For the past 3 years it has been an absolute privilege to explore the Mass Readings in a video series like no other: The Mass Readings Explained.
And, starting with the new liturgical year in Advent (December 1, 2019) we will be expanding this eye-opening series with a second video each week dedicated to the 2nd reading at Mass, which is typically from the letters of St. Paul.
As Dr. Pitre has noted before, just like the Gospel readings are on a 3 year cycle (Years A, B, and C), the 2nd reading is also on its own 3 year track. Therefore, for the next 3 years you will have access to an additional new weekly video with your subscription, entirely dedicated to discovering God's message from the New Testament letters, with a particular focus on the moral and spiritual life of a Christian.
"But wait... there's more": You will get access to new videos being released for the Mass readings on Holy Days of Obligation too.
Contemplating the Face of Christ with Mary: How to Pray the Rosary
This is not necessarily a criticism, but with a website name like Catholic Productions, one might be expecting in this product a lavishly produced presentation such as one might get from a movie or recording studio. One might even have the impression that this was a series planned from the outset for public release, with professional sound people and equipment employed in order to provide the best audio experience possible.
Well, this is not that. What it is is a series of class lectures given by Dr. Bergsma in (I presume) a classroom and recorded (apparently) from a single mic, which results in all of the quality and volume fluctuations one might expect from such a setup. It's not that it is at all unlistenable, it's just that it's not the effortlessly listenable experience one might otherwise think they were getting.
Ok, that's the bad, such as it is. The good is that Dr. Bergsma has many valuable things to say, particularly if you're not already familiar with the subject matter. If you're new to the study of John's Gospel (the lectures seem to be from an introductory-level class, more or less), it may well come as a goldmine of valuable insight and information. For others, who have already done some grappling with John, and with Scripture in general, it may not offer the same overall wealth of new information, but there is still much on offer here that one might benefit from.
I will say that while Dr. Bergsma is, in one way, not the most animated and exciting speaker in the world to listen to, there's a certain charm and endearing quality about him and his bad jokes that keeps one's mind from wandering completely away. And of course the subject matter here is the real star, which he does due justice to, and that's the most important thing. It is always profitable to read, listen to, and reflect upon, Holy Scripture.
(Disclaimer: I am only about halfway through the series right now, so that's what these remarks reflect. However, I am well satisfied with my purchase and don't expect my opinion to change. Thank you.)
Excellent presentation. Received my MP3 version within a minute or two. Thank you!