Recommended: two new books by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon (and two videos)
Gratis post
When I look back over the list of university, divinity school, and seminary professors under whom I sat in my formative years, I am sometimes astounded by my splendid fortune — or, better, by the grace of God evident there. Among the names included in that list are Aristeides Papadakis (the first to introduce me to Orthodoxy in a serious way in the 1970s), George W. MacRae, Krister Stendahl, Margaret Miles, Henri Nouwen, Brian E. Daley, John H. Rodgers, Rodney A. Whitacre, and numerous others. Perhaps, though, the teacher who had the greatest influence on me — equalled only, I would say, by Dr. Papadakis — was Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon (one can read about him here). I’m happy to say that we’re still in contact.
I’m also happy to report that he has two new books out (and he’s a prolific author — all of his books are well worth having on one’s shelf or Kindle). I would describe both newly published books as ascetical works. Fr. Reardon effectively applies the Scriptures to our practical, moral, and devotional lives, and he does so with his characteristic erudition (the footnotes alone in the first volume below constitute a course in biblical and patristic knowledge all by themselves) and humor (especially on display in the second book below). Although his knowledge of philosophy is plainly visible (a subject he taught for some years), his primary objective is to provide spiritual guidance.
I’ve read them both and commend them to you wholeheartedly.
Here are the books, with their descriptions:
Father Patrick Henry Reardon explores several different figures from the Old and New Testaments (among whom are Joseph, Deborah, Abigail, Job, Esther, Judith, Susannah, Tobit, and the sons of Zebedee) to examine the concepts of piety and prayer from a biblical perspective, especially focusing on the exilic and post-exilic diaspora context that directly shaped the piety and prayer of the New Testament. Reardon examines both the Hebrew and the Septuagint texts, and the commentaries and interpretations of the Church Fathers of both East and West are continually consulted.
The word “piety” is now seldom used outside the Church. What precisely is piety, let alone biblical piety? To answer this question, Father Patrick Henry Reardon introduces us to many figures from the pages of Scripture, especially those from the period during and after Israel’s exile and diaspora, which shaped the piety of the New Testament. Joseph, the first exile in Scripture, served as the model for men like Daniel and Mordechai, who learned how to remain faithful while living as strangers in a strange land. They all serve as examples for believers who are called to be in the world but not of the world.Dominant themes emerge, especially divine Providence, Wisdom, and prayer. Father Patrick traces divine Providence at work in the lives of Joseph, Esther, and Tobit, and he introduces us to Deborah and Abigail as the Fathers of the Church understood them—types and figures of divine Wisdom. As Jews in the diaspora came to pursue Wisdom in a sustained philosophical manner, the Wisdom tradition of Proverbs was put to more critical reflection, as can be seen in the book of Job, which is examined here in both its Hebrew and Greek forms. Prayer is, of course, present in the lives of all these figures, but it becomes a dominant theme in later parts of the book, which move to New Testament figures and sources. The concluding chapters connect the life of prayer to our sacramental life, relate the prayer rule to the Passion of Christ, and conclude with a reflection upon the Lord’s Prayer. Throughout the work, Father Patrick delves deeply into the biblical text while constantly making reference to the readings and interpretations of a wide range of Church Fathers from both East and West.
*****
We all know that we learn best through our failures—so why not learn also from the failures of others? In Bad Examples from the Bible, eminent author, scholar, and priest Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon provides us with a plethora of characters from the Bible whose bad decisions, character flaws, and sinful desires show us how not to live our lives. This book demonstrates how to avoid the mistakes made by Eve, Cain, Saul, Pilate, Delilah, and many others.
“There are biblical scholars and academics and there are educators. The former tend to reach only their own arena. A true educator reaches a multitude of audiences with clarity. Combine this quality of educator with a seasoned pastor and you discover the work of Fr. Patrick Reardon. With this publication, a topic that every priest is asked to explain is presented in a way that will make it a valuable resource for instruction.” -The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, President of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Retired
Publisher’s site: https://store.ancientfaith.com/bad-examples-from-the-bible/?searchid=0&search_query=patrick+henry+
*****
Lastly, from among the many YouTube videos featuring lectures and interviews with Fr. Reardon, I have chosen two that should prove of interest to you. They deal with the Cross and the subject of the Atonement and Salvation (based on his superb book on these subjects). It’s my hope that they will whet your appetite for more.
I was just blessed to see Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon at my church's feast--the feast of the Holy Transfiguration on Wednesday. My Church and All Saints has enjoyed a close relationship. I like his book of Christ in the Psalms and on the atonement.
You’ve introduced me to a thinker I should have known.
I often dwell on the secular resonance of faith—believing that grace doesn’t need a signature. Or, as I sometimes say, “God doesn’t sign his sunsets.” Perhaps, technically, that’s praeparatio evangelica—a first word, a preamble, a goad toward the larger story and God’s last word in Christ. I usually leave that last word implicit, more as a question than the answer I also believe.
Fr. Reardon, with his natural erudition—warm and inviting—gives us the rest of the words, or rather, reminds us of them. He helps tell the fuller story of Christian faith, beyond our own questions and answers. I know that story. But he moves me toward a richer way of speaking it—naming the unnameable, no holds barred.
I suspect there’s something in my disposition that speaks for many of us—and in Fr. Reardon’s words, much that speaks to all of us who call ourselves Christian.
Thank you for this post.