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Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives
Highly recommended. Without ignoring the findings of New Testament scholarship, the author is more interested in the spiritual meaning of the infancy narratives. This is the fruit of a lifetime's scholarship, prayer and reflection. Church of England Newspaper 20130421 The momentous third and final volume in the Pope's international bestselling Jesus of Nazareth trilogy, detailing how the stories of Jesus' infancy and childhood are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago.In 2007, Joseph Ratzinger published his first book as Pope Benedict XVI in order to 'make known the figure and message of Jesus'. Now the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmation of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary. This is a story of longing and seeking, as demonstrated by the Magi searching for the redemption offered by the birth of a new king. It is a story of sacrifice and trusting completely in the wisdom of God as seen in the faith of Simeon, the just and the devout man of Jerusalem, when he is in the presence of the Christ child. Ultimately, Jesus' life and message is a story for today, one that speaks to the restlessness of the human heart searching for the sole truth which alone leads to profound joy and freedom.This ostensibly simple message is also the most profound challenge to the individual human being at a time of unprecedented turbulence and change.There is no greater vocation for a Pope than to preach the Gospel and this is what in this book Pope Benedict has done with conviction and urgency.This new book is a masterpiece of its kind.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published December 24, 2004
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2999 people want to read
About the author
Pope Benedict XVI
943 books935 followersOriginally
Joseph Ratzinger
, a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
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April 17, 2018
I initially almost didn't get this. When I saw how slender the Infancy Narratives was, I was disappointed. I don't know, I guess I was expecting, given Benedict's other entries in his Jesus series, something along the lines of Raymond Brown's Birth of the Messiah (which, interestingly, Benedict never refers to). But after reading Benedict's treatment (which the Pope calls a small "antechamber" to this Jesus story), I find I can't praise the book enough. It's length (about 130 pages), and it's depth (endless), makes it a perfect Christmas companion.
My previous encounters with Benedict (Ratzinger), have been excellent, but also challenging. This pope deals in deep theology, heavy lumber, but you also sense a first class mind at work. So you soldier on (see his Introduction to Christianity, which is hardly an introduction for the layperson). But with the Infancy Narratives, the reader will find much of that "heaviness" stripped away. It's easily the most pastoral effort I've read from this pope. It's also a book that can be read by all Christians, since Benedict dials back his sense (insistence?) of "Church" (as in Roman Catholic). Here he speaks to believers everywhere.
Benedict starts things off with the questions: Who is Jesus? Where is he from? He then points out that the two questions are "inseparably linked." What follows are close readings, and examinations, of the Gospel accounts found in Matthew and Luke. Matthew's focus in on the the genealogy of Jesus (with great emphasis placed on David, and Abraham). Luke, emphasis is given to Jesus' public ministry. In addition to these approaches, is that Luke's story appears to operate with "inside" information: Mary as a kind of ultimate source for the events in the narratives.
Benedict works his may through both, with all the elements (the Annunciation, Joseph, the angel, Herod, the Magi, massacre of the innocents, etc.) touched on, but with great depth. Benedict is capable of communicating this depth, while at the same time maintaining a light touch. He also treats the narratives as history, knocking down, convincingly (IMHO), those that insist the narratives are myth or fairy tales. Toward the end of the book, Benedict states that the writers of the Gospels believed they were writing concrete history, and without evidence to the contrary, we should believe them. One of the more fascinating parts of this story is Benedict's discussion of the "Star of Bethlehem." Was it a star? Or something else? Whatever it was, it was noted as far away as China and Babylon. Its appearance, according ancient writers beyond Israel, was given great weight. Something was going to happen. How cool is that?
Note: If you get this, I strongly recommend a slow reading. Some here at Goodreads have remarked that the book can be read in an afternoon. This is true, but I think that such an approach robs the book of its lingering beauty.
My previous encounters with Benedict (Ratzinger), have been excellent, but also challenging. This pope deals in deep theology, heavy lumber, but you also sense a first class mind at work. So you soldier on (see his Introduction to Christianity, which is hardly an introduction for the layperson). But with the Infancy Narratives, the reader will find much of that "heaviness" stripped away. It's easily the most pastoral effort I've read from this pope. It's also a book that can be read by all Christians, since Benedict dials back his sense (insistence?) of "Church" (as in Roman Catholic). Here he speaks to believers everywhere.
Benedict starts things off with the questions: Who is Jesus? Where is he from? He then points out that the two questions are "inseparably linked." What follows are close readings, and examinations, of the Gospel accounts found in Matthew and Luke. Matthew's focus in on the the genealogy of Jesus (with great emphasis placed on David, and Abraham). Luke, emphasis is given to Jesus' public ministry. In addition to these approaches, is that Luke's story appears to operate with "inside" information: Mary as a kind of ultimate source for the events in the narratives.
Benedict works his may through both, with all the elements (the Annunciation, Joseph, the angel, Herod, the Magi, massacre of the innocents, etc.) touched on, but with great depth. Benedict is capable of communicating this depth, while at the same time maintaining a light touch. He also treats the narratives as history, knocking down, convincingly (IMHO), those that insist the narratives are myth or fairy tales. Toward the end of the book, Benedict states that the writers of the Gospels believed they were writing concrete history, and without evidence to the contrary, we should believe them. One of the more fascinating parts of this story is Benedict's discussion of the "Star of Bethlehem." Was it a star? Or something else? Whatever it was, it was noted as far away as China and Babylon. Its appearance, according ancient writers beyond Israel, was given great weight. Something was going to happen. How cool is that?
Note: If you get this, I strongly recommend a slow reading. Some here at Goodreads have remarked that the book can be read in an afternoon. This is true, but I think that such an approach robs the book of its lingering beauty.
December 6, 2015
Thought I would read this now, since we're close to Christmas, and anyway it was a pretty short and light a read. Very easy to follow and left me with a glowy good feeling. The book is not really a third part on the series, more like a side-chamber. :)
The focus here is on the infant narratives, mainly focusing on texts of Matthew and Luke: the annunciation of the births of John The Baptist and Jesus, Jesus' birth, the three wise men and flight to Egypt, plus finally a bit on Jesus' temple visit at 12.
