The Word Among Us, Year C, Vol. 1: Reflections on the Readings of the Revised Common Lectionary

A.J. Pell is rector of Christ Church in Hope, B.C., and lecturer in the
Anglican Studies Programme at Regent College in Vancouver.

These two volumes deal with the four scripture passages set by the
Revised Common Lectionary for the Sundays of the liturgical year and
Christmas day. Each book covers one-third of the final year in the
lectionary’s three-year cycle. For each day the readings are listed
first. Next comes a brief “Weavings” that reduces each of the four
readings to a core statement of its meaning in a way that links the four
together. Finally, each reading is dealt with in the aptly named
“Reflections.”

Preachers with a tendency to laziness often use only the
reflections-style material for the bulk (if not all) of their sermon
preparation. O’Driscoll’s book cannot be used this way. There is an
unarticulated assumption that the preacher will have consulted some
basic Bible commentaries, for the material here is far from extensive,
and, of necessity, he or she can only choose one path of reflection for
a particular reading. The preacher who makes The Word Among Us but one
source consulted will be enriched by serendipitous insights that
resonate in today’s world. For example, I found myself both deeply
moved and spiritually awakened by the reflection on Psalm 36:5–10
(Second Sunday after the Epiphany) and drawn back several times to
ponder O’Driscoll’s insights anew.

For the layperson, The Word Among Us can be used for personal
devotional reading, either to prepare for Sunday worship or to reflect
during the week on ways in which the scriptures illuminate the joys, the
frustrations, and the agonies of daily living. O’Driscoll seeks not to
draw the reader to faith, but to strengthen and encourage the person of
faith.