The Catholic Companion to Jesus [Paperback]

Mary Kathleen Glavich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 29, 2010

Over 2 billion people on planet Earth call Jesus Christ their Lord
and Savior, so it's only appropriate that Sr. Kathleen Glavich would
focus on the Son of God for her next book in the award-winning
Catholic Companion Series: The Catholic Companion to Jesus is
an in-depth exploration of the life, times, and legacy of Jesus of
Nazareth.



Written in language that is easy to grasp for all readers, but
comprehensive enough to be an academic resource, The Catholic
Companion to Jesus delves into the prophets who preached of
Christ's coming, the biblical and historical record of the life of
Jesus, his ministry and miracles, his death and resurrection, the
legacy he left to all of humanity, his role in modern life, and the
second coming of the Messiah.



The Catholic Companion to Jesus is intended to be a catalyst for
anyone who wishes to know Jesus better. The best and most
effective way to know someone is by personal interaction, and
this book offers practical ideas through which readers can open
their lives to the one the prophet Isaiah foretold would be called
"Emmanuel," which means "God with us."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND, is an educator, speaker, editor, and the author of 50 books. She is also a part-time pastoral associate at St. Dominic's in Cleveland, OH.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: ACTA Publications (January 29, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879464224
• ISBN-13: 978-0879464226
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #901,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable resource, March 17, 2010

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Catholic Companion to Jesus (Paperback)

This is the fourth book in the Catholic Companion series written by Mary Kathleen Glavich, a Sister of Notre Dame and noted religious educator. Here she presents the historical Jesus based on Scripture and scholarly research and reflection. In the introduction, Glavich describes the book as a catalyst for anyone who wishes to know Jesus better and a useful resource for those wishing to know more about the Catholic understanding of Jesus.

The 25 chapters move sequentially from Old Testament background through the life of Jesus and his impact on history. Glavich devotes two chapters to parables, one focusing on Jesus' words, the other on his interactions with others. She identifies parables as the most frequent and memorable teaching device Jesus used. "Through parables Jesus lifts people to a new level of thinking and acting. He challenges them to make a response in their lives." The "big book search" sidebar enumerates characteristics of parables and suggests that readers look for some of these features in one or two parables in scripture. Examples in the Jesus as Storyteller chapter are divided into two categories: those describing the kingdom of God and those describing God. Glavich explains that the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard fits with both categories, teaching that the last shall be first and also that God's love and mercy surpass human justice and logic.

In the second chapter on the topic, Glavich call Jesus a "walking parable" who teaches by his interactions with others. Among the parables in this chapter are four readings recommended for celebration of the sacrament of Penance:
Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10), the woman accused of adultery (John 8:2-11), the woman who bathed Jesus' feet (Luke 7:36-50), and the transfiguration (Matthew 17-1-8, Mk. 9: 2-8 and Luke 9: 28-36).

A special section highlighted in green, reviews and elaborates on the parable of the Samaritan woman at the well (John. 4: 5- 42). Glavich closes by describing the woman as "so immoral and alienated that she can't fetch water with the other women, but must venture out in the scorching noonday sun." She points out that in the parable neither the woman nor Jesus takes a drink of water, but both have been refreshed by their conversation.

Glavich's expertise as an educator is evident in her chosen format. The basic text is written in simple language and employs subheads and other devices to aid comprehension. Supplementary material is presented in eight categories of sidebars including web sites, short prayers, trivia, and Scripture exercises. In addition, almost every chapter contains at least one longer supplementary piece, presented against a green background, that develops an idea further, suggests an activity, or reveals added information. Topics on these "green pages" include origins of Christmas carols, belief in miracles, and leprosy as a symbol of sin.

Teachers, parents, faith-sharing groups, and those in evangelization ministry will find this book an invaluable resource. At the same time, individuals may use it to broaden their knowledge of Jesus and the Church.