By Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, OFM
The seminarians at the Holy Spirit Seminary hold a Bible study sharing session every month, where they primarily select the readings for the upcoming Sunday, which might include the Gospel or the first or second reading. The aim of these sessions is to help them become familiar with the Bible, as it will be an essential companion in their future roles as shepherds. This familiarity should not be limited to knowledge alone, it is also crucial for their spiritual growth. From this perspective, I believe Bible sharing offers several benefits:
Understanding Christ – As Christians, it is essential to know our Master, Jesus Christ, and the best and necessary way to do this is by reading the Bible. St. Jerome said, “Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ,” which is very true. The Old Testament points to the birth of Christ, the gospels record his life, and the New Testament represents the ongoing presence of Christ within the Church. Building a relationship begins with understanding, and frequently consulting the Bible naturally deepens our relationship with the Lord.
Gaining strength – The Bible contains God’s words to humanity, which can encourage us in times of difficulty, provide peace amid fear, and restore hope in disappointment. Additionally, many biblical figures—patriarchs, prophets, disciples, etc.—can serve as our role models and examples of how to live out our faith.
Purifying the soul – God’s words help us reflect on our behaviour. The Bible reveals God’s infinite love, prompting us to repent, renew ourselves, and purify our souls by relying not just on our efforts but also on his mercy and compassion. The ethical teachings within the Bible enable us to confront our daily lives concretely, living out our Christian identity and mission.
Companionship – While reading the Bible alone can be spiritually beneficial, doing so with others and sharing insights greatly enhances the experience! Just as one person can walk quickly, two can go far together. Honestly, while we are aware of the Bible’s importance for spiritual life, it can often be tough to stay motivated or maintain the habit. If there is a sharing group, mutual encouragement and support can lead to significantly different outcomes.
With so many benefits from this spiritual practice, what are you waiting for? No partners? Then start by praying for companions and invite others to join you for Bible sharing. Don’t hesitate to take part in existing groups. God will never disappoint you!
