Most biblical scholars today have concluded that St. John of Zebedee did NOT write the Gospel in the New Testament which bears his name. These scholars assert that the Gospel of John was authored by an ANONYMOUS follower of Jesus referred to within its text as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." No name is given for this disciple. Grassi does an excellent job of summarizing all of the main issues involved in the attempt to identify the author of the Fourth Gospel. He treats this topic with the importance that it deserves. Who is the Beloved Disciple of the Fourth Gospel? The Gospel cites this disciple as the primary eyewitness to the events it describes. The Gospel also repeatedly refers to this disciple as the one whom Jesus loved the most. Yet, the NAME of this disciple seems to have been intentionally omitted from the text. ...Why? If you are looking for a concise, well-written, thoroughly-researched introduction to this most intriguing mystery -- I highly recommend this book.

The roots of social justice run deep--right back to the Bible. Now, in Informing the Future, scripture scholar, writer and teacher Joseph Grassi takes readers back to the New Testament to explore the place of social justice--the just distribution of economic, social and cultural resources to all people--as envisioned and practiced in it. It is there, the author demonstrates, that we will find the inspiration that challenges us, sustains us and brings hope to our world today.

 

Amazon reader review: In the preface to this new edition of Broken Break and Broke Bodies, Grassi speaks for the many when he asks what one person can do about the suffering of more than 15 million people who die of starvation each year. The answer, he says, begins with a deeper understanding and participation in the Eucharist to help mobilize effective individual and community action.

To that end, he devotes Part 1 of the book to a survey of pertinent social, economic, political, and religious forces at work in Israel at the time of Jesus' life. It also focuses on Jesus' commands about discipleship and examines the relationship between discipleship and the central theme of Jesus' life, service to the poor, the hungry, the oppressed

In addition, Grassi suggests that meaningful celebration of the Eucharist can lead to the "political and social action necessary to eliminate poverty and oppression, the root causes of world hunger." Part 2 examines how the Eucharist is meant to continue and expand Jesus' mission of human liberation and emphasizes the nature of the Eucharistic meal as one of sharing with the hungry and poor.

 

 

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In Peace on Earth Joseph Grassi emphasizes the practical means Jesus suggests to make peace a reality. He focuses on the roots of peace and justice found in the nonviolent and compassionate life and teachings of Jesus.

 

Grassi teaches that Luke’s summary of Jesus’ teaching in the "Sermon on the Plain" has a central place as a practical guide for believers to develop a life of peace and nonviolence in imitation of Jesus as a nonviolent Messiah. Luke’s Jesus goes to the roots of true peace through the practice of nonviolence, love, compassionate justice, true repentance, and forgiveness. External power and domination are renounced and replaced by inner power, humble service, and a priority for the needs of the poor and marginalized.