June 2026 (All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.)

Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reflections:

2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches that all Scripture is inspired by God. Although it was written by human authors, its true source is divine. Because of this, Scripture is trustworthy and authoritative, and it is useful for guiding believers in their faith and daily lives.

The main purpose of Scripture is to prepare and equip God’s people for every good work. It helps believers grow spiritually and live in a way that honours God. Scripture is practical, reliable, and essential for Christian maturity.

The passage highlights four ways Scripture helps us:

1. Teaching

   Scripture teaches us what is true, helps us understand God’s will, and forms sound beliefs. As St. Francis de Sales reminds us, everything we have comes from God and should be used generously, especially in helping the poor.

   
   

2. Rebuking (Reproof)

   Scripture reveals what is wrong in our lives and calls us to recognize and turn away from sin. Saint Peter reminds us that holding back what belongs to others is unjust and displeasing to God.

   
   

3. Correcting

   When we go off the right path, Scripture guides us back. Saint Peter Chrysologus teaches that true instruction comes not only from words, but from living out what we teach through our actions.

   
   

4. Training in Righteousness

   Scripture shapes us to live holy and upright lives. Padre Pio encourages believers to rise again after falling into sin, trusting in God’s mercy and continuing to grow in faith.

Ultimately, Scripture makes God’s people complete and fully prepared to do the good works God calls them to do.

Context with Tradition and the Church:

From the Catholic perspective, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms the divine inspiration and great value of Scripture but does not teach that Scripture is the sole or sufficient rule of faith (a position known as sola scriptura in Protestantism). Instead, it is understood within the broader context of Sacred Tradition and the teaching authority of the Church (the Magisterium). 

Therefore, while the verse affirms Scripture's importance for teaching, reproof, correction, and training, it must be understood within the context of the Church, which has been entrusted with safeguarding and interpreting God's revealed truth.

In summary, for Catholics, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 underlines the profound divine origin and indispensable value of the Bible as a source of truth, but within a holistic framework that includes Sacred Tradition and the teaching authority of the Church. 

Discussion Questions: 

1. In what ways is Scripture useful for "teaching, reproof, correction, and training" in your own life as CFCA?

2. How does regular engagement with the Bible help you prepare for the challenges of living a godly life in today's world? Can you think of an example where it taught, corrected, or trained you in righteousness?

How can we apply these lessons of Scripture in a way that is consistent with the Sacred Tradition and Church's teaching?