Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture

CCSS

Endorsements & Reviews

Catholic Leaders & Media Endorsements

“There is a great hunger among Catholic laity for a deeper understanding of the Bible. The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture fills the need for a more in-depth interpretation of Scripture. I am very excited to be able to recommend this new series to our Bible Study groups around the world.”
-Gail Buckley, founder and president, Catholic Scripture Study International (www.cssprogram.net)

“The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture employs the Church’s methodology of studying Sacred Scripture in a faithful, dynamic, and fruitful way. With interest in Catholic Bible studies growing rapidly, the repeated question has been, ‘can you suggest a reliable commentary?’ The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture is now the go-to resource that I can enthusiastically recommend to all my students.”
– Jeff Cavins, founder, The Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study

“The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture gives serious American Catholics a critical study tool they’ve lacked: a spiritually invigorated and intellectually keen verse-by-verse analysis of the biblical text from scholars who are thinking within the heart of the Church. All of this is achieved without getting bogged down in questions of purely academic interest. The commentaries are rich in textual insight and practical illustration, making them immensely helpful to homilists, teachers, and readers. This project is terrific; undoubtedly one of the most exciting works of today’s freshly assertive American Catholicism.”
– Al Kresta, president and CEO, Ave Maria Radio; host of Kresta in the Afternoon

“This series of commentaries is just what the Church needs today. It combines sound exegesis with pastoral and spiritual sensitivity and is accessible to any Catholic who wishes a reliable commentary on Scripture that is understandable, solid in its scholarship, and applicable to life. Recommended.”
– Ralph Martin, director, graduate theology programs in the new evangelization, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Archdiocese of Detroit; author of The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints

“As a former evangelical Bible teacher I own hundreds of Bible commentaries, but after my conversion to the Catholic Church, I was dismayed by the lack of good Catholic commentaries on Scripture. It is thrilling to see the new seventeen-volume Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, which is scholarly, easy to read, and faithful to Catholic teaching. The references to the Catechism, the Fathers of the Church, and a variety of other sources make this an exceptionally rich resource. Each volume is loaded with rich detail, theological insight, and helpful background information. These solidly orthodox Catholic scholars have done us a great service by filling the void-providing a commentary series on Scripture that has set a cutting-edge standard for years to come.”
– Steve Ray, lecturer; author of the Bible Study Guides for Genesis and Acts; and writer, producer, and host of the ten-part documentary series Footprints of God, the Story of Salvation from Abraham to Augustine

“Mary Healy and Peter S. Williamson, with Kevin Perrotta, have launched an exciting and most promising Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. I plan to read and use it as a basis for preaching and am already profiting from the advanced segments.”
– Michael Scanlan†, TOR, chancellor, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Theologian & Philosopher Endorsements

“Pope Benedict XVI has reminded the Church that continuous encounter with the Word remains the source of her renewal and the font of ‘a new spiritual Spring.’ The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture affords its readers a helpful guide for encountering the books of the Bible in a way that respects both the whole of Scripture and the givens of Catholic faith. Many will discover in the volumes of this collection wellsprings of spiritual refreshment.”
– Romanus Cessario, OP, Adam Cardinal Maida Chair of Theology, Ave Maria University

“Catholic biblical literature is so abundant that one might raise the question, do we need another commentary on the Holy Scriptures? Such a question will inevitably arise in the minds of those for whom science and mathematics alone give us valid knowledge. But whereas these branches of knowledge grow ‘horizontally’ (that is, solve one problem to turn to the next), knowledge of God grows ‘vertically.’ Every word coming from the mouth of God is so rich in content that commentaries-profound as they are-can never exhaust the divine manna. This is why the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture is to be warmly welcomed. It builds on the sublime insights delivered by tradition and adds another flower to the bouquet of human homage to revelation.”
– Alice von Hildebrand†, professor emerita, City University of New York

“This new commentary series should meet a need that has long been pointed out: a guide to Scripture that will be both historically responsible and shaped by the mind of the Church’s tradition. It promises to be a milestone in the recovery of a distinctively Catholic approach to exegesis.” – Aidan Nichols, OP, Fellow of Greyfriars, Oxford

“Direct, clear, and spiritually rich, the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture is just what we need today: patient exposition of God’s Word that illuminates and is illuminated by the teaching and practice of the Church.” – R. R. Reno, editor, First Things

