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Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year B
As Catholics, we draw meaning and purpose from the celebration of the Mass each Sunday. But what if we could enhance our experience of the Mass with a better grasp on the readings we hear?
In Breaking the Bread, a beautiful, full-color, clothbound companion for the Sunday Mass, beloved Scripture scholar Scott Hahn reflects on the Sunday Mass readings, providing insightful context for all Catholics to better understand what we hear—and why we hear it—on any given Sunday.
This easy-to-use devotional also includes carefully selected passages from the Catechism that provide an overview of the Church’s basic doctrinal and moral teaching and challenge each of us to greater fidelity to Christ.
Breaking the Bread will help all Catholics make the most of Sunday Mass through reflections on Scripture, the Catechism, and short prayers to help one deepen their personal relationship with the living Word of Jesus Christ.
This edition of Breaking the Bread highlights the lectionary readings for Year B. Additional volumes for Year A and Year C are forthcoming.
In Breaking the Bread, a beautiful, full-color, clothbound companion for the Sunday Mass, beloved Scripture scholar Scott Hahn reflects on the Sunday Mass readings, providing insightful context for all Catholics to better understand what we hear—and why we hear it—on any given Sunday.
This easy-to-use devotional also includes carefully selected passages from the Catechism that provide an overview of the Church’s basic doctrinal and moral teaching and challenge each of us to greater fidelity to Christ.
Breaking the Bread will help all Catholics make the most of Sunday Mass through reflections on Scripture, the Catechism, and short prayers to help one deepen their personal relationship with the living Word of Jesus Christ.
This edition of Breaking the Bread highlights the lectionary readings for Year B. Additional volumes for Year A and Year C are forthcoming.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
22 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Scott Hahn
415 books1,332 followersScott Hahn is a renowned Catholic theologian, apologist, speaker, and bestselling author whose work has had a profound impact on contemporary biblical theology and Catholic thought. A former Presbyterian minister, Hahn converted to Catholicism in 1986 after an intense personal and theological journey, which he details in his popular book Rome Sweet Home, co-written with his wife, Kimberly Hahn. Their story of conversion has inspired countless readers around the world and remains a landmark in modern Catholic apologetics.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 17, 2024
Wow! This is an incredible volume. I somehow missed it when it came out last year. But this year the volume for Year C was recommended and I loved it, I read a handful and wanted to go back and get this volume. I will make sure next year I am keeping my eye out for Year A. This finishes in a 9 weeks from when it arrived. But I could not help but read it. I devoured it over a few days to get caught up. I can easily state this and the two companions would be excellent resources for any Catholic! And I plan on using them for a number of years to come.
The description of this volume states:
“As Catholics, we draw meaning and purpose from the celebration of the Mass each Sunday. But what if we could enhance our experience of the Mass with a better grasp on the readings we hear?
In Breaking the Bread, a beautiful, full-color, clothbound companion for the Sunday Mass, beloved Scripture scholar Scott Hahn reflects on the Sunday Mass readings, providing insightful context for all Catholics to better understand what we hear—and why we hear it—on any given Sunday.
This easy-to-use devotional also includes carefully selected passages from the Catechism that provide an overview of the Church’s basic doctrinal and moral teaching and challenge each of us to greater fidelity to Christ.
Breaking the Bread will help all Catholics make the most of Sunday Mass through reflections on Scripture, the Catechism, and short prayers to help one deepen their personal relationship with the living Word of God: Jesus Christ.
This edition of Breaking the Bread highlights the lectionary readings for Year B. Additional volumes for Year A and Year C are forthcoming.”
Over the last three years I have worked through volume from the Catholic Truth Society by Dom Henry Wansbrough OSB, Companion to the Sunday Gospels Year C, which are based on the Lectionary and scriptures used in England, Wales and Scotland. I was just finishing up the third volume when I was offered a review copy of the volume for Year C. And it was an easy choice to try a new volume from Scott Hahn. And this volume does not disappoint. A sample reflection is:
“Thirteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time
WISDOM 1:13-15; 2:23-24
PSALM 30:2, 4, 5 6, 11, 12, 13
2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15
MARK 5:21-43 (OR 5:21-24, 35B-43)
Arise
God, who formed us in His imperishable image, did not intend for us to die, we hear in today's First Reading. Death entered the world through the devil's envy and Adam and Eve's sin; as a result, we are all bound to die. But in the moving story in today's Gospel, we see Jesus liberate a little girl from the possession of death.