Made some notes, so I'll stuff them here. (But to put short: I got new views and the book is worth reading *lol*)
- those who knew Jesus' (earth-level) origins, who knew his relatives and/or hometown, had it harder to accept his mission talk
- the genealogy (ancestor-list) shows the movement towards Jesus; the meaning of the women included explained; there's differences between the lists but symbolic structure means more anyway, shows new beginning
- connections to Old Testament are frequent in the narratives, often making old things become clearer; the narratives show what was important for the believer community
- note John's family's priestly roots; his annunciation story is temple-centric and clearly more public than his cousin's
- both Mary and Joseph get "do not be afraid" talk and name suggested to them; Mary starts pondering the meaning of the events from the start; Joseph as a devout man not wanting to dismiss Mary publicly, then able to see that the dream really does have a message of truth and obeys said message (he really is devout)
- Jesus' birth: him being the Savior and bringing peace can be compared to how emperor Augustus was seen similarly
- the birthyear was miscalculated; the census that brought the family to Bethlehem was dragging for years and was done in two phases
- cave was used as a stable commonly around Bethelehem; the meaning of manger is discussed; discussed also is the right wording of angels' song that the shepherds witnessed
- who were the 'Magi': perhaps Persian, interested in religion and astronomy; the astronomic explanations of the star is discussed; here reading I realised I'd forgotten how they found the exact place of Jesus (during talk with the knowledgeable men in Jerusalem); the meaning of gifts (especially myrrh)
And so on... there's a lot of information for such a slim book and such small bits that the narratives are, but it all adds to giving the book a warm, hope-giving feeling. A worthy adding to the series. :)
The focus here is on the infant narratives, mainly focusing on texts of Matthew and Luke: the annunciation of the births of John The Baptist and Jesus, Jesus' birth, the three wise men and flight to Egypt, plus finally a bit on Jesus' temple visit at 12.
Made some notes, so I'll stuff them here. (But to put short: I got new views and the book is worth reading *lol*)
- those who knew Jesus' (earth-level) origins, who knew his relatives and/or hometown, had it harder to accept his mission talk
- the genealogy (ancestor-list) shows the movement towards Jesus; the meaning of the women included explained; there's differences between the lists but symbolic structure means more anyway, shows new beginning
- connections to Old Testament are frequent in the narratives, often making old things become clearer; the narratives show what was important for the believer community
- note John's family's priestly roots; his annunciation story is temple-centric and clearly more public than his cousin's
- both Mary and Joseph get "do not be afraid" talk and name suggested to them; Mary starts pondering the meaning of the events from the start; Joseph as a devout man not wanting to dismiss Mary publicly, then able to see that the dream really does have a message of truth and obeys said message (he really is devout)
- Jesus' birth: him being the Savior and bringing peace can be compared to how emperor Augustus was seen similarly
- the birthyear was miscalculated; the census that brought the family to Bethlehem was dragging for years and was done in two phases
- cave was used as a stable commonly around Bethelehem; the meaning of manger is discussed; discussed also is the right wording of angels' song that the shepherds witnessed
- who were the 'Magi': perhaps Persian, interested in religion and astronomy; the astronomic explanations of the star is discussed; here reading I realised I'd forgotten how they found the exact place of Jesus (during talk with the knowledgeable men in Jerusalem); the meaning of gifts (especially myrrh)
And so on... there's a lot of information for such a slim book and such small bits that the narratives are, but it all adds to giving the book a warm, hope-giving feeling. A worthy adding to the series. :)
December 22, 2019
An annual re-read for me since 2012.
My previous review at Patheos.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/happycat...
My previous review at Patheos.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/happycat...
December 12, 2020
A Winner! Well written. Incredibly researched and easy to read.
Benedict XVI weaves a beautiful story around the most popular story--Christmas.
A must for students of Christology; serious Christias and Preachers.
Benedict XVI weaves a beautiful story around the most popular story--Christmas.
A must for students of Christology; serious Christias and Preachers.
November 22, 2012
“Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives” is the concluding volume in Pope Benedict’s trilogy on Jesus of Nazareth. It is the slimmest of the three books, but it’s presented at the same level of accessible scholarship that characterizes the other two books in the trilogy. It is a work that is simultaneously scholarly and yet highly inspirational, and it’s written with Benedict’s characteristic thoughtfulness and sincerity.
Pope benedict addresses all the main points of the infancy narratives – the genealogies, the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist, the annunciation to Mary, the conception and the birth of Jesus, virgin birth, the Wise Men form the east, and the epilogue of the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple. The book is written in Pope Benedict’s characteristic manner of combining critical scholarship and biblical exegesis with the fidelity to the essential trustworthiness and truthfulness of the Scripture. People familiar with Pope Benedict's writing will know to expect a keen and refined intellect that is equally at ease at Biblical exegesis, theological reflection, and pastoral exhortations. Pope moves effortlessly between critical and insightful exegesis, highly developed theology, and effective and imminent preaching. He tries to discern the authors’ motives and intentions when writing particular passages, and yet he never dismisses any piece of narrative as naïve an quaint as many of the more “enlightened” biblical scholars these days are all to eager to do.
Catholic Church is truly blessed to have in the person of Pope Benedict all the virtues and functions that it aspires to manifest and carry out corporally as an institution. Pope's writing is very lucid and accessible, but it demands a certain level of familiarity with the more nuanced details of the Gospel narratives. Even though there are numerous scriptural quotations throughout the book I find that having a copy of the Bible on the side to be very useful. Sometimes it is important to look up the entire passage or the chapter from which the quote is taken. The translation that is used in this book is RSV, but any other popular English translation will do.
Even though he is an eminent theologian and leader of the over billion strong Catholic Church, Pope Benedict at no point uses his own eminent status to impose his views on the reader. He engages in a scholarly dialogue with other theologians and exegetes, and many of his statements are laced with qualifications. He comes across as someone who relishes intellectual vibrancy that may lead reasonable well-informed people to conclusions that are different from his own. He aims to persuade his readers by the reasonableness of his views, and not by the authority of his office or the scholarly accomplishments.
This book was published a few weeks before the Advent 2012, and it gives a good opportunity for all Christians to reflect on the profound mysteries of incarnation of Son of God. Of all Christian holy days, Christmas has been the most distorted though in the eyes of the popular culture. Every year it falls to faithful Christians to resist the temptations of the consumerist culture and try to remove themselves to a quiet place from where they can contemplate the true essence of Jesus’s birth and infancy. The Gospel writers’ main aim when composing the infancy narratives was to answer one simple yet profound question: who is Jesus and where does he come from? The answer to this question is equally profound and momentous for our lives as Christians. In meditating on it we can hopefully get one step closer to understanding the mystery that is Jesus Christ and how it affects our lives. Pope Benedict’s book may not be the definitive answer to that question, but it is certainly as good as the best such answers in the two millennia of Christianity.
