Bringing God's Word to Life

An Introduction to Don Dolindo's Bible Commentary

In an era when many lament the decline of biblical literacy and interest in spiritual reading, the colossal 33-volume commentary on the entire Bible by the Italian priest Don Dolindo Ruotolo is an outstanding achievement. Though not widely known in the English-speaking world, Don Dolindo's biblical commentary was praised in Catholic circles in the early 20th century for making God's word accessible and enjoyable. As he wrote, "The divine revelation contained in the Sacred Scripture is the most beautiful light in which one can know God."

Don Dolindo's aim was to illuminate the wisdom, love and goodness of God revealed in Scripture in order to help readers grow closer to God and live more fully the Christian life. He strove to solve difficulties that can hinder understanding and present biblical truths in a way that speaks to the soul. The prefaces to his first and second editions provide fascinating glimpses into his approach.

Don Dolindo situated his work firmly within Church tradition, emphasizing that Scripture must be read in union with the Magisterium. He aimed to present the essence of patristic and medieval exegesis in a fresh way - accessible to modern readers yet untainted by rationalism or skepticism.

True to his pastoral spirit, Don Dolindo chose a method of "meditated commentary" over the more scholarly approach of heavily annotated texts aimed at specialists. He presented extended reflections on the spiritual meaning of passages - the kind of meditations more likely to penetrate hearts than academic observations. Don Dolindo interspersed psychological insights with rich imagery, seeking to make biblical figures come alive. His goal was to satisfy the soul's thirst for God and help readers apply God's word to their lives.

At a time when some Catholic scholars had absorbed rationalistic assumptions and lost confidence in Scripture, Don Dolindo staunchly defended biblical inerrancy. He warned that while textual studies can illuminate difficulties, overzealous criticism often obscures more than it clarifies, especially for ordinary readers. With poetic flair, he likened those obsessed with trivial problems to tailors afraid to make clothes for fear of wrinkling the fabric. Don Dolindo astutely noted that when commentary neglects spiritual application in favor of merely historical notes, it reduces Scripture to "a sterile study of a history."

Don Dolindo's commentary on Scripture is anything but pedantic; it exudes a contagious love and fervor that captivates and inspires. He delightfully remarked, "The journey seems long to those who carry a burden, but it does not seem so to those who pass from panorama to panorama, amidst the fragrance of the woods and the wonders of creation." For Don Dolindo, drinking deeply from the wellspring of God's word refreshes the soul like gentle music bringing new emotions. He confessed that in the "flowery fields" of biblical meditation, one longs to bask continually in divine light.

Although Don Dolindo's work was extensive, it beautifully conveyed profound truths that resist summarization. He noticed that eager souls eagerly consume biblical commentary with delight, rather than experiencing it as a boring chore. Don Dolindo recounted receiving letters from readers begging for the next volumes and even rereading finished ones repeatedly while awaiting the continuation. Far from finding it verbose, readers yearned for more.

Don Dolindo firmly anchored his commentary in Church tradition, striving to transmit the teachings of the Fathers whom he greatly admired. He described his work as distilling the essence of patristic exegesis into an accessible form tailored to modern needs. This creative fidelity shines in his elegant blend of traditional doctrine and contemporary insights.

As a parting thought, I'll leave you with a sampling of Don Dolindo's lyrical reflections on the wonder of biblical revelation. He wrote, "How admirable is Sacred Scripture! It is like a sea full of life hidden by its waves! There is the zephyr and the storm, the strong reflection of the sun and the pale whiteness of the moon and stars, the magnificent ship that plows the waters, the Catholic Church, portrayed in so many ways in the Divine Book."

Don Dolindo's monumental life work stands as a shining light, reminding us of the spiritual riches contained in Sacred Scripture. His commentary deserves to be rediscovered by new generations seeking to deepen their knowledge and love of God's word.