The Mass- Review

The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition
    by: Cardinal Donald Wuerl
        and Mike Aquilina


Image, 224 pages, Paperback
Reprinted Edition: March 3, 2013


This book is a gem in so many ways. It is accessible, knowledgeable, convicting and inspiring. From the beginning, the authors emphasize the importance of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and its sacredness. The Introduction is titled: The Mass is What We Do, and sets the tone for the entire book.

This book is accessible to Catholics and Non-Catholics alike. They walk through the Mass with you describing the significance of each aspect including the atmosphere, the postures, and the roles each is to play. I don't mean roles like in a play, rather asking are we actively participating in the Mass, or sitting there staring off into space until it is over? They explain what this looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Which is both convicting and inspiring.

I have read a number of books on The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, but what I particularly liked about this one was the biblical and language references. The reminder that what we "do" is rooted in Sacred Scripture, that we are the Biblical Church founded by Christ, and along with Sacred Scripture we also have Sacred Tradition.

 So, if you would like to learn more about the Mass, and your "role" in it, or simply why we "do what we do". This is the book for you. Happy Reading!

Looking for more information?...

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 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."  

Writing from Left to Right- Review

Writing from Left to Right
    by: Michael Novak


Image, 336 pages, Hardcover
Released on: September 3, 2013


These days politics are such a touchy subject. You are expected to be either Republican or Democrat, and whichever group you find yourself "in" it is supposed to be that way forever. It is no longer what is true or just, rather it is considered a life long loyalty. In our relativistic world, we do not believe or encourage the idea of a constant truth. We desire to be much less offensive and say "what is true for you is not true for me".

This whole idea tells us that there is nothing greater than ourselves, because we know "truth" in its entirety from the beginning. It is precisely this idea that Michael Novak shoots down at the very beginning of his book with one phrase: "In heavy seas, to stay on course it is indispensable to lean hard left at times, then hard right. The important thing is to have the courage to follow your intellect. Wherever the evidence leads. To the left or to the right." (pg )

Mr. Novak, implores the reader in a rather convicting way, to seek Truth in its truest form and not be afraid where it leads us; because truth will only lead us to truth. In this biography he recounts in great detail, his journey from what he believed as the true and just way, to the absolute truth. His decisions and experiences brought him to radically change his approach and way of thinking.

It is incredibly engaging, and you will find yourself not wanting to put it down. Don't be intimidated by the political aspect, it is thought provoking and an easy read. I hope you enjoy it!

If you are looking for a little more information, feel free to check out the links below.

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 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review." 

Home Tonight- Review

Home Tonight: Further reflections on the Parable of the Prodigal Son

   by: Fr. Henri J.M. Nouwen

Image, 160 pages, Paperback

Released on: March 24, 2009

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is something that we can all relate to. At different times in our lives we picture ourselves in each of the different roles of the characters in the story.  More often than not we are the son who has squandered everything and then some, abusing the love of the Father, and abandoning our responsibilities. Realizing we would be better off taking the role of a servant, we humbly and completely shamed return imploring his mercy. Hopefully, at times we can relate to the father who loves unconditionally and being so grateful for the return of his lost son rejoices and treats him as a guest of the highest honor, this love is what we are called to. Sometimes we can even relate to the spiteful sibling who is angered and jealous that his father could ever treat his brother this way after what he had done. His brother who had abused the love and generosity of the father, who insulted him in every possible way and had severed all ties with the family. Which role do you relate to most at this time?

In Home Tonight, Fr. Henri J.M. Nouwen asks us this precise question. He takes us on a self-discovery journey of our interior life. Using the Parable of the Prodigal Son alongside his own personal narrative to set the tone for this book. He makes connections with our actions, our thoughts, and our feelings and those of the characters in the Parable.

This book is written in a retreat format, so whether you are headed on a silent retreat by yourself or looking for a book to guide your personal mediation or Holy Hours, this is a gem. There are short talks with points of action to be taken at the end of each section.

Enjoy!


If you are looking for a little more information, feel free to check out the links below.

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• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Lives of the Brethren-Review

Lives of the Brethren of the Order of Preachers (Vitae Fratem)
     By:Gerard de Frachet, Translated by: Placid Conway, O.P.
Edited with Notes and Introduction by: Bede Jarrett, O.P.

London, 294 pages, Hardcover
Republished 1955

This is long overdue, but as promised here is the review of Lives of the Brethren.

