Meeting St Paul Today

Teachings based on the letters of St. Paul permeate just about everything Christians believe and practice, but many of us know very little about this great apostle of the Church. In Meeting St. Paul Today, preeminent scholar Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, brings the letters of Paul and the apostle himself to life. Harrington, writing with great respect for St. Paul and his ministry, covers three main topics in this helpful and highly readable book for any discerning Christian. First, he describes what Paul was really like, from his days as a Pharisee to his arduous years as a missionary. Second, he helps readers interpret the letters of Paul through literary, historical, and theological lenses. Finally, he thoughtfully surveys the specific purpose, major points, and other compelling particulars of each of the letters of Paul.

In Meeting St. Matthew Today, preeminent biblical scholar Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, helps laypeople understand the riches of Matthew’s Gospel. This quick-moving yet insightful book provides a thoughtful and non-threatening introduction to the Evangelist and his message. Special attention is given to a narrative analysis of Matthew’s Gospel, including key concepts and themes that develop as the story unfolds. The closing chapter of the book includes three brief lessons based on lectionary readings of St. Matthew.

During the special Pauline Jubilee Year, Pope Benedict XVI used his Wednesday audiences as an opportunity to meet one of the most influential persons in the history of Christianity, Saint Paul. Meeting Saint Paul is the complete collection of these twenty-one papal reflections.

John’s Gospel is a literary and theological masterpiece—but therein lays the problem for many people in the pew. Believing John’s Gospel to be too abstract and spiritual for them to comprehend, they never read it for themselves; as a result, they miss out on the amazing beauty and simplicity of John’s message. In Meeting St. John Today, renowned biblical scholar Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, offers a clear, concise, and respectful presentation of this rich Gospel while bridging the gap between modern biblical scholarship and Christian spirituality. This quick-moving book includes, among other topics, a look at the historical setting of John’s Gospel, a narrative analysis of the Gospel, and an overview of its theological message. Meeting St. John Today serves as an excellent resource for Bible-study groups or for any individual who wants to discover and put into practice the simple treasures this special Gospel has to offer. Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, is professor of New Testament at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry in Cambridge, MA. He has been general editor of New Testament Abstracts since 1972 and is a past president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America. Other books by this author Meeting St. Paul Today: Understanding the Man, His Mission, and His Message The letters of St. Paul permeate just about everything Christians believe and practice, but many of us know very little about St. Paul. In Meeting St. Paul Today, Daniel Harrington, SJ, brings the letters of Paul and the apostle himself to life. Meeting St. Luke Today: Understanding the Man, His Mission, and His Message Biblical scholar Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, helps people in the pew uncover both the theological and literary beauty of the Gospel of Luke. For more information and the Gospel of Luke, visit our Cycle C Resources pages. Meeting St. Matthew Today: Understanding the Man, His Mission, and His Message Daniel J. Harrington offers a clear, relevant, and respectful presentation of Matthew's Gospel written for people in the pews. *Comments: Max Char 250 *

Rediscover the profound mysteries of Christ's life in Andrea Tornielli's unprecedented biographical masterpiece. The Life of Jesus delivers a spiritually immersive narrative that masterfully interlaces the Gospels, the author's impactful and imaginative reflections, and the inspiring insights of Pope Francis. Tornielli meticulously chronicles Jesus' journey, from the miraculous infancy narrative to the dawn of his ministry, his trials in the wilderness, the awe-inspiring miracles, the timeless parables, the harrowing crucifixion, and the transformative resurrection. The narrative, rich with Pope Francis's wisdom, grounds Christ's eternal message firmly in the context of our contemporary world. The Life of Jesus is more than a biography: it is a pilgrimage of faith, a testament to divine love, a source of enlightenment, and a guiding beacon for every spiritual sojourner. Embark on an inspiring and soul-stirring journey that offers refreshing perspectives on the indelible significance of Christ in our lives.

A clear, concise, and respectful presentation of Mark’s Gospel—and what Jesus’ suffering means for us Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, is well known for his superb New Testament scholarship, but he is also highly regarded for his exceptional ability to bridge the gap between modern biblical scholarship and authentic Christian spirituality. In Meeting St. Mark Today, the final book in this series on the Gospels, Harrington has provided another straightforward, practical resource for lay Catholics who want a better understanding of this synoptic Gospel. The book begins with background information on the Evangelist and his Gospel. It moves quickly into a concise but complete narrative analysis of the Gospel, which clearly demonstrates the human side of Jesus. Part Three of the book explains how Mark’s Gospel provides answers to two essential questions: What did Jesus suffer?, and Why did Jesus suffer? It also proposes answers to the universal question, Why do people suffer? The book’s final section includes five meditations on suffering, based on lectionary readings from Year B (St. Mark) in the Sunday lectionary cycle. Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection and discussion, making Meeting St. Mark Today an ideal resource for individual Scripture study or group Bible study. The readings from Mark’s Gospel for all Sundays and Feasts in Cycle B are listed at the end of the book. Ultimately, Meeting St. Mark Today opens the theological treasure chest of this easily overlooked Gospel, enabling us to see how Jesus’ suffering and the mystery of the cross can reshape our faith and our lives.

In Saint Paul, Elliott C. Maloney explores what the great saint says about the spiritual life, the “how to” in the day-to-day activities and concerns of Christians. How should people live in covenant relationship with God, committed to seeking God’s will in every aspect of their lives? Spirituality is a popular topic, but it is regarded as merely one part of life, some “higher level” of living when compared to ordinary living. Even Catholic scholarship, Maloney argues, notable as it is in Pauline exegesis and theology, seems to lack a feel for the overall kind of living that Paul wanted for his communities, not to mention how we might appropriate such wisdom for today. For Paul, all of a believer’s life is spiritual life. The alternative is a life “according to the flesh,” a self-centered life without God, a continual spiritual death. Based on over forty years of teaching and study of the Pauline letters, Maloney’s Saint Paul offers a rich vision of Christianity and the spiritual life “in Christ.”