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Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture
The Gospel of Mark
There is an increasing hunger among Catholics to study the Bible in depth and in a way that integrates Scripture with Catholic doctrine, worship, and daily life. In October 2008, a meeting of the world Synod of Bishops scheduled by Pope Benedict XVI will focus on "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church." Coinciding with that meeting is the launch of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (C.C.S.S.), a series that responds to the desire of Catholics to access the living Word of God. The Gospel of Mark is the first of seventeen volumes, which will cover the entire New Testament. Written by trusted Catholic biblical scholars, these commentaries interpret Scripture in the light of Catholic tradition. Accessibly written yet substantive, the C.C.S.S. fills a gap in the available literature by offering commentaries that cover more than brief study guides but are less daunting than scholarly commentaries.
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
194 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Mary Healy
57 books29 followersMary Healy is associate professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. She is the author of Men and Women Are from Eden: A Study Guide to John Paul II's Theology of the Body and co-editor of three books on biblical interpretation: 'Behind' the Text: History and Biblical Interpretation; Out of Egypt: Biblical Theology and Biblical Interpretation; and The Bible and Epistemology. She is general editor, with Dr. Peter Williamson, of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, a new series of commentaries that interpret Scripture from the heart of the Church, and is author of the first volume, The Gospel of Mark.
Dr. Healy has previously taught at the Institute for Pastoral Theology at Ave Maria University and the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, and served for several years as Coordinator of Mother of God Community, a lay Catholic community in Gaithersburg, Maryland. She currently serves as chair of the Doctrinal Commission of International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services in Rome. She speaks at retreats and conferences nationally and internationally on topics related to Scripture, the theology of the body, and the spiritual life.
Dr. Healy has previously taught at the Institute for Pastoral Theology at Ave Maria University and the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, and served for several years as Coordinator of Mother of God Community, a lay Catholic community in Gaithersburg, Maryland. She currently serves as chair of the Doctrinal Commission of International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services in Rome. She speaks at retreats and conferences nationally and internationally on topics related to Scripture, the theology of the body, and the spiritual life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 10, 2021
This is a really great commentary. Healy combines a lot of the information that I have in a variety of other commentaries (both Catholic and Protestant), but then pulls it all together with additional observations that make it very accessible while still being scholarly. She follows up many sections with items for reflection. Her style is very easy to read and you never feel as if she's talking over your head.
The structure is such that you are generally covering just a little scripture at a time. Each reading is followed with cross references to the Old Testament, New Testament, Catechism, and Liturgy. These are followed by the commentary, in which words from the scripture reading are bold whenever they are used. Although I saw some people complaining about that practice, I found it useful. Sometimes a bold word would make me suddenly pay attention and go back to the scripture, thinking, "Did it really say that? Why haven't I ever noticed before?"
There are also a few maps, occasional photos when they'd be helpful, and sidebar boxes with Biblical background and living tradition (Catechism, Fathers of the Church, saints) information that enriches understanding. The boxes can be difficult to read because they are a medium gray text on a light gray box which doesn't provide much contrast. (Later editions seem to have fixed this problem as 1 Corinthians has a much darker text in the boxes.)
Healy is excellent at putting the scripture in context, whether in reference to the context of people of the time, to other scripture, or for our own lives. Sometimes I was enlightened by the factual information which gives me new insights into the text. Sometimes it is from the material for reflection. However, it is a rare day that I failed coming away with an insight that I pondered the rest of the day. In fact, it set me thinking so much that I revived my Mark Bible study for my blog so that I could share some of these insights with others. It is in the early parts of Mark at this point, but check that out for a few short excerpts that you can use to see why you should read the entire book.
Highest recommendation.
You can see more about the series at their website and ... I bought this with my own money and will be buying more. Yes, that's how much I liked this book.
