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Geoff Wood combines examples from Western literature and his own personal life to help readers connect the Sunday readings to their own experiences.

Paperback 6x9 168 pages

Geoff Wood combines examples from Western literature and his own personal life to help readers connect the Sunday readings to their own experiences.

Paperback 6x9 160 pages

Making Good Preaching Better explores not the preaching of ethics but the ethics of preaching. Using sound theology and practical insights, this book shows that by putting themselves in the place of the people in the pews, preachers can improve their sermons and make good preaching better more consistently. Written with the practicing homilist in mind, Making Good Preaching Better helps motivate and sharpen the skills of those in preaching ministry. Laid out as a teaching tool for classroom use, it also makes the work of the homiletic professor easier.

Reverend Rueter explains how the same qualities - visual, oral, cohesive - that make it possible for preachers to remember their sermons also make it possible for parishioners to remember these sermons. He also explores concepts not covered in other homiletics books, such as the legitimate appeal to self-interest as observed in Jesus, Paul, and Moses, how to deal with "hard," controversial topics, and tips for remembering homilies. Reverend Rueter bases his approach on the time-proven step-by-step pedagogy used in the first-century schools of rhetoric. He believes that requiring novices to prepare whole homilies for criticism presents too many possibilities for failure and thus discouragement. With its step-by-step homiletical exercises, Making Good Preaching Better gives students greater possibilities of the joy of success in putting together entire homilies one step at a time.

Making Good Preaching Better offers three-minute oral exercises to be performed before a video camera. Each exercise uses the theological/homiletical principles explained in that chapter and includes suggestions on how to conduct the video lab sessions without provoking dread but rather, by promoting affirmation. Fourteen homilies (by the author and others) are supplied for both professionals and novices to critique. To supplement the instruction, recommendations for additional readings are provided at the end of each chapter. Roman Catholic and Protestant clergy, seminarians, and those in Roman Catholic diaconate formation programs will benefit from this practical textbook.

Subitle: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scripture-Based, People-Centered Preaching
Author: Alvin C. Rueter

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814622155
Details: 288 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 02/01/1997

The parables of Jesus are puzzling sayings and stories with world-transforming potential. Parables for Preachers offers an understanding of how parables work and a fresh variety of possible meanings not only for Jesus original audience and for the early Christians for whom Matthew, Mark, and Luke wrote but also for contemporary Christians as well. The Gospel parables are analyzed in the order in which they appear in the Lectionary, making this book an indispensable resource for preachers, teachers, catechists, liturgy planners, and Bible study groups.

Subtitle: Year A, The Gospel of Matthew
Author: Barbara E. Reid, OP

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814625507
Details: 296 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/
Publication Date: 09/01/2001

The parables of Jesus are puzzling sayings and stories with world-transforming potential. Parables for Preachers offers an understanding of how parables work and a fresh variety of possible meanings not only for Jesus original audience and for the early Christians for whom Matthew, Mark, and Luke wrote but also for contemporary Christians as well. The Gospel parables are analyzed in the order in which they appear in the Lectionary, making this book an indispensable resource for preachers, teachers, catechists, liturgy planners, and Bible study groups.

Subtitle: Year B, The Gospel of Mark
Author: Barbara E. Reid, OP

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814625514
Details: 144 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 10/01/1999

The parables of Jesus are puzzling sayings and stories with world-transforming potential. Parables for Preachers offers an understanding of how parables work and a fresh variety of possible meanings not only for Jesus original audience and for the early Christians for whom Matthew, Mark, and Luke wrote but also for contemporary Christians as well. The Gospel parables are analyzed in the order in which they appear in the Lectionary, making this book an indispensable resource for preachers, teachers, catechists, liturgy planners, and Bible study groups.

