The Gospel of John
English Standard Version
Fr John Hemer MHM (Introduction)
ISBN 9781784698119
CTS Booklet SC133
Larger Print Edition
ISBN 9781784698157
CTS Booklet SC137
This was the fourth and final 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:
“The Gospel of John is said to be written by ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’, St John the Apostle. Differing from the other Gospels in style, it opens with a stirring reflection of the Word made flesh and then describes seven miracles revealing Jesus’ divinity, from turning water into wine at Cana and to raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus’ great priestly prayer at the Last Supper and the story of his washing the disciples’ feet are also taken from this book.
This special edition of the Gospel of John, with an introduction by Fr John Hemer MHM (SSL), is published to mark the introduction of the ESV-CE translation in the new Catholic lectionary for England, Scotland and Wales. This book allows you to read and contemplate the words of the Gospel precisely as it is proclaimed at Mass. St John’s Gospel does not have a designated year in the lectionary cycle, but it supplements the entire calendar, particularly at its liturgical high points: for example, every Gospel reading during the Easter Triduum is from John.”
This volume and the gospel of Luke has an introduction by Fr John Hemer MHM, about him we are informed:
“Fr John Herner is a Mill Hill missionary priest. He comes from Liverpool and was ordained in 1983. He has done missionary work in Pakistan, Kenya and Uganda. At present he is a lecturer and member of the formation staff at Allen Hall seminary in Chelsea, London.”
I highlighted a few passages from the introduction, some of them are:
“The first thing that strikes us when we read John is how very different this is to the other three Gospels. The scholarly consensus is that it was written very late, possibly in the nineties of the first century in Asia Minor, probably Ephesus.”
“We think the author was John the brother of James and son of Zebedee, but he's not called an apostle precisely in order to emphasise that it was his love and closeness to Jesus that matter, not his position.”
“All this is thoroughly Jewish, and it would ring lots of bells in Jewish minds. But how does John express this for Greek converts who have little or no background in Judaism and for whom it would not have the same resonances?”
“For some it was the mind of God, guiding, controlling and directing everything. Later it was considered to be the means by which God created and ordered the world. Some have translated the word Logos as "creative energy".”
“Although there are no accounts of Jesus instituting any of the sacraments in John, the Gospel is thoroughly sacramental.”
“These and other teachings of Jesus are very profound reflections on the deepest spiritual realities, and provide an inexhaustible well from which to draw insight.”
“As you know, sadly the teaching of scripture in some places, even seminaries, has deliberately sought to undermine faith in the truth of Jesus. John is telling us that he wrote this to help people's faith, and that if his gospel, or any other scripture is not taught with that in mind, then he is being betrayed. Enjoy reading this wonderful gospel and draw life from it.”
I love the little booklet format from the CTS. I love this new English Standard Version booklet as well the older Jerusalem Bible Edition. 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 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 them again a few times over this next year. I can easily recommend this booklet edition of the Gospel of John!
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.
For all books in the CTS Scriptures Series click here.
Books in the CTS Scriptures Series:
The CTS New Catholic Bible - Jerusalem Bible
The Gospel of Matthew - English Standard Version
The Gospel of Mark - English Standard Version
The Gospel of Luke - English Standard Version
The Gospel of John - English Standard Version
…
CTS Resources for the New Lectionary:
Ministering the Word of God - Father Allen Morris - CTS Books
Hearing Christ’s Voice A New Lectionary for the Church - Bishop Hugh Gilbert, OSB
The Word is Very Near to You - Father Allen Morris
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