Catholicism: A Body Both Suffering and Glorious by Fr. Robert Barron

In the spirit of the New Evangelization and with the