Subtitle: Year C, The Gospel of Luke
Author: Barbara E. Reid, OP

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814625521
Details: 368 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 08/01/2000

Preaching is an essential part of the life of the church. Preachers are called to proclaim the word of Godthe Good News of salvationin the church's name. Since the Second Vatican Council, the popes have emphasized a vision of good preaching that meets the needs of the church and the people of God. In this articulate and engaging guide for deacons, priests, and bishops, Deacon Peter Lovrick brings this mission into focus for the twenty-first century. He begins by outlining the church's expectations of homilists. He then presents various methods for clarifying and measuring the marks of preaching that fulfills the church's vision. Finally, he discusses practical steps preachers can take to accomplish those goals and nourish the faith of their people through homilies.

Priests, deacons, and others involved in the ministry of preaching: the people entrusted to your care want you to read this book!

Subtitle: A Practical Guide to Catholic Preaching for the New Evangelization
Author: Peter Lovrick; Foreword by Cardinal Thomas Collins

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814646052
Details: 96 pgs , 6 X 9 
Publication Date: 03/04/2016

Scripture Backgrounds for the Sunday Lectionary, Year A: A Resource for Homilists

Formerly published as Foundations for Preaching and Teaching, this resource is a compilation of selected Scripture backgrounds for Year A. Commentaries offer historical-critical backgrounds, identify recurring themes, and underscore the relevance of the readings to life today. A gem of a resource for all who teach and preach, this book will provide homilists with a lens through which to prepare each week.

Contributors: Mary A. Ehle; Peg Ekerdt; Jean Marie Hiesberger; Biagio Mazza; Mary M. Mcglone, csj; Abbot Gregory J. Polan, osb; Denise Simeone; George Smiga; Paul Turner

978-1-61671-312-6 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 208 pages | Language: English

Scripture Backgrounds for the Sunday Lectionary, Year B: A Resource for Homilists

This resource provides invaluable commentary on the Lectionary readings for Year B (including the Responsorial Psalm) for Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, and feasts and solemnities that may occur on a Sunday. Written in a pastoral tone, it offers historical-critical background on each of the readings and underscores their relevance to life today. Thematically related quotations from major Church documents are included with each Scripture background to provide context and connections to Church teaching. Organized by the liturgical calendar, each season of readings begins with an overview of the season and a brief look at where the readings come from and any unifying messages or themes present throughout the selected readings. Scripture Backgrounds for the Sunday Lectionary, Year B is written by a team of writers with a broad range of theological, pastoral, and catechetical experience. Their reflections offer homilists a solid foundation from which to begin the process of preparing to speak the Word of God to their assemblies.

Contributors: Mary A. Ehle; Peg Ekerdt; Jean Marie Hiesberger; Biagio Mazza; Mary M. Mcglone, csj; Abbot Gregory J. Polan, osb; Denise Simeone; George Smiga; Paul Turner

978-1-61671-368-3 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 208 pages

This resource provides invaluable commentary on the Lectionary readings for Year C (including the Responsorial Psalm) for Sundays, holydays of obligation, and feasts and solemnities that may occur on a Sunday. Written in a pastoral tone, it offers historical-critical background on each of the readings and underscores their relevance to life today. Thematically related quotations from major Church documents are included with each Scripture background to provide context and connections to Church teaching. Organized by the liturgical calendar, each season of readings begins with an overview of the season and a brief look at where the readings come from and any unifying messages or themes present throughout the selected readings. Scripture Backgrounds for the Sunday Lectionary, Year C is written by a team of writers with a broad range of theological, pastoral, and catechetical experience. Their reflections offer homilists a solid foundation from which to begin the process of preparing to speak the Word of God to their assemblies.

Author contributors: Mary A. Ehle; Peg Ekerdt; Jean Marie Hiesberger; Biagio Mazza; Mary M. Mcglone, csj; Abbot Gregory J. Polan, caps">osb; Denise Simeone; George Smiga; Paul Turner

Paperback 6x9 308 pages

Seasons in the Word: Liturgical Homilies Year C is the second of a three-volume collection of homilies covering the Lectionary, including feast days. The book results from decades of prayerful preaching on the Sunday Scriptures by Fr. John Sandell to congregations in the Diocese of Fargo. Useful for priests in their own homiletic preparation, Seasons in the Word is also for lay people who wish to prepare for the upcoming Sunday readings and for individual reflection.

