RSV-2CE Large-Print?

Thanks to Eric for the scoop!

For more: http://www.ignatius.com/IProducts/278853/ignatius-bible-rsv-2nd-edition-large-print--hardcover.aspx?bCategory=BIBLES

For a look inside:

http://www.ignatius.com/Content/Site107/FilesSamples/278853LargePrin_00000018382.pdf

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is acclaimed by many as the clearest, most accurate and most beautiful modern translation of the Bible. This newly designed and typeset 2nd edition of the popular Ignatius RSV Catholic Bible is a contemporary English translation that revises archaic language of the first edition, but avoids dumbing-down the text. It retains the beauty of the RSV language that makes the Ignatius Bible such a joy to read. Now the only contemporary Catholic Bible translation in standard English is even more beautiful in word and design, and much easier to read with the large print!

This large print version, in three different versions – leather, hard and soft covers - makes this popular yet beautiful Bible translation more accessible and appealing to a wider reading audience.

The Large Print Edition is the perfect option for devotional reading for those who prefer larger print, have impaired vision, or are reading from a lectern. It features large, clear type and additional materials of interest to all readers.

Special Features: 

• Completely re-designed and newly typeset with large 14 point font size
• The RSV, second Catholic edition, is the only Bible translation that uses standard (non-feminist) English and is in conformity with the Church's translation guidelines found in the Vatican document, Liturgiam Authenticam
• 16 pages of color maps
• Large 7 x 10 trim size
• Handsome dark blue cover with gold icons

End of the Year

First off, I would like to thank you all for sticking with this blog through the years.  I must tell you that it remains a true labor of love.  The main reason for this is not anything I happen to post, but rather the interaction I am blessed to have with all of you.  A number of you have been generous enough to email me with fresh information on new bibles and other translational news, for which I am deeply appreciative.  With two jobs, two kids (as well as another one on the way), I am simply not able to devote as much time to searching the web for new products.  Again, thank you!

Also, thank you to all those who contributed guest posts and reviews during this past year.  All of you have added some great insights and perspectives to this blog.  In addition, a number of you have allowed me to post your Bible rebinds, which I think has tempted quire a few people to venture into that dangerous hobby!

Finally, I would love to hear from you, as 2015 comes to an end, what you most appreciated during this past year and what you most look forward to in 2016, in regards to Catholic Bibles. 

To get things started, during 2015 I enjoyed looking back at Dei Verbum.  I made a commitment to spend time with a number of the documents of Vatican II this past year, and it was well worth it.  Also, when I look back at 2015, the One Bible, One Year (OBOY) project proved to be a tad difficult at first, but ultimately helped me to remain focused on my use of th NRSV.  It was a good exercise, one which I encourage you to try!

What do I look forward to in 2016?  Here are a couple of things, in no particular order:

--I think we will see a Catholic bible given the Allan's treatment in 2016

--The Message:Catholic edition will be released in some new editions

--Will the USCCB continue to publish NABRE's?

--I think there will be something we don't expect announced at some point during he year

Once again, thank you for your readership, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” -Luke 2:8-12

More from The Saint John's Bible

Dei Verbum at 50 (Paragraph 26)

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, I will be posting twice a month, on Mondays, a paragraph from this important document.  There are a total of 26 paragraphs, so this will take us through to the Fall when we reach the anniversary of its promulgation by Pope Paul VI on November 18, 1965.  I look forward to our discussion.  May I suggest a helpful book by Fr. Ronald D. Witherup called The Word of God at Vatican II: Exploring Dei Verbum published by Liturgical Press.  This is the last in this series.  I hope it was fruitful for you, as much as it was for me, to go over this important document.  Merry Christmas!

26. In this way, therefore, through the reading and study of the sacred books "the word of God may spread rapidly and be glorified" (2 Thess. 3:1) and the treasure of revelation, entrusted to the Church, may more and more fill the hearts of men. Just as the life of the Church is strengthened through more frequent celebration of the Eucharistic mystery, similar we may hope for a new stimulus for the life of the Spirit from a growing reverence for the word of God, which "lasts forever" (Is. 40:8; see 1 Peter 1:23-25).

