, so it is really necessary to read the Holy Bible "in the interpretation of Scripture by Scripture" way. It is not hard to find examples of people who use the Old Testament only to promote political overtones rather than explanations that connect to Christ as the ideal leader of the Kingdom of God and of the Church. While the Holy Bible does not strictly teach politics, this misunderstanding leads to negative attitudes toward it for its political teachings. The actualization of the Holy Bible's interpretation, PBC re-states again, is not in this negative manner.
(3) Three steps are mentioned for laypeople to practice in normal life:
+ First, listen attentively and prayerfully to the Word of the Lord as it applies to your personal circumstances. This contemplative approach fosters a receptive heart, open to God's guidance in everyday life.
+ Second, seek to understand the concrete contexts and meanings presented in the biblical text. This intellectual engagement involves clarifying the original message, its context, and its relevance for today.
+ Finally, demonstrate clearly how the fruitfulness of the Holy Bible can be manifested in tangible actions and attitudes. Strive to adapt these insights to daily living in a manner that is both productive and aligned with the saving will of God in Christ, drawing from both prayerful contemplation and thoughtful discernment.
According to those methods, the actualization process is not limited to the old senses but also encompasses modern issues such as "the rights of the human person, the protection of human life, the preservation of nature, the longing for world peace" in the light of the Holy Bible.
Author: Little Stream
Photo: Moon
Note:
(1) https://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/PBC_Interp-FullText.htm#Sec3
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