Reviews
The reflections on John’s Gospel contained in this book are written with beautiful lucidity and depth. The authorial combination of an eminent New Testament scholar and a Jesuit priest is incomparable, offering incisive commentary on the text alongside engaged reflection, from within the Ignatian tradition, on its profound meaning for the reader. The book is a great gift to the church across denominational divides and different spiritual traditions, enabling a prayerful and transformative reading of the Fourth Gospel.
Revd Professor Dorothy A. Lee, FAHA, Stewart Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity College – The University of Melbourne
Many people are drawn to the Gospel of John for its rich symbolism, its characters and the rather extended discussions Jesus has with these characters, such as Nicodemus, the Woman of Samaria, and the man born blind. This volume by a renowned biblical scholar, Brendan Byrne, offers spiritual nourishment born of many years of experience in retreat work. In a very readable style, Byrne invites readers to journey through the Gospel and to "overhear" what is being said, and to personally ponder the deep gifts that Jesus offers. The questions at the end of each chapter ask you and me to engage with this ancient text to discover what it can offer in the twenty-first century. I could take this book and make a retreat with little more guidance.
Professor Mary L. Coloe, PBVM, Australian Catholic University
Long recognition of the Gospel of John as the ‘spiritual Gospel’ has tended to make interpretations ‘otherworldly.’ Brendan Byrne’s reflections, based on his long-nourished understanding of the Johannine text, overcome this tendency. This beautiful book, written with a simplicity and directness rare in Johannine studies, shows that the Fourth Gospel can ‘meet disciples where they are.’
Francis J. Moloney, SDB, Senior Professional Fellow, Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, Victoria, Australia
Father Brendan Byrne, SJ, is one of those rare scholars with the ability to translate modern biblical scholarship into meaningful, down-to-earth reflections for non-professionals. This book, which grew out of the author’s retreat conferences and his own Jesuit Ignatian spirituality, is a beautiful presentation of the Fourth Gospel for spiritual reflection. A book to savor rather than simply read!
Ronald D. Witherup, PSS, a frequent contributor to Give us This Day, is the author of many books on the Bible, including Paul, Proclaiming Christ Crucified in the Alive in the Word series published by Liturgical Press (2016)
Possibly only Brendan Byrne could have written this remarkable book, with its serious and attentive scholarship, lightly worn as always; the author shows once more his immense gift of drawing the reader’s attention to unsuspected depths in John’s Gospel. Again and again the reader will find themselves brought up short by a fresh insight, coming from a deep grasp of the text and its Old Testament background. We are also given happy glimpses of the author’s own inner journey, which greatly help our reading of the Fourth Gospel. At the end of each short chapter there are carefully chosen questions-for-reflection which gently help the reader into a contemplative grasp of the text of the gospel.
Nicholas King, SJ, Campion Hall, Oxford
Byrne’s invitation to ‘come to the light’ plays out in fresh, informative, and enlightening readings of John’s infinitely rich and beloved gospel. Highly recommended for personal or parish Bible study.
Bonnie Thurston, author of Belonging to Borders: A Sojourn in the Celtic Tradition
"A deep and inspiring set of meditations on this profound gospel."
The Bible Today
"This volume distills the sometimes-meandering text of John into eighteen short reflections on selected narratives, concentrating largely on the 'signs' stories. It is a truly fresh interpretation."
Catholic Books Review
"This volume is an excellent pastoral resource."
Catholic Biblical Quarterly
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