Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word: Meditations on the Gospel According to St. Matthew Volume 4

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To the unstudied eye, St. Matthew's Gospel may appear as a terse narrative, resembling a historical document rather than a profound spiritual and doctrinal resource. In his final volume of meditations on Matthew (chapters 26 and 28), Father Simeon, formerly Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, reveals Matthew's prose as remarkably economical, rich in depth. Lay readers can greatly benefit from this book, where each short meditation focuses on a verse or two, uncovering hidden meanings within the text. Father Simeon's scholarly yet accessible approach invites readers to "taste and see how good the Lord is" and encourages them to "come up higher." The book aims to help readers experience the divine Heart and the light of the divine Word, addressing both the objective nature of the Word of God and its personal impact on our lives. He comments on the Greek text, highlighting nuances that resist translation, and incorporates quotes from the Fathers and Church Liturgy to illustrate how Tradition has engaged with the Word of God. His theological reflections enliven doctrine by tracing its roots in Jesus' words and actions. Ultimately, the Gospel text serves to facilitate a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ, demonstrating how His presence has altered the essence of history and human experience.