“The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture richly provides what has for so long been lacking among contemporary scriptural commentaries. Its goal is to assist Catholic preachers and teachers, lay and ordained, in their ministry of the word. Moreover, it offers ordinary Catholics a scriptural resource that will enhance their understanding of God’s word and thereby deepen their faith. Thus these commentaries, nourished on the faith of the Church and guided by scholarly wisdom, are both exegetically sound and spiritually nourishing. They are indispensable tools for preaching, catechesis, evangelization, and other forms of pastoral ministry.” – Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM Cap, author of Jesus Becoming Jesus; former member of International Theological Commission

“When the Scripture is read in the liturgy, it is heard as a living voice. But when expounded in a commentary, it is too often read as a document from the past. This fine new series unites the ancient and the contemporary by offering insight into the biblical text-verse by verse-as well as spiritual application to the lives of Christians today. I particularly like the sidebars inserted into the text called ‘Living Tradition’ that feature memorable sayings from great Christian teachers or brief explanations of puzzling terms and ideas.” – Robert Louis Wilken, William R. Kenan Jr. professor of the history of Christianity, University of Virginia (retired)

Scripture Scholar Endorsements

“The New Testament volumes in this series have served me as a constant resource: deeply scholarly, firmly in touch with the Catholic tradition, and impressively readable and teachable. But among Christians today, the Old Testament often is neglected or treated as unintelligible—with the result being a tragic impoverishment of faith. Giszczak’s inaugural Old Testament volume is evidence that the same qualities that have set this series apart will be on display in its commentaries on the Old Testament. All Catholics should have these trustworthy volumes at hand.” – Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

“This well-written book fills a very important niche in our appreciation of the Gospels. Healy combines literary sensitivity with theological vigor, resulting in a reading of Mark that puts a compelling face on the message of this Gospel.” – Gary Anderson, Hesburgh Professor of Catholic Thought, University of Notre Dame

“After twenty years of teaching priests as well as teaching Catholic laypeople, seminarians, and deacons in formation, I can say with confidence that the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture is a landmark achievement in theological interpretation of Scripture in and for the Church. Everything about it is inviting and edifying, from the format, photos, background notes, and cross-references (to Scripture and the catechism) to the rich exposition of the text, quotations from the Church’s living tradition, and reflections for contemporary life. It is a wonderful gift to the Catholic Church and a model for the rest of us. Highly recommended for all!” – Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore

“By bringing together historical background, exegetical interpretation, church tradition, theological reflection, and pastoral application, this series promises to enkindle thoughtful discussion about the implications of the New Testament for lived Christian faith in the Church today. Its accessible format and multi-angled approach offer a model for teaching and ministry.” – Katherine Hayes†, associate professor of Sacred Scripture, Seminary of the Immaculate Conception

“Mary Healy skillfully and insightfully moves her readers to plumb the spiritual depths of Mark’s Gospel through helpful sections of ‘living tradition’ and ‘reflection and application.’ I have found her commentary a boon in homily preparation. If the other volumes in the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture live up to the high standard that Healy has attained, Catholic Christians will be enriched and grateful.” – Robert J. Karris, OFM, professor (emeritus), The Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure University

“In preparing for the international Synod of Bishops on ‘The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church,’ Pope Benedict XVI reminded the Church that a prayerful study of the Scriptures is at the heart of the Church’s renewal. The new Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture promises to directly serve that purpose. Drawing on sound biblical scholarship, the commentaries present the reader with the rich harvest of that study, reflecting on the message of the biblical text and engaging the life of faith from a Catholic perspective. Preachers, pastors, students of the Bible, and adults seeking mature spiritual nourishment will welcome this new series.” – Donald Senior†, CP, president, Catholic Theological Union

Bishop & Cardinal Endorsements

“The Word of God is the source of Christian life, and the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture is an ideal tool for living our faith more deeply. This extraordinary resource combines superior scholarship and a vivid, accessible style that will serve the interested layperson and the serious scholar equally well. It feeds both the mind and the heart and should be on the shelf of every committed Catholic believer. I highly recommend it.” – Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap, Archbishop of Philadelphia (retired)

