Father Donahue's commentaries on the lectionary readings in Hearing the Word of God first appeared as a popular weekly column in American, covering Cycle C. Since some of the Sundays in the Cycle were displaced by particular feasts, reflections on these Sundays have also been added. Hearing the Word of God includes Scripture readings for the Sunday, followed by a reflection on the reading, and concludes with "Praying with Scripture," a series of questions and meditations to guide readers in making a personal application of the reflection.

John R. Donahue, SJ, PhD, is the Raymond E. Brown Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore.