Week by week, in thousands of places of worship and in homes, Christians gather around the Scriptures to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed. The Revised Common Lectionary, now used widely by church communities throughout the world, has restored the Early Church principle of continuous readings through the Gospels: Matthew in Year A, Mark in Year B and Luke in Year C with additional readings from John in all three years. This pattern of reading enables the narrative of each to unfold and invites reflection on the distinctive style and approach of each of the Evangelists. ááFollowing the Gospel through the Year aims to enrich and deepen understanding by providing for each Sunday, Holy Day and major festival. It offers: * a summary of the essential message of the Gospel reading * a link to the other readings of the day * an extended meditation and reflection * an illustrative quote from the spiritual classics * a closing prayer With additioanl background notes on each of the Gospels and of the seasons of the Christian