The Bible and the liturgy were made for one another. To read Scripture in the heart of the Church is to read it with Eucharistic eyes. It is here that we see the great juncture of love: written Word and Incarnate Word.
Spirit and Life: Interpreting the Bible in Ordinary Time provides the reader with a greater appreciation of the Living Word. In nine informative and engaging essays, Dr. Scott Hahn draws readers' attention to central themes in Scripture, which make sense when read in the " natural and supernatural habitat" of the liturgy.
Topics include:
- Scripture as God's symphony
- Pope Benedict's Scripture-based teaching on the person and prayer of Jesus
- The connection of Scripture, liturgy, and the Church
- The "liturgical sense" of God's Word
- The theme of fulfillment in Matthew's Gospel
- Church authority within a scriptural context
- A biblical approach to the "Pentecostal" phenomena
- A paradox? Christ as Majestic Judge vs. Christ as the Lamb
Hahn convincingly demonstrates that Scripture is not a dead letter, but rather a great, living gift from God.
The words "ordinary time" in the title might mislead a browser into thinking that this book is a guide to the lectionary. It is not.
Dr. Scott Hahn has gathered together some disparate, mostly previously published material, with no clear common denominator. Some of the material is serious, heavily-footnoted scholarship, whereas other material is of a more inspirational, popular nature.
The best sections present some of Pope Benedict XVI's theological work, especially in the area of scripture. Indeed, Hahn believes that the Holy Father's biblical Christology will have the same impact on theology, preaching and religious education as has John Paul II's theology of the body.
Connecting scripture, liturgy and the communal life of the Church creates a nexus for finding the real Jesus. And reading the scriptures through the liturgy not only recovers the origins of the inspired texts but also gives them richer meaning for today.
Once again, Dr. Hahn is to be thanked for his efforts to bring the Bible into the heart of the Church and her sons and daughters. Spirit and Life had much to offer me as a pastor and preacher.
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Most Reverend R. Daniel Conlon, Bishop of SteubenvilleProfessor Scott Hahn, in his writing, teaching and lectures, has helped so many people grasp more fully the wisdom of God found in the pages of sacred Scripture. His book,
Spirit & Life: Essays on Interpreting the Bible in Ordinary Time, is one more example of his scholarship, teaching ability and personal appreciation of the Word of God. In this work he addresses in an engaging and informative manner how to "read the Bible from the heart of the Church." Readers, whether one is a scholar or newly undertaking serious biblical study, will come to appreciate more deeply how the Word of God gives new meaning to the daily events of life. --
Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, S.T.D., Archbishop of Washington, D.C.
