Award-winning author R. Scott Hurd employs the unique and imaginative stories of fourteen biblical characters who were close to Jesus—including Thomas, Barnabas, and Mary Magdalene—in order to help you know Christ better and to contemplate the mystery present in the Eucharist.

The scriptures are filled with familiar and not-so-familiar references to the Eucharist—including the narratives of the Last Supper, Jesus calling himself the Bread of Life, and the accounts of the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

In Around the Table, you will begin to better understand the mysteries of the Eucharist in a deeper way through the eyes of Thomas, who was with Jesus as he raised the widow’s son at Nain and Lazarus at Bethany. You will explore the Eucharist as a foretaste of heaven alongside Bartholomew in the upper room and the precious gift of forgiveness that the Eucharist brings with Matthew as he first meets Jesus at Capernaum. You will find courage to share the Good News in the powerful story of Mary Magdalene’s crushing sorrow and exuberant joy at the death and resurrection of Jesus.

R. Scott Hurd, senior director for leadership formation at Catholic Charities USA, helps you discover the meaning of the sacrament through the help of stories about those who accompanied Jesus during his time on Earth. In each chapter, you’ll take the place of a specific friend, follower, or family member of Jesus in order to know him better, contemplate scripture, and deepen your understanding of the Eucharistic mystery we celebrate today.

In addition to these scripture-inspired stories, Hurd provides you with tools to guide your reading:

• A biographical sketch of each biblical character
• Questions for journaling, contemplation, or conversation
• Scripture citations for reference and further reading
• A prayer to close each chapter

Hurd incorporates the tradition of the Church and his own lifelong fascination with the Eucharist to help you come to a richer understanding and deeper gratitude for this tremendous gift by which we are healed, strengthened, renewed, and challenged to become the loving persons God has created us to be.