Most Catholics only hear the Bible interpreted by men—priests and deacons—in the context of Sunday Mass. Jaime Waters, an associate Professor of Old Testament at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, believes that is a disadvantage for the whole church. For the past three years, Dr. Waters has written America Media’s The Word column, which breaks open the Sunday Scriptures every week. She joins Gloria Purvis to discuss the importance of biblical scholarship and interpretation from the perspective of women.
Looking to Advent, they discuss the “O Antiphons,” seven short verses inspired by Scripture and sung in the church during Advent from Dec. 17 to Dec. 23. The antiphons give voice to a people’s longing for the coming Jesus into the world in a very special way. Dr. Waters argues that while reading and analyzing a text is important, singing in a prayerful state can be even more impactful on the believer and community.