Preparing for Sunday

Priest unlocks the depth of the Scriptures

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

The 140 page book - a guide for families, individuals and study groups - is a collection of reflections Spicer wrote for the Western Catholic Reporter.

In keeping with the liturgical calendar, Novalis first published the reflections for Year B, to be followed by Year C and later Year A.

Each Sunday lists the readings of the day, offers a brief reflection on the readings and how they relate today.

Spicer decided to put them in a book form so followers of his column in the paper can access and use them easily. He re-wrote the reflections and at the end of each, he included questions for further reflection.

"The book is written in a popular way to help people realize what the Lord is saying in the Sunday readings so that they can put this in practice," Spicer told the WCR.

"I tried to pick up real life incidents that people can identify with and show how they are parallel to the readings."

The Bible is not written in our way of thinking at all. We have to reflect upon it and see the meaning for us, because the Scripture was written in a different language and different mentality, said the director of the Adult Learning Commission. "The deep meaning does not always come through clearly."

"The book is written in a popular way to help people realize what the Lord is saying." - Fr. John Spicer

Spicer said even the people during the time of Jesus did not understand what he was doing until he rose from the dead. "The Scripture was written in hindsight. It's like a car wreck. Everyone sees it. People can get the facts, but they don't know what's behind it, what was happening to the person before he or she had an accident."

Spicer began writing and publishing books and booklets in 1968, when he became director of the Adult Learning Commission established by the late Archbishop Anthony Jordan. He wrote reflections and simple explanations of the major documents of Vatican II.

When he realized that behind the documents of Vatican II was a renewed interest in biblical scholarship, he shifted to writing reflections on the gospels and other parts of the New Testament.

Spicer gathered people to study and reflect with him early in his ministry. He was inspired by their insights and that led him to writing books and booklets using popular language.

Preparing for Sunday is available at local Christian bookstores or through Novalis by calling 1-800-387-7164.

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