Let The Scriptures Speak

reflections on the Sunday readings

Plot

Realizing that the toughest challenge facing most people at Mass is to hear the Sunday readings afresh and with understanding, Dennis Hamm, S.J., helps preachers and worshipers discover the meaning of the Scriptures today in Let the Scriptures Speak. The commentaries first appeared as a popular weekly column in America.Hamm offers an approach that differs from the commentaries written on the readings by focusing on three dimensions of the readings' original context. First, he considers the full document from which a particular Lectionary selection is taken. Second, Hamm examines the background in the Hebrew Bible that the authors presume on the part of their readers. Third, he considers the historical setting, when it is known, and adds to the understanding of the reading.Knowing that no one can write another's homilies or pray their prayers, Hamm sheds light on the Sunday readings in order to help others preach and pray.