On one level, Mark is recounting an event that led the disciples to understand Jesus' authority and power over even the final enemy, death (see i Corinthians 15:26). On another level, however, this episode is written to strengthen our hope that we also will be raised from the dead, along with all our loved ones who sleep in Christ (see 1Corinthians15:18).
Jesus commands the girl to "Arise!"- using the same Greek word the Apostles would later use to describe Jesus' own Resurrection (see Mark 16:6). And the consoling message of today's Gospel is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. If we believe in Him, even though we die, we will live (see John 15:25- 26).
We are called to have the same faith as the parents in the Gospel today- praying for our loved ones, trusting in Jesus' promise that even death cannot keep us apart. Notice the parents follow Him even though those in their own house tell them there is no hope and even though others ridicule Jesus' claim that the dead have only fallen asleep (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 ).
Already in Baptism we've been raised to new life in Christ. And the Eucharist, like the food given to the little girl today, is the pledge that He will raise us on the last day.
We should rejoice, as we sing in today's Psalm, that He has brought us up from the netherworld, the pit of death. And, as Paul exhorts in today's Epistle, we should offer our lives in thanksgiving for this gracious act, imitating Christ in our love and generosity for others.
~
If this child were not dead, it would be appropriate in our time for a priest to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament is certainly not to be reserved only for times when death is imminent. Acting in the Person of Christ, priests anoint the seriously ill so that, if God wills it, they may get well and live.
Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he
may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and
also when, after he has received it, the illness
worsens. (CCC 1529)
God's Son commands a little girl to arise. His healing grace allows this to occur. God does not command the impossible. Grace helps us fulfill His commandments.
What God commands he makes possible by his grace. (CCC 2082)
OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST DESTROYED
DEATH AND BROUGHT LIFE TO LIGHT
THROUGH THE GOSPEL.
Cf. 2 TIMOTHY 1:10
Have I ever been ridiculed for my faith? What was my reaction? How does Jesus react in this Gospel passage? How might I become more like Him in this respect?
Have I ever been guilty of ridiculing another for her or his faith? What are the consequences of this kind of behavior? How can I be more loving toward Christians and people of other faiths? Heavenly Father, You heal me and give me new life throughout my earthly pilgrimage. Bless my family and friends, including those whose journey on earth has drawn to a close. Keep me in Your loving care until all the faithful are united in Your glorious presence forever. Amen.”
I hope that sample reflection give you a feel for this volume. Each reflection is between 3 and 5 pages. Spread throughout the volume are full page prints or artwork. Twenty-five in this volume to be specific. Also occasionally there are full page quotes to highlight specific passages on a coloured background. This is a well-made hardcover book. The cloth covers match the covers for the lectionary for that year being Green and Blue so far and I am assuming red for next year. Its compact size 5x7 inches makes it perfect for desk, prayer corner or bedside table. The pages are high quality semi glossy paper and will last for years to come. The only thing missing is a cloth bookmark to keep your place.
I am typically an eBook guy, in part because of my dual form of dyslexia. But I plan to acquire both the physical and eBooks for this series and See myself using them year after year.
This volume and set is one I can easily recommend. It will be a great addition to any Catholic’s prayer corner. It is a volume every home would be blessed by having a copy and reading it before attending church on Sunday. This is a great resource, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy! It will be life changing.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
The description of this volume states:
“As Catholics, we draw meaning and purpose from the celebration of the Mass each Sunday. But what if we could enhance our experience of the Mass with a better grasp on the readings we hear?
In Breaking the Bread, a beautiful, full-color, clothbound companion for the Sunday Mass, beloved Scripture scholar Scott Hahn reflects on the Sunday Mass readings, providing insightful context for all Catholics to better understand what we hear—and why we hear it—on any given Sunday.
This easy-to-use devotional also includes carefully selected passages from the Catechism that provide an overview of the Church’s basic doctrinal and moral teaching and challenge each of us to greater fidelity to Christ.
Breaking the Bread will help all Catholics make the most of Sunday Mass through reflections on Scripture, the Catechism, and short prayers to help one deepen their personal relationship with the living Word of God: Jesus Christ.
This edition of Breaking the Bread highlights the lectionary readings for Year B. Additional volumes for Year A and Year C are forthcoming.”