Subtitle: Liturgical Homilies Year C
Author: John Sandell

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 978-0-8146-2585-9, 2585
Details: 120 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 08/01/2003

Seasons in the Word, by Fr. John Sandell, is the first of a three-volume collection of homilies covering the Lectionary, including feast days. The book results from decades of prayerful preaching on the Sunday Scriptures by Fr. Sandell to congregations in the Diocese of Fargo.

Useful for priests in their own homiletic preparation, Seasons in the Word, will also be important for lay people who wish to prepare for the upcoming Sunday readings and individual devotion.

ISBN: 9780814625866 

Details: 120 pgs, 6 x 9
Publication Date: 08/01/2002

In this volume, Father Smith rounds out his three-year cycle of practical, pertinent and popular reflections on the Word of God proclaimed from the pulpit each Sunday. Following his own advice he has kept his homilies short and to-the-point with brief, illustrated and often humorous stories which emphasize the main theme of the liturgical readings of the day. €œPreaching, €� he tells us, €œmust be the fruit of the preacher €™s own prayed experience €¦[and] a good homily always serves up something to think about, something to emote over, something to aspire to, something to smile at, and something to believe. Most of all, it provides a truth of faith to live by €�. These Sunday homilies succeed remarkably well in doing all these things.

Pages 251

Author:  Joseph A. Slattery
Copyright:  2006

• The Challenge of the Gospel - Cycle A
• The Challenge of the Gospel - Cycle B
• The Challenge of the Gospel - Cycle C

In these three volumes of thoughtful reflections on the Sunday Gospels, Fr. Slattery shows the ways in which the Gospel message can and must be lived if it is to bear fruit in our lives and in the world in which we live.

3 books: 480 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8189-0969-6

The fifty-six essays in this book present cultural reflections on the gospel reading assigned for each Sunday in Cycle A of the Roman Lectionary. Each essay highlights aspects of the first-century, Eastern Mediterranean cultural world in which Jesus lived and suggests a cross-cultural comparison with contemporary Western culture. With this background information, readers can make more fitting applications of the Scripture to modern life situations.

Used as an aid in preaching, Lectionary-based catechesis, Scripture study, or for the interest and knowledge it brings, The Cultural World of Jesus will add form and substance to your understanding of "the Word that dwelt among us."

John J. Pilch, a highly-regarded biblical scholar and author, taught at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and passed away in 2016. Among his numerous publications areThe Cultural World of the Apostles, and The Cultural World of the Prophets series, and Cultural Tools for Interpreting the Good News, published by Liturgical Press.

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814622865, 2286
eISBN: 9780814639917, E3991
Details: 184 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4
Publication Date: 08/01/1995

The fifty-six essays in this book present cultural reflections on the gospel reading assigned for each Sunday in Cycle B of the Roman Lectionary. Each essay highlights aspects of the first-century, Eastern Mediterranean cultural world in which Jesus lived and suggests a cross-cultural comparison with contemporary Western culture. With this background information, readers can make more fitting applications of the Scripture to modern life situations.

John J. Pilch, a highly-regarded biblical scholar and author, taught at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and passed away in 2016. Among his numerous publications areThe Cultural World of the Apostles, and The Cultural World of the Prophets series, and Cultural Tools for Interpreting the Good News, published by Liturgical Press.

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814622872, 2287
eISBN: 9780814639924, E3992
Details: 184 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4
Publication Date: 08/01/1996

The Glenstal Companion to the Readings of the Easter Vigil explores the dynamic of the Vigil readings by examining a single reading, in its liturgical context, to provide nourishing commentary to deepen your encounter with God's Word. Parishioners will come to appreciate how the extended reading of passages from the Old Testament, in the light of the Paschal Candle, creates a sense of expectancy and focuses on the central reality of the Christian faithwhat the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ mean for the salvation of all people. Includes commentary for each of the readings of the Easter Vigil: the seven Old Testament readings, the Epistle, and the Gospels for Years A, B, and C.

