Weekly Giveaway (4/20)

"Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others." - St. Augustine

Because I've built up a large collection of duplicate books and resources, each week I give away one or more items, absolutely free, no strings attached.

Each giveaway lasts seven days, with a new one beginning each Friday, so you can enter any time during the week. Check out a list of past giveaways items here.

Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible New Testament

This week's giveaway includes THREE brand new copies of the Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible New Testament.

I mentioned in my portable monastery post that I've been listening to this series for a while and love it. The readings are not just boring recitations. They're true performances, complete with aural effects, stirring music, and the emotion you'd expect from a Broadway musical. The stories really come alive and immerse you in the action.

Over 70 renowned actors from three continents have shared their talents including Neal McDonough, Julia Ormond, Blair Underwoord, Michael York, Stacy Keach, and Kristen Bell. The series was produced by well known EWTN-host Raymond Arroyo who says,

"They’re not just reading. These actors are performing, sharing these stories in the same way they were originally communicated—passed from person to person as part of an oral tradition. The stories come alive (think radio drama style with sound effects and original music), propelling us right into history, the way it might have happened."

Best of all, the audio Bible is endorsed by the Vatican. It uses the RSV-CE translation (my favorite),bears the imprimatur of the archbishop of New York, and includes a special forward by Pope Benedict XVI.

Oh, and did I mention that Sean Astin plays St. Matthew? That's right. With this Bible you can hear the Scriptures proclaimed by Samwise Gamgee himself.

To learn more visit www.truthandlifebible.com where you'll find FREE downloadable audio clips and behind-the-scenes video.

In order to win this week's giveaway, leave a comment below answering this question:

What's your favorite book of the Bible and why?

The winning comments will be randomly selected on Friday morning using a random number generator, and the giveaway will be sent out, free-of-charge, shortly thereafter to the three winners.
In the future I'll be giving away many more books and resources--sometimes multiple items per giveaway. So check back next Friday!

Update: The drawing is closed for the week of Friday, April 20. Congratulations to Kylene W, Jlarsen, and Kathy B for winning this week! Check your e-mail for instructions on receiving the book. If you don't see an e-mail from me, check your spam box--apparently e-mails with "giveaway" in the subject line often end up there.

Posted on: April 20, 2012 in Blog, Giveaway
Tagged:

Joe S.

My favorite book would be Acts because it tells of Paul's conversion. I just realized that I cant win because im in canada. thats disappointing.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=610915268 Tim Ball

The Gospel According to St. John is my favorite book. Its epic-ness is like The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings all rolled into one.
Tony C

My favorite book of the Bible is Matthew, for a couple of reasons. #1) I was in Godspell several times over the years, so I have an emotional attachment to it, so that show is based on the Book of Matthew. #2) I think it's easily understood and I love the version of His parables in that one.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002432218588 Matt Smith

Sirach!

I left the Church for Orthodoxy in 2005 because I was too caught up in strict adherence to form. Of course, separation from the Church eventually led to complete abandon, and I spent several years as a functional agnostic, living in deep depravity.

When I came back after several years and finally made a good examination of conscience, I mustered up the courage and humility to go to confession. My penance was to meditate on Sirach 2, which I had never read before. That simple message found in the opening verses "don't give up," resonated so much with me that I hope I can hold on to them forever.

Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity. Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life. Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not fail; you who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting joy and mercy.
Douglas Carrington

My favorite book has to be Psalms. As one who regularly prays the Divine Office, the Psalms form the major part of the Church's daily liturgy and is a priceless aid to prayer and worship. The highs and lows emphasize that God is with us in every situation, and Christ is found in every passage!
AshleyE

My favorite book is John's Gospel. My favorite part is when John rests his head on Jesus' breast at the last supper. It brings out the humanity and love that the apostles had for Jesus and makes me feel as though I'm there hearing His heartbeat too.
http://www.facebook.com/chip.leinen Chip Leinen

I love the book of John. With the amazing beauty of the 1st chapter's chiastic structure and the 6th chapter's explanation of the Eucharist, how can you go wrong?
http://www.facebook.com/chris.williston Chris Williston

