Welcoming the Word in Year C

In this volume of weekly reflections on the Sunday Lectionary for Year C, Verna Holyhead moves deftly between the Old and New Testament readings, providing theological context and tying the texts to contemporary concerns. Rich in references to poetry and history, these reflections are infused with the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict, which invites Christians to take the two Testaments as the truest guides for human life. The supplementary series of conversations between the Liturgy of the Word and the Rule extend the weekly reflection.As a sourcebook for pastoral ministry or a reference for personal or communal reflection, this volume will assist believers who desire to engage more deeply with the Word.Verna Holyhead, SGS, is an Australian Sister of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St. Benedict. She leads retreats, lectures, and writes, with an emphasis on biblical scholarship, liturgical insight, and pastoral challenge.

With Burning Hearts should strike a flame in the hearts of readers and make them eager to witness to the Word of God throughout the church year.Worship, Perfect for personal reflection or communal discussion.Crux, Anyone seeking fresh reflections on the Sunday readings will find the book full of liturgical insights and pastoral challenges. . . . [Holyhead’s] reflections build on fresh images, which unite the words of the Rule to contemporary experience. This book can be a worthy addition to your resource library.Tidings, The insights here are always fresh, relevant, and thought provoking. Holyhead has delivered a fine resource for preachers, teachers, faith-sharing groups, and others who wish to delve deeper into the Sunday readings.Writing Works, Verna Holyhead’s hope that this will strike a tiny flame is too modest. Short, pithy introductions to each season, Sunday-by-Sunday commentaries bristling with fresh images that throw scripture and contemporary experience together to converse with one another, footnotes that hint at the depths of scholarship that ground this most readable book—all these threaten to start a conflagration among faithful hearers of the Word! A final chapter, “With the Gospel as Our Guide,” brings the Benedictine spirit into the conversation as yet another lens for the firelight by which we read. Welcoming the Word is a pearl worth the price. Genevieve Glen, O.S.B. Abbey of St. Walburga Editor for Daily Offices--Magnificat

Verna Holyhead, SGS (1933–2011), Australian Sister of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St. Benedict, wrote with an emphasis on biblical scholarship, liturgical insight, and pastoral challenge. She is the author of the three-volume collection Welcoming the Word in Year A, B, and C, published by Liturgical Press.