Doing theology this Easter

Hearers of the Word – Praying and Exploring the Readings for Easter and Pentecost: Year B (Messenger Publications) » is the sixth volume in Kieran J O’Mahony’s Hearers series. Focusing on the writings of Saints Paul, Luke, and John – the experts on prayer, the Holy Spirit and joy – the scripture scholar invites people to experience an Easter time of renewed life and growth rooted in faith and relationship with God.

With verse-by-verse commentary, a detailed explanation of the Old and New Testament background behind each reading, and suggestions for prayer and reflection, Fr O’Mahony asks people to rejoice and go outside, because Christ is risen, the first fruits of all who have fallen asleep! Easter and Pentecost are the great feasts of the Christian calendar. People have journeyed through Jesus’s final days during Lent and they emerge now into the mystery and miracle of the resurrection.

The past year has been an exceptionally difficult one for many, in the absence of valued rituals and devotional routines. The analysis of the readings and explanation of their historical context and spiritual symbolism are an invitation for people to engage in a more meaningful way with the scriptures. Combining spirituality and contemporary biblical scholarship, Hearers of the Word is unique among Gospel commentaries today.

It is a reminder that in times of great struggle people’s faith is a means by which the ‘yes’ of God can seep into them, leading to slow but definite change.

Kieran J O’ Mahony OSA is an Augustinian friar and biblical scholar. He is on the team of the Tarsus Scripture School initiative, an online service offering a variety of courses and resources and is well-known for his popular Weekly Notes – an email resource for each week’s readings throughout the year.

Hearers of the Word – Praying and Exploring the Readings for Easter and Pentecost: Year B » is published in Ireland and the UK by Messenger Publications. It is priced at €19.95/£18.95.