4th Sunday of Advent

But you, Bethlehem, David’s country,

    the runt of the litter—

From you will come the leader

    who will shepherd-rule Israel.

He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.

    His family tree is ancient and distinguished.

Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes

    until the birth pangs are over and the child is born,

And the scattered brothers come back

    home to the family of Israel.

He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength,

    centered in the majesty of God-Revealed.

And the people will have a good and safe home,

    for the whole world will hold him in respect—

    Peacemaker of the world!

-Micah 5:2-4 (The Message)

Weekly Knox: Laughter

"Laughter and love are everywhere; in healthy people there is no war between them." -Literary Distractions

New Lectionary in England and Wales?

Thank you to reader Mike for passing along this piece of news from England and Wales:

"The Bishops’ Conference agrees to seek the approval of the Holy See for the use of the Revised Standard Version (2nd Catholic edition 2010) and the Revised Grail Psalter (2010) in the preparation of a Lectionary for use in England and Wales."

Can any of my fine readers in England or Wales confirm this?

Guest Review: SPCK NRSV-CE

Thank you to my friend Owen for this review.  I am so excited that this edition is available, since it is sewn NRSV-CE with cross-references.  This may be a possibility for rebinding, or perhaps a publisher like Allan's might consider turning it into something even better.

This is a review of the Catholic Edition of the 2015 NRSV by SPCK, Society Promoting Christian Knowledge, "since 1698" - who knew? Not me.

Overall impression: a very good daily reader in a quality economy edition with bonuses; sewn, ribbons, and cross reference system all in a comfortable size that is easy to hold and not too heavy to take-with.

Things I think are self evident from the photos: ghosting (minimal), kerning & leading (both excellent), binding (again, sewn), margins, page settings.

Yes, Anglicized. Amen!

Publication page details: published in the UK / printed and bound in India, "produced on paper from sustainable resources" / carries the 1991 Imprimatur of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington (as differentiated from the USCCB body) and of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in the same year. Curiously, being produced in the UK there is no Imprimatur from other English language countries, like um, the UK.

Size = a good "personal" bible size / 14.8 x 3.5 x 24.5 cm / 5.8 x 1.3 x 8.6 inches

Weight = I haven't put it on a scale but it is very comfortable in the hand, no problem reading it in hand or carting it about.

Smyth sewn: opens beautifully flat from the word go. This one will stand up to extended use. *If* it had rounded page edges it would make a nice volume to have rebound.

Notes = none beyond translator notes. No concordance. No book introductions or other explanatory notes. With the exception of Esther

Ribbons = yes! Of pretty average quality, may fray (I have tips on how to prevent that if you like) but hey, there are two ribbons(!) and ribbons of any kind in an economy bible is a solid.

Paper = smooth, typical HC thickness, note-takers will find it takes pencil and pen well with minimal ghosting on the reverse side.

Font setting = style and size are not mentioned (nor found anywhere online by me to date). I'm going guess 10 for the main text, footnotes 8-ish and references 6 and 7.5 in a very clean, readable setting even for mid-life eyes.

Printing = very, very good. Consistent and dark text. I've had more expensive bibles with far less impressive print readability and consistency.

In terms of the reference system it appears to be one used earlier iterations. It is not comprehensive. It is not as detailed as I recall in the NRSV Cambridge Reference and I no longer have that edition to check (sold it at a give-away price to someone who needed it more than I though I do covet that lovely Moroccan leather - sigh). At a basic look-through, most references move "forward" but do not complete a detailed "backward" loop except in cases of very well known/generally accepted Christological passages. Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal are given a good treatment both "from" and "to" the overall canon including the N.T. Nice.

Complaints:
At point of manufacture: 1] page crimping (minor partial fold) in certain signatures from top center down to nearly a quarter of the page both left and right. 2] Rough edging, poor page cut at top third of the pages from Exodus 30 through Lamentations. 3] Genesis opening pages are poorly aligned with more space at the bottom of gutter to text than at the top. Quality control anyone?

Post point of manufacture: Dog-ear dents at top corner through most of the first three gospels. Frustrating, even when paying "economy" pricing.

