“Holiness and prayer is inconceivable without a renewed listening to the word of God - a life-giving encounter, which directs and shapes our lives.”- John Paul II Matthew’s gospel was written for the early Judaeo Christian community. Only Mark’s gospel is considered to be more ancient. It contains some of the most important passages for Christianity including the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord’s Prayer and the great commission to go out and evangelise all nations.The gospel is introduced by Henry Wansbrough OSB who also gives practical guidance for personal reading and reflection. The Jerusalem Bible translation is that read in Church. The other three gospels are available from CTS in the same format.