My favorite book of the bible is Ephesians because, in Chapter 5, Paul gives us the church's perfect view of the vocation of marriage.
Stuart Dunn

My favorite book of the Bible is Proverbs. Its words of wisdom can be very helpful and you can read a chapter a day and be done in a month with it.
Thom

Oh, I think John's Gospel goes without saying!!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Magdalene-Love/100003558310614 Magdalene Love

My favorite book of the Bible is The Gospel According to John. We had a study on it in my Parish, I had so many conversions of heart while studying it. But, most notable was when Christ forgave Peter asking him if he loved him 3 times...as if to make up for his 3 denials. It sunk in like a ton of bricks that our Lord is a forgiving Lord. He wants us back!
Joe Hanneman

The Gospel of St. Luke, because I love how Luke the physician gives the most detail about the Virgin birth.
JoAnna Wahlund

Tough call. I think I'd have to say the book of Luke; he tells the story of the Nativity so beautifully. I love the book of Esther, too.

(By the way, if I win, I plan to donate it to The Smith Family, as they're holding a silent auction to raise funds to donate little Malcolm from Russia.)
Joe Wetterling

The answer varies over time. Right now, my favorite book is the Gospel of Matthew. My wife and I have been reading through much of the Old Testament, and, as a result, Matthew's Gospel has really 'popped' in a new way. Knowing the Old Testament to some degree helps you see with the eyes of Matthew's audience and all the connections he was making for the Jews of his time.
Kathy Brents

The Book of Job, where God SPEAKS to sets a few things straight.
Richard G.

Aside from the gospels, James is my favorite book. I love that he is forthright and practical, easy to understand, and not pulling any punches. At five short chapters, all Christians should read this book end to end regularly.
John Robinson

It would have to be St. Matthew's Gospel. Though all the Bible points to Jesus, this book contains maximum quantities on who He was and is, what He did, and how to follow Him.
Robert

My favorite book of the Bible tends to be the one I'm reading. I would have a hard time trying to pin down a specific book.
Adam Slide

That's a tough one but I guess I would have to say the Gospel of John is my favorite due to the multi-layered meanings and the solid teaching on the Eucharist.
Jlarsen

Timothy. This book is St. Paul extending advice and support to a young, vibrant and challenging youth. The verse that I have lived by since high school comes from 1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one disregard you because of your youth, but set an example for all those who believe." This verse rings so true today too! We need to remind our youth that they are the future and they will make the church what they dream it to be.
Bethie

I have always loved the Book of Isaiah because it is the first time the Coming Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is prophesized and spoken of so clearly, passionately and tenderly. And I also love Revelations because it also speaks of prophecy and the Second Coming of Our Lord.
Jordan Robertson

I have to agree with Kathy about the book of Job. The speech God gives at the end is so humbling yet inspiring that I always skip ahead to read it first.
http://restinginthepalmofhishand.blogspot.com/ Christina K.

AMDG + JMJT
Apart from the Gospels (I like the Gospel John the best) I would definitely say my favorite is Isaiah. In some ways, I feel Jesus revealed my vocation to me (of which I am still seeking in discerning the religious life) through this prophet's blessed words. It is such a beautiful love story of the Lord and His people. One cannot help but see Jesus speaking to you through this text.
Robert Kraus

My favorite book is the Gospel of Mark. It's short and sparser in language, yet that lends an authenticity to it that I like. The disciples seem more human and fallible in this gospel compared to the others.
http://twitter.com/huskerlive Thadeus

My favorite is Isaiah. It is most striking to me to hear the powerful prophesies that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
brian

John is my fav. Chapter six is main reason.
Fr Paul, op

St. Matthew's Gospel is my favorite for a number of reasons. It is patterned after the Pentateuch and presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the OT. On the other hand, I have to say that St. John's Gospel is also my favorite on account of the Eucharistic teaching that pervades his account.
Brandon H Suarez

My favorite book has got to be Genesis ... I love thinking of God as creator of the Universe!
http://www.facebook.com/daniel.woike Daniel George Ignatius Woike

I really like St. John's gospel because it is so theological.
Sonja carlo

My favorite is the gospel of John because it speaks to my soul and my soul hears.
Kylene Wesner

