Update on Scripture Commentaries on Romans

There is now available on this site two complete commentaries on St Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. The first, By Fr. Bernardine de Piconio has been available for some time. The second, by Fr. Charles Callan has just been completed. These, along with other commentaries on select passages can be accessed on my NOTES ON ROMANS page. This page can be accessed in the link field at the top of this blog. I will next set my sights on making available Fr. John MacEvilly’s full Commentary on Romans and, hopefully, today I will complete Fr. de Piconio’s Commentary on  Corinthians (the final chapter is not yet available).

For those interested in purchasing commentaries on Romans I would suggest the following works. All are by Catholic authors. Some are part of ecumenical series which means that other books in the series may be by non-Catholic authors. This is a list of recommendations and should not be construed as my endorsement of interpretive or theological positions taken.

The letter of St Paul to the Romans (Ignatius Study Bible Series). By Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch. An excellent Catholic introductory series on the Bible. The NT series is now complete and can be purchased in a single volume.

Invitation to the New Testament Epistles: Romans. Mary Ann Getty-Sullivan.

Romans (New Testament Message Series, Vol. 9). By Fr. Eugene Maly.

The Epistle to the Romans ((New Testament for Spiritual Reading). Karl Kertelge.

Romans (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture Series). By Dr. Scott Hahn. An outstanding commentary in a fine Catholic commentary series.

Reading Romans: A literary and Theological Commentary (Reading the New Testament, Volume 6). Luke Timothy Johnson. An ecumenical series.

Reckoning with Romans: Contemporary Reading of Paul’s Gospel. Fr. Brendan Byrne.

Galatians and Romans. Fr. Brendan Byrne.

Romans (Sacra Pagina Commentary Series). By Fr. Brendan Byrne. Somewhat technical.

Romans (Anchor Bible Commentary Series). By Fr. Joseph Fitzmyer. An ecumenical series. Technical.

Commentaries for the Memorial of the Passion of St John the Baptist

Today’s Mass Readings.

Today’s Divine Office.

Father MacEvilly’s Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18.

Father Callan’s Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18.

Navarre Bible Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18.

Father Boylan’s Introduction to Psalm 128.

St Augustine’s Notes on Psalm 128.

St Albert The Great’s Commentary on Psalm 128.

Father MacEvilly on the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist (Matt 14:1-12; Mark 6:17-29).

St Thomas Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Mark 6:17-29.

Navarre Bible Commentary on Mark 6:17-29.

Scripture and the Sanctity of Human Life

The following is taken from Logos Bible Software’s Thematic Outlines Dataset. I’ve modified the content by deleting the scripture quotations which are under copyright. Links to the scripture passages in the NABRE have been provided. Logos has a Catholic division called Verbum.

Synopsis: Scripture treats human life as a divine gift and something for which humans are responsible. It is thus to be valued and respected. No human being has the right to take the life of another.

THE SANCTITY OF ALL HUMAN LIFE

It proceeds from God

Genesis 2:7

Acts 17:25

It is precious to God

 

Genesis 1:27

Genesis 4:10–11

2 Samuel 18:12–13

Matthew 6:25–26

It is protected by God

 

Deuteronomy 22:8

Numbers 35:11–12

Jeremiah 22:3

Death is by God’s appointment

 

Hebrews 9:27

Job 14:5

Psalm 90:3

Psalm 90:5

God prohibits unlawful taking of life

 

Exodus 20:13
Matthew 19:18

Romans 13:9So precious is human life that some situations which required the death penalty in the OT are dealt with differently in the NT (e.g., Jn 8:5,11).

God punishes unlawful taking of life

 

Genesis 9:6

Exodus 21:14

2 Samuel 12:9

2 Kings 21:16

THE SANCTITY OF CHILDREN’S LIVES

Children are planned by God

 

Genesis 18:10 .

Judges 13:3–4

1 Kings 13:2

2 Kings 4:16–17

Jeremiah 1:5

Luke 1:13–17

Luke 1:24–25

Luke 1:31–33

Luke 1:35

Children are precious and to be treasured

 

Psalm 127:3–4

Genesis 33:5

Genesis 48:9

Psalm 113:9

Psalm 128:3

Child sacrifice is opposed

 

Genesis 22:10–12

Leviticus 18:21

Deuteronomy 12:31

2 Kings 3:27

2 Kings 16:3

Psalm 106:38

Isaiah 57:5

Jeremiah 7:30–31

Jeremiah 19:5

Ezekiel 16:20–21

Warnings against murder of children

 

Exodus 1:16–17

Acts 7:19 .

Antenatal life is fully human

 

Job 31:15

Psalm 22:9

Psalm 119:73

Psalm 139:13–16

Isaiah 46:3–4

Isaiah 49:1

Isaiah 49:5

Jeremiah 1:5

Luke 1:41

Luke 1:44. In these two passages Luke uses the same words here of an unborn child as he does in 2:12,16 of a newborn child and in 18:15 of little ones.