I have not read this book in its entirety, but have read multiple excerpts that are quite excellent. The fact that I was on the waiting list for over a year and was unable to check it out only speaks for the books popularity. Especially among Dominicans.

This is a wonderful account of the early days of the Dominican Order. Gerard de Frachet began writing this history in response to a request made by the General Chapter in the year 1256. This is based on first hand accounts of the first generation friars alongside separate submissions from Blessed Jordan of Saxony and Bartholomew of Trent.

It reads like a family history, far from dull, explaining the beginnings. How the Order was founded, the why behind the development of traditions, and the flourishing of the Order. All in great detail, it a historians dream; with names, dates, and locations.

You will not regret picking up this book if you can find a copy. It is a great read, but hard to come by in book form. If you don't mind reading it in e-book form I am including a link for a digital copy.

I give this book:

Fire of Mercy Heart of the Word- Review

Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word: Meditations on the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew (3 vols)
     by: Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis

Vol. 1
Ignatius, 746 pages, Paperback
Released on: April 1, 1996

Vol. 2
Ignatius, 800 pages, Paperback
Released on: January 1, 2004

Vol. 3
Ignatius, 870 pages, Paperback
Released on: February 1, 2013


Disclaimer: I have only read Volumes 1 and 2. I will admit though, they were EXCELLENT and I am just waiting for the opportunity to read Volume 3.


Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis obtained his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and Theology from Emory University. He was formerly a Professor of Literature and Theology at the University of San Francisco, and is now a Trappist monk at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. Though his work is quite scholarly it is more than approachable to the average reader.

I first read Volume 2 a few years back and before I had finished went in search of Volume 1. I was very excited to find Volume 3, only to discover it had not been published yet. It came out this past February and I am patiently waiting to read it. These books are not only an excellent book for personal mediation, but also for anyone who is looking to delve deeper into the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.

St. Matthew's Gospel is believed to have been the first one written and 'can' read like a very historical text with some details left wanting to the average reader. Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis from the first page completely destroys the later theory and exposes the profound depths of St. Matthew's Gospel. He goes line by line of the Gospel and uses the Greek to carefully explain those little things that can be lost in translation. These details are made accessible in his gentle and simple dissection of each word and its meaning.

One of my favorite meditations was on taken from Matthew 14:22-33

Take for example:

²⁴ But the boat was already ^[b]a long distance from the land,  

  ^{-He explains that long distance is not like a mile, rather that they couldn't even see the shore.
[c]}battered by the waves; for the wind was ^[d]contrary.

^{-Battered does not simply mean waves hitting the boat, rather that the boat was being knocked around pretty forcibly.
25} And in the ^[e]fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.
 
 -It was well into the night at this point and Jesus had left them for more than several hours.


These are not quotes from his meditations and commentary, just a general example of what it may look like. As I mentioned earlier he will dissect a phrase and explain in great detail the specifics of the moment depicted. Using his knowledge of the Greek and also the culture and customs of the time.


These books are for anyone. They are deep and may require a slower read to be able to soak in the details, but extremely accessible and written for every reader.

I hope you will enjoy these as much as I did and that they will help you contemplate so that you may then share the fruits of your contemplation.

A feast day treat!!

Today is the feast of St. Dominic, someone who has had a profound impact on my life; and in his honor I am doing a double book review.

There is so much I could tell you about him, but I came across a blog post this morning by Tom Perna who does a fantastic job illustrating the life of this incredible saint. Check it out here!

St. Dominic founded the Order of Preachers to be both active and contemplative. To first contemplate, and then share the fruits of their contemplation. He is known for carrying two books with him at all times: the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, and the Epistles of St. Paul. This small fact expresses his belief that the frequent study of Sacred Scripture was of great importance to the vocation of the Christian life.

Inspired by this, I will over the course of the day post two book reviews:

Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word: A commentary on the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (3 Volumes)
By: Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis

and...

Not exactly dealing with the Epistles of St. Paul, but a really good look into the early days of the Dominican Order.

Lives of the Brethren of the Order of Preachers 1206-1259
By: Dominicans, Translated by: Placid Conway, O.P.
Edited with Notes and Introduction by: Bede Jarrett, O.P.

Saint Dominic...pray for us!

The Mystery of Joseph- Review

The Mystery of Joseph
     by: Father Marie-Dominique Phillipe, O.P.

Zaccheus, 208 pages, Paperback
Released on: November 1, 2009


The Mystery of Joseph (Zaccheus 2009), can be summed up in Scott Hahn's quote on the cover: "Profound and deep...This is an amazing book."