I have a lot of favorites, but one of them is the book of Romans. I find that it provides good "instructions" and words of encouragement on on our journey to conform ourselves to Christ and His teaching.
Mary Katherine Devine Dunn

I like the Song of Songs for its imagery and story.
Catlaughter

I love the Gospel of Luke. He was writing to a Gentile audience and that has made it so much easier for me to read, understand and pray with!
Threesonsfarm

My favorite book is Revelation. I have been studying it all year in the Catholic Way bible study this year and it's been glorious. It describes the mass so beautifully. And it so marvelously shows God's patience wit us as well as His final glorious plans
Diana

My favorite book is Judith. She is devout, humble, decisive and courageous. What a combination of attributes! I love reading the bible. She is just one of my biblical heroes.
Anonymous

from Bill Foley

I aplogize that my comment does not apply to the article in question, but I have come across a paragraph that is one of the most beautiful things that I have ever read, and I want to disseminate it over the Internet.

Human Person and the Tabernacle

Paragraph from page 344 of Volume 1 of The Mystical Evolution in the Development and Vitality of the Church by Father Juan Arintero, O.P.

“One day, at the time of Communion, Blessed Mariana of Jesus, the Lily of Madrid, being unusually aware of her lowliness and unworthiness, said to her Lord: “My Lord, the tabernacle in which Thou art is much more clean and beautiful.” Christ answered her: “But it cannot love me.” “From this,” said the holy nun, I understood how much more Christ prefers to reside in our souls than in gold or silver or precious jewels which are inanimate creatures incapable of love.”
SWP

My favorite books of the Bible are the Wisdom Literature, and my favorite among those is the Song of Songs. Knowing that God loves me as passionately and intensely as I love my wife has had a profound affect on me, especially in helping me to overcome attachment to sexual sin.
SWP

I also really like the Letter to the Hebrews, because in it is the scriptural basis for so many of our beliefs/practices that are supposedly non-biblical or man-made.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Joshua-Hare/1669612563 Joshua Hare

My favorite book of the bible is Joshua not only because it's my namesake but because he was a leader who stood up for God even when it wasn't popular. As for Me and My house we will serve the Lord- Joshua 24-15
http://profile.yahoo.com/WRKU3W4HTYDEDCRWWFTWTEHTAI Chris

My favorite book of the bible is the Gospel of Matthew because it is so complete. It traces not only Christ's entire life, death, and resurrection, but it also includes the Beatitudes. Chapter 5 is great reading, in my opinion.
Angiejauregui

Job, it really helps me deal with my own suffering in light of my faith. Job points to Jesus' own suffering for humanity. It is a beautiful thing to realize that Jesus allows great suffering for those he loves.
Beads2rosaries

My favorite Gospel is Mark - to the point - marching us through the suffering and into the glory of resurrection. I also like Exodus for the same reason - the march out of suffering into their own confusion and into God's light (the Promised Land).
http://twitter.com/teeheehee11 Peter Torres

My favorite book is the song of songs because it such a good book to describe the intimate relationship
Benoit Meyrieux

My favorite book of the Bible is the book of Psalm where I can Always find the prayer that echoes my heart's cry....
David Bates

My favourite book used to be James' epistle, but I think it has recently been replaced by Paul's letter to the Philippians.

Philippians is just so quotable! A large number of my favourite New Testament quotations from from that epistle: "He who began a good work in you... For me to live is Christ..."

Philippians is the book I go to when I'm feeling down, when I'm feeling broken and exhausted by life. A little injection of Paul's joy is what I need
Vernon

James

Why? James 2: 14-26
And James is my middle name!
Jfellows82

My favorite book of the Bible is John's Gospel. It's so beautifully written and poetic.
msproule

Acts. It its a clear, historical account of the early growth of the Church.
Edmund J Mitchell

I love Acts because I relate to bumbling disciples trying to carry out Christ's Great Commission while learning to rely completely on the Holy Spirit.
Susanmazk

My favorite book of the Bible is the book of Job, please enter me in the giveaway!

