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Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year C
328 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2024
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7 people want to read
About the author
Scott Hahn
415 books1,322 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 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 17, 2025
Wow! This is an incredible volume. I somehow missed Year B when it came out last year. But I will not make that mistake next year. This volume does not start for a few weeks now but I read the introduction and randomly flipped through and read about a dozen of the reflections. I can easily state this and the two companions would be excellent resources for any Catholic!
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 by Ken Ogorek 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 C. An additional volume for Year A is 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 and Wales. I was just finishing up the third volume when I was offered a review copy of this volume. And it was an easy choice to try a new volume from Scott Hahn. And this volume does not disappoint. A sample reflection is:
“First Sunday of Lent
DEUTERONOMY 26:4–10
PSALM 91:1–2, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15
ROMANS 10:8–13
LUKE 4:1–13
Forty Days
In today’s epic Gospel scene, Jesus relives in His flesh the history of Israel. We’ve already seen that, like Israel, Jesus has passed through water and been called God’s beloved Son (see Luke 3:22; Exodus 4:22). Now, just as Israel was tested for forty years in the wilderness, Jesus is led into the desert to be tested for forty days and nights (see Exodus 15:25). He faces the same temptations put to Israel: Hungry, He’s tempted to grumble against God for food (see Exodus 16:1–13). As Israel quarreled at Massah, He’s tempted to doubt God’s care (see Exodus 17:1–6). When the devil asks for His homage, He’s tempted to do what Israel did in creating the golden calf (see Exodus 32).
Jesus fights the devil with the Word of God, three times quoting from Moses’ lecture about the lessons Israel was supposed to learn from its wilderness wanderings (see
Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16; 6:12–15).
Why do we read this story on the first Sunday of Lent? Because, like the biblical sign of forty (see Genesis 7:12; Exodus 24:18; 34:28; 1 Kings 19:8; Jonah 3:4), the forty days of Lent are a time of trial and purification. Lent is meant to teach us what we hear over and over in today’s readings. “Call upon me, and I will answer,” the Lord promises in today’s Psalm. Paul promises the same thing in today’s Epistle (quoting Deuteronomy 30:14; Isaiah 28:16; Joel 3:5).
This was Israel’s experience, as Moses reminds his people in today’s First Reading: “We cried to the Lord . . . and he heard our cry.” But each of us is tempted, as Israel was, to forget the great deeds He works in our lives, to neglect our birthright as His beloved sons and daughters. Like the litany of remembrance Moses prescribes for Israel, we should see in the Mass a memorial of our salvation, and “bow down in his presence,” offering ourselves in thanksgiving for all He has given us.
~
Ironically, the devil believes in God. He even has the Scriptures at his disposal. Those who have reasonable access to the Good News may have a hard time justifying unbelief if and when the time comes to do so. Even those with no substantial resources other than the natural light of human reason, though, can come to know God—largely by observing His creation.
The Church teaches that the one true God,
our Creator and Lord, can be known with
certainty from his works, by the natural light
of human reason (cf. Vatican Council I, can. 2,
1: DS 3026). (CCC 47)
Jesus’ Jewish upbringing sensitizes Him in a specific way to this second temptation. Above all else, God is the One to be worshiped. More than kingdoms, more than all principalities and powers, we are to worship the Lord our God, and Him
alone are we to serve.
The first commandment summons man to
believe in God, to hope in him, and to love
him above all else. (CCC 2134)
~
How do I usually handle temptation? What might enhance my ability to handle it?
In my own way do I seek kingdoms, power, and glory? What is my response to the second temptation?
St. Michael, glorious archangel, you know well the wiles of the tempter. Defend me, protect me, and pray for me, O prince of the heavenly host, that my faith in God remains strong , my hope in Him provides comfort, and my love for the Almighty leads me to salvation. Amen.
ONE DOES NOT LIVE
ON BREAD ALONE,
BUT ON EVERY WORD
THAT COMES FORTH
FROM THE MOUTH of GOD.
MATTHEW 4:4B”
I hope that sample reflection give you a feel for this volume. Each reflection is between four and 5 pages. Spread throughout the volume are full page prints or artwork. 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. 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!