As mentioned before, this is a very short book –144 pages in the printed form (I have read the Kindle edition). It is a very quick read and can easily be read in one sitting, or in two hours at the most. However, the depth and intimacy of this book would be best appreciated if it’s read slowly and with the appreciation for all the nuances of the arguments it offers.
There are some indications that this might be the last major book written by Pope Benedict XVI. I certainly hope that this is not the case. The World needs constant evangelization, and a person of his sensibility, intellect, and courage is an important and powerful voice.
Pope benedict addresses all the main points of the infancy narratives – the genealogies, the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist, the annunciation to Mary, the conception and the birth of Jesus, virgin birth, the Wise Men form the east, and the epilogue of the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple. The book is written in Pope Benedict’s characteristic manner of combining critical scholarship and biblical exegesis with the fidelity to the essential trustworthiness and truthfulness of the Scripture. People familiar with Pope Benedict's writing will know to expect a keen and refined intellect that is equally at ease at Biblical exegesis, theological reflection, and pastoral exhortations. Pope moves effortlessly between critical and insightful exegesis, highly developed theology, and effective and imminent preaching. He tries to discern the authors’ motives and intentions when writing particular passages, and yet he never dismisses any piece of narrative as naïve an quaint as many of the more “enlightened” biblical scholars these days are all to eager to do.
Catholic Church is truly blessed to have in the person of Pope Benedict all the virtues and functions that it aspires to manifest and carry out corporally as an institution. Pope's writing is very lucid and accessible, but it demands a certain level of familiarity with the more nuanced details of the Gospel narratives. Even though there are numerous scriptural quotations throughout the book I find that having a copy of the Bible on the side to be very useful. Sometimes it is important to look up the entire passage or the chapter from which the quote is taken. The translation that is used in this book is RSV, but any other popular English translation will do.
Even though he is an eminent theologian and leader of the over billion strong Catholic Church, Pope Benedict at no point uses his own eminent status to impose his views on the reader. He engages in a scholarly dialogue with other theologians and exegetes, and many of his statements are laced with qualifications. He comes across as someone who relishes intellectual vibrancy that may lead reasonable well-informed people to conclusions that are different from his own. He aims to persuade his readers by the reasonableness of his views, and not by the authority of his office or the scholarly accomplishments.
This book was published a few weeks before the Advent 2012, and it gives a good opportunity for all Christians to reflect on the profound mysteries of incarnation of Son of God. Of all Christian holy days, Christmas has been the most distorted though in the eyes of the popular culture. Every year it falls to faithful Christians to resist the temptations of the consumerist culture and try to remove themselves to a quiet place from where they can contemplate the true essence of Jesus’s birth and infancy. The Gospel writers’ main aim when composing the infancy narratives was to answer one simple yet profound question: who is Jesus and where does he come from? The answer to this question is equally profound and momentous for our lives as Christians. In meditating on it we can hopefully get one step closer to understanding the mystery that is Jesus Christ and how it affects our lives. Pope Benedict’s book may not be the definitive answer to that question, but it is certainly as good as the best such answers in the two millennia of Christianity.
As mentioned before, this is a very short book –144 pages in the printed form (I have read the Kindle edition). It is a very quick read and can easily be read in one sitting, or in two hours at the most. However, the depth and intimacy of this book would be best appreciated if it’s read slowly and with the appreciation for all the nuances of the arguments it offers.
There are some indications that this might be the last major book written by Pope Benedict XVI. I certainly hope that this is not the case. The World needs constant evangelization, and a person of his sensibility, intellect, and courage is an important and powerful voice.
December 30, 2022
ESPAÑOL: Mis comentarios sobre este libro y sobre una crítica periodística que le hicieron pueden verse en mi blog: La infancia de Jesús y la crítica periodística
Mis comentarios sobre la estrella de Belén, que mencionan este libro, pueden verse aquí: La estrella de Belén
ENGLISH: See in my blog my comments about this book and about a critic in a major newspaper: Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives
My comments about the star of Bethlehem, where I mention this book, can be seen here: The star of Bethlehem
Mis comentarios sobre la estrella de Belén, que mencionan este libro, pueden verse aquí: La estrella de Belén
ENGLISH: See in my blog my comments about this book and about a critic in a major newspaper: Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives
My comments about the star of Bethlehem, where I mention this book, can be seen here: The star of Bethlehem
May 23, 2025
UNA NUEVA LUZ EN TU BIBLIOTECA: DESCUBRIENDO A BENEDICTO XVI
"Surgirá una estrella de Jacob, se levantará un cetro de Israel" (Números 24:17). Tal como la "Estrella de Jacob" brilló en el horizonte, guiando a los Magos hacia el Niño Jesús, la sabiduría de Benedicto XVI (Marktl, Baviera, 1927-2022) nos ilumina, llevándonos por un viaje profundo y revelador a través de los misterios de la Natividad.
En cada página, resplandece el mensaje de que la Navidad está anclada en hechos reales, una historia donde lo histórico y lo divino se encuentran. Desde las profecías del Antiguo Testamento hasta los eventos que marcaron el nacimiento de Cristo, Benedicto XVI nos invita a redescubrir el significado eterno de la Encarnación: un misterio que, como la estrella de Belén, sigue guiando y ofreciendo respuestas a las grandes preguntas de la humanidad.
ÚLTIMO DE LA TRILOGÍA DE JESÚS DE NAZARET
Este libro, titulado La infancia de Jesús (2012), es el tercero y último de la trilogía de Benedicto XVI sobre "Jesús de Nazaret", que explora de manera profunda la vida de Cristo. Los otros dos volúmenes de esta serie son:
- Jesús de Nazaret: Desde el Bautismo en el Jordán hasta la Transfiguración (2007)
- Jesús de Nazaret: Semana Santa, desde la entrada en Jerusalén hasta la Resurrección (2011)
Cada uno de estos libros nos ofrece una perspectiva única sobre los misterios de la vida de Jesús.
UNA DEFENSA ANTE EL MODERNISMO
En esta obra, Benedicto XVI dialoga con los exégetas modernos que dudan de la veracidad de ciertos pasajes bíblicos. La defensa de Benedicto XVI es firme y honesta, echando raíces profundas en la tradición y la verdad revelada. Frente a algunos sacerdotes que consideran las narrativas del nacimiento de Cristo como simples mitos, Benedicto XVI reafirma con firmeza que la fe cristiana se basa en hechos históricos, defendiendo la autenticidad de los relatos evangélicos y la verdad revelada sobre la vida de Jesús.
