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.

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.

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.

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.

The publication of the King James version of the Bible, translated between 1603 and 1611, coincided with an extraordinary flowering of English literature and is universally acknowledged as the greatest influence on English-language literature in history. Now, world-class literary writers introduce the book of the King James Bible in a series of beautifully designed, small-format volumes. The introducers' passionate, provocative, and personal engagements with the spirituality and the language of the text make the Bible come alive as a stunning work of literature and remind us of its overwhelming contemporary relevance.

The role that Mary plays in God's plan of salvation is an issue that over the centuies has divided Christians and their churches. In part, these differences stem from disagreements about what the New Testament says about the mother of Jesus. This book should go a long way toward solving the disputes. It is not a collection of essays but rather a collaborative statement prepared by a team of Protestant, Anglican, and Roman Catholic scholars who have reached substantial agreement on how Mary was pictured by Christians of the first two centuries. This book follows the same methodology as an earlier volume, Peter in the New Testament, produced by the same research group. The status of that first book as an ecumenical achievement of American biblical scholarship is attested to by the welcome it received and by its translation into five foreign languages. In light of the difficulty of the subject matter, Mary in the New Testament may be an even greater achievement. If Roman Catholic and Protestant scholars can agree on what the oldest Christian sources said, is the way open for the churches to agree on a fundamental Christian attitude toward Mary? This book is written by scholars, but it is not meant only for scholars. The authors have taken pains to make the work intelligible to students, clergy, and the knowledgeable laity of their churches. It combines scientific research with a respect for Christian sensiblities.