3rd Sunday of Advent

So sing, Daughter Zion!

    Raise the rafters, Israel!

Daughter Jerusalem,

    be happy! celebrate!

God has reversed his judgments against you

    and sent your enemies off chasing their tails.

From now on, God is Israel’s king,

    in charge at the center.

There’s nothing to fear from evil

    ever again!

Jerusalem will be told:

    “Don’t be afraid.

Dear Zion,

    don’t despair.

Your God is present among you,

    a strong Warrior there to save you.

Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love

    and delight you with his songs.

-Zephaniah 3:14-17 (The Message)

Weekly Knox: Christmas

"The child who was born in Bethlehem had, for nine months, been carried in the womb at Nazareth, just like any other child; this is our guarantee that, although God, he was truly man.  God did not deceive us by taking on the mere appearance of humanity...he became man; that was the leverage, if we may put it in very crude terms, through which the work of our redemption was effected.  And, very curiously, this is one of the lessons which the Church found in particularly hard to teach.  The early heretics were not people who denied out Lord's Godhead...they were people who denied his manhood." -The Pastoral Sermons

Saint John's Bible

Pope Francis, the Bible, and Mercy

Prayer of Pope Francis for the Jubilee

Lord Jesus Christ,

you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,

and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.

Show us your face and we will be saved.

Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money;

the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things;

made Peter weep after his betrayal,

and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.

Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:

“If you knew the gift of God!”

You are the visible face of the invisible Father,

of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy:

let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.

You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness

in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:

let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.

Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,

so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,

and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,

proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed,

and restore sight to the blind.  

We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of

Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and

ever.

Amen.

Advent Contest Winner

Via an online random number generator, the winner of the 3 CD set from Now You Know Media is Mikel del Rosario (?).  If you could send me an email, mccorm45(at)yahoo(dot)com by the end of the week I will make sure to get your prize out to you.  Thanks to all who participated.  Have a blessed Advent!

Dei Verbum at 50 (Paragraph 25)

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, I will be posting twice a month, on Mondays, a paragraph from this important document.  There are a total of 26 paragraphs, so this will take us through to the Fall when we reach the anniversary of its promulgation by Pope Paul VI on November 18, 1965.  I look forward to our discussion.  May I suggest a helpful book by Fr. Ronald D. Witherup called The Word of God at Vatican II: Exploring Dei Verbum published by Liturgical Press.

25. Therefore, all the clergy must hold fast to the Sacred Scriptures through diligent sacred reading and careful study, especially the priests of Christ and others, such as deacons and catechists who are legitimately active in the ministry of the word. This is to be done so that none of them will become "an empty preacher of the word of God outwardly, who is not a listener to it inwardly" (4) since they must share the abundant wealth of the divine word with the faithful committed to them, especially in the sacred liturgy. The sacred synod also earnestly and especially urges all the Christian faithful, especially Religious, to learn by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures the "excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:8). "For ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ."(5) Therefore, they should gladly put themselves in touch with the sacred text itself, whether it be through the liturgy, rich in the divine word, or through devotional reading, or through instructions suitable for the purpose and other aids which, in our time, with approval and active support of the shepherds of the Church, are commendably spread everywhere. And let them remember that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that God and man may talk together; for "we speak to Him when we pray; we hear Him when we read the divine saying." (6)

It devolves on sacred bishops "who have the apostolic teaching"(7) to give the faithful entrusted to them suitable instruction in the right use of the divine books, especially the New Testament and above all the Gospels. This can be done through translations of the sacred texts, which are to be provided with the necessary and really adequate explanations so that the children of the Church may safely and profitably become conversant with the Sacred Scriptures and be penetrated with their spirit.

Furthermore, editions of the Sacred Scriptures, provided with suitable footnotes, should be prepared also for the use of non-Christians and adapted to their situation. Both pastors of souls and Christians generally should see to the wise distribution of these in one way or another.

2nd Sunday of Advent

John, Zachariah’s son, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God. He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading to forgiveness of sins, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet:

Thunder in the desert!

“Prepare God’s arrival!

Make the road smooth and straight!

