These accounts of the Maccabean revolt, by which the sons of Mattathias reclaimed the temple of Jerusalem, tell an important story of the founding of the Jewish people. "The Hammerers" is the meaning of the nickname "Maccabees," given to Mattathias's sons, who lived in a time of revolution. Empires struggled for control of Greece, Egypt, and Asia, and the small population of Jews tried to preserve their claim to Judea. The five brothers also made heroic contributions to the practice of Judaism. Their rededication of the temple establishes the annual celebration of Hanukkah, and the martyr stories in Second Maccabees emphasize faithfulness to the law of Moses.

The books of First and Second Maccabees are also important for Christians, as in them is told how the Jewish people established the political and religious culture into which Jesus was born. The martyr stories inform the early Christian martyrdoms, and the books are written in Greek, the language in which the Jews of Jesus' time read the Scriptures. As Father Harrington notes, without the Maccabees "the fate of Judaism (and with it Christianity and Islam) was uncertain."

A clear, concise, and respectful presentation of Mark’s Gospel—and what Jesus’ suffering means for us

Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, is well known for his superb New Testament scholarship, but he is also highly regarded for his exceptional ability to bridge the gap between modern biblical scholarship and authentic Christian spirituality. In Meeting St. Mark Today, the final book in this series on the Gospels, Harrington
has provided another straightforward, practical resource for lay Catholics who want a better understanding of this
synoptic Gospel.
The book begins with background information on the Evangelist and his Gospel. It moves quickly into a concise but complete narrative analysis of the Gospel, which clearly demonstrates the human side of Jesus. Part Three of the book explains how Mark’s Gospel provides answers to two essential questions: What did Jesus suffer?, and Why did Jesus suffer? It also proposes answers to the universal question, Why do people suffer? The book’s final section includes five meditations on suffering, based on lectionary readings from Year B (St. Mark) in the Sunday lectionary cycle.
Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection and discussion, making Meeting St. Mark Today an ideal resource for individual Scripture study or group Bible study. The readings from Mark’s Gospel for all Sundays and Feasts in Cycle B are listed at the end of the book.
Ultimately, Meeting St. Mark Today opens the theological treasure chest of this easily overlooked Gospel, enabling us to see how Jesus’ suffering and the mystery of the cross can reshape our faith and our lives.

In Meeting St. Matthew Today, preeminent biblical scholar Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, helps laypeople understand the riches of Matthew's Gospel. This quick-moving yet insightful book provides a thoughtful and non-threatening introduction to the Evangelist and his message.  Special attention is given to a narrative analysis of Matthew's Gospel, including key concepts and themes that develop as the story unfolds. The closing chapter of the book includes three brief lessons based on lectionary readings of St. Matthew.

Scarcely any book of the New Testament (with the possible exception of Revelation) is so perplexing as the Letter to the Hebrews." Not really a letter, but a sermon with some features of a letter added to it, not really by its putative author,Paul, but by an anonymous Christian who wrote some of the most elegant Greek in the Bible, not really addressed to the "Hebrews," but to Christians, probably in Rome 'this is the work that Alan Mitchell explains in this commentary.

Many scholars have written fine commentaries on Hebrews, and Mitchell stands on their shoulders, noting where he proposes alternate interpretations. Mitchell pays particular attention to the reliance of the author of Hebrews on the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint). He also compares the language of Hebrews with similar usage and ideas of first-century Hellenistic Jewish authors, notably Flavius Josephus and Philo of Alexandria. Furthermore, he situates Hebrews against the background of the tradition of Hellenistic Moral Philosophy, where that is appropriate. Mitchell thus locates Hebrews in its proper thought-world, something that is essential for the modern reader in dealing with some of the thornier questions raised by this biblical book. Chief among these are the role of sacrificial atonement, the question of "second repentance," and the spiritual and moral formation of the Roman Christians who were its recipients.

Like al the volumes in the Sacra Pagina series, this work examines the text in detail, with careful attention to the words and phrasing, and then brings those individual insights together into a coherent summary. The bibliography and special lists appended to each chapter cover the best of recent scholarship on the Letter to the Hebrews.

Alan C. Mitchell, PhD, is associate professor of New Testament Studies and Christian Origins at Georgetown University and is director of the Annual Georgetown University Institute on Sacred Scripture. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Catholic Biblical Association, and the Society for the Study of the New Testament.

The theological and literary beauty of the Gospel of Luke comes to life in Meeting St. Luke Today, written by preeminent biblical scholar Daniel J. Harrington. What truly sets this book apart is the way in which Harrington effectively bridges the gap between modern biblical scholarship and Christian spirituality. In addition to a brief but complete narrative analysis of the Gospel of Luke and essential background information on the Evangelist himself, this book includes suggestions for ways we might "pray" Luke's Gospel and live out its transforming message in our daily lives.

In his commentary on the letter of James, Hartin offers a unique approach toward understanding a much-neglected writing. Refusing to read the letter of James through the lens ofPaul, Hartin approaches the letter in its own right. He takes seriously the address to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" (1:1) as directed to Jews who had embraced the message of Jesus and were living outside their homeland, Israel. At the same time, Hartin shows how this letter remains true to Jesus' heritage. Using recent studies on rhetorical culture, Hartin illustrates how James takes Jesus ' sayings and performs them again in his own way to speak to the hearers/readers of his own world.

Hartin examines the text, passage by passage, while providing essential notes and an extensive explanation of the theological meaning of each passage. The value of this commentary lies in its breadth of scholarship and its empathic approach to this writing. The reader will discover new and refreshing insights into the world of early Christianity as well as a teaching that is of perennial significance.

Patrick J. Hartin was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. He studied at the Gregorian University in Rome and is an ordained priest of the Diocese of Spokane, Washington. He holds two doctorates in Theology: in Ethics and in the New Testament, both from the University of South Africa. Presently he teaches courses in the New Testament and in Classical Civilizations at Gonzaga University. He is the author of eleven books, including:Apollos (Paul's Social Network series), James of Jerusalem (Interfaces series), andJames, First Peter, Jude, Second Peter (New Collegeville Bible Commentary series), al published by Liturgical Press.

A Clear and Compelling Portrait of Paul from One of the Church’s Leading Scholars

The teachings of St. Paul infuse just about everything Christians believe and practice, yet most people know very little about this great apostle of the Church.
In Meeting St. Paul Today, one of the most respected scholars in the Catholic faith, Daniel Harrington, SJ, brings Paul and his teachings to life. Harrington, who writes with great admiration for the apostle and his ministry, covers three main topics in this helpful and highly readable book for any discerning Christian. First, he describes what Paul was really like, from his days as a Pharisee to his arduous years as a missionary. Second, he thoughtfully surveys the specific purpose, major points, and other compelling particulars of each epistle. Finally, he helps readers properly interpret Paul’s letters through literary, historical, and theological lenses.
With Father Harrington as your guide, you’ll come to know Paul like never before and, as a result, to understand fully the mission to which he devoted his life and the message he proclaimed to the world.

Now Available in Paperback!
More than any other New Testament writing the Book of Revelation demands commentary. Its often-bewildering text is easily open to less than scholarly interpretation.

Father Harrington brings his scholarship to the Book of Revelation and conveys its Christian message. He puts the work in its historical and social setting 'a first-century CE province of the Roman Empire 'and explores its social and religious background and its literary character. Through Father Harrington we hear clearly the challenge of John, the prophet, to the Churches of his time 'and to ours 'not to compromise the Gospel message.