Why Do We Hope? - by Daniel J Harrington (Paperback)

About the Book

In this follow-up to his popular book What Are We Hoping For? New Testament Images, Daniel J. Harrington extends his reflections on hope in the Scriptures. He draws us into the striking images of the psalmsthe mountain, the sun, refuge, the kingdom, sheltering wings, the olive tree, and the shepherdto lead us to the discovery that hope is the predominant image of the book of Psalms. Even in their darkest laments, the psalmists remind us that God hears us and will never abandon us. In these brief essays, Harrington opens up the language of forty psalms, explores their literary and historical context, and then ties the psalm to our reading as Christians whose ultimate hope is in Jesus Christ.

Book Synopsis

In this follow-up to his popular book What Are We Hoping For? New Testament Images, Daniel J. Harrington extends his reflections on hope in the Scriptures. He draws us into the striking images of the psalms--the mountain, the sun, refuge, the kingdom, sheltering wings, the olive tree, and the shepherd--to lead us to the discovery that hope is the predominant image of the book of Psalms. Even in their darkest laments, the psalmists remind us that God hears us and will never abandon us.

In these brief essays, Harrington opens up the language of forty psalms, explores their literary and historical context, and then ties the psalm to our reading as Christians whose ultimate hope is in Jesus Christ. As we read and reflect on the psalms with Harrington's guidance, we call to mind the ways we experience God and our hopes, both daily and for all time. Drawn into the world of the psalmist and discovering how our experiences often mirror theirs, we too will express our hope in God's love and mercy and in the coming of God's kingdom.

Review Quotes

Daniel Harrington once again puts his unparalleled knowledge of the Bible at the disposal of his many readers in order to help them to pray to God who is our hope. This time he helps us to make the psalms our own prayer by showing us how they expressed the hope of the Israelites who wrote them and prayed them. One can only hope that Dan will continue to use his immense scholarship for `the help of souls, ' a favorite phrase of Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. I am proud to count Dan as one of my brothers in the Lord.William A. Barry, SJ, Campion Renewal Center, Weston, Massachusetts

That a serious biblical scholar can continue to gift us with accessible, devotional and historical-critical studies of important theological ideas is, itself, cause for hope. Few do so as well as Fr. Daniel Harrington. In his christological reading of the Psalms Harrington shows us that hope has a rough side. One of the best features of these fine readings of the Psalms is that Harrington doesn't explain away the raw emotions of those ancient writers who looked to God for hope. What a relief!Bonnie Thurston, Author of Religious Vows, The Sermon on the Mount, and Christian Living

[T]he readability of the text, the beautiful reflection on hope, the overall explanation of the Book of the Psalms in the prologue, the suggestions on how to pray the psalms, and the personal reflection questions at the end of each chapter make this a must have book at a time when so much mitigates against hope in our world.Prairie Messenger

Daniel Harrington's scholarship is outstanding and his commitment to the believing community unquestionable. This tiny little volume is a treasure.Catholic Books Review

Whatever level of acquaintance the reader may have or not have in the field of history or interpretation of the psalmist's work, this book can be a good and helpful resource.Catholic Library World