The Mustard Seed Ministry Bible Study Program at St. Francis Xavier Church in Mississauga, Ont., is drawing on the expertise of a renowned theologian to break open the Book of Isaiah over the coming eight months, giving attendees unique insight into the promise of salvation. 

The 30-session online Bible study will be led by Fr. Dominic Borg, OCD, a Toronto-based Biblical scholar and theologian. 

Originally ordained in Malta in July 1972, the now 78-year-old brings his 53 years of experience in the priesthood and expertise in Hebrew and Greek from Oxford University, and hopes to bring the message of Isaiah to the masses in a way that is as digestible as it is inspiring. 

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“ The Book of Isaiah has been called the Gospel of the Old Testament because of its good news and in how the New Testament is manifested. The new is hidden in the old and the old is manifested in the new,” Borg said. “The main theme of the Book of Isaiah is ‘Yahweh is the Lord God who saves’, it is full of prophecies about the Messiah and prepares the people for the exile.” 

Originally written in Hebrew, Borg brings a unique understanding of the language and prose of the Old Testament book, having begun studying Hebrew and Greek at the age of 11 in a boarding school in Malta belonging to the Discalced Carmelites. He is also known for his contribution towards translating the Bible from Hebrew to Maltese as a former member of the Malta Bible Society and his work with the British and Foreign Bible Societies and the United Bible Societies. 

In its original Hebrew, the Book of Isaiah’s 66 chapters is written in three distinct periods with at least 24 different stylistic contributions, now detectable through modern linguistic analysis. 

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“What’s fascinating is that at least 24 people have touched that book before it came to us the way it is, and nowadays, we can catch those easily by each author’s use of propositions, pronouns and other writing styles,” he said. 

He added that both internal indications of diversity in style and historical context have led critical scholarship to distinguish three major works of literature in the Book: First Isaiah (1 to 39), Second Isaiah (40 to 55), and Third Isaiah (56 to 66). Each is now generally treated as a separate writing or collections from distinct authors. 

Every Monday evening until mid-June, Borg will examine each of these chapters and complete a study of the entire Book of Isaiah, going as in-depth as verse by verse where applicable, with group discussion incorporated into the study as well. 

Borg has offered similar seminar opportunities for over 10 years, previously covering the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul’s letters and the Book of Revelation. Still, the Book of Isaiah’s distinctive historical context, precise prophetic themes and lasting knowledge make his latest offering one he hopes attendees take to heart.

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“I hope people can take away the importance of salvation for all and God's love for us. Isaiah says, ‘The mountains may be removed, the hills turned to dust, but my steadfast love for you will always stand there, says the Lord who has compassion upon you,’ ” he said. 

“I also think about Isaiah 43:4, ‘You are precious in my eyes and I love you.’ The author talks a lot about love while predicting the exile that will befall them if they do not change their life. However, the exile is not punishment; God is going to call them back.”