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814665060
Details: 168 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4
Publication Date: 02/14/2020

These meditations present the mystery of Pentecost, from Luke in Acts, John in his Gospel, and Paul in his Letters. By placing these diverse but complementary points of view together, Cantalamessa provides priests, students, and interested lay people with a "three-dimensional" image of the coming of the Spirit, particularly suited to promote catechesis and devotion. Fr. Cantalamessa originally presented these meditations in his capacity as preacher to the papal household.

Chapters are "And They Began to Speak in Different Tongues: The Lukan Pentecost and the Spirit of Unity," "You Will Receive Power When the Holy Spirit Comes Upon You: The Lukan Pentecost and the Spirit of Prophecy," "He Breathed on Them and Said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit': The Johannine Pentecost and the Spirit of Truth," "But One and the Same Spirit Produces All of These: The Pauline Pentecost and the 'Person' of the Holy Spirit."

Author: Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap.; Glen S. Davis, Translator

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814627242
Details: 72 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 02/01/200

Author:  Ernest Ferlita, SJ
Copyright:  1994

Homilies for Sundays and Holy Days

• Paths of Life, The: Cycle A
• Paths of Life, The: Cycle B
• Paths of Life, The: Cycle C

About the Author:  Father Ernest Ferlita, SJ, received his licentiate in Sacred Theology from St. Louis University in 1964 and a Doctorate in Fine Arts from Yale in 1969. That same year he joined the drama faculty of Loyola University in New Orleans. He has often preached in university and parish settings but mainly in the chapel of the Poor Clares, for whom he has served as chaplain for many years. Father Ferlita is the author of several books, including five of scriptural reflections,  The Way of the River,  Gospel Journey, and  The Paths of Life - Cycle A,  B, and  C. One of his plays,  The Mask of Hiroshima, was published in  The Best Short Plays 1989. It was produced Off-Off-Broadway in 1996 with another short play,  The Bells of Nagasaki, under the title  Two Cities.

3 volumes 660 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8189-0707-4

PATHS OF LIFE, CYCLE B
Reflection on the Readings for Sundays and Holy Days

Author:  Ernest Ferlita, SJ
Copyright:  1993
First Printed:  10-18-1993

This second in the three year cycle of meditations on the liturgical readings for Sundays and Holy Days continues the dramatic and colorful style used to such great effect by the author in  The Paths of Life - Cycle A. Scripture is once again at the center of these reflections, and its application to the problems and concerns of daily life is always cogent, clear and timely. The poet and the pragmatist in the author combine to create new and insightful ways of viewing age-old truths and rediscovering their timeless significance for our own day and age. Priest and lay person alike will find his message helpful in preparing their own thoughts for each Sunday and Holy Day celebration.

About the Author:  Father Ernest Ferlita, SJ, received his licentiate in Sacred Theology from St. Louis University in 1964 and a Doctorate in Fine Arts from Yale in 1969. That same year he joined the drama faculty of Loyola University in New Orleans. He has often preached in university and parish settings but mainly in the chapel of the Poor Clares, for whom he has served as chaplain for many years. Father Ferlita is the author of several books, including five of scriptural reflections,  The Way of the River, Gospel Journey, and  The Paths of Life - Cycle A, B, and  C. One of his plays,  The Mask of Hiroshima, was published inThe Best Short Plays 1989. It was produced Off-Off-Broadway in 1996 with another short play,  The Bells of Nagasaki, under the title  Two Cities.

Book: 232 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8189-0677-0

With a goal of transcendent awareness, John Shea presents this commentary on the Sunday Gospel readings for those who are drawn to the spiritual wisdom of the Gospels. Ideal for Christian preachers and teachers, and Christians who meditate on the Gospels, Shea's book takes a literary-spiritual approach. He analyzes the mindsets of characters and how Jesus complimented, critiqued, praised these mindsets, to inspire meditation, reflection, and spiritual development. On Earth as It Is in Heaven, Year A is the first book of a four-volume set, The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers. This set is a Lectionary-based resource that references both Roman Catholic and Revised Common Lectionaries, making it useful and interesting to various Christian denominations. A Scripture index makes Shea's insightful reflections accessible for personal reflection on the Gospel texts as well as other uses outside of liturgical preparation. With wisdom relevant to our contemporary world, The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers: On Earth as It Is in Heaven will find its way to the top of your resource list.