Sue K
http://twitter.com/BillyKangas Billy Kangas

Psalms

Here is my TOP 10 list of things to love about the Psalms:
[originally from my blog http://www.theorant.com/2012/04/why-read-psalms.html ]

They speak to the entire spectrum of human experience. In them you can rejoice, fear, get angry, love, and experience just about every other emotion.

They allow you to worship with your whole body. The psalmists clap, stomp, lift their hands, kneel, bow, shudder,

They give room for any expressions you may want to give. You can laugh, shout, be silent, play an instrument, rage, weep, sigh, cry out, yell, bellow, roar, and just about anything else along with the psalms.

They are universal. In the church it's sometimes hard to find a way of praying with different. Christian groups in a way that is meaningful to all. The Psalms are a great place to start. Everyone uses them, and loves them.

They join you in a timeless community of praise. When you pray the Psalms you are joining with thousands of years of prayer. These same prayers were prayed by the apostles themselves. Jesus even prayed the Psalms. In fact Jesus was reciting Psalm 22 on the cross. Why wouldn't you want to read the prayers that Jesus prayed?

They are beautiful. The Psalms have brought me to tears more then once with their beauty. They speak to my soul more then to my mind. The tension that they weave speaks to my very heart.

They challenge you. There are some places in the psalms that are hard to deal with. Reading through the Psalms is a good way to force yourself to come face to face with many uncomfortable things about the Bible, God, and Human nature itself. Reading the Psalms is a good way to force yourself into an existential crisis.

They can give you words for others. When I minister to the suffering and the dying, I often have nothing to say. I don't have an answer for their sorrow, but I do have the words of the Psalms. There are few things that I have seen that have the power to give people peace in the midst of trial as having a dearly loved Psalm read. There are no words I could offer that come close.

They will carry you. In my own life sometimes it's hard to pray. The Psalms give me words and prayers when I can't muster the words myself. The Psalms have kept my relationship with God afloat at many times when nothing else could.

They create sacred mental space. I have memorized a fair number of Psalms in their entirety. This is one of the greatest treasures I have. IN my mind there are deeply cut paths of memory that I can sit in any time I want. When I find myself in a place of confusion I sit in a Psalm I have memorized. In a place of beauty, I enter a Psalm. When I need to confess, I kneel on top of a Psalm. The Psalms give me sacred space anywhere I am.
Micah

My favorite book of the Bible is Ecclesiastes. Its frequent admonitions against vanity and its search for trie meaning remind me of what's truly important in life.
Micah

*true...dumb smartphone keypad
KatTX

Job. We've gone through a lot in the last four years, and reading Job reminds us that Jesus loves us and that is why we have the crosses that we are given to bear.
Rita

I love reading and studying the Gospels. I am having a difficult time deciding which one of them I prefer because each one has something special and unique to offer. I am leaning toward Mark and Luke.
Constanza

Do I have to choose just one?

I haven't given all the books in the Bible all the attention I want to give them, but from the ones I have read so far my favorite has to be John-His introduction to Christ is EPIC!!! I mean he really brings across the point that this man-is GOD!!! And that He is awesome! When I first read it-I was really engaged by John's writing-His faith really came through to me, and I couldn't help but believe in this man whom He called the Son of God-and how amazing it must have been to know him.
Adrienne

Oh my, how to choose?!?! Before I understood Catholic theology the Bible was more of less dead to me =(. Now that I know Catholic theology each page comes ALIVE!

I see my favorite parts have already been mentioned already (of course! it's all good!).

I'm going to have to go with the Gospel of John though, he is such a brilliant story teller! And I cannot be more grateful for the gift of John 6.

My tie for first is Ephesians 5. The way the Holy Spirit had St. Paul weave together marriage and the Jesus and Church together so seamlessly. is such a demonstration of the true Divine Author!

I've never entered a giveaway, not even on the blog i contribute to! But I've been interested in this audio set for a while and when I saw you had three copies to give away, I just had to at least try!!
Mrsdarling61

I love to read Sirach. It contains so much of use for our modern times, followed by Acts. I love it when St. Pauls starts his letter with "beloved". I imagine that is how I am to God...