Note: This product is only available in the United States.
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 Lord: Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings for Year A, 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.
For other Word of the Lord volumes, visit our series page.
Year of Matthew
John Bergsma is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. A former Protestant pastor, Dr. Bergsma has authored several books on Scripture and the Catholic faith, including Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls: Revealing the Jewish Roots of the Church and A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament with Brant Pitre. Dr. Bergsma speaks regularly for parish missions, diocesan conferences, clergy convocations, and other events nationally and internationally. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.
Endorsements
“Over the past several years, many priests have found in John Bergsma’s Scripture commentaries a great resource both for their own prayer and for Sunday homilies. Now we have his cogent, scholarly, and timely reflections on the Sunday readings gathered together in one book for a liturgical year. This volume will benefit both priests and laity alike in preparing for and getting the most out of Sunday’s sacred text. May it be the first of many!”
Very Rev. Paul D. Scalia
Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, Diocese of Arlington
“John Bergsma has devoted years to thinking through how to apply the Sunday readings to the life of ordinary believers, first as a Protestant pastor and then as a Catholic Old Testament professor. His insights into the unity of the Old and New Testaments have been sought by many a homilist and Bible study leader. This book will be a go-to resource for anyone seeking guidance on how to preach and teach from the Lectionary.”
Michael P. Barber
Professor of Scripture and Theology, Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology
“John Bergsma has done us all a great service: He not only helps us to understand the context and historical meaning of the readings, but also helps us to reflect on why these passages are relevant to our lives today. I will most definitely be keeping this book handy to help me prepare my heart—and the hearts of my listeners—for Mass each week.”
Anna Mitchell
Host/Producer of the Son Rise Morning Show on EWTN Radio
“From his profound knowledge of biblical texts and extra-biblical sources, Dr. Bergsma navigates us through the scriptural, historical, and archaeological context of the Sunday readings and uncovers the rich meaning that is interwoven among them. Each Sunday’s commentary is insightful and to the point. This book will prove invaluable to preachers—in fact to any Catholic who wishes to encounter the Mass readings with greater attention and understanding.”
Fr. Carter Griffin
Rector, Saint John Paul II Seminary, Archdiocese of Washington D.C.
“As a priest who is responsible for pastoring many parishes and delivering homilies at multiple sites, this Sunday Scripture guide enables me to focus on one idea in order to bring alive God’s Word. Since Dr. Bergsma motivates me, he makes it easier for me to inspire my parish family.”
Fr. Jay Donahue
President and Founder of “Renew the I Do” Marriage Ministry
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kaycoon –
Dr. Bergsma’s books, The Word of the Lord Reflections on the Mass Readings have truly changed me. His teachings and explanations have led me to a closer relationship with the Lord. Thank you so much!
Andres Lozada –
Blessing to have this book
Deacon Joshua Klickman –
I thought I had all the Mass reflections I needed, but I decided to purchase year cycle C of Dr. Bergsma’s commentary since he was one of my professors when I attended FuS. It is now my “go-to” companion for developing my homilies and I am planning to purchase the full set.
Whether you are just looking to dig a little deeper into the Sunday readings, or preparing catechesis and preaching, this is a must have. Totally recommend.
JMG –
Are these different than the subscription video reflections? Love the Sunday Word of Lord videos!
Louis –
The videos are based on Dr. Bergsma’s books, so there will be some overlap in the reflections (although, of course, the videos have Dr. Hahn as well), but the books and videos complement each other. We’ve had quite a few people who have both the books and videos say that there’s enough difference to make it worth using both in their preparations for Mass.
John L Nichols –
I pre-ordered The Word of the Lord Reflections on the Mass Readings “Year A”. I already have “Year B” and “Year C”. When will “Year A” be published?
Louis –
Hi John,
We’re expecting it to be out next month.
Gayelenemcingvale –
I look forward to these videos every weekend. After I read the Sunday readings, I watch the videos. I have learned so much. More importantly, Dr. Haun and Dr. Bergsma have enhanced my Mass experience. In Mass, I listen more attentively and contemplate their explanations with the Word of God. My Mass experience has been transformed into deep and meaningful worship. I have ordered the book. I look forward to sharing the book and video with many others.
almonfamily –
We signed up for “The Word of the Lord: Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings for Year A” and cannot find them. Please advise.
Brian Almon
Louis –
The Word of the Lord video reflections can be found in My Video Library.