Subtitle: On Earth as It Is in Heaven Year A
Author: John Shea, STD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814629130
Details: 360 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 09/01/2004

Storyteller and theologian John Shea provides a unique commentary that's ideal for preaching, teaching, or simply meditating on the Gospels. His writing is poignant and conversational making this book a valuable tool for professional ministers, as well as for Christians who reflect on the Gospels for personal spiritual growth.

Shea draws readers into the people and situations that Jesus encountered in ways that are evocative and inspirational. The resource is based on both the Catholic Lectionary for Mass and the Revised Common Lectionary, making it accessible across Christian denominations.

Subtitle: The Relentless Widow Year C
Author: John Shea, STD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814629154
Details: 344 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 11/01/2006

With a goal of transcendent awareness, John Shea presents this commentary on the Sunday Gospel readings for those who are drawn to the spiritual wisdom of the Gospels. Ideal for Christian preachers and teachers, and Christians who meditate on the Gospels, Shea's book takes a literary-spiritual approach. He analyzes the mindsets of characters and how Jesus complimented, critiqued, praised these mindsets, to inspire meditation, reflection, and spiritual development. Eating with the Bridegroom, Year B is the second book of a four-volume set, The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers. This set is a Lectionary-based resource that references both Roman Catholic and Revised Common Lectionaries, making it useful and interesting to various Christian denominations. A Scripture index makes Shea's insightful reflections accessible for personal reflection on the Gospel texts as well as other uses outside of liturgical preparation. With wisdom relevant to our contemporary world, The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers: Eating with the Bridegroom will find its way to the top of your resource list.

Subtitle: Eating with the Bridegroom Year B
Author: John Shea, STD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814629147
Details: 360 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 07/01/2005

What author John J. Pilch did for our understanding of the Sunday readings in his best-selling Cultural World of Jesus Sunday by Sunday series, he now does for the readings of the Triduum and Easter Sunday. Preachers, liturgy planners, musicians, and lyricists will discover the cultural context and meaning of the three Scripture readings for each day. All who participate in the Triduum and Easter Sunday liturgies will gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and their application to modern life.

The introduction presents and explains a three-step method commonly used by specialists in cross-cultural communication. Pilch offers suggestions for homilists and reflection questions from historical, liturgical, and cultural perspectives to encourage the reader to explore and master this cross-cultural method for breaking open the Scriptures. This process helps to make the challenge of the Scriptures clearer than ever for the modern reader.

Subtitle: Breaking Open the Scriptures
Author: John J. Pilch

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814627273
Details: 56 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 07/01/2000

In The Word on the Street, John Martens brings the Bible to where people live: in the church, at home, at work, and in the broader world. This Lectionary commentary for every Sunday of the liturgical year, offers readers a way in which the Bible can speak to them in light of their lives today.

John Martens is known for his contributions to "The Word", a popular column in America magazine. The Word on the Street, Year A is the first book in a three-volume series that presents scriptural, liturgical, and preaching commentary for Sundays throughout the year.

Subtitle: Sunday Lectionary Reflections
Author: John W. Martens

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814649640
Details: 152 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 08/30/2016

In The Word on the Street, John Martens brings the Bible to where people live: in the church, at home, at work, and in the broader world. This Lectionary commentary for every Sunday of the liturgical year will help readers understand the Bible in light of their daily lives, experiences, and challenges, and help Sunday Mass preachers find new ways to articulate God's work in the world.

John Martens is known for his contributions to The Word, a popular column in America magazine. The Word on the Street, Year B is the second book in a three-volume series that presents scriptural, liturgical, and preaching commentary for Sundays throughout the year.

Subtitle: Sunday Lectionary Reflections
Author: John W. Martens

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814649633
Details: 160 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 08/16/2017