The latest entry in the best-selling "Essential" series is intended to help readers understand the place of the Bible in Catholic tradition, the history of how the Bible developed, a guide to its interpretation, and its use in prayer. Also included are such helpful aids as tips for preparing for the Sunday lectionary readings, Biblical prayer services for special occasions, a suggested plan for reading the Bible, a chart of New Testament parables, and a list of helps for reading the Bible.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church underscores the rationale for this book. It says: "In order to reveal himself to men. God speaks to them in human words. Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his one Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely (CCC 101-102). And the encyclical Dei Verbum (The Word of God) (1965) urges the children of the Church to read the Scriptures on a frequent basis (DV 24).
This new volume in the "Essential" series will provide valuable assistance to adult Catholics who wish to develop their faith life, who wish to understand the meaning of the Bible more deeply, and who wish to make the Bible an essential part of their spiritual development.