Injury to a pregnant woman is serious

 

Exodus 21:22–25

Amos 1:13

THE SANCTITY OF OLD AGE

The old are to be respected

 

Proverbs 23:22

Leviticus 19:32

Job 32:6

Psalm 71:18

1 Timothy 5:1–2

The old are to be cherished

 

1 Timothy 5:4

 Genesis 47:12–13

1 Samuel 22:3

John 19:26–27

Information and Resources on St John the Baptist

Old Testament: Is 49, Ps 21:1–3, 119:46–47, Sir 48:10, Ps 8:5, 21:5, 92:12, Is 4:3–5, 40:1–3, Je 1:5, Ho 14:5, Mal 3:1, 4:5–6

New Testament: Jn 1:19–40, Mt 11:2–19, Lk 1:57–80, 11–17, Mt 3:1–6, Mk 6:17–30, Lk 1:39–44, Mt 17:10–13, Lk 7:26, Jn 3:26–36, Ac 13:24–25, Mk 1:4–8, Lk 3:1–20, 16:16, Ac 1:22, Mt 14:1–5, 3:11, 13–17, 16:14, Jn 1:6–8, 5:35, 10:40–42, Lk 7:28, Mt 21:32, Mk 2:18, 11:30–33, Lk 1:5–6, 7:21, 33, 11:1, Jn 1:15, 3:23, 5:32–33, Ac 1:5, 11:16. (Jones, Andrew, Robert Klesko, Louis St. Hilaire, and Jason Stellman, eds. Catholic Topical Index. Bellingham, WA: Verbum, 2013.)

Catechism of the Catholic Church 717-720, 523.

Dominum Et Vivicantem (The Lord and Giver of Life): # 19.

St Augustine: On the Position Given the Preaching of John the Baptist in All Four Gospels.

 

 

Commentaries for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

COMMENTARIES ON THE FIRST READING: Genesis 3:9-15, 20. This reading is also used for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Note that an alternate 1st reading is allowed and I have provided commentaries for it.

Navarre Bible Commentary on Genesis 3:9-15, 20.

Word-Sunday Notes on Genesis 3:9-15, 20.

Alternate 1st Reading: Acts 1:12-14.

Father Callan’s Commentary on Acts 1:12-14.

Father MacEvily’s Commentary on Acts 1:12-14.

Navarre Bible Commentary on Acts 1:12-14.

Word-Sunday Notes on Acts 1:12-14.

Homilist’s Catechism on Acts 1:12-14.

COMMENTARIES ON THE RESPONSORIAL: Psalm 87:1-2, 3, 5, 6, 7.

Father Boylan’s Introduction to Psalm 87.

Father McSwiney’s Summary and Brief Notes on Psalm 87.

Pope John Paul II’s Commentary on Psalm 87.

COMMENTARIES ON THE GOSPEL READING: John 19:25-34.

St Cyril of Alexandria’s Homiletic Commentary on John 19:25-34. On 25-42. Originally posted for Good Friday.

My Notes on John 19:25-34. On 28-37. Will try to add notes on 25-27.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on John 19:25-34. On 24b-37.

Pending: Father Cornelius a Lapide’s Commentary on John 19:25-34.

Pending: Father MacEvilly’s Commentary on John 19:25-34.

St Thomas Aquinas’ Lectures on John 19:25-34. On 19-37. Read lectures 4 and 5.

 

 

 

Commentaries for Lectionary Year II (Includes Commentaries for Sundays A, B, and C)

The new  Liturgical Year and Letionary Cycle began on Dec. 3, 2017 and ends on Dec. 1, 2018.

ADVENT SEASON

First Week of Advent.
Second Week of Advent.
Third Week of Advent.
Fourth Week of Advent.

CHRISTMAS SEASON TO EPIPHANY
Note: Traditionally Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. In the USA it is celebrated on the Sunday following January 6.

Dec. 25. Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Dec 24).
Dec. 25. Mass During the Night: The Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass).
Dec. 25. Mass at Dawn: The Nativity of the Lord.
Dec. 25. Mass During the Day: The Nativity of the Lord.

Sunday Within the Octave of Christmas (Feast of the Holy Family). If a Sunday does not fall between Dec. 26 and Dec 31 then the Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on Dec. 30.

Dec. 26. The Feast of St Stephen, the Church’s First Martyr.
Dec. 27. The Feast of St John, Apostle and Evangelist.
Dec 28. Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs.
Dec. 29. Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas.
Dec. 30. Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas. See next note.
!!! Dec 30. Feast of the Holy Family (Non-Sunday). If a Sunday does not fall between Dec 26-31 then the Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on this date.
Jan 1. Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
Jan. 2. Memorial of St Basil the Great and St Gregory Nanzianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church.
Jan. 3. Christmas Weekday.
Jan . 4. Memorial St Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious.
Jan. 5. Memorial of St John Nuemann, Bishop.
Jan. 6. Christmas Weekday. Traditionally this is Epiphany. In the USA the Epiphany is celebrated on the first Sunday after Jan 6. For commentary on the Epiphany readings see below, following Jan 8.
Jan. 7. Christmas Weekday. NOTE: in 2018 this date falls on the Sunday after Jan 6. IN the USA this Sunday is celebrated as the Epiphany. See the link for the Epiphany below, following Jan 8.
Jan 8.