Every ditch will be filled in,

Every bump smoothed out,

The detours straightened out,

All the ruts paved over.

Everyone will be there to see

The parade of God’s salvation.”

-Luke 3:3-6 (The Message)

Pope Francis Receives Book of Gospels for the Jubilee

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday received the Book of Gospels which will be used for the liturgies of the upcoming Jubilee.

The Book was presented by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation.

The book – which contains the Gospel readings for the Sundays and Feast Days during the Year of Mercy – is illustrated by Jesuit artist Marko Rupnik.

The Jubilee of Mercy begins on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, on 8 December, when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Advent Contest

The fine folks at Now You Know Media have given me three fantastic CD sets from Fr. Felix Just S.J. for this special Advent Contest.  These three, brand new, recrodings are retreats with the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John.  I have a number of different audio courses from Now You Know Media, and I have always been impressed by their content and the quality of the audio recordings.  

Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Loyola Institute for Spirituality in Orange, California. After receiving his Doctorate in New Testament Studies from Yale University, he taught at Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles), the University of San Francisco, and Santa Clara University. He was also director of the Center for Religion and Spirituality at LMU, and dean of the Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Deacon Formation Programs for the Diocese of Las Vegas. He regularly teaches courses, gives public lectures, and leads biblically-based days of prayer, parish missions, and weekend or weeklong retreats. He maintains a large internationally recognized website of “Catholic Resources”.  Fr. Felix is also on the board of editors for the upcoming revision of the NABRE New Testament.  


Rules for the contest:

1) If you have an active Facebook or Twitter account, please announce this contest. If you don't, that is OK. You can still enter the contest.

 2) Please enter your name in the comment section of this blog post. I (or my wife) will randomly draw one winner at the conclusion of the contest, which will be on Sunday December 6th at 11:59 PM.

 3) I will announce the winner on Monday December 7th. The winner must contact me, via email, within a week with their full name and address.  I will ship the the books free of charge.

 4) One entry per person.

 5) Contest is only available to those who live in North America.

More Hardback Classics from Baronius Press

I have made no secret of my love for Baronius Press.  In my mind, they are the only Catholic publisher that continues to make high quality, premium Catholic Bibles and other classics of the faith. These are the types of books that will not only last a lifetime, but the kind of books that feel great to read from and to hold in your hand.   The attention to quality is always a priority with Baronius Press.

So, this past summer, I was able to review their hardback classic edition of True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I decided to purchase it, since I had never owned any of their "hardback classic" books as well as the fact that I had lost a nice edition of True Devotion during the flood of August 2014.  It remains a beautiful edition, which I refer to often.  At the time, I concluded my review by encouraging you consider these hardback classics, since: "They sell-out quickly, so if there is something you like, I'd advise that you get it.  Some of them will be printed again, but which ones and how many is uncertain."  Fortunately, Baronius has reprinted some of their best editions in the hardback classic series, including the works of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Catherine of Sienna, as well as a few others.  Baronius gladly sent me two review copies to consider, The Rule of Saint Benedict and The Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila.  

I will not spend any time discussing the content of these venerable works, since they are truly classics in the Catholic tradition.  My focus is on the quality of the actual book, which, once again, is very impressive.  Sometimes I wonder if my enthusiasm towards the books done by Baronius Press is due to the lack of quality in most other books coming from a majority of Catholic publishers or is it just that Baronius does a splendid job.  I think it is a little bit of both. 

 To start with, the covers are bound in bonded leather.  As the Baronius website points out, "the hardcover editions use the same (bonded) leather covered over 1/8" (1/12" for smaller titles) thick, stiff boards, to create strong and durable books that will last for generations."  In addition, all their hardback books, and Bibles, are sewn, which is always a must for me when I am deciding on purchasing any book that I plan to use often or give as a gift.  The quality of the cover and binding allows for a wonderful reading experience.  It just feels great to hold and the sewn binding allows you to open it flat without any issues.  When I am holding a Baronius book I have this feeling that this is how books were produced fifty or a hundred years ago.  I have a number of first edition books by Msgr. Knox, with a few of them being close to 80 years old.  They are sewn and are still in great condition.  (They even have that nice old smell to them.)  I can imagine that these Baronius editions will have the same look and feel a hundred years into the future.  (Perhaps even that same smell too!)