LA ARQUEOLOGÍA DE LA ESTRELLA DE BELÉN
En el recorrido por estas páginas (128 en total), me he sentido como un explorador frente a un mapa del tesoro. Leer este libro ha sido como si estuviera en una aventura arqueológica. Ha sido la puerta a la arqueología de la Natividad. Y es que Benedicto XVI, con su profundo conocimiento, nos enseña el fundamento teológico de descubrimientos históricos que nos maravillan. Las reflexiones de Benedicto conectan con los esfuerzos de arqueólogos contemporáneos, como Joel Kramer, quien aparece en el documental de Expedition Bible titulado Archaeology for "the Star who will come from Jacob". Esta evidencia arqueológica confirma una vez más la autenticidad de la Biblia, mostrando que fe y ciencia caminan juntas para iluminar el mensaje de Cristo.
UN ANACRONISMO SORPRENDENTE EN LOS DETALLES OCULTOS
Pero además de los grandes temas, Benedicto XVI también sabe captar la esencia de los detalles pequeños. Vas a disfrutar con el semblante asustadizo de Pilato, todo un gobernador romano, ante la mansedumbre del Hombre-Dios, y la sorprendente madurez de un Niño de doce años tras su presentación en el Templo.
El hecho de que tengamos estos detalles de una figura nacida en un pesebre, en una época tan lejana, es algo inédito en la historia humana. Es un anacronismo fascinante de los evangelios, un detalle revelador que está ahí, a la vista de todos, pero del que nadie habla, como si su simplicidad lo hiciera invisible. Sólo Benedicto XVI podría resaltar esta paradoja con tanta claridad, recordándonos cómo lo pequeño e inesperado tiene un papel esencial en la grandeza del plan divino.
OTROS PASAJES INOLVIDABLES
No te puedes perder:
- El cumplimiento de las profecías del Antiguo Testamento.
- Los precursores de Cristo.
- Cristo como "Dominador del Cosmos".
- La teología de la Anunciación.
- El parto virginal de María.
- El debate sobre la gracia y la libertad.
- Los Magos de Oriente.
- El misterio del Titulus Crucis.
Estas reflexiones llenan de vida el mensaje del Evangelio, otorgándonos una visión renovada del misterio cristiano.
CONCLUSIÓN: DESTAPANDO LAS RAÍCES DE LA NATIVIDAD
"Saldrá una rama del tronco de Jesé, un vástago retoñará de sus raíces" (Isaías 11:1). Así como la profecía de Isaías ha encontrado su cumplimiento en Cristo, la obra de Benedicto XVI es un nuevo brote en el árbol de la fe. Su profundo análisis de la Natividad nos invita a redescubrir la perenne actualidad del mensaje evangélico. Benedicto XVI nos muestra que la fe cristiana está basada en hechos históricos y no en mitos. Esta lectura nos invita a ir más allá de la superficie, a apreciar cómo lo antiguo y lo nuevo se conectan, y a encontrarnos personalmente con Cristo, cuya presencia transforma vidas y ofrece esperanza.
"Surgirá una estrella de Jacob, se levantará un cetro de Israel" (Números 24:17). Tal como la "Estrella de Jacob" brilló en el horizonte, guiando a los Magos hacia el Niño Jesús, la sabiduría de Benedicto XVI (Marktl, Baviera, 1927-2022) nos ilumina, llevándonos por un viaje profundo y revelador a través de los misterios de la Natividad.
En cada página, resplandece el mensaje de que la Navidad está anclada en hechos reales, una historia donde lo histórico y lo divino se encuentran. Desde las profecías del Antiguo Testamento hasta los eventos que marcaron el nacimiento de Cristo, Benedicto XVI nos invita a redescubrir el significado eterno de la Encarnación: un misterio que, como la estrella de Belén, sigue guiando y ofreciendo respuestas a las grandes preguntas de la humanidad.
ÚLTIMO DE LA TRILOGÍA DE JESÚS DE NAZARET
Este libro, titulado La infancia de Jesús (2012), es el tercero y último de la trilogía de Benedicto XVI sobre "Jesús de Nazaret", que explora de manera profunda la vida de Cristo. Los otros dos volúmenes de esta serie son:
- Jesús de Nazaret: Desde el Bautismo en el Jordán hasta la Transfiguración (2007)
- Jesús de Nazaret: Semana Santa, desde la entrada en Jerusalén hasta la Resurrección (2011)
Cada uno de estos libros nos ofrece una perspectiva única sobre los misterios de la vida de Jesús.
UNA DEFENSA ANTE EL MODERNISMO
En esta obra, Benedicto XVI dialoga con los exégetas modernos que dudan de la veracidad de ciertos pasajes bíblicos. La defensa de Benedicto XVI es firme y honesta, echando raíces profundas en la tradición y la verdad revelada. Frente a algunos sacerdotes que consideran las narrativas del nacimiento de Cristo como simples mitos, Benedicto XVI reafirma con firmeza que la fe cristiana se basa en hechos históricos, defendiendo la autenticidad de los relatos evangélicos y la verdad revelada sobre la vida de Jesús.
LA ARQUEOLOGÍA DE LA ESTRELLA DE BELÉN
En el recorrido por estas páginas (128 en total), me he sentido como un explorador frente a un mapa del tesoro. Leer este libro ha sido como si estuviera en una aventura arqueológica. Ha sido la puerta a la arqueología de la Natividad. Y es que Benedicto XVI, con su profundo conocimiento, nos enseña el fundamento teológico de descubrimientos históricos que nos maravillan. Las reflexiones de Benedicto conectan con los esfuerzos de arqueólogos contemporáneos, como Joel Kramer, quien aparece en el documental de Expedition Bible titulado Archaeology for "the Star who will come from Jacob". Esta evidencia arqueológica confirma una vez más la autenticidad de la Biblia, mostrando que fe y ciencia caminan juntas para iluminar el mensaje de Cristo.
UN ANACRONISMO SORPRENDENTE EN LOS DETALLES OCULTOS
Pero además de los grandes temas, Benedicto XVI también sabe captar la esencia de los detalles pequeños. Vas a disfrutar con el semblante asustadizo de Pilato, todo un gobernador romano, ante la mansedumbre del Hombre-Dios, y la sorprendente madurez de un Niño de doce años tras su presentación en el Templo.
