Reviews
Ponder is the perfect companion to the Sunday readings. Providing just enough background and commentary, Leonard-Fleckman spurs readers' imaginations and leads them to their own encounter with Scripture. The book's origin in parish Bible study shines through its pages. Reading it is like joining a thoughtful study group led by a gifted scholar and teacher who wants to bring you closer to the Word of God and its authors, both human and divine.
Andrew R. Davis, Associate professor of Old Testament, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Ponder has a creative way of inviting participants into an experience of the Word of God and its spiritual power. Mahri Leonard-Fleckman is a solid and trustworthy guide in this spiritual journey, bringing to bear the fruits of Catholic biblical scholarship as a support for the insights of the participants. Highly recommended.
Fr. Jerome Kodell, OSB, Scripture scholar and cofounder of Little Rock Scripture Study
Pope Francis has designated the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time each year as “Word of God Sunday,” reminding Catholics of the centrality of scripture in our tradition and inviting deeper study of our sacred texts. Mahri Leonard-Fleckman’s Ponder will be an invaluable tool in helping to realize Francis’ vision. Using a simple, accessible format, Leonard-Fleckman empowers even those who have never studied the Bible to enter into the Sunday readings in a meaningful, potentially life-changing way.
Ann M. Garrido, Associate professor of homiletics, Aquinas Institute of Theology
Mahri Leonard-Fleckman's contemplative Bible study is a gift to the church. Grounded in her professional studies and—even more importantly—her experience of leading a parish Bible study, this volume invites the study of texts as most people experience them: as proclaimed in the church's liturgy. I appreciated, in particular, insights she offers on texts from the Old Testament. The “Ponder” sections contain much fruit for prayerful appropriation and, I dare add, homiletic possibilities.
Thomas D. Stegman, SJ, Dean and professor of New Testament at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Finding new, intriguing resources for pondering the Sunday lectionary readings each year can be a challenge. This book, aptly named, fits the bill for Year B. The author, an expert lay biblical scholar with pastoral sensitivity and experience, offers pithy, concise, and fresh observations of the Sunday readings guaranteed to foster good reflection, whether in group or individual settings. A novel dimension is the combination of lectio divina and the Ignatian use of imagination from the Jesuit tradition. With this book, Liturgical Press continues its excellent track record of offering resources for the liturgical year that are at once reliable and innovative.
Fr. Ronald D. Witherup, PSS, Scripture scholar and superior general of the Sulpicians
Seldom is there a book that joins scholarship with practice—Mahri Leonard-Fleckman’s scholarship is in service of prayer. Ponder is for those of us who do lectio of the lectionary with like-minded practitioners. There are other resources, but I’ve not seen anything better than this book. It is sheer gift.
Mary Margaret Funk, OSB, Author of Lectio Matters: Before the Burning Bush
Born of her experience leading a Bible study group in an urban Northeast parish, Mahri Leonard-Fleckman has crafted an ideal resource for groups and individuals seeking to study and pray with the lectionary readings. Her concise and forthright biblical commentary and ‘Ponder’ sections suggesting possible themes, connections, and questions for reflection will undoubtedly inspire readers to delve further into their relationships with our loving God and our neighbors near and far.
Elizabeth A. Donnelly, Cofounder and preacher coordinator, Catholic Women Preach
Lectio divina as a form of individual and communal prayer with the Scriptures has grown in popularity. This book will help those who wish to combine prayer based on the Sunday Scriptures with some study of the texts. The bulk of the book is devoted to reproducing the Scriptures assigned to each Sunday of Year B. Next, the author provides a very brief commentary on the texts that were the subject of prayer. The final element, called ‘Ponder’ offers suggestions that lead the reader to probe more deeply into the significance of the Scriptures for the Christian life. Both prayer groups and individuals will welcome this book as they center their prayer on the Scriptures.
The Bible Today
"Our Small Church Community selected Ponder because of its flexibility for reflecting together on the Sunday readings. The 'Ponder' section at the end of each Sunday’s material allows us to move from meditation to action with the question: How will we live differently after meditating on the readings? The commentary providing the historical and theological context of the readings is another important feature, allowing us to look at the world behind the text in addition to how we personally respond to Scripture passages. Ponder is a rich, practical, and easy-to-use resource for building small communities of fellowship and faith."
Sandra Rueb, St. Thomas More Small Church Community at Yale University
“I just wanted to thank you for the incredible gift of Ponder! I am a recently retired Catholic priest. This past year, when I was still in parish ministry, we decided to use Ponder for our Bible study group. I have to say, in forty-three years I have never used a Bible study tool that was more favorably received than your publication. Now that I am retired (but still helping out in many parishes), I sit with Ponder at the beginning of each week to begin the process of preparing my homilies. I just ordered Years A and B, and I eagerly await their arrival.”
Fr. Stan Rataj, Archdiocese of Chicago
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