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 by Ken Ogorek 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 C. An additional volume for Year A is 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 and Wales. I was just finishing up the third volume when I was offered a review copy of this volume. And it was an easy choice to try a new volume from Scott Hahn. And this volume does not disappoint. A sample reflection is:
“First Sunday of Lent
DEUTERONOMY 26:4–10
PSALM 91:1–2, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15
ROMANS 10:8–13
LUKE 4:1–13
Forty Days
In today’s epic Gospel scene, Jesus relives in His flesh the history of Israel. We’ve already seen that, like Israel, Jesus has passed through water and been called God’s beloved Son (see Luke 3:22; Exodus 4:22). Now, just as Israel was tested for forty years in the wilderness, Jesus is led into the desert to be tested for forty days and nights (see Exodus 15:25). He faces the same temptations put to Israel: Hungry, He’s tempted to grumble against God for food (see Exodus 16:1–13). As Israel quarreled at Massah, He’s tempted to doubt God’s care (see Exodus 17:1–6). When the devil asks for His homage, He’s tempted to do what Israel did in creating the golden calf (see Exodus 32).
Jesus fights the devil with the Word of God, three times quoting from Moses’ lecture about the lessons Israel was supposed to learn from its wilderness wanderings (see
Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16; 6:12–15).
Why do we read this story on the first Sunday of Lent? Because, like the biblical sign of forty (see Genesis 7:12; Exodus 24:18; 34:28; 1 Kings 19:8; Jonah 3:4), the forty days of Lent are a time of trial and purification. Lent is meant to teach us what we hear over and over in today’s readings. “Call upon me, and I will answer,” the Lord promises in today’s Psalm. Paul promises the same thing in today’s Epistle (quoting Deuteronomy 30:14; Isaiah 28:16; Joel 3:5).
This was Israel’s experience, as Moses reminds his people in today’s First Reading: “We cried to the Lord . . . and he heard our cry.” But each of us is tempted, as Israel was, to forget the great deeds He works in our lives, to neglect our birthright as His beloved sons and daughters. Like the litany of remembrance Moses prescribes for Israel, we should see in the Mass a memorial of our salvation, and “bow down in his presence,” offering ourselves in thanksgiving for all He has given us.
~
Ironically, the devil believes in God. He even has the Scriptures at his disposal. Those who have reasonable access to the Good News may have a hard time justifying unbelief if and when the time comes to do so. Even those with no substantial resources other than the natural light of human reason, though, can come to know God—largely by observing His creation.
The Church teaches that the one true God,
our Creator and Lord, can be known with
certainty from his works, by the natural light
of human reason (cf. Vatican Council I, can. 2,
1: DS 3026). (CCC 47)
Jesus’ Jewish upbringing sensitizes Him in a specific way to this second temptation. Above all else, God is the One to be worshiped. More than kingdoms, more than all principalities and powers, we are to worship the Lord our God, and Him
alone are we to serve.
The first commandment summons man to
believe in God, to hope in him, and to love
him above all else. (CCC 2134)
~
How do I usually handle temptation? What might enhance my ability to handle it?
In my own way do I seek kingdoms, power, and glory? What is my response to the second temptation?
St. Michael, glorious archangel, you know well the wiles of the tempter. Defend me, protect me, and pray for me, O prince of the heavenly host, that my faith in God remains strong , my hope in Him provides comfort, and my love for the Almighty leads me to salvation. Amen.
ONE DOES NOT LIVE
ON BREAD ALONE,
BUT ON EVERY WORD
THAT COMES FORTH
FROM THE MOUTH of GOD.
MATTHEW 4:4B”
I hope that sample reflection give you a feel for this volume. Each reflection is between four and 5 pages. Spread throughout the volume are full page prints or artwork. 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. 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!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
November 30, 2025
Excellent Biblical Devotional, although I am not a Catholic, Hahn offered some Bible passages that need thought. The readings corresponded with the lectionary readings throughout the liturgical year. Well worth the read…SLT
November 23, 2025
Another great devotional by Dr. Hahn. An invaluable resource that I can use for the rest of my life. Looking forward to completing the trilogy next year with year A.
Read
December 13, 2025This was my first time reading one of these devotionals! I loved the weekly reflections and questions that were at the end reflection.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews