Sunday, 12 January 2025

The Gospel of Matthew ESV - Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz - CTS Scriptures

The Gospel of Matthew
English Standard Version
Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz (Introduction)
ISBN 9781784698089
CTS Booklet SC130
Larger Print Edition
ISBN 9781784698126
CTS Booklet SC134

The Gospel of Matthew ESV - Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz - CTS Scriptures

This was the first of the standalone gospels I have read from the new English Standard Version translation; which was introduced as the new lectionary edition at the beginning of Advent 2024 in England, Scotland and Wales. I have read a few volumes about the new lectionary and eagerly awaited these new Gospel booklets. I have decided to read a chapter of the gospels a day for the year, and will alternate the ESV editions just released and the older Jerusalem Bible editions I have read a few times over the years. By reading 1 chapter a day you will complete the 4 gospels 4 times and have time to start again.

I love the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. Over the last 7 years I have read over 400 books and booklets from the CTS. And have many on my ‘to be read’ list. The description of this volume is:

“St Matthew wrote his great account of the life of Jesus for the early Judaeo-Christian community, sharing with them teachings that are still foundational to the Christian faith today, including the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Lord’s Prayer, and the ‘Great Commission’ of Christ to spread the Gospel to all the world.

This special edition of the Gospel of Matthew, with an introduction by Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz, is published to mark the introduction of the ESV-CE translation in the new Catholic lectionary for England, Scotland and Wales. This book allows the reader to read and contemplate the words of the Gospel precisely as it is proclaimed at Mass in Year A of the lectionary cycle.”

The volume and the gospel of Mark has an introduction by Fr. Javier Ruiz-Ortiz, about him we are informed:

“Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz is a priest for the diocese of Westminster. He earned a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Gregorian University, Rome. Fr Javier has served different parishes in London: Hillingdon, Kensington, Fulham and Bow. He is a lecturer in Sacred Scripture at Allen Hall, and the Dean of Mater Ecclesiae Coilege.”

I highlighted a few passages some of them are:

“The gospel of Matthew is the first book we find in the New Testament; from its beginning, it looks back into I he history of Israel in order to explain the character and mission of Jesus, so Matthew takes us to the times of David and Abraham (cf. l: I ). Through a long genealogy, Matthew puts Jesus in touch with his Jewish roots while all through the gospel Jesus is presented as the fulfilment of the prophecies of old (1: 22; 2:15. 17.23; 3:1 ; 4:14; 5: 17; 13:35; 21 :4). Old and new come together in Jesus and the picture of his disciple is the one who knows how to use new things and old as well (cf. 13:52).”

“Jesus is presented as well like the new Moses, for instance, at his birth he is saved from a massacre (2:13-19 cf. Ex 2 - 3); his Sermon on the Mount (5 - 7) contras ted with Mount Sinai (Ex 19: 1) where the Law was given, and the shining of his face at the Mount of Transfiguration should be contrasted with Moses coming down from the mountain (17:2 cf. Ex 34:29-30). Jesus also bids farewell on a mountain following the resurrection (28: 16) recalling Mount Nebo where Moses dies (Deut 34: 1-4).”

“Matthew is the only gospel that uses the word Church( ekklesia) (16:18; 18:17) for the community of believers. In the community, all are equal in dignity but they have different roles.”

“Reading the gospel, one could say that the community was one of committed Jews who knew the Old Testament. The fulfilment quotation makes Jesus the accomplishment of the prophecies of all. Thus, the disciples are encouraged to recognise him as the true Messiah from God.”

“The modern reader shares little with the original audience of the gospel. When confronted with the gospel of Matthew, we should welcome his teaching style and his challenge to the mission. The miss ion of the church is rooted in the promises of God to humanity and opens that promise to all nations.”

One of the first versus I check when looking at a new translation of the bible is Matthew 5:6 in this edition it is:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

And the full version of the Beatitudes is:

“And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Historically the Jerusalem Bible is my favourite for just sitting and reading. Maybe because it was the one I was given in school during first communion prep, or because it was the first I read from cover to cover. But I am giving this new translation a fair chance and plan to read these gospel booklets and the whole bible this year. This booklet and the others and the Larger Print counterpart are excellent resources. I recommend them to you.

My son who is 16 has and asked for a set of these little booklets, for his own. I also picked up a complete bible in the ESV-CE edition for my youngest two children and myself. It is an excellent resource from the Catholic Truth Society! It is great to pick up and read in a sitting or to pass on to a friend. Or to keep on hand to be able to give away. I love these little booklets of the gospels from the CTS and look forward to reading the other three in the collection.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.


Books in the CTS Scriptures Series:

CTS Resources for the New Lectionary:
Ministering the Word of God - Father Allen Morris - CTS Books
The Word is Very Near to You - Father Allen Morris
...

CTS Scriptures 2024 OSV Editions and New Lectionary Resources

CTS Scriptures Jerusalem Bible Booklets


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