I kept thinking while reading The Amazing Sacrament that this would be a wonderful book to have while spending time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Stephen Redmond, an Irish Jesuit, has put together a beautifully lyrical celebration of the Eucharist. A history of the sacrament, sacred hymns, a number of thought-provoking quotes from saints and a sampling of the prayers written by holy people throughout the centuries are brought together in this rich, yet easy-to-read paperback about the Most Holy Eucharist. Fr. Redmond’s choice of quotes and prayers illustrates his love and appreciation for both the Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and the power of music to proclaim His praises. The title and theme of this book were inspired by Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia (Church from Eucharist) in which he writes that “amazement should always fill the Church assembled to celebrate the Eucharist.”
This book does what the author had hoped; it inspires the reader to be amazed anew at the love, sacrifice, salvation, forgiveness, healing, and mercy embodied in the sacrament of the Eucharist. I recommend The Amazing Sacrament for all who already have and/or aspire to have an even more profound reverence and sense of awe for the True Presence of God in the Eucharist.
Lord, help us not take for granted or consider commonplace this most awe-inspiring transformation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
You can purchase this book here.
I wrote this review of The Amazing Sacrament for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.
