The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle A (Bestseller! the Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for religious education
Review: This series of books (there is one for each cycle [A/B/C] of the Catholic Liturgy) prove very useful for religious education and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes. Each week of the year is represented, with each week having a homily based on the gospel (NOTE: the essays are concerned ONLY with the Gospel reading, and not the 1st or 2nd readings for that same liturgical week) reading for that week. Each essay(homily) attempts to give the reader a feel for the Mediterranean culture that was representative of the palestinian region that Jesus inhabited during His ministry. These books will give the reader invaluable insight into Jesus' times and culture and will be sure to give the reader a better look at Jesus' parables and what they meant for people at that time. It is also a nice tool for people to have to supplement their weekly Bible study, as people can follow the liturgical year at home on their own or in a group (which makes this book an excellent resource for Bible study groups).

Rating:
Summary: An enlightening look at the customs during the time of Jesus
Review: This series of three books, designed as a cultural background for the Roman Lectionary readings during the three year cycle will help all readers to more fully appreciate the words and actions of the characters in the Bible. It can be used as an aide for homilies or simply to give the reader a more intimate glimpse into the mores, customs and beliefs during the time of Jesus. Its style is user-friendly, and many personal incidents are cited. It is recommended for all who have a need to fully develop all aspects of the background for the writers of the Bible.