!!! The Epiphany of the Lord.

ORDINARY TIME, INCLUDING THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Note: Scroll down for the seasons that interrupt Ordinary Time.

First Week in Ordinary Time, Year II. Includes the Baptism of the Lord.
Second Week in Ordinary Time, Year II.
Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year II.
Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year II.
Fifth Week in Ordinary Time, Year II.
Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year II. In 2018 the Lenten season begins during this week. See LENTEN SEASON below.
Seventh Week in Ordinary Time.
Eighth Week in Ordinary Time.
Ninth Week in Ordinary Time.
Tenth Week in Ordinary Time.
Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time.
Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time.
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time.
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time.
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time.
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time.
Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time.
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time.
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time.
Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time.
Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time.
Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time.
Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time.
Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time.

LENTEN SEASON

Ash Wednesday.
Thursday After Ash Wednesday.
Friday After Ash Wednesday.
Saturday After Ash Wednesday.
First Week of Lent.
Second Week of Lent.
Third Week of Lent.
Fourth Week of Lent.
Fifth Week of Lent.
Holy Week.

EASTER SEASON

Easter Sunday to Divine Mercy Sunday (Octave Week of Easter).
Second Week of Easter.
Third Week of Easter.
Fourth Week of Easter.
Fifth Week of Easter.
Sixth Week of Easter.
Seventh Week of Easter.

 

Commentaries on the Mass Readings for January 7, Christmas Weekday

JANUARY 7
CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY

Today’s Mass Readings.

Cornelius a Lapide’s Commentary on 1 John 5:14-21.

Navarre Bible Commentary on 1 John 5:14-21.

Father Boylan’s Introduction to Psalm 149.

St Augustine’s Notes on Psalm 149.

Patristic/Medieval Commentary on Psalm 149.

St Albert the Great’s Commentary on Psalm 149.

St Robert Bellarmine’s Commentary on Psalm 149.

Pope John Paul II’s Commentary on Psalm 149.

St Cyril of Alexandria’s Homiletic Commentary on John 2:1-11.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on John 2:1-11.

Aquinas’ Lecture on John 2:1-11.

Aquinas’ Homily Notes on John 2:1.

Father MacRory’s Commentary on John 2:1-11.

My Notes on John 2:1-11. On 1-12.

Navarre Bible Commentary on John 2:1-11.

Commentaries on the Mass Readings for January 6, Christmas Weekday

JANUARY 6
CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY

Today’s Mass Readings. Note: There are 2 gospel readings to chose from today. I’ve only posted on the first alternate (Mk 1:7-11).

Cornelius a Lapide’s Commentary on 1 Jn 5:5-13.

St Augustine on 1 Jn 5:5-13. Only on verses 7 & 8.

Navarre Bible Commentary on 1 Jn 5:5-13.

Pope John Paul II’s Commentary on Psalm 147 in Two Parts:

• Part 1 of Ps 147. On verses 1-11.
• Part 2 of Ps 147. On verses 12-20.

St Albert the Great’s Commentary on Psalm 147.

1 Alt. Catholic Scripture Manual on Mark 1:7-11.

1 Alt. Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on Mark 1:7-11.

1 Alt . Navarre Bible Commentary on Mark 1:7-11.

Commentaries on the Mass Readings for January 5, Memorial of St John Neumann, Bishop

JANUARY 5
MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN NEUMANN BISHOP

Today’s Mass Readings.

Cornelius a Lapide’s Commentary on 1 John 3:11-21.

St Augustine on 1 John 3:11-21.

Navarre Bible Commentary on 1 John 3:11-21.

St Augustine’s Notes on Psalm 100.

A Patristic/Medieval Commentary on Psalm 100.

St Cyril of Alexandria’s Commentary on John 1:43-51.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on John 1:43-51.

St Thomas Aquinas’ Lecture on John 1:43-51. Scroll down to lecture 16.

Navarre Bible Commentary on John 1:43-51.

Commentaries on the Mass Readings for January 4, Memorial of Elizabeth Ann Seton

JANUARY 4
MEMORIAL OF ST ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS

Today’s Mass Readings.

Father MacEvilly’s Commentary on 1 John 3:7-10.

Father Cornelius a Lapide’s Commentary on 1 John 3:7-10.

St Augustine on 1 John 3:7-10.

Navarre Bible Commentary on 1 John 3:7-10.

Pope John Paul II’s Commentary on Psalm 98.

St Augustine’s Notes on Psalm 98.

Father Boylan’s Introduction to Psalm 98.

Aquinas’ Catena Aurea on John 1:35-42.

St Thomas Aquinas’ Lecture on John 1:35-42. Scroll down and read lecture 15.

St Cyril of Alexandria’s Commentary on John 1:35-42.

A Lectio Divina Meditation on John 1:35-42.

Navarre Bible Commentary on John 1:35-42.