El hecho de que tengamos estos detalles de una figura nacida en un pesebre, en una época tan lejana, es algo inédito en la historia humana. Es un anacronismo fascinante de los evangelios, un detalle revelador que está ahí, a la vista de todos, pero del que nadie habla, como si su simplicidad lo hiciera invisible. Sólo Benedicto XVI podría resaltar esta paradoja con tanta claridad, recordándonos cómo lo pequeño e inesperado tiene un papel esencial en la grandeza del plan divino.
OTROS PASAJES INOLVIDABLES
No te puedes perder:
- El cumplimiento de las profecías del Antiguo Testamento.
- Los precursores de Cristo.
- Cristo como "Dominador del Cosmos".
- La teología de la Anunciación.
- El parto virginal de María.
- El debate sobre la gracia y la libertad.
- Los Magos de Oriente.
- El misterio del Titulus Crucis.
Estas reflexiones llenan de vida el mensaje del Evangelio, otorgándonos una visión renovada del misterio cristiano.
CONCLUSIÓN: DESTAPANDO LAS RAÍCES DE LA NATIVIDAD
"Saldrá una rama del tronco de Jesé, un vástago retoñará de sus raíces" (Isaías 11:1). Así como la profecía de Isaías ha encontrado su cumplimiento en Cristo, la obra de Benedicto XVI es un nuevo brote en el árbol de la fe. Su profundo análisis de la Natividad nos invita a redescubrir la perenne actualidad del mensaje evangélico. Benedicto XVI nos muestra que la fe cristiana está basada en hechos históricos y no en mitos. Esta lectura nos invita a ir más allá de la superficie, a apreciar cómo lo antiguo y lo nuevo se conectan, y a encontrarnos personalmente con Cristo, cuya presencia transforma vidas y ofrece esperanza.
July 3, 2019
Good Story 196. Julie and Scott were abiding in the fields in the night, minding their own business, when three guys showed up looking for directions. Julie started to draw a map by starlight while Scott haggled for some myrrh.
Original reviews below.
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I've really been craving some of Pope Benedict's writing. I know, that's a weird thing to crave. But there is something about the way he writes theology that hits me just right. My idea at the moment is to read all of the Jesus of Nazareth trilogy. We'll see how that works out. But for now, this is the perfect book to reread.
Original review below.
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This is the Jesus of Nazareth book I longed for ever since Ratzinger (Pope Benedict) mentioned it in the forward to his first Jesus of Nazareth book. Though slight, it is powerful. It is a quick read but one that will leave you with much food for reflection on the Incarnation, God's wide sweeping plan, the presence of the Cross from the beginning, and the infinite Love that takes such drastic steps to help us feel even a fraction of that love ourselves.
Simply superb and highly recommended. If you've been nervous of the other Jesus of Nazareth books, and they can be quite dense in places, this is the place to begin.
Original reviews below.
==========
I've really been craving some of Pope Benedict's writing. I know, that's a weird thing to crave. But there is something about the way he writes theology that hits me just right. My idea at the moment is to read all of the Jesus of Nazareth trilogy. We'll see how that works out. But for now, this is the perfect book to reread.
Original review below.
=========
This is the Jesus of Nazareth book I longed for ever since Ratzinger (Pope Benedict) mentioned it in the forward to his first Jesus of Nazareth book. Though slight, it is powerful. It is a quick read but one that will leave you with much food for reflection on the Incarnation, God's wide sweeping plan, the presence of the Cross from the beginning, and the infinite Love that takes such drastic steps to help us feel even a fraction of that love ourselves.
Simply superb and highly recommended. If you've been nervous of the other Jesus of Nazareth books, and they can be quite dense in places, this is the place to begin.
January 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It helps to explain some crucial points of the Catholic faith. I would recommend this to all.
November 27, 2022
Excelente introducción a los dos tomos de Jesús de Nazaret, este breve librito pretende ser una exégesis sencilla y asequible de lo poco que dicen los Evangelios sobre la infancia de Jesús (Mateo y Lucas), acompañada de reflexiones del Santo Padre y ayudada por interpretaciones del Antiguo Testamento. Un libro que desprende alegría e invita a la misma. Especialmente adecuado para la época navideña, aunque muy recomendable para cualquier época del año.
Lamentablemente el libro ha sido noticia por un titular de pésimo periodista en el que no sólo se malinterpreta el texto, sino que se falsea descaradamente: en ningún momento se dice que se deba eliminar a la mula y al buey de los belenes, sino todo lo contrario: "Ningún belén renunciará al buey y al asno." Un comentario, que el propio Papa califica de digresión menor y que no pasa de ser un inocente comentario sobre el origen del uso de dichos animales en los nacimientos, ha pasado a convertirse en el centro del libro. Un libro que reflexiona con acierto y amena erudición sobre cuestiones mucho más importantes, como la virginidad de María, el significado de la visita de los Magos, la estrella, José y sus sueños, Juan el Bautista o el hombre como ser libre, representado por María y su libre aceptación de la voluntad de Dios. Temas que, al parecer, no resultan del interés de la prensa.
Lamentablemente el libro ha sido noticia por un titular de pésimo periodista en el que no sólo se malinterpreta el texto, sino que se falsea descaradamente: en ningún momento se dice que se deba eliminar a la mula y al buey de los belenes, sino todo lo contrario: "Ningún belén renunciará al buey y al asno." Un comentario, que el propio Papa califica de digresión menor y que no pasa de ser un inocente comentario sobre el origen del uso de dichos animales en los nacimientos, ha pasado a convertirse en el centro del libro. Un libro que reflexiona con acierto y amena erudición sobre cuestiones mucho más importantes, como la virginidad de María, el significado de la visita de los Magos, la estrella, José y sus sueños, Juan el Bautista o el hombre como ser libre, representado por María y su libre aceptación de la voluntad de Dios. Temas que, al parecer, no resultan del interés de la prensa.
December 26, 2023
The Infancy Narratives is the first book by Pope Benedict XVI ("Papa Ben" from this point forward :D ) that I read. I've always been somewhat intrigued by his works because Boyfriend loves to flood me with Papa Ben's quotes, so by the time I actually picked up this book I already had a rough idea of his writing style.
