Gerald O'Collins Books

This book offers a working description of beauty. It draws on the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, to illustrate how the beauty of Christ manifested itself at every stage of his story.

This collection features eighteen essays that explore the Gospels, Acts, and the letters of Paul, showcasing the insights and scholarship of Gerald O'Collins over his distinguished career. Each essay delves into theological themes, historical contexts, and interpretations, reflecting O'Collins's deep engagement with biblical texts. The work serves as a significant contribution to biblical studies, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of early Christian writings through the lens of a seasoned theologian.

Gerald O'Collins, SJ, AC, shares over 150 letters written during his thirty years at the Gregorian University in Rome, offering a personal glimpse into his life as a theology professor and dean. The correspondence captures the intersection of church and state news with engaging anecdotes about visitors and friendships in Italy. It also details his efforts to modernize the Jesuit university, which plays a crucial role in shaping future Catholic leaders, alongside his global lecturing tours during summer vacations.

Engaging with Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises, this book explores key themes across the four weeks of the exercises, culminating in the Contemplation for Attaining Love. It offers fresh insights on the Principle and Foundation, framed within the context of late medieval marriage vows. By examining Gospel episodes such as the nativity and Peter's mother-in-law's call to service, it highlights how modern biblical interpretation can deepen prayer practices and enhance spiritual understanding.

Gerald O'Collins, a renowned theologian, offers insightful interpretations of challenging sayings of Jesus and key Gospel texts. He enhances understanding of concepts such as the virginal conception in Matthew and Luke, the nature of belief in John's Gospel, and the poignant silence of Mary Magdalene and her companions upon discovering Jesus' resurrection in Mark. His extensive scholarship, drawn from over eighty publications, provides a deeper appreciation of these pivotal elements in the Christian narrative.

The collection features letters by Gerald O'Collins, reflecting on the unsettling emergence of COVID-19 and its widespread effects. Through his correspondence, he captures the disruption to everyday life and shares insights from various global perspectives. Additionally, ten letters from his grandniece, Nevie Peters, provide a personal touch, illustrating the pandemic's impact on family and normalcy. This compilation offers a poignant look at the intertwining of personal and global experiences during a challenging time.