The structure is such that you are generally covering just a little scripture at a time. Each reading is followed with cross references to the Old Testament, New Testament, Catechism, and Liturgy. These are followed by the commentary, in which words from the scripture reading are bold whenever they are used. Although I saw some people complaining about that practice, I found it useful. Sometimes a bold word would make me suddenly pay attention and go back to the scripture, thinking, "Did it really say that? Why haven't I ever noticed before?"
There are also a few maps, occasional photos when they'd be helpful, and sidebar boxes with Biblical background and living tradition (Catechism, Fathers of the Church, saints) information that enriches understanding. The boxes can be difficult to read because they are a medium gray text on a light gray box which doesn't provide much contrast. (Later editions seem to have fixed this problem as 1 Corinthians has a much darker text in the boxes.)
Healy is excellent at putting the scripture in context, whether in reference to the context of people of the time, to other scripture, or for our own lives. Sometimes I was enlightened by the factual information which gives me new insights into the text. Sometimes it is from the material for reflection. However, it is a rare day that I failed coming away with an insight that I pondered the rest of the day. In fact, it set me thinking so much that I revived my Mark Bible study for my blog so that I could share some of these insights with others. It is in the early parts of Mark at this point, but check that out for a few short excerpts that you can use to see why you should read the entire book.
Highest recommendation.
You can see more about the series at their website and ... I bought this with my own money and will be buying more. Yes, that's how much I liked this book.
September 4, 2018
The Commentary series I loved to refer more is this because of its authenticity with regard to the Scriptural reference. I am waiting for the Lukan commentary on this series. As we are in the year B and we are going through the Markan Gospel this commentary is really good for the Sunday Homilies.
February 25, 2020
This series of bible commentaries are always outstanding and Mary Healy in particular has a great gift of explaining scripture in a deep but simple way. Highly recommended.
December 20, 2019
Excellent commentary: Healy addresses historical and social context and translation issues as well as situating the text in the full context of Catholic teaching and liturgy.
February 25, 2013
The gospel written by the evangelist Mark is probably the least regarded of all the gospels. The style is very straightforward. The text is very brief (it's the shortest of the gospels). the content is covered mostly in the other synoptic gospels. But Mark's Gospel became part of the canon of sacred scriptures for a reason. There's more depth, theology, and literary style than is immediately obvious. Mary Healy's commentary (part of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture series) demonstrates this richness. The book has a brief introduction and then goes through the gospel in little chunks, providing commentary from a Catholic perspective.
Many of the details of events had new light shed on them for me. For example, I knew the feeding of 5000 (Mark, chapter 6) resulting in 12 baskets of leftovers was symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel. But the second miraculous feeding (Mark, chapter 8) had only 7 baskets. It happened in gentile country, so did they just get a lesser miracle? The true significance is this: the number represents the 7 foreign nations, so the gentiles would also share in the eucharistic future of Christ's church. Lots of insights like this are sprinkled throughout the commentary.
Another interesting part of Mark's style is nesting stories within other stories. There's the cryptic incident of the fruitless fig tree in chapter 11. Jesus goes to get a snack from a roadside fig tree. It has no fruit and He curses it. Jesus continues on to Jerusalem where He cleanses the temple of money changers and dove merchants (doves were used in temple sacrifices). The next day they walk past the fig tree again and Peter remarks how it is withered. Jesus replies that God will listen to our prayers and even if we pray that a mountain be lifted into the sea, it will be done. The greater meaning is that the fig tree represents the temple worship, which has become corrupt and fruitless and is about to end. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in prayer and fostering a close relationship, a loving relationship, with God.
The book also has a few call outs of featuring historical, biblical, and Christian elements that are part of the story of the Gospel. For example, Pilate and Herod are both given short biographies. The author describes of the importance of the Temple to Jewish life. Church teachings on the sacraments and on the nature of Hell are also given.
This book is a great, readable commentary on Mark's gospel full of many wonderful insights. I highly recommend it.
