How to quote and apply this quote to today's context and its historical context?

When we write essays, we often have to quote famous people or facts that support our arguments. 

In RE, we often have to quote from the bible, encyclicals and catechism. How would you do this and then apply the quote in different situations?

Let's take this verse as an example:

"Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless. If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. If you take your neighbour’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset."

--Exodus 22:20-26 NIV 

What does Exodus 22: 20-26 mean?

"Exodus" is the name of the book in the Bible. The bible is a collection of 66 books and they all have names. Each book is divided into chapters and the chapters are numbered. After the colon (:) the numbers refer to verses (or the numbered sections/ sentences) in each chapter. Think of this like an address. Because the bible is such a large collection of books, naming the verses like this help readers to find a verse quickly. Your teacher will say, "Turn to Exodus (look at the first few pages of the bible to find the page number), chapter 22, verses 20 to 26." 

What does NIV mean?

There are many versions of the bible written in almost 700 languages. You can easily find a bible in your own language online. The bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek and has been translated by many groups of scholars. Each translation has different names; NIV is the New International Version. Catholics have a Catholic Bible. A simple English version to read is the Good News Bible. Most of the time the difference between translations is slight and the main message is the same.

How would you apply this to today's context?

If you follow everything the verse says word for word, you are using a literal application of the bible. 

Another way is to look for moral principles that the verse points out and apply those principles today.

Another way a metaphorical reading of the next. This means the text is a type or picture showing an important relationship or characteristic. Sometimes, we read verses in all three ways and other times one way of reading is most suitable.

This verse shows that God cares for those who are in need (neglected), less powerful (vulnerable), ignored (marginalised) and poor. We are not to take advantage of the "foreigner", "widow", "fatherless" and"needy", otherwise God will be angry when they cry out to him and our love ones can be in the same situation as them. The verse tells us not to treat those in need like a business transaction and try to make a profit from their painful and difficult situations. This verse shows us that God is a loving, kind, caring and compassionate God and we need to have God's character and act to help those in need. Catholics apply this verse through the "Catholic Social Teaching" under Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.

How would you apply this to its historical context?

The historical context is important because the bible was written for an audience, living in many locations and time periods from about 1200 BC to the 1st century AD.  This is quite amazing because the message of the bible is consistent over time and space. It is important to first discover how verses applied to its original readers or listeners before we apply it to today's context because the message of is usually the same even today.

This part of the bible was written when the Hebrew's escaped with God's help from the Egyptians and were roaming in the desert. This verse is part of the Law that Moses gave his people, challenging them to obey this verse as part of a "covenant" relationship with God. (a relationship based on promises). Because the Hebrews had been oppressed slaves and unjustly treated by Egyptians when God rescued them. They should understand how it feels like. Moreover, during Ancient times roughly Shang Dynasty or Vedic Period, people may have cared for aliens, orphans, widows or the poor but this verse shows that this is made into laws given by God. God, himself, participates in defending them. If this verse was obeyed it would make Hebrew society as a whole kind and compassionate.  

Use the same technique to use and apply quotes from encyclicals and catechisms.