A Time to Reflect - Year B: Meditations Through the Year Based on the Catholic Lectionary

A Time to Reflect - Year B is a rich and accessible resource designed to help readers engage more deeply with the Sunday Gospel readings throughout the liturgical year. Written by Gemma Simmonds, this collection of reflections and prayers follows the Roman Catholic lectionary, covering Sundays and major feast days including Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, the Annunciation, Ascension, and Corpus Christi. Each section begins with a Gospel reading - from the Gospel of Mark - followed by a thought-provoking meditation that draws out points of connection between all the readings for the day. A short prayer and carefully crafted questions for reflection or group discussion help readers apply Scripture to daily life. Ideal for individuals, small groups, and worship leaders, A Time to Reflect - Year B offers a uniquely practical and spiritually enriching way to prepare for Sunday worship, deepen biblical understanding, and sustain a rhythm of prayer throughout the year.

About the Author :
Gemma Simmonds (Author) Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ is a sister of the Congregation of Jesus, Director of the Religious Life Institute and Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology, Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Cambridge. She teaches Christian Spirituality at the Cambridge Theological Federation. She has been a spiritual director, retreat giver and lecturer for over 25 years, working globally. She is the author of The Way of Ignatius (SPCK, 2019) and Dancing at the Still Point (Form, 2021).

Review :
"Gemma Simmonds distils into her reflections the wisdom of a lifetime’s love of God, of life, and of the Bible. You will find your heart and life touched at many points, in illumination, in challenge, but above all in powerful, compassionate encouragement." "Gemma Simmonds takes the cycle of scriptures and lovingly unwraps their gifts with theological ease and pastoral intent, offering rich teaching, deep reflection and moments of prayer with each reading. All of this is wrapped in her erudite, humorous, faith-filled and faith-formed turn of phrase which roots Scripture in lived experience, gently challenging us to become better people. Witty and wise, this is a resource to be returned to again and again – truly a gift that keeps on giving." "It is so rare but so wonderful to find deep learning and wisdom expressed and communicated in meaningful, clear and heart-warming ways. This collection of reflections, prayers and questions are a rich feast from which the Christian soul can be nourished. This is theology in service of the Church at its very best – a theology not only birthed in the intellect but also born of the Spirit in a life of prayer. Every preacher – indeed, every serious Christian – needs this book on their desk." "Priests and people alike will enjoy this intelligent, meditative pathway through the riches offered by the lectionary." "Lucid, deep, insightful, this lovely new book will enable you to more fully understand and enjoy the Church's liturgical season and, more importantly, the living Word of God." "A thoughtful and prayerful companion to the Sunday Scriptures, helping readers to enter more deeply into the Church’s liturgical year."