In 2007, Joseph Ratzinger published his first book as Pope Benedict XVI in order “to make known the figure and message of Jesus.” Now, the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary.

Absolutely stunning, wonderful book.
Solid, interesting, intelligent exegesis and historical information is interspersed with spiritual gems which prompt deeper self-reflection and invite to prayerful consideration.
Wonderful. ( )

It was a really beautiful experience reading this book during Advent. Pope Benedict really breaks open the word for us to understand the nuances of the intentions of the Evangelist. I hope to re-read it more prayerfully to understand the truly scholarly but accessible exposition to the Our Lord's infancy. ( )

The New York Times bestselling final volume in the Pope’s Jesus of Nazareth series, detailing how the stories of Jesus’ infancy and childhood are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago.

In 2007, Joseph Ratzinger published his first book as Pope Benedict XVI in order “to make known the figure and message of Jesus.” Now, the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary.

ENGLISH: My first Ratzinger's book has not been easy, even though it is a reading of only 144 pages. I had to make an effort to put myself at the author's level due to my lack of biblical knowledge. It is a continuous bombardment of data that can be overwhelming. At times you feel Ratzinger is speaking to an audience very versed in the Bible. A spectrum you may not belong to and it can be frustrating. Once you stop obsessing about understanding everything instantly, the reading becomes fluid and enjoyable.
But it worths it. In the end, you solve many biblical gaps. Those childhood stories of Jesus that seemed myths are clarified and take their true dimension. The continuous analogies with the Old Testament make your global vision of the Bible clearer.
Ratzinger engages in an internal debate with modern exegetes who doubt the veracity of certain biblical passages. Ratzinger's defense is firm, reasonable and honest. I miss an analysis about the birth date of Christ: December, spring? But perhaps it lacks theological relevance.
One of the things I like most about Ratzinger is that, when you immerse yourself in his work, an amazing theology is uncovered. Citing some examples: the mystery of "Titulus Crucis", Christ as "dominator of the cosmos" , debate grace-freedom, Christ as fulfillment of Old Testament promises, theology of the Annunciation, and so on.
But in addition to the great details, Ratzinger sees the small. I would highlight the scary countenance, of a whole Roman governor like Pontius Pilate, before the meekness of the Man-God. And the surprising maturity of a twelve year old boy after his presentation at the Temple. Only Ratzinger could bring to light these beautiful details.

More opinion on this post in my blog.

ESPAÑOL: Mi primer Ratzinger no ha sido fácil, a pesar de que se trata de una lectura de sólo 144 páginas. He tenido que hacer un esfuerzo para ponerme al nivel del autor debido a mi carencia de conocimientos bíblicos. Es un bombardeo continuo de datos que puede resultar abrumador. Por momentos sientes que está hablando a un público muy versado en la Biblia. Un espectro al que no perteneces y puede resultar frustrante. Una vez que dejas de obsesionarte por comprenderlo todo al instante, la lectura se hace fluida y amena.
Pero merece la pena. Al final, resuelves muchas lagunas bíblicas. Esos relatos de la infancia de Jesús que parecían mitos, se esclarecen y cobran su verdadera dimensión. Las continuas analogías con el Antiguo Testamento, hacen que tu visión global de la Biblia sea más clara.
Ratzinger entabla un debate interno con los exégetas modernos que dudan de la veracidad de ciertos pasajes bíblicos. La defensa de Ratzinger es firme, razonable y honesta. Echo en falta un análisis sobre la fecha de nacimiento de Cristo ¿Diciembre, primavera? Pero quizás carece de relevancia teológica.
Una de las cosas que más me gustan de Ratzinger es que, cuando te sumerges en su obra, se destapa una teología sorprendente. Por citar algunos ejemplos: el misterio del "Titulus Crucis", Cristo como "dominador del cosmos", debate gracia-libertad, Cristo como cumplimiento de las promesas del Antiguo Testamento, teología de la Anunciación, etc.
Pero además de los grandes detalles, Ratzinger ve lo pequeño. Me quedo con el semblante asustadizo, de todo un gobernador romano como Pilato, ante la mansedumbre del Hombre-Dios. Y la sorprendente madurez de un Niño de doce años tras su presentación en el Templo. Sólo Ratzinger podría sacar a la luz estos hermosos detalles.

Más opinión en esta entrada de mi blog. ( )