Journal of a Soul- Review

Image, 544 pages, Paperback
Printed: Subsequent edition (November 9, 1999)

Pope St. John XXIII was canonized this spring with Pope St. John Paul II and can be looked over as a Pope who was the driving force behind the Second Vatican Council. He was joyful and in almost every picture is seen smiling. Often referred to as the "laughing" or "joyful" Pope, humor was one of his greatest qualities and was one of the first to crack a joke at his own expense.

As you dive into Journal of  a Soul you become instantly more aware of his serious nature. At each entry he admits his own failings and expresses incessantly his deep desire for holiness. Never losing hope, but rather admitting his absolute and complete dependence on the mercy and grace of God. Every entry showcases his determination and willed decision to be a saint. This book is a must read for anyone who struggles with selfishness or pride. Pope St. John XXIII is a beacon of hope and example of perseverance to those who can wind up lost in their own despair and shortcomings. Simply put, he shows us that it is not about you, it is about who you are through Him, and when you fall you must pick yourself back up and run to Him.

This book is a perfect example that all can't be known about a person simply by observing, this book delves into the more serious side of our joyful Pope who was pushed on by a great desire for holiness. Saint John XXIII...pray for us.  


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Lumen Fidei- Review

Lumen Fidei: The Light of Faith
  by: Pope Francis

Image, 96 pages, Paperback
Printed: November 19, 2013

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI during his pontificate took the Church through a time of deep emphasis of the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love. His first Encyclical was Deus Caritas Est: God is Love, his second was Spe Salvi: Saved in Hope, and for me personally I was deeply looking forward to his next Encyclical on Faith. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in preparation for it, dedicated a special time for the Church to reflect on the gift of Faith. October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013 was named the Year of Faith.

With the resignation of my dear Papa Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis I think many expected a different "theme" if you will with his pontificate. Rather Pope Francis issued his first Encyclical Lumen Fidei: the Light of Faith. When I first began reading it had Pope Benedict written all over it, with the style of writing and the urging that our relationship with Christ is a gift, and something to be treasured. It is something that our world is starving for and we have the responsibility to share that light of Christ that faith gives us. Having it is not enough, we need to foster and protect the flame, giving light to others that they might discover who they truly are.

In his forward Dr. Scott Hahn gives a little background to the encyclical and both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, while answering some questions that might come up as you are reading. But most importantly reassures all those people who were worried, the Papacy is not about a man and his agendas, rather a continuation of teachings. Pope Francis, is continuing the same teachings, they just might be presented a little differently.

Enjoy. I know I did.

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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!

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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!

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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!


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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.