To put it simply, this is one of those rare theology books that read like novels. The Infancy Narratives is deeply intellectual yet profoundly heart-warming. Papa Ben's style is flowing and it effortlessly interweaves facts, figures, and interpretations with his characteristic narration. While many of the arguments I've read somewhere else, it's still nice to have them re-explained and even further elaborated.
As the title points out, the book deals with the theology of the events surrounding Jesus's birth: from the double Annunciations to the Temple scene when he was 12. There are delicious explanations for the symbols and metaphors; I particularly like the ones about the manger and Caesar Augustus.
This is a recommended book to be read anytime during the year, but is especially suited for Advent.
To put it simply, this is one of those rare theology books that read like novels. The Infancy Narratives is deeply intellectual yet profoundly heart-warming. Papa Ben's style is flowing and it effortlessly interweaves facts, figures, and interpretations with his characteristic narration. While many of the arguments I've read somewhere else, it's still nice to have them re-explained and even further elaborated.
As the title points out, the book deals with the theology of the events surrounding Jesus's birth: from the double Annunciations to the Temple scene when he was 12. There are delicious explanations for the symbols and metaphors; I particularly like the ones about the manger and Caesar Augustus.
This is a recommended book to be read anytime during the year, but is especially suited for Advent.
January 17, 2013
Guilty confession: I haven't read the other two Jesus of Nazareth books. I wasn't sure I was smart enough or had enough brainpower to spare.
Well, this was the one to start with, and Advent was the time to read it. It was a gentle examination, a quiet visit in the stable, and an education that wasn't forced.
Reading it made me look differently at the Infant Jesus in the manger (and, in the case of my house, in the tractor wagon).
Pope Benedict is a brilliant scholar, no doubt about it, and you can tell that from his writing. Take out, though, any thought you have of not being able to follow his reasoning.
This book was beautiful and truly a lesson in all sorts of things for me. I loved it, and I’ll be rereading it and sharing it with many others, I’m sure.
Well, this was the one to start with, and Advent was the time to read it. It was a gentle examination, a quiet visit in the stable, and an education that wasn't forced.
Reading it made me look differently at the Infant Jesus in the manger (and, in the case of my house, in the tractor wagon).
Pope Benedict is a brilliant scholar, no doubt about it, and you can tell that from his writing. Take out, though, any thought you have of not being able to follow his reasoning.
This book was beautiful and truly a lesson in all sorts of things for me. I loved it, and I’ll be rereading it and sharing it with many others, I’m sure.
December 30, 2020
Thoughtful and devotional read to help me get in the mindset for Advent and Christmas. One of the refreshing aspects of Ratzinger's writing is that he is eager to respond to critical questions but is also eager to find deep spiritual meaning in the text and he meditates upon the meaning of Christ's birth.
I think that this will be helpful to consult as I study/teach/preach on certain texts because he helpfully lays out his chapters around certain pericopes.
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As predicted last year, this book was VERY helpful in teaching and preaching through Luke 1-2 during Advent and Christmas seasons in 2020. The rigor of thought and the depth of reverence make this fantastic, and I recommend it to all I know. Use this book for your Advent devotions!
I think that this will be helpful to consult as I study/teach/preach on certain texts because he helpfully lays out his chapters around certain pericopes.
----
As predicted last year, this book was VERY helpful in teaching and preaching through Luke 1-2 during Advent and Christmas seasons in 2020. The rigor of thought and the depth of reverence make this fantastic, and I recommend it to all I know. Use this book for your Advent devotions!
January 9, 2021
Una exégesis muy interesante sobre el nacimiento e infancia de Jesús en los evangelios de Mateo y Lucas.
¡Me encantó!
¡Me encantó!
December 20, 2012
The amazing analysis that Joseph Ratzinger made shows his lucidity of thought. He goes over each component of the infancy narratives of Jesus, giving at all times not only a theological explanation but finally reaching conclusions that serve as catechetical arguments that makes the reader marvel at the great miracle of the birth of the Son of God in the world.
December 4, 2023
Excelente análise das narrativas da infância de Jesus, da Anunciação até Jesus Perdido no Tempo com 12 anos.
O livro faz várias análises bíblicas e históricas, pondera sobre traduções e faz excelente tradução para uma das mais importantes obras de cristologia da Santa Igreja Católica.
Obra maravilhosa do amado Papa Bento XVI.
O livro faz várias análises bíblicas e históricas, pondera sobre traduções e faz excelente tradução para uma das mais importantes obras de cristologia da Santa Igreja Católica.
Obra maravilhosa do amado Papa Bento XVI.
October 6, 2014
Yes Must read. Benedict XVI, comes to grips with the significance of the Infancy Narratives, in a readable, yet serious effort.
December 28, 2024
There is just a lot of tenderness and beauty in reading the story Jesus’ birth, realizing how great a role God asked Mary to say ‘Yes’ to, and how much the short infancy narratives points us directly to the suffering and death of Jesus during His Passion and on His Cross. An excellent Advent/Christmas read.
February 4, 2013
Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives is by no means my first attempt to read Pope Benedict XVI. My first attempt came trying to read the first part of the "Jesus of Nazareth" series, at which I tried and failed miserably. I decided to next try and read "Introduction to Christianity," but Pope Benedict's definition of introduction and my definition of introduction are on vastly different planes. I had to put both of those books aside, as I realized I was trying to run before I could even crawl. "The Infancy Narratives," however, are a manageable read both in length and content.
Although many will view this as the 3rd Volume in his "Jesus of Nazareth" series, Pope Benedict makes a point to the reader that this is an antechamber (a small room that leads to larger rooms) to the other two books. For this reason, I am glad to have read this book first as it is a perfect starting point to the other two books, which are wordier and deeper. Spanning approximately 130 pages, the reader is presented with four chapters and a tiny epilogue. In these chapters, one explores the Annunciations of John and Jesus, the birth of Jesus, visit of the Magi, flight into Egypt, and his finding in the Temple.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the Annunciations, particularly as it dealt with John the Baptist or John the Forerunner as he is known in the East. St. John was a true prophet like Elijah, but we tend to forget that about him. All most people know about St. John was that he wore a camelhair outfit, ate locusts, and was beheaded. However, Pope Benedict shows us so much more about him. St. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at the Visitation when Mary greeted Elizabeth and John jumped in Elizabeth's womb. This means St. John the Forerunner was also filled with the Holy Spirit. This is something I never would have come to realize on my own, but Pope Benedict spells this out as well as many other things one misses in the Christmas stories we have heard all our lives.
