The Word of the Lord: Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings for Year B

by John Bergsma

The Catholic Lectionary guides us through the liturgical year, presenting Old and New Testament readings that together reveal God’s unfolding plan for our salvation. In The Word of the Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings for Year B, biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma provides commentary on each Sunday’s unique presentation of readings. Whether you are a homilist seeking insight into the meaning of difficult scriptural passages or a pew Catholic desiring a deepened understanding of the readings you hear at Mass, The Word of the Lord serves as an invaluable guide. This volume includes commentaries Readings for the Season of Advent Readings for the Season of Christmas Readings for the Season of Lent Readings for the Season of Easter Readings for the Season of Ordinary Time Readings for Solemnities of the Lord in Ordinary Time

634 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2021

About the author

Dr. John Bergsma is Associate Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He holds the M.Div. and Th.M. degrees from Calvin Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001 while pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He specialized in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls, graduating with high honors in 2004. His major study of the interpretation of the Year of Jubilee in ancient times is published as The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran (Brill Academic, 2007). Dr. Bergsma’s articles, some co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn, have appeared in several academic journals as well as Lay Witness, the magazine of Catholics United for the Faith. He has appeared as a guest on EWTN’s The Journey Home, Franciscan University Presents, and Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show. Twice voted Faculty of the Year by graduating classes of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Dr. Bergsma is a popular teacher who inspires his students with a love of Scripture. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.


Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology - University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana)
Master of Theology (Th.M.) - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Classical Languages - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series delights me by focusing on the readings from a deep connection to scripture that isn't held specifically to the excerpts that the liturgy is using. Bergsma's background as a Biblical scholar comes to the fore in identifying unifying motifs and intriguing connections that you don't see a lot of the time. I splurged on it and it is truly wonderful for anyone who loves Bible study and the Sunday Mass liturgy.

The Solemnities and Feasts book (red cover) supplements Bergsma's commentaries on the Sunday readings for years A, B, and C. There are a number of important days that aren't regular Sunday Mass days — such as Christmas or Ash Wednesday! Nonetheless we gain a lot from having commentary on the readings. This book fills that need.

[Andrew Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Addition to My Sunday

Bergsma satiates the intellect and the heart with these concise and fulfilling commentaries. He goes into depth with history and language and context of scripture without getting into the weeds — quite an impressive feat. This is my second year and I am very much looking forward to Year C.

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the end of the liturgical year, I have polished off the third of Bergsma's four magnificent commentaries. What a fantastic resource for contemplation, learning, and homily preparation. The good doctor knocks it out of the park with his erudition and spiritual insights. Looking forward to working through Year C starting a week from today. This series is a gift and would make an excellent gift for a priest or priests as well as any engaged Christian.