The essay should reflect your own engagement with the primary text. Since these are response/reflection essays, you are encouraged not to consult commentaries while writing them. However, you may consult Sacra Pagina (The Gospel of Matthew by Daniel J. Harrington, S.J.) as it is a primary textbook.
All applicants go through a series of tests that check their level of English and knowledge of formatting styles. The applicant is also required to present a sample of writing to the Evaluation Department. If you wish to find out more about the procedure, check out the whole process.