This is a 5 star book and one that would be beneficial to read. Ideally, one could read this during Advent in preparation for Christmas. However, Advent is a long ways away, and I wouldn't wait ten months to pick up and read this book. After reading this book, I am reminded of something I heard/read from George Weigel. I don't know the exact quote, but he said something to the effect of Pope John Paul II opened our hearts. Pope Benedict XVI filled them up. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Although many will view this as the 3rd Volume in his "Jesus of Nazareth" series, Pope Benedict makes a point to the reader that this is an antechamber (a small room that leads to larger rooms) to the other two books. For this reason, I am glad to have read this book first as it is a perfect starting point to the other two books, which are wordier and deeper. Spanning approximately 130 pages, the reader is presented with four chapters and a tiny epilogue. In these chapters, one explores the Annunciations of John and Jesus, the birth of Jesus, visit of the Magi, flight into Egypt, and his finding in the Temple.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the Annunciations, particularly as it dealt with John the Baptist or John the Forerunner as he is known in the East. St. John was a true prophet like Elijah, but we tend to forget that about him. All most people know about St. John was that he wore a camelhair outfit, ate locusts, and was beheaded. However, Pope Benedict shows us so much more about him. St. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at the Visitation when Mary greeted Elizabeth and John jumped in Elizabeth's womb. This means St. John the Forerunner was also filled with the Holy Spirit. This is something I never would have come to realize on my own, but Pope Benedict spells this out as well as many other things one misses in the Christmas stories we have heard all our lives.
This is a 5 star book and one that would be beneficial to read. Ideally, one could read this during Advent in preparation for Christmas. However, Advent is a long ways away, and I wouldn't wait ten months to pick up and read this book. After reading this book, I am reminded of something I heard/read from George Weigel. I don't know the exact quote, but he said something to the effect of Pope John Paul II opened our hearts. Pope Benedict XVI filled them up. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
October 25, 2012
Benedict XVI is probably the most intelligent and cultivated Pope in the History of the Church. Unfortunately, he's found a tough opposition to achieve his goals, (yes, there are plenty of odd interests in Rome, as well). Besides he is an elder man who's no time left to achieve his whole intentions. About the trilogy, I'll remark that my faith has grown stronger and more determined after reading these books.
February 28, 2013
Very accessible writing and ideas, as usual with Pope Benedict XVI.
This volume on the Infancy Narratives includes great insights into the prophetic nature of the Gospel accounts surrounding Jesus' birth, up to His finding at the Temple.
I was very impressed by some new ideas linking Jesus' birth and death together (e.g., the significance behind the swaddling clothes, the unused myrrh, his finding at the Temple on the third day, etc.).
This volume on the Infancy Narratives includes great insights into the prophetic nature of the Gospel accounts surrounding Jesus' birth, up to His finding at the Temple.
I was very impressed by some new ideas linking Jesus' birth and death together (e.g., the significance behind the swaddling clothes, the unused myrrh, his finding at the Temple on the third day, etc.).
February 22, 2021
Not as hard to read as I thought it might be! Some interesting scriptural insights, and overall a good read. Does encourage me to read the other Jesus of Nazareth books.
December 31, 2022
Reflecting on Mary and Joseph's confusion over Jesus' words when they found him in the temple and the repeated refrain that Mary "kept all these things in her heart":
"Again and again, Jesus' words exceed our rational powers. Again and again, they surpass our capacity to understand. The temptation to reduce them, to bend them to our own criteria, is understandable. Yet good exegesis requires of us the humility to leave intact this loftiness that so often overtaxes us, not to reduce Jesus' sayings by asking to what extent we can take him at his word...Believing means submitting to this loftiness and slowly growing into it."
(Which echoes what my pastor has been telling us as he slowly preaches through Matthew!)
Five stars not because I necessarily agreed with everything but because he brought out so many insights and connections with other Scripture passages that I had never considered. Excellent Advent/Christmas reading, and I look forward to reading/finishing the other two books in the series over the next few months.
"Again and again, Jesus' words exceed our rational powers. Again and again, they surpass our capacity to understand. The temptation to reduce them, to bend them to our own criteria, is understandable. Yet good exegesis requires of us the humility to leave intact this loftiness that so often overtaxes us, not to reduce Jesus' sayings by asking to what extent we can take him at his word...Believing means submitting to this loftiness and slowly growing into it."
(Which echoes what my pastor has been telling us as he slowly preaches through Matthew!)
Five stars not because I necessarily agreed with everything but because he brought out so many insights and connections with other Scripture passages that I had never considered. Excellent Advent/Christmas reading, and I look forward to reading/finishing the other two books in the series over the next few months.
January 31, 2021
I don't know why it took so long for me to get around to reading this short book. I loved the two other volumes, which I read years ago: Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration and Jesus of Nazareth, Part Two: Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
This volume is like a "prequel" to the others, covering the infancy narratives of Luke and Matthew. Highly recommended to read during the Advent and Christmas seasons.
This volume is like a "prequel" to the others, covering the infancy narratives of Luke and Matthew. Highly recommended to read during the Advent and Christmas seasons.
February 24, 2024
I started this as Advent spiritual reading but life got crazy so I finished it during Lent.
As with the first in this series (and I will be, for the rest of Lent, going back and working on the second) Benedict presents a masterclass Christological theology. This brief little book presents a wealth of information and insight into what is really a very very short part of the Gospels, yet a very very rich part.
Benedict helps the reader to ascend to a higher intellectual level while remaining very easy to read and he challenges the reader to truly encounter the person of Christ who is Emmanuel (“God with us”). All the while he dispels myths and heterodox theology from the modernist crowd that would have us believe that the infancy narratives are at most nice theological tales/legends when in reality they reveal to us a true episode from the life of Our Lord.
Highly recommend.
As with the first in this series (and I will be, for the rest of Lent, going back and working on the second) Benedict presents a masterclass Christological theology. This brief little book presents a wealth of information and insight into what is really a very very short part of the Gospels, yet a very very rich part.
Benedict helps the reader to ascend to a higher intellectual level while remaining very easy to read and he challenges the reader to truly encounter the person of Christ who is Emmanuel (“God with us”). All the while he dispels myths and heterodox theology from the modernist crowd that would have us believe that the infancy narratives are at most nice theological tales/legends when in reality they reveal to us a true episode from the life of Our Lord.
Highly recommend.
