"We Catholics must have knowledge of Sacred Scripture."James ProthroThe Bible is a book that we must bring to life"."The Bible is to be our main prayer book."We spoke with Sonia Ortega, professor of Sacred Scripture at the University of San Dámaso. She also teaches Bible courses in parishes and religious congregations. Sonia dedicates her life to biblical research and outreach, but she has also started with her husband and daughters a Catholic mission in Liberia, called "In Mary 's Hands". There they offer health care and prison accompaniment; they help the inhabitants of the garbage dump and junkyards of the Ghettos of Monrovia, many of them affected by the consumption of "kush", a drug on the rise in Africa; they also provide health care in the "Voice of America" refugee camp, homes for the sick and orphanages.
How did you end up as a teacher of Sacred Scripture?
- I studied theology, but I never intended to be a teacher. In fact, when I was offered the chance to teach, I literally ran away for a year. I didn't see myself in that role. But you know how God is: He leads us down unexpected paths. Finally, because of the needs of the university, I was offered to teach at San Damaso, and I agreed.
It is true that I already had experience forming groups in parishes and in religious life, but I had never imagined myself in front of a classroom teaching Sacred Scripture. However, when I entered, I discovered the beauty of sharing the Word of God with others, and I stayed.
For an ordinary Christian, why is it important to read the Bible and be trained in Sacred Scripture?
- For no one loves what he does not know. Faith is not only feeling; it is also reason and knowledge. We are body, soul and spirit, and we need to respond to God with all that we are.
We live in a world that constantly asks us for reasons for our faith. And when you study Scripture, you realize that it illuminates all the realities of your life. It is a broadening of mind, soul and heart. It fills you with joy because you discover that God speaks directly into your life.
What do we do with the Old Testament so that we don't fall asleep while reading it?
- (laughs). It can only be understood from Christ. Revelation concludes in Him, so reading the Old Testament without that key is like reading the first chapter of a 350-page novel and trying to draw conclusions.
Christ is the key to all of Scripture. But, in addition, we need a guide to understand it, and that is where the Church comes in. Without proper interpretation, we can get lost in the details and miss the central message of salvation.
Speaking of the Old Testament...have you come to enjoy the book of Numbers?
- A lot! In fact, there is a place in Numbers called "Cadesh Barnea", and we all, at some point, go through our own "Cadesh Barnea". It's the moment when the people of Israel look out over the Promised Land and say to God, "This is not what I expected." They were expecting something easy, but they realize that God's promise requires effort. And they decide not to enter.
How many times does the same thing happen to us? God shows us a way, but because it's not what we imagined, we resist. That struggle between God's promise and our expectations is real, and understanding it completely changes the way we read Scripture.
What practices do you recommend to help enter into and enjoy Sacred Scripture?
- The first thing is not to study the Bible alone. It is true that we can read it personally, but experience has taught me that sharing the Word in a group makes it much richer. Hearing how it resonates in other hearts helps us to deepen its meaning.
It is also key to have an adequate guide. Today there are many resources: books, podcasts, articles, online and face-to-face courses... At San Damasus, for example, we have a very accessible formation in Sacred Scripture, both face-to-face and online.
On the page of "In Mary's Hands" I upload Bible classes accessible to everyone. We started this during the confinement and it has been an incredible experience. There are courses on Genesis, St. John, and other fundamental topics to understand the Word.
In addition, in the Diocese of Getafe, we are developing a very good program. We have several training videos and materials at affordable prices. The idea is that people not only study individually, but meet in small groups, in homes or parishes, to share what they have learned.
For someone who wants to start reading the Bible, what would you recommend?
- First, do not start with Genesis with the intention of ending in Revelation. The Bible is not a novel that you read from beginning to end. There are 73 books, and each requires a different entry point.
It is best to start with a Gospel, such as Matthew or Luke. Once the heart connects with Christ, one can move on to other parts of Scripture.
Nowadays there are many platforms and courses for training, both in universities and in parishes. In the Diocese of Getafe, for example, we have created a program with free videos and accessible materials, so that people can study the Bible in community.
What impact have you seen on people who are trained in Sacred Scripture?
- I have seen lives transformed. There is an impressive growth in interest in the Word of God. We live in a world with too many words, too much information, and people are exhausted. But when they discover Scripture, they find something different: a truth that satisfies.
More and more people feel that they need an anchor, something solid to lean on. And the Word of God resonates deep in the heart of every human being.
Finally, what advice would you give to anyone who wants to get closer to the Bible?
- Let him put it at the center of his life. Something as simple as reading the Gospel every day and meditating on it completely changes the way we live. It is not necessary to be an expert or to take great courses. It is enough to let the Word resonate in the heart. Because when it does, it transforms.
