Wilfrid Harrington OP examines some Gospel parables which are centred on the theme of prayer and sees what lessons we can draw from them.

This book gives a balanced and entertaining introduction to the controversial story of how the Bible came to us – its original languages and various translations. It also tells why the books included were accepted and others were not. Henry Wansbrough OSB is a leading international authority.

This is the wonderful story of how the Bible as a human document was put together and how this should guide our interpretation of it. The Bible is at once a human construction as well as the word of God. Henry Wansbrough OSB gives us the facts and helps us [...]

James McPolin S.J examines the nature of religious life in the Holy Land at the time of Christ, specifically at the four groups which most feature in scripture: the Pharisees, the Saducees, the Essenes, and the Zealots.

Many churches have stained-glass windows of the Tree of Jesse. This is a family tree of Jesus. Jesse was the father of King David of Israel. King David was the first king to really bring together the whole of Israel, and his time is seen as a happy and successful [...]

In this article on the parables Seán Goan focuses on stories about Christian living and prayer. As we have come to expect from Jesus the teacher the parables on these topics are not lengthy sermons but short stories that paint vivid pictures.

Gordon Oliver examines the difficulties and opportunities that arise in using the Bible in conjunction with contemporary pastoral practice and modern scripture studies, and in doing so opens up new possibilities for interpreting the Bible as practical theology. He guides the reader through the various approaches and perspectives that will [...]

James McPolin S.J. pays attention to the important role of women in the gospel accounts of the time of Christ.

Philip Fogarty SJ takes a look at the circumstances behind the writing of the Gospel of St John, which emerged from the tension between early Christian communities and Jewish leaders.

Philip Fogarty SJ in his commentary on Mark’s Gospel deals with the questions: What does following Jesus mean? Did he have women followers? Were they different from “the Twelve”? These questions left people guessing. And we who read the gospel today are left with these questions too.

The wonderful thing about Jesus’ parables is that they nearly always have an element of surprise, of counter-culture, which he uses to force the listener to make a decision about accepting or rejecting the kingdom of God in their heart. Jim McPolin SJ explains.