Books for the new liturgical year

Two new books by Messenger Publications reflect on all the readings for Year C, beginning the first Sunday of Advent 2021 until the feast of Christ the King 2022. They include reflections on weekday readings by Fr Martin Hogan and reflections on Sunday readings by Tríona Doherty and Jane Mellett. The authors cover themes such as the enduring presence of Jesus through darkness and despair, the role of women in the story of Jesus, and care for God’s creation.

My Words Will Not Pass Away: Reflections on the Weekday Readings for the Liturgical Year 2021-22 » is Fr Martin Hogan’s sixth book in a popular series of reflections on the Gospel readings. With each reflection based on Fr Hogan’s own experience in a busy Dublin parish, the book is a grounded and ear-opening exploration of the Gospel readings for the year that focuses on helping readers become more attuned to the living word of God.

Fr Hogan is inspired by Jesus’ promise in the Gospel of Luke that ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.’ The author tries to show through his reflections that the Lord’s presence endures when all else changes – that the Lord will always bring life where there is death, hope where there is despondency and light where there is darkness.

The book is a resource for priests in parishes who may wish to prepare a short homily for the weekday Mass, as well as for parishioners who wish to prayerfully reflect on the weekday Gospel readings and Lectio Divina groups around the country.

The Deep End: A Journey with the Sunday Gospels in the Year of Luke » by Tríona Doherty and Jane Mellett invite readers to go on a journey, especially through the story of Luke’s Gospel, to follow Jesus in the short years of his ministry. Through a series of reflections on the Sunday Gospels of Year C, the book shares the Gospel’s focus on cultivating inclusiveness, compassion and a love that can turn the world upside down.

It is thought that in a world threatened by ecological break-down, inequality and division, the message of Jesus as presented by Luke has much to say to people.

The book includes tips for prayer and meditation, as well as practical suggestions for building communities of welcome and love, with a particular focus on caring for God’s creation. Readers are invited to continue to live out and to share the radical vision of Luke’s Gospel of inspiration and hope.

Martin Hogan is a priest of the Diocese of Dublin. With a background of teaching New Testament at third level for over thirty years as well as engaging in pastoral ministry, the author brings extensive knowledge and experience to his reflections.

Tríona Doherty is a journalist, writer and editor. She also works with asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable women and children. Jane Mellett is the Laudato Si’ Officer for Trócaire. She is a qualified spiritual director, yoga teacher and retreat facilitator and has worked in pastoral ministry for over ten years.