Thoughts from CA Schneider

As stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4: 1), the Apostles have the commission of drawing the attention of believers to the revelations of God. Human beings are incapable of recognising God on their own. All that we can know about God is what He reveals to us.

God revealed Himself to humankind in a progressive manner. First, He made Himself known as the Creator, then as Lord in the history of Israel. The incarnation of God in Jesus Christ is the revelation of God that surpasses all previous revelations. On Pentecost, God sent His Holy Spirit in order to reveal additional knowledge about Himself and His plan of salvation. The Holy Spirit is also at work today, especially through the apostolate, namely in the proper dispensation of the sacraments and the proper proclamation of the word of God. At the return of Christ, God will reveal Himself in perfect measure to those who will be caught up to Him: they will see Him as He is (1 John 3: 2).

In Holy Scripture, the revelations of God are attested by human beings who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The authors of the biblical books used their language and knowledge in order to impart that which the Holy Spirit had revealed to them. In this context, let us remember that many of these texts were written long after the events to which they refer. The accounts of creation came into being long after the events of which they relate. And it is no different with the story of the great flood. The gospels were likewise written long after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ (Luke 1: 1–4; CNAC 1.2.4.1).

It is only with the assistance of the Holy Spirit that readers of the Bible are able to recognise the divine will in these texts written by human beings. The Apostles in particular—under the guidance of the Holy Spirit—have the mandate to interpret Holy Scripture in a binding and authoritative manner for faith, in order to recognise and reveal the divine will.