Assessment

Written Papers + Project

Module Aims

This module deepens theological and practical engagement with the diverse roles of the biblical canon as sacred Scripture across Christian traditions, examining how the Word of God is proclaimed, interpreted, and embodied in personal, communal, and liturgical contexts. Its primary aims are (1) to enable learners to critically analyse the theological, liturgical, and hermeneutical frameworks that shape the hearing and reception of Scripture, and (2) to evaluate and integrate theological understandings of Scripture as the living Word of God within contemporary ecclesial and pastoral settings. Particular attention is given to lectio divina as a theological and spiritual methodology, and to the dynamics of transformative encounter with Scripture that form and sustain communities of faith.

Learning Outcomes

• — Evaluate diverse theological understandings of Scripture and assess how these inform transformative approaches to reading and interpretation.
• — Engage in and theologically reflect upon the practice of lectio divina, articulating insights arising from personal and communal experience and communicate those insights appropriately with others.
• — Differentiate and evaluate the principles informing the use of Scripture across diverse ecclesiological traditions.
• — Interpret scriptural lections within their liturgical context.
• — Design and prepare a celebration of the Word of God that is appropriate to a specified liturgical or pastoral context.
• — Critically and theologically reflect on the contemporary relevance of the Word of God for personal faith and community life.

Bibliography

• — Marco Benini, Liturgical Hermeneutics of Sacred Scripture (translated by Brian McNeil, Washington DC: CUA Press, 2023.
• — Normand Bonneau, Preparing the Table of the Word. Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, 1997.
• — Normand Bonneau, The Sunday Lectionary: Ritual Word, Paschal Shape. Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, 1998.
• — Michel De Verteuil. Lectio Divina with the Sunday Gospels: Year of Luke -Year C. Dublin: The Columba Press, 2004.
• — Wilda C. Gafney, A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church. A Multi-Gospel Single-Year Lectionary. New York NY: Church Publishing, 2021.
• — Gordon Jeanes and Bridget Nichols (Eds), Lively Oracles of God: Perspectives on the Bible and Liturgy. Collegeville MN:Liturgical Academic Press, 2022.
• — Pontifical Biblical Commission, The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church. Sherbrooke QC: Editiones Paulines, 1994.
• — Victoria Raymer, The Bible in Worship: Proclamation, Encounter and Response. London: SCM Press, 2018.
• — Fritz West, Scripture and Memory: The Ecumenical Hermeneutic of the Three-Year Lectionaries. Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, 1997.
• — Second Vatican Council. “Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation: Dei Verbum.” In Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Post-Conciliar Documents, edited by Austin Flannery, 47-75. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1975.
• — Benedict XVI. Verbum Domini: Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church. 30 September 2010. Vatican.