Digital Logos Edition
The Catholic Lectionary guides us through the liturgical year, presenting Old and New Testament readings that together reveal God’s unfolding plan for our salvation. In The Word of the Lord: Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings for Year A, biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma provides commentary on each Sunday’s unique presentation of readings.
Whether you are a homilist seeking insight into the meaning of difficult scriptural passages or a pew Catholic desiring a deepened understanding of the readings you hear at Mass, The Word of the Lord serves as an invaluable guide.
Over the past several years, many priests have found in John Bergsma’s Scripture commentaries a great resource both for their own prayer and for Sunday homilies. Now we have his cogent, scholarly, and timely reflections on the Sunday readings gathered together in one book for a liturgical year. This volume will benefit both priests and laity alike in preparing for and getting the most out of Sunday’s sacred text. May it be the first of many.
--Very Rev. Paul D. Scalia. Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, Diocese of Arlington
John Bergsma has devoted years to thinking through how to apply the Sunday readings to the life of ordinary believers, first as a Protestant pastor and then as a Catholic Old Testament professor. His insights into the unity of the Old and New Testaments have been sought by many a homilist and Bible study leader. This book will be a go-to resource for anyone seeking guidance on how to preach and teach from the Lectionary.
--Michael P. Barber. Professor of Scripture and Theology, Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology
John Bergsma has done us all a great service: He not only helps us to understand the context and historical meaning of the readings, but also helps us to reflect on why these passages are relevant to our lives today. I will most definitely be keeping this book handy to help me prepare my heart—and the hearts of my listeners—for Mass each week.
--Anna Mitchell. Host/Producer of the Son Rise Morning Show on EWTN Radio