When you finally open up the book, you will find a page layout that is clear, easy on the eyes, and inviting to be read.  The paper is thick, not thin like their bibles.  The print is dark and well spaced.  They are not facsimiles of older editions, but rather each volume as been newly re-typset, which makes a world of difference. What all this means is that every page your read from is aesthetically beautiful and contains virtually no issues relating to ghosting or bleed through.  Although I wouldn't dream of doing it, one could probably safely write notes in these books with no worry of it being seen through on the next page.  I typically have time to read either early in morning or late at night, after my kids have gone to bed.  Never has there been a time when I couldn't read either of these books at any point in the day.  They read great at the beginning of the day, even now when the sun isn't up yet, or at the end of the day when I am sitting in my comfy chair next to a dimly lit lamp.  

The typical Baronius extras are also present in these volumes.  Each comes with a soft satin ribbon which is always better than using a paper bookmark.  When you are reading a volume as nicely crafted as these, it would be noticeable if there weren't a ribbon marker present.  Along with the ribbon you will also find head and tail bands.  (Headbands originated in Victorian England as a way of covering the unsightly spine sewing at the head and tail of the book block.)  Last, but not least, are one of my favorite features of the many books I own from Baronius: Endpapers!  Yeah, maybe you are wondering why I like them so much?  I can't really say, to be honest.  All I know is that when you regularly use books that do have them, you begin to notice which of your nicer books that don't have them.  Again, some of my more vintage books contain them, and I just feel like they add a bit of class to the volume.  Baronius explains: "The endpapers are made of thick heavy-weight paper, decoratively printed with traditional Catholic symbols, marble motives or other designs in wide array of colours according to the colour of the cover, complementing the overall design of the book."  When I had my Knox Bible rebound back in 2013, the one thing I realized after the fact was that those lovely Knox endpapers were going to be lost.  I still miss those endpapers!  I have even toyed with the idea of re-ordering another Knox hardcover from Baronius.  (That might be a bit too much, and I am not sure my wife would go for it.)  

Let me just say, in conclusion, that the hardback classic series from Baronius Press are well worth your time and money.  They are all reasonably priced, with none of the ones currently available listing for more than $30.  Actually, I think they are more than affordable considering the time, effort, and quality that goes into each edition.   (I recently purchased a paperback book for more than $30!) These are beautifully crafted editions from our Catholic tradition, which will indeed last a lifetime.  They also make great gifts for the coming Christmas season.  As I mentioned last time, I wouldn't recommend waiting too long to purchase anything Baronius Press produces.  They do not mass produce their books, bibles, or missals, rather they lovingly craft volumes in limited quality in a format that is fitting the author whose words are contained within.  

Again, I would like to thank Baronius Press for providing these two review copies for this post.

1st Sunday of Advent

"Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth." -Psalm 25:4-5 (The Message)

My Advent 2015 Devotional: Miracles of Mercy by Ann Naffziger

This past Lent, part of my prayer each day was using Turning Around: Daily Lenten Reflections with The Message published by ACTA.  I appreciated the reflections by Ann Naffziger, which were both short yet thought-provoking, that accompanied the daily lectionary readings in the The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition translation. Each day, I found the length of the reading and reflection were just enough and fit what I needed, particularly with a growing family and two jobs.  I also appreciated that it was very portable and produced in such a way that I didn't feel bad if it got bent up or written on.

As we enter Advent 2015, as well as the Jubilee Year of Mercy, ACTA has published two new devotionals by Ann Naffziger for Advent and Lent.   Both of these devotionals take you through each day of the liturgical season, with a particular emphasis on Mercy.  What a great way to participate in this great jubilee!   While the Advent devotional Miracles of Mercy has already sold out, you can already pre-order the Lenten edition Doorway to Mercy through the Pastoral Center.   Lent starts early this year, February 10th, so make sure to pick one up before they become sold out as well.  

