I have not spoken well of the New Jerome Biblical Commentary. I don’t suggest buying it, but see if you can borrow one from your parish – even put a “want ad” in the bulletin to see if you can shake up a copy.
The reason: I think Fr. Fitzmeyer has a great discussion on St. Paul, specifically, the theology of St. Paul.
It’s very straightforward and very comprehensive. There’s one or two opinionated statements in there that I could see, but otherwise, it’s a great introduction to St. Paul
He says that that St. Paul does not give his “gospel” or “theology” in an organized fashion. So, Fitz does that quite well, as a matter of fact.
From Ascension Press, Dr. Timothy ? does a great job in a video program about Exodus, and Jeff Cavens has a great program running on EWTN at 2 p.m. Eastern on Saturdays which is kind of an introduction to the Bible. Both of those are good commentaries on the scripture.
In his encyclical letter Catechesi Tradendae (on the teaching of catechism – sounds dull, but this is really a profound discussion of “making disciples of all nations”) Pope John Paul II makes a remark that Catholics can use non-Catholic resources for spreading the gospel, but in a Catholic context of course. So, I would recommend dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleship” for a great discussion of that topic – be warned it is in a Lutheran (and anti-Catholic) framework.
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has written what many consider a great book – Jesus of Nazareth. It has a specific purpose, to give a Catholic alternative view to those who have skepticism about the authenticity of the picture of Jesus in the Bible. It is reported that the Pope has completed the second (and final) part – another book to round out the subject. I can’t wait for that.
Today is your lucky day, because the special synod of bishops is starting in Rome on Oct 5, on the Use of the Bible in the everyday Life of the Church. I, for one, am expecting great things from them (and the Holy Spirit) to encourage scripture reading. So, stay tuned to this event and what will come of it. Usually after such a synod, the pope takes some time to pull it all together and issue a special document about it. So, there’s plenty of guidance and encouragement coming, about enhancing your spiritual life with the scripture.
If you’re reading the Bible, perhaps you’re “beyond” reading these, but you should read them if you haven’t – get these from
www.vatican.va website
Pope Leo XIII Providentissimus Deus
Pope Pius XII Divino Afflante Spiritu
which are two encyclicals about scripture.
Also, be sure you have your catechism handy and alse get a copy of Dei Verbum or Verbum Dei (the document from the Second Vatican Council on sacred scripture).
These other documents give you a special and focused Catholic perspective. If you read these, nobody will mislead you about the Catholic position on scripture, tradition, and Divine Revelation.
