the believer “is bound by a grave obligation . . . ever more adequately to understand the truth received from Christ, faithfully to proclaim it, and vigorously to defend it” (DH 14). Although the truths of faith go beyond human understanding, this does not excuse us from studying its basic principles, from knowing what divine Revelation and Church doctrine teach.
“Learning”—writes St. Teresa of Jesus—“ is a great thing, because learned men teach and enlighten us who know little; and when brought before the truths of sacred Scripture, we do what we ought. May God deliver us from foolish devotions!” (Life 13: 16). We must have an illuminated faith, so we may understand the truths we believe.
Therefore we must know and study and meditate upon the divine Scriptures which “the Church has always regarded, and will ever regard. . . as the supreme rule of faith; inspired by God. . . they impart the word of God himself without change” (DV 21). The sacred text contains all that God has revealed of himself to men, and all that has to do with our eternal salvation. The word of God contains in itself a very particular grace for nourishing faith: it is its light, its source, its guide, and its support.
The Church therefore exhorts her children to come “freely” to her, ever mindful “that prayer should accompany the reading of sacred Scripture, so that God and man may talk together, for ‘we speak to him when we pray, we hear him when we read the divine sayings’ ” (DV 25). May the prayer that accompanies our reading be especially, “Lord, increase our faith!”
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