The Word of the Lord: Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings for Year C Imitation Leather – August 20, 2021

Solid reflections that go much deeper than the typical homily! I love diving into this book for a more thorough understanding of the theological significance and historical context of the readings for each week.

I gave the set to my pastor (one at a time as the budget allowed), and I have seen him carrying one around. His homilies were already good, but I am glad to see that he values these and doesn’t just leave them gathering dust.

Learn the Scriptures from the best Theologians the Church has to offer.

This series delights me by focusing on the readings from a deep connection to scripture that isn't held specifically to the excerpts that the liturgy is using. Bergsma's background as a Biblical scholar comes to the fore in identifying unifying motifs and intriguing connections that you don't see a lot of the time. I splurged on it and it is truly wonderful for anyone who loves Bible study and the Sunday Mass liturgy.

Rock-solid scholarship, deep insights. I learn something useful every time I dip into these.

John Bergsma's Word of the Lord is a great guide to the Sunday Bible readings for Catholics, supplementing them with readable, faith-filled reflections. What I find valuable about it is the multiple layers of context he provides. You might learn the context of the excerpt within the larger book, within the common theme in that day's selections, its progression within the last few weeks or within the liturgical season. You get both the "what" and the "why". A biblical scholar, Bergsma will sometimes share insights from within his field in a faith-affirming way. Avoiding the skepticism of academia, he combines scholarship with the "hermeneutic of faith" that Pope Benedict XVI called for and exemplified in his own Jesus of Nazareth trilogy.Catholic Sunday readings are organized in 3-year liturgical calendar cycles: A, B and C. For example, the liturgical year that starts in Advent 2024 and ends before Advent 2025 is a year C cycle (this book). This book is part of a 4 volume set covering each of these years plus a separate "solemnities and feasts" volume. I plan to buy one volume a year to follow along in church, though this means some gaps since some year C Sundays get preempted by a solemnity or feast, or my parish might use an optional reading from year A. Reflections are arranged by liturgical season: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time. This means you need to know, for example, that this day is the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time or that day is the 3rd Sunday of Lent. This arrangement needs some thought, but it also means you can use this book "forever".This is a magnificent effort. A comparable series is Peter Kreeft's Food for the Soul. These two have different emphasis and strengths. Obviously, a Professor of Philosophy and a Professor of Theology would bring different styles. Bergsma works harder at providing the context. Kreeft's reflections tend to be longer and more independent. In other words and only as a generalization, Bergsma goes broad (he covers the Psalms too) and Kreeft goes deep. How to choose? For me, it's simple: I buy both. I tell myself I read Bergsma for understanding and Kreeft for inspiration.Physically, the book is a handsome volume, a textured faux-leather hardcover with sewn binding. It only lacks a ribbon to be perfect. It feels like something you'd keep for a long time.

Outstanding preparation for Sunday mass readings. Scholarly, in depth, and insightful, but not at all a difficult read. Good for priests or laity.

This is a great Catholic devotional based on each Sunday's readings for the Sundays off f Cycle C. Highly recommended.