Over the last three years I have worked through volume from the Catholic Truth Society by Dom Henry Wansbrough OSB, Companion to the Sunday Gospels Year C, which are based on the Lectionary and scriptures used in England, Wales and Scotland. I was just finishing up the third volume when I was offered a review copy of the volume for Year C. And it was an easy choice to try a new volume from Scott Hahn. And this volume does not disappoint. A sample reflection is:
“Thirteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time
WISDOM 1:13-15; 2:23-24
PSALM 30:2, 4, 5 6, 11, 12, 13
2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15
MARK 5:21-43 (OR 5:21-24, 35B-43)
Arise
God, who formed us in His imperishable image, did not intend for us to die, we hear in today's First Reading. Death entered the world through the devil's envy and Adam and Eve's sin; as a result, we are all bound to die. But in the moving story in today's Gospel, we see Jesus liberate a little girl from the possession of death.
On one level, Mark is recounting an event that led the disciples to understand Jesus' authority and power over even the final enemy, death (see i Corinthians 15:26). On another level, however, this episode is written to strengthen our hope that we also will be raised from the dead, along with all our loved ones who sleep in Christ (see 1Corinthians15:18).
Jesus commands the girl to "Arise!"- using the same Greek word the Apostles would later use to describe Jesus' own Resurrection (see Mark 16:6). And the consoling message of today's Gospel is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. If we believe in Him, even though we die, we will live (see John 15:25- 26).
We are called to have the same faith as the parents in the Gospel today- praying for our loved ones, trusting in Jesus' promise that even death cannot keep us apart. Notice the parents follow Him even though those in their own house tell them there is no hope and even though others ridicule Jesus' claim that the dead have only fallen asleep (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 ).
Already in Baptism we've been raised to new life in Christ. And the Eucharist, like the food given to the little girl today, is the pledge that He will raise us on the last day.
We should rejoice, as we sing in today's Psalm, that He has brought us up from the netherworld, the pit of death. And, as Paul exhorts in today's Epistle, we should offer our lives in thanksgiving for this gracious act, imitating Christ in our love and generosity for others.
~
If this child were not dead, it would be appropriate in our time for a priest to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament is certainly not to be reserved only for times when death is imminent. Acting in the Person of Christ, priests anoint the seriously ill so that, if God wills it, they may get well and live.
Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he
may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and
also when, after he has received it, the illness
worsens. (CCC 1529)
God's Son commands a little girl to arise. His healing grace allows this to occur. God does not command the impossible. Grace helps us fulfill His commandments.
What God commands he makes possible by his grace. (CCC 2082)
OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST DESTROYED
DEATH AND BROUGHT LIFE TO LIGHT
THROUGH THE GOSPEL.
Cf. 2 TIMOTHY 1:10
Have I ever been ridiculed for my faith? What was my reaction? How does Jesus react in this Gospel passage? How might I become more like Him in this respect?
Have I ever been guilty of ridiculing another for her or his faith? What are the consequences of this kind of behavior? How can I be more loving toward Christians and people of other faiths? Heavenly Father, You heal me and give me new life throughout my earthly pilgrimage. Bless my family and friends, including those whose journey on earth has drawn to a close. Keep me in Your loving care until all the faithful are united in Your glorious presence forever. Amen.”
I hope that sample reflection give you a feel for this volume. Each reflection is between 3 and 5 pages. Spread throughout the volume are full page prints or artwork. Twenty-five in this volume to be specific. Also occasionally there are full page quotes to highlight specific passages on a coloured background. This is a well-made hardcover book. The cloth covers match the covers for the lectionary for that year being Green and Blue so far and I am assuming red for next year. Its compact size 5x7 inches makes it perfect for desk, prayer corner or bedside table. The pages are high quality semi glossy paper and will last for years to come. The only thing missing is a cloth bookmark to keep your place.
I am typically an eBook guy, in part because of my dual form of dyslexia. But I plan to acquire both the physical and eBooks for this series and See myself using them year after year.
This volume and set is one I can easily recommend. It will be a great addition to any Catholic’s prayer corner. It is a volume every home would be blessed by having a copy and reading it before attending church on Sunday. This is a great resource, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy! It will be life changing.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
November 24, 2024
I have read this every Sunday for the last year and it has proven to be a great reflection on the core message the church is trying to teach us with the theme of any given Sunday. This was especially helpful during times when the Sunday homily I heard wasn't very good. I could look forward to coming home and reading a homily from Hahn. I only wish the reflections were longer so that I could learn even more! I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews