The word “inspiration” is derived from the Latin word inspiratus which means “breathed into”. When we speak of the Bible as inspired, it refers to the fact that God influenced the human authors of the Sacred Scriptures in such a way that they wrote the Word of God. Hence the fundamental conviction of the Catholic Church is that the Scriptures, in all their parts, are inspired by God, in such a way that God is truly the author.
This can be understood in the words of Paul in his second letter to Timothy: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Thus, inspiration is an affirmation of the Divine Authorship of the Bible. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is therefore authoritative and is sufficient for teaching us how to be in right relationship with God. St. Peter in his second letter affirms this: “…you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
We believe that God is the author of the Scriptures. However, we must understand that He used men with their distinctive personalities and writing styles and the distinctive communities to whom they wrote. This is the reason why there are differences in the Gospel, written by different human authors.
Let us not set aside the Bible as a mere storybook. Rather let us give due respect and honor to The Word of God and use it on all occasions of our life. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts upon them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock…” (Matthew 7:24).
God Bless you,
Fr. Arul Joseph V.
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