Many of the details of events had new light shed on them for me. For example, I knew the feeding of 5000 (Mark, chapter 6) resulting in 12 baskets of leftovers was symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel. But the second miraculous feeding (Mark, chapter 8) had only 7 baskets. It happened in gentile country, so did they just get a lesser miracle? The true significance is this: the number represents the 7 foreign nations, so the gentiles would also share in the eucharistic future of Christ's church. Lots of insights like this are sprinkled throughout the commentary.
Another interesting part of Mark's style is nesting stories within other stories. There's the cryptic incident of the fruitless fig tree in chapter 11. Jesus goes to get a snack from a roadside fig tree. It has no fruit and He curses it. Jesus continues on to Jerusalem where He cleanses the temple of money changers and dove merchants (doves were used in temple sacrifices). The next day they walk past the fig tree again and Peter remarks how it is withered. Jesus replies that God will listen to our prayers and even if we pray that a mountain be lifted into the sea, it will be done. The greater meaning is that the fig tree represents the temple worship, which has become corrupt and fruitless and is about to end. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in prayer and fostering a close relationship, a loving relationship, with God.
The book also has a few call outs of featuring historical, biblical, and Christian elements that are part of the story of the Gospel. For example, Pilate and Herod are both given short biographies. The author describes of the importance of the Temple to Jewish life. Church teachings on the sacraments and on the nature of Hell are also given.
This book is a great, readable commentary on Mark's gospel full of many wonderful insights. I highly recommend it.
November 30, 2018
This is a great book for anyone who wants a deeper commentary on the Gospel of Mark, especially those who are preparing homilies for Mass. There are some great perspectives not thought about before that helps to awaken one's senses and how they approach their walk with the Lord. Very enlightening. Looking forward to reading other commentaries on the Gospels.
Read
August 10, 2025Approachable, informative and insightful read.
I combined my read with Opening the Scriptures Bringing the Gospel of Matthew to Life: Insight and Inspiration and I discovered that many sections were similar if not identical. I do not know which of these two books had the original content. My copy of George Martin’s book indicates an early publication of 2008, the same year as Mary Healy’s book, however Healy's includes a reference to George Martin’s in her suggested resources section, maybe their work is a collaboration?
Given the clear and extensive overlapping (I estimate it about 80%) I would suggest that the reader pick one or the other to read, both are valuable. My choice would probably lean towards Opening the Scriptures Bringing the Gospel of Mark to Life as it includes small extracts from the bible references (which I found useful) and also frequent prompts for personal reflection on the gospel passages.
I combined my read with Opening the Scriptures Bringing the Gospel of Matthew to Life: Insight and Inspiration and I discovered that many sections were similar if not identical. I do not know which of these two books had the original content. My copy of George Martin’s book indicates an early publication of 2008, the same year as Mary Healy’s book, however Healy's includes a reference to George Martin’s in her suggested resources section, maybe their work is a collaboration?
Given the clear and extensive overlapping (I estimate it about 80%) I would suggest that the reader pick one or the other to read, both are valuable. My choice would probably lean towards Opening the Scriptures Bringing the Gospel of Mark to Life as it includes small extracts from the bible references (which I found useful) and also frequent prompts for personal reflection on the gospel passages.
April 11, 2021
One of the unique aspects of Healy's commentary on the Gospel of Mark is that she writes not only from a woman's perspective, but as a woman in the Catholic Church. She structures her commentary with this in mind, intersecting the verse by verse breakdown with different elements of the Catholic Tradition. I found this really helpful as someone who is not a Catholic. Understanding the Tradition and its practices through the familiar verses of the Gospel helps to contextualize these Traditions and practices which are unfamiliar to me. Thus I'm not only gaining insight on the Gospel narrative, but on how that narrative has been interpreted within the larger Tradition of the Church through the years. And not only that, but how those interpretations helped to form specific practices within the Church.
