THE BIBLE AND LITURGY

Description

The Bible and the Liturgy by Jean Daniélou, S.J., is a seminal exploration of the profound connection between Scripture and the Church’s liturgical practices. Originally published in 1956 and reissued by the University of Notre Dame Press, this work delves into how the sacraments and feasts serve not only as conduits of divine grace but also as instructive signs that illuminate the entirety of Christian life.

Daniélou draws extensively from the teachings of the Church Fathers—such as Origen, Cyril of Jerusalem, and St. Ambrose—to reveal how early Christian worship was deeply rooted in biblical typology. He illustrates how events from the Old Testament, like the crossing of the Red Sea or the story of Elijah and the Jordan, prefigure New Testament sacraments such as Baptism and the Eucharist. Through this lens, the liturgy is presented as a living continuation of the divine narrative begun in Scripture

Structured into twenty chapters, the book examines various rites and feasts, including Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Easter, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Each chapter offers theological insights that bridge ancient practices with contemporary worship, making it an invaluable resource for theologians, clergy, and laypersons interested in deepening their understanding of liturgical traditions.