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.

The theological and literary beauty of the Gospel of Luke comes to life in Meeting St. Luke Today, written by preeminent biblical scholar Daniel J. Harrington. What truly sets this book apart is the way in which Harrington effectively bridges the gap between modern biblical scholarship and Christian spirituality. In addition to a brief but complete narrative analysis of the Gospel of Luke and essential background information on the Evangelist himself, this book includes suggestions for ways we might "pray" Luke's Gospel and live out its transforming message in our daily lives.

St. Paul is one of the most important figures in Christian history. As Saul of Tarsus he vigorously persecuted Christianity, even collaborating in the death of Christianity's first martyr, Stephen. His encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus changed Paul's life, the Christian Church, and world history. More than anyone else in the early Church, Paul saw the universal nature of the Christian message. He became the Apostle to the Gentiles and the "Teacher of the Nations". As the human author of half of the New Testament, Paul is a figure who cannot be overlooked by anyone who wants to understand Jesus Christ and Christianity. In this book, Pope Benedict XVI, a profound spiritual leader in his own right and a first-rate theologian and Bible commentator, explores the legacy of Paul. Pope Benedict follows the course of the Apostle's life, including his missionary journeys and his relationship with the other apostles of Jesus such as St. Peter and St. James, and Paul's martyrdom in Rome. Benedict also examines such questions as: Did Paul know Jesus during his earthly life and how much of Jesus' teaching and ministry did he know of? Did Paul distort the teachings of Jesus? What role did Jesus' death and resurrection play in Paul's teaching? What are we to make of Paul's teaching about the end of the world? What does Paul's teaching say about the differences between Catholic and Protestant Christians over salvation and the roles of faith and works in the Christian life? How have modern Catholic and Protestant scholars come together in their understanding of Paul? What does Paul have to teach us today about living a spiritual life? These and other important issues are addressed in this masterful, inspirational, and highly-readable presentation of St. Paul and his writings by one of today's great spiritual teachers, Pope Benedict XVI. "The Apostle Paul, an outstanding and almost inimitable yet stimulating figure, stands before us as an example of total dedication to the Lord and to his Church, as well as of great openness to humanity and its cultures." Pope Benedict XVI

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 *

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.

Rowan Williams explores the essential meaning and purpose of Paul's letters in this beautifully written resource for the Lenten season. Williams places a special focus on the social world of Paulâ€"and the “dangerous newness†that was Christianityâ€"and the specific ways that the behavior and language of the Christian community was being molded and shaped in Paul's time. Easy-to-read and packed with illuminating spiritual insights, Meeting God in Paul is perfect for beginners as well as those who've read the letters many times before and want to see them in a fresh light. Questions for reflection or group discussion are provided for each chapter. The book also features a reading guide that includes a reflection and prayer for each of the seven weeks of Lent.

Based on various lectures given at various places and times.