In terms of the context, Healy takes more of a reflective approach than an academic one. She has lots of great thoughts to offer, and she is able to be in conversation with some larger ideas in scholarship where needed and necessary, but the focus is more pastoral and devotional. I would say that if you are looking for something more on the academic side, you might do better looking elsewhere. But if you are looking for something accessible and easy to read, I really appreciated what she was able to offer to my own read through the Gospel.
In terms of the context, Healy takes more of a reflective approach than an academic one. She has lots of great thoughts to offer, and she is able to be in conversation with some larger ideas in scholarship where needed and necessary, but the focus is more pastoral and devotional. I would say that if you are looking for something more on the academic side, you might do better looking elsewhere. But if you are looking for something accessible and easy to read, I really appreciated what she was able to offer to my own read through the Gospel.
Currently reading
August 12, 2021I'm like a lot of Catholics. I own a Bible and it gathers dust. I attended a lecture by a Seton Hall Religion prof, a Catholic priest, who talked about a) Catholics not reading the Bible, and b) the Gospel of Mark. He recommended this book. So I bought it and I'm reading.
Someone called it "Scholarly Lite," and that's a good description. It's not difficult to grasp and it's not overloaded with footnotes, end notes, and other scholarly references. In fact, it's enjoyable.
Someone called it "Scholarly Lite," and that's a good description. It's not difficult to grasp and it's not overloaded with footnotes, end notes, and other scholarly references. In fact, it's enjoyable.
December 22, 2024
0.5 stars
I prefer to think scientifically, and in doing so, I found a lot of holes in this gospel. I am religious, I just doubt the accuracy of this specific gospel. I understand the concept of believing whole heartedly, but I took issue with certain aspects of Mark's point of view. I wasn't a fan of the writing style or how the story was told either. It isn't my usual type of read, but, overall, I didn't enjoy this book.
I prefer to think scientifically, and in doing so, I found a lot of holes in this gospel. I am religious, I just doubt the accuracy of this specific gospel. I understand the concept of believing whole heartedly, but I took issue with certain aspects of Mark's point of view. I wasn't a fan of the writing style or how the story was told either. It isn't my usual type of read, but, overall, I didn't enjoy this book.
September 4, 2023
Dr. Healy is an amazing semi-hidden gem. I’ve been following her Steubenville conference videos for a long time. Very smart, very down to earth, very witty.
And she was the first woman on the pontifical biblical commission. I haven’t exactly totally read every word of the commentary, but I refer to it so often that I am beginning to know it well.
And she was the first woman on the pontifical biblical commission. I haven’t exactly totally read every word of the commentary, but I refer to it so often that I am beginning to know it well.
April 22, 2025
I picked up this book to read for Lent 2025, and it did not disappoint. There were several new things I learned from reading it, and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the Gospel of Mark. I previously read the Gospel of Matthew book in this same series and was also glad to have read that one, too.
January 21, 2021
Great commentary from a Catholic perspective
Accessible to the average reader while including good academic rigor. Also, I really like the references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Accessible to the average reader while including good academic rigor. Also, I really like the references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Read
December 7, 2025This is good, and I was intending to read it, but I'm not going to get through it now. I think I got to p. 48, so I was still in the first chapter of Mark. This is maybe more in-depth than what I'm looking for right now.
March 22, 2020
Just so beautiful and spiritually nourishing! Brought me to tears and taught me a lot.
July 3, 2022
Very accessible and helpful commentary on Mark that goes straight through the book by brief sections and gives extended commentary. Somewhat like a study Bible but more in depth.