Weekly Knox: Warfare (Atomic)

"Atomic energy has been manifested to us, so far, only as an instrument of death; and the bomb (like all explosive weapons, but on a scale hitherto unimaginable) is a weapon in the hands of tyranny.  It is suited to the needs of a world in which you no longer count heads to save breaking them, but blow off heads to save the trouble of counting them." - God and the Atom

Happy Thanksgiving!

"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus,  for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—  so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." -1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (NRSV)

USCCB NABRE Personal Gift Sale

Thanks to Christ for this additional bit of info on the USCCB sale of their new NABRE's:

40% OFF: NEW AMERICAN BIBLE, REVISED EDITION (PERSONAL EDITION)
List Price: $19.95
Sale Price: $11.97

DISCOUNT CODE:
40FORME (EXP 12/8)

http://store.usccb.org/New-American-Bible-Personal-Edition-p/7-485.htm?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=nabre-bible-personal&utm_campaign=discount-inside-40-percent-off-nabre-bible-personal-edition-just-for-you 

Today Only: 1/2 Off USCCB NABRE

50% OFF: NEW AMERICAN BIBLE (GIFT EDITION) List Price: $24.95 Sale Price: $12.47 DISCOUNT CODE 50FORME

Follow link:

http://store.usccb.org/New-American-Bible-Gift-Edition-p/7-486.htm

The Illustrated and Annotated New Testament for Catholics

You can view page samples now.  It will be available in paperback soon from Liturgical Training Publications.

Description:

The Illustrated and Annotated New Testament for Catholics contains the complete text of the New Testament from the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), ideal for devotional reading and study. It includes the full NAB introductions and notes to facilitate understanding by providing details about the text and translation, as well as historical and theological context.

The notes included in the side margins are new to this New Testament. Written in an accessible style, they help the reader understand the world of the Bible and connect the text to our lives as Christians in today’s world.

This 608-page book includes hundreds of color illustrations to enhance the reading of the text: great artworks from the past millennium as well as photographs of places mentioned in the biblical text.  The Illustrated and Annotated New Testament for Catholics is a unique and attractive instrument to encourage Bible reading and study among youth and adults alike. It is an effective tool for youth and adult Bible study as well as Confirmation and RCIA programs. 

Dei Verbum at 50 (Paragraph 24)

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, I will be posting twice a month, on Mondays, a paragraph from this important document.  There are a total of 26 paragraphs, so this will take us through to the Fall when we reach the anniversary of its promulgation by Pope Paul VI on November 18, 1965.  I look forward to our discussion.  May I suggest a helpful book by Fr. Ronald D. Witherup called The Word of God at Vatican II: Exploring Dei Verbum published by Liturgical Press.

24. Sacred theology rests on the written word of God, together with sacred tradition, as its primary and perpetual foundation. By scrutinizing in the light of faith all truth stored up in the mystery of Christ, theology is most powerfully strengthened and constantly rejuvenated by that word. For the Sacred Scriptures contain the word of God and since they are inspired, really are the word of God; and so the study of the sacred page is, as it were, the soul of sacred theology.  By the same word of Scripture the ministry of the word also, that is, pastoral preaching, catechetics and all Christian instruction, in which the liturgical homily must hold the foremost place, is nourished in a healthy way and flourishes in a holy way.

Christ the King

"Then I saw in my dream, how one came riding on the clouds of heaven, that was yet a son of man; came to where the Judge sat, crowned with age, and was ushered into his presence.  With that, power was given him, and glory, and sovereignty; obey him all must, men of every race and tribe and tongue; such a reign as his lasts for ever, such power as his the ages cannot diminish." 

-Daniel 7:13-14 (Knox)

National Bible Week: Saturday's Question

For National Bible Week, I will be proposing a question each day for you to consider.  Let's take this week to consider the great gift that is the Holy Scriptures.

Today's Question:
What is your favorite passage of Scripture?  Why?

National Bible Week: Friday's Question

For National Bible Week, I will be proposing a question each day for you to consider.  Let's take this week to consider the great gift that is the Holy Scriptures.

Today's Question:
Do you practice lectio divina?  If so, explain how you do it?  What parts of the Bible do find most conducive to lectio?