Erasmo Leiva here acts as our guide, showing Matthew's prose to be not terse so much as economical—astoundingly so given its depth. The lay reader can derive great profit from reading this. Each short meditation comments on a verse or two, pointing to some facet of the text not immediately apparent. Leiva's work is scholarly but eminently approachable by the non-technical reader. The tone is very much gustate et videte, quoniam suavis est Dominus [taste and see how good the Lord is]-as it is "friend, come up higher!". The goal of the book is to help the reader experience the heat of the divine heart/the light of the divine Word. Leiva points to Matthew's gospel as being deeply ecclesial because it is first Christological. He comments on the Greek text, demonstrating to the reader nuances in the text that defy translation into English without serious revision of the text. Leiva uses linguistic analysis to aid the non-Greek reader with the literal meaning of the text; numerous quotes from the Fathers and the liturgy of the church demonstrate the way the Tradition has lived and read the Word of God. His theological reflection vivifies doctrine by seeking its roots in the words and actions of Jesus.

    Originally written in Italian, this latest edition is the most complete and accurate English translation. It is the most popular of the Academy of the Immaculate books. A valuable aid for reading meditatively before the Blessed Sacrament.

    These pages reveal all you need to know to get started.

    For many readers, the books of the Old Testament are unfamiliar. The people and events are strange, shrouded in mystery, unapproachable, and old. And yet, the Old Testament books paint a clear, uncompromising picture of the human condition. These writings are a vital part of the ongoing story of God's intimate love-relationship with His people. To overlook them is to overlook God's dealings with humankind. In The Message: The Old Testament Wisdom Books, Eugene H. Peterson's unique rendering from the original Hebrew breathes new life into the enduring wisdom of the ancient biblical texts. With the same vibrancy, passion, and clarity that he brought to his ground-breaking work on the New Testament, Peterson opens up modern minds to the wonder and wisdom of the Old Testament. Come, experience the pain and promise of Job as he struggles with tragedy, disappointment, and abandonment. Feel the passionate fury, humble contrition, and joyful exuberance of the Psalms. Discover the practical and enduring wisdom of Proverbs, the soul-searching honesty of Ecclesiasties, and the mystery and romance of the Song of Songs. If you've ever struggled to read and understand the Old Testament, you'll be surprised and delighted as you experience these old books in a brand-new way.

    

    An exhaustive presentation of Roman Catholic moral teaching by an acknowledged expert.

    It's also ideal for mature Christians who want to better understand the basics of their faith.Special FeaturesEasy-to-read New Living Translation text Four Feature Tracks instruct and encourage readers in the Christian faith. Cornerstones covers the basics of Christian belief. Readers learn about the Trinity, angels, Satan, heaven, love, and other essential teachings of the Bible First Steps helps readers know God and his plan for them. Readers discover how to know they are saved, find the right church, study the Bible, and much more Off and Running shows readers how they can enjoy God's blessings and direction in all areas of their life such as career, marriage, family, finances, etc. Big Questions tackles difficult questions often asked by new Christians like "Why do bad things happen to good people?" How You Can Know God is a clear gospel presentation that explains to readers how they can be saved Glossary of Christian Terms explains key biblical and doctrinal terminology in easy-to-understand language Special Charts highlight important biblical information: 52 Great Bible Stories, Prophecies about Jesus, Memory Verses, How to Study the Bible, and Overview of the Bible Available in softcover, hardcover, bonded leather (burgundy), and New Testament softcover editionsFor information about the New Living Translation,