“Coinciding with the Bishops’ Synod on ‘The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church,’ this great project of a seventeen-volume commentary on the New Testament starts with the volume on Saint Mark. This series represents a much-needed approach, based on good scholarship but not overloaded with it. The frequent references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church help us to read Holy Scripture with a vivid sense of the Living Tradition of the Church.” – Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna

“I welcome with great joy the launch of this new collection of commentaries on the Bible because the project corresponds perfectly to a pressing need in the Church. I am speaking about exegetical studies that are well grounded from a scholarly point of view but not overburdened with technical details, and at the same time related to the riches of ancient interpretation, nourishing for spiritual life, and useful for catechesis, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of pastoral ministry. Indeed, this is the kind of commentary for which the majority of readers have a great desire.” – Albert Cardinal Vanhoye†, SJ, emeritus professor of biblical exegesis, Pontifical Biblical Institute, former secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission

Reader Reviews

“It is a joy to congratulate you on this fine piece of work. For the past two weeks I have been blessed to use and study your The Gospel of Mark. In addition to your helpful scholarship I find your reflections very helpful.
May God continue to use you and bless you. “–Personal Email

“As I am walking through the Gospel of Mark at this time in the Church Year daily and on Sundays, I am amazed at your work in your Gospel Commentary.  I am left wondering, “where does she get it all?”  Then I thank God for awesome Scripture Commentators such as yourself.  You must have an amazing prayer life, or at least be very well read (perhaps a little of both).I have quoted from you and cited you in my homilies and recommended your book to others.  I know I always welcome positive affirmation from my parishioners, so I thought I would pass some on myself.  I just wanted to send you an email to comment on a great job that makes mine easier!  Thank you.”–Personal Email

“This is a really great commentary. Healy combines a lot of the information that I have in a variety of other commentaries (both Catholic and Protestant), but then pulls it all together with additional observations that make it very accessible while still being scholarly. She follows up many sections with items for reflection. Her style is very easy to read and you never feel as if she’s talking over your head… Highest recommendation and I am now beginning 1 Corinthians by George Montague in the same series.”–Julie Davis, Happy Catholic’s Bookshelf  Blog

“Like Mary Healy’s treatment of the Gospel of Mark in this series, Mitch and Sri’s commentary on the Gospel of Matthew is exactly what the faithful need. The scholarship presented is first rate without being overly technical or arcane, and the prose is refreshingly lacking in the “hermeneutic of suspicion” that sometimes accompanies Catholic commentaries. In other words, the authors are appreciative of the work that’s been done by exegetes and historians, but they wear their learning lightly and don’t try to poke holes in the Scriptures. The text is faithful to the Magisterium and includes useful side bars on background topics. .” –-Amazon.com Review

“This commentary [First and Second Peter, Jude] is detailed and gives the reader needed information for understanding the content-meaning for the people of the time it was written as well as for us today. The language and grammar are easy to understand for the average person. It’s a great addition for any person who wants to study the Bible in-depth with exegesis in mind. –-Amazon.com Review

“I have studied the Greek text of Mark’s Gospel extensively for over 20 years. While I am not a Catholic, I purchased this book for two reasons: 1) curiosity and 2) to see how Catholic Scholars interpret Mark. While not a technical commentary, I was pleasantly surprised. This book is very good and provides very useful exegetical information for Pastors and laity. I have enjoyed using it in my current personal study. Its greatest strength is its layout- a) interpretation in which key words and phrases are high lighted, b) application, and c) side bars. I really like the side bars because they provide NT background information to the text or Catholic practices. Secondly, it is inexpensive. I have already purchased Matthew.” –-Christianbook.com Review

“I am a priest in an extremely large parish (7500 families). This commentary series is a gem for helping with preparation of homilies. It has just enough academic details to help you have a good understanding of the literal sense (what was really happening in the historical context), without getting bogged down in debates over who wrote what when. The best feature is the application for living sections. They really help make the Word of God present in our life now.” —Amazon.com Review

“I really enjoyed this book…it’s more of a reference book than a pleasure read, but I really like the way Mary Healy takes a Bible verse, than gives the explanation and definitions and additional information, then moves on to the next verse. There is no flipping back and forth and it was a surprisingly quick read, considering it’s more textbook than novel. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in getting a more in depth understanding of Mark’s Gospel. Will definitely search out other books by this author for my own person education.” –-GoodReads Review