October 21, 2024
I enjoyed this, it’s a very scholarly look at the infancy narratives in the gospels. I will definitely read the other books in this series, and I think I’ll enjoy them more now that I know to approach it with an academic mindset, rather than expecting it to be an easy, inspirational read.
June 25, 2017
I love [Pope emeritus] Ben[edict XVI]. Seriously. He was elected to the papacy in 2005, and I owe much of my development in faith to him. I was in my second year of college in 2005, and, after a lot of soul-searching, I had decided that I wanted to remain in the Catholic Church of my childhood, but I still had a lot of questions. Part of my earlier indecision about the Church was prompted by the blind faith touted by the nuns of my grammar school. They called this "childlike faith."
Now, I'm not the kid who is content to believe everything she's told while she sits and eats paste. God made me to be thatannoying precocious child who always asks "Why? Why? Why?!" And Ben told me that it's okay to be the way God made me; I don't need to sit down and shut up. In fact, God likes the smart kids, too: He teaches us words like "consubstantial." From Ben, I get the idea that God says to us, "'Why?' Let's figure it out together," and He takes us by the hands and leads us to the answers that He already knows. Because God is love, and that means he's patient and kind. Ben is part of the smart kids club. We don't eat paste. We meet in the libraries.
So I was very much looking forward to spending time with my literary-minded, religious buddy as he broke down the events surrounding Christmas. Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives covers the early chapters of Matthew and Luke, with a few dashes from John's Gospel. (The Gospel according to Mark doesn't mention Christ's birth.) There are a lot of theological bounties here: the annunciation of John the Baptist (Zechariah being struck dumb), the annunciation of Christ, the Visitation ("Blessed are you who believed!"), the actual birth of Christ, the slaughter of the innocents. This book could have easily been a 300-page companion to the first two books in the series. There is a lot to unpack.
I enjoyed the first two books in the series: Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration and Jesus of Nazareth, Part Two: Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. They are heavy books, extremely detailed to the point of being overwhelming. Ben has a habit of belaboring a point.
This slim book is just the opposite. It's still thoughtful, and I learned some interesting historical facts (like Herod killing his three sons because he didn't want the competition) that aren't part of the Bible but that enhance the narrative. However, I felt that Ben didn't carry his insights to fruition. He said something profound; then he dropped it. Other reviewers say that it's a "meditative" book. That's because Ben didn't complete his thoughts; we now have to complete it.
If you're going to read Ben's series, don't start with this one, the "antechamber." This book was an afterthought. Read the books in the order that he wrote them. His life and heart's work went into From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration and Holy Week. If I remember correctly, he never intended to write about the Infancy Narratives.
The book didn't make me angry, and it didn't bore me to tears. That's why it's not a one-star book. It also has parts that I like. I like that he continues his theme of God acting in human events. Here, he details the role that the Roman empire (a new "global" empire) played as a means by which the message and the promise were carried to all the nations. I especially like that he addressed the fact that the angel left Mary after the annunciation:
There could have been a rich discourse on feeling God intimately in our lives versus the dark nights, but that's all he says on that. And that is the reason for the low rating.
Now, I'm not the kid who is content to believe everything she's told while she sits and eats paste. God made me to be that
So I was very much looking forward to spending time with my literary-minded, religious buddy as he broke down the events surrounding Christmas. Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives covers the early chapters of Matthew and Luke, with a few dashes from John's Gospel. (The Gospel according to Mark doesn't mention Christ's birth.) There are a lot of theological bounties here: the annunciation of John the Baptist (Zechariah being struck dumb), the annunciation of Christ, the Visitation ("Blessed are you who believed!"), the actual birth of Christ, the slaughter of the innocents. This book could have easily been a 300-page companion to the first two books in the series. There is a lot to unpack.
I enjoyed the first two books in the series: Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration and Jesus of Nazareth, Part Two: Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. They are heavy books, extremely detailed to the point of being overwhelming. Ben has a habit of belaboring a point.
This slim book is just the opposite. It's still thoughtful, and I learned some interesting historical facts (like Herod killing his three sons because he didn't want the competition) that aren't part of the Bible but that enhance the narrative. However, I felt that Ben didn't carry his insights to fruition. He said something profound; then he dropped it. Other reviewers say that it's a "meditative" book. That's because Ben didn't complete his thoughts; we now have to complete it.
If you're going to read Ben's series, don't start with this one, the "antechamber." This book was an afterthought. Read the books in the order that he wrote them. His life and heart's work went into From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration and Holy Week. If I remember correctly, he never intended to write about the Infancy Narratives.
The book didn't make me angry, and it didn't bore me to tears. That's why it's not a one-star book. It also has parts that I like. I like that he continues his theme of God acting in human events. Here, he details the role that the Roman empire (a new "global" empire) played as a means by which the message and the promise were carried to all the nations. I especially like that he addressed the fact that the angel left Mary after the annunciation:
I consider it important to focus also on the final sentence of Luke's annunciation narrative: "And the angel departed from her" (Lk 1:38). The great hour of Mary's encounter with God's messenger -- in which her whole life is changed -- comes to an end, and she remains there alone, with the task that truly surpasses all human capacity. There are no angels standing round her. She must continue along the path that leads through many dark moments -- from Joseph's dismay at her pregnancy to the moment when Jesus is said to be out of his mind (cf. Mk 3:21, Jn 10:20), right up to the night of the Cross.
How often in these situations must Mary have returned inwardly to the hour when God's angel had spoken to her, pondering afresh the greeting: "Rejoice, full of grace!" and the consoling words: "Do not be afraid!" The angel departs; her mission remains, and with it matures her inner closeness to God, a closeness in her heart she is able to see and touch.
There could have been a rich discourse on feeling God intimately in our lives versus the dark nights, but that's all he says on that. And that is the reason for the low rating.
January 14, 2023
Pope Benedict's most accessible Bible study is perfect for reflecting on during the Christmas season... ignore that it took me till ordinary time to finish.
February 13, 2019
I love Pope Benedict, but the tone of this book was a little too scholastic for me. Biblical exegesis isn't something I know a lot about other than what I learned in college and then this book; so I am willing to read more books along this vein. I just may need to make sure they're short in length - this short and concise book was the perfect length for a heavy subject matter.
December 23, 2023
I really love Benedict and his unique little blend of scholarly/theological/pastoral/spiritual in his writing style for these books. But man I wish this had a conclusion?? It went straight from his last point about the finding in the Temple to the bibliography and I was not ready 😢
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