I won't leave you there though! Fr. Marie-Dominique Phillipe, O.P. was the founder of the Community of St. John, a fruitful author, and an incredibly important theologian of the late 20th century. In this book, he takes us through a meditation on the person of St. Joseph with all of his heroic virtues. Fr. Phillipe, O.P. takes us on discovery of what we already know about St. Joseph and creates a depth that can go unseen. As he helps us to contemplate who St. Joseph really was: humble, heroic, chivalrous, obedient, charitable, patient, hard-working, and the list goes on and on. By looking closely at each of his roles, his trials, and dialogue, it is impossible not to learn more about this "quiet man" and continually grow in respect for him.

This book is perfect for all of you foot note chasers and occasional readers. With plenty of footnotes and a profound depth, this book is more suited towards a mediation reading. It really requires some thought and a slow approach. Like anything with depth, you need to look closely to see it.

Another one of my must reads.

Enjoy! And don't be intimidated, take it slow and I know you will love it!

The Soul of a Lion- Review

The Soul of  Lion: The Life of Dietrich Von Hildebrand
      by: Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand

Ignatius, 350 pages, Paperback
Released on: October 1, 2000

***This book is one of my highly recommended titles. A must read, I read and reread this quite frequently and would be reading it currently if  I had not lent out my treasured copy.***

The Soul of a Lion (Ignatius 2000), is an incredible biography of Dietrich Von Hildebrand, one of the greatest Catholic Philosophers of the 20th century by his wife Alice. It is based on what she calls the "longest letter ever written". Alice was "saddened by the thought that, because of the difference in age between her husband...there was a large segment of his life not shared with him", so she asked him to write a biography of his life before her. With the passion he had for everything he deeply cared about, he set out on this task with fervor and would write each night that he waited for her to come home from classes.

Far from dull, this book is not for you occasional readers out there! It is exciting, engaging and a book you will simply not want to put down. Starting from the very beginning he expresses and relates those experiences that made him the incredible person and thinker he was with great detail.

The narration of his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood depict his fascinating search for Truth through beauty. A perfect example of grace building on nature! You can sense the love expressed in this dialogue, feel the tension, and powerful emotion in each situation and interaction.

I highly recommend this book.

added bonus: there are plenty sources for you footnote chasers out there which lead to many more "good reads"! I will warn you though, after reading this book you may want to read a lot if not all of Dietrich Von Hildebrand's writings.

As said by our Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI "I am personally convinced that, when, at some time in the future, the intellectual history of the Catholic Church in the twentieth century is written, the name of Dietrich Von Hildebrand will be most prominent among the figures of our time."

Books, Books, and more Books!

Simply put I am a lover of books and when I find a great one, I only want to share my discovery!

Starting as a freshman in High School, I developed a strong passion for reading. Really, any book you put in front of me I would read. I had always loved books, the way they smelled, the feel of a hard cover book in your hands. I was that girl who always had her nose in a book. For the longest time I read for the sake of reading; but I noticed especially during the later years of my high school career I was reading for a different reason. Instead of reading for me, to become smarter and say I had read all of these books, I was reading to seek Truth.

Looking back, the drastic change happened for me while reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I can honestly say that this book changed my life. It is amazing how one moment of grace can begin to change your life and create reverberating effects. This book along with Of Mice and Men  by John Steinbeck launched me on the path of seeking the true meaning of life, and my place in it. These literary classics, made me ask myself some serious questions and opened my mind to seeking the truths of life.

This process was accelerated when God called me back into communion with Him and His Bride The Church. My thirst for truth seeking only grew stronger and it wasn't until much later when I was introduced to the Dominican Charism, that this desire of my heart and mind made sense.  

The Dominican Order founded by St. Dominic has an intellectual and then a heartfelt approach to God. First you must know God, then you love God, the more you love God, the more you want to know Him, and the more you know Him, the more you love Him. This cycle continues and is a constant seeking. Since God is Truth, it is Him who I sought and continue to desire to seek. My prayer is that of St. Catherine who said "God grant that I may always be a lover and proclaimer of truth, and that for the sake of truth I may die." 

The whole purpose of this blog will be to share some reviews of books that I have read and am reading. Sometimes libraries, or the mere thought of picking a book up can be intimidating! Approximately 2,200,000 books were published last year; both new books and editions. That is a lot! And if you have no idea where to begin, the task can seem daunting, and hopefully that is where I can come in. I will help you by pointing out some real gems and giving my honest opinion.

In pursuit of the Truth and the love that He shares, lets start seeking!