December 21, 2012
I had the pleasure of conducting a 17 week Bible study of Mark (intro and then one chapter per week) in my parish using this book as the primary text. All participants purchased and used the book as well. In preparing to facilitate the lessons, I gathered together many other commentaries on Mark. My approach was to ask questions of the scripture text for the week before reading any commentaries. Then, beginning with Healy, I would search the commentaries for answers. What impressed me most was the breadth of the scholarship and the insight Healy brings. It was not often that she didn't address a question that I proposed. Then, when I would check other commentaries I would often find that she took the finest scholarship from these other sources as well as her own insights and combine them in such a way as to bring out the best from each in a coherent and understandable way. I am not a Biblical scholar but I think I've become a pretty careful reader of scripture. Yet she often catches things that, even after careful reading, I hadn't considered, thus deepening my appreciation for the Biblical text and Healy's scholarship.
In addition, references after each scripture passage to the OT and NT and the gospel parallels are a great addition to help the student come to a better appreciation of the content and unity of the Bible. CCC references assist in aiding understanding on how applicable verses fit in doctrinally to the Catholic Church. Sidebars, pictures, suggested resources, and an index of pastoral topics all add to the usefulness of the volume. A Discussion Guide available on the CCSS website was well-received as a way to spur group discussion. Sporadic "Reflection and Application" sections in the book could also be used for discussion.
I can't recommend this book highly enough as a work of top flight scholarship that could be of use to those with advanced degrees yet is very accessible to any educated and engaged reader.
In addition, references after each scripture passage to the OT and NT and the gospel parallels are a great addition to help the student come to a better appreciation of the content and unity of the Bible. CCC references assist in aiding understanding on how applicable verses fit in doctrinally to the Catholic Church. Sidebars, pictures, suggested resources, and an index of pastoral topics all add to the usefulness of the volume. A Discussion Guide available on the CCSS website was well-received as a way to spur group discussion. Sporadic "Reflection and Application" sections in the book could also be used for discussion.
I can't recommend this book highly enough as a work of top flight scholarship that could be of use to those with advanced degrees yet is very accessible to any educated and engaged reader.
March 24, 2012
I really enjoyed this book...it's more of a reference book than a pleasure read, but I really like the way Mary Healy takes a Bible verse, than gives the explanation and definitions and additional information, then moves on to the next verse. There is no flipping back and forth and it was a surprisingly quick read, considering it's more textbook than novel. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in getting a more in depth understanding of Mark's Gospel. Will definitely search out other books by this author for my own person education.
December 22, 2019
"Truly I say to you, Whoever should say to this mountain, Be moved and fall into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will be done, it will be done to him.
Therefore I say to you, Anything you pray for and ask, believe that you will receive it, and it will be done for you."
It's a review of the gospel itself, not the edition.
Therefore I say to you, Anything you pray for and ask, believe that you will receive it, and it will be done for you."
It's a review of the gospel itself, not the edition.
March 20, 2009
I was raised a protestant and live in a predominantly protestant area, so my understanding of Catholicism is limited. Books like this have helped me grasp a larger view of the church. Recommended for its accessibility.
August 30, 2020
This clarified and answered my questions about a lot of things for me after I first read Mark's gospel many years ago. She also sets up the historical background at the time the gospel was written. Overall I'm very pleased with the book.
December 31, 2018
Excellent exposition on Mark's Gospel.
Brings the word to life.
Brings the word to life.
December 24, 2010
This was our supplemental reading for Mark in Biblical School. I'm a fan of Dr. Healy, but I didn't think this added much to our study bible.
July 12, 2011
I loved this. For me, it added a fresh, but not foreign, perspective. Refreshingly academic compared with the books I've been reading.
April 18, 2012
Excellent book that explains the Gospel of Mark in a reflective and exegetical manner. Fast read if you're interested in the subject.
June 19, 2013
A great treatment of Mark. This was an excellent resource for our law school Bible study.
July 31, 2014
excellent commentary
February 21, 2015
Easy to understand and yet very profound insights!
June 17, 2016
This book serves the purpose for which it was written. That purpose is to help someone who is unfamiliar with the Bible to understand Mark.
November 20, 2024
If you are looking for an accessible and readable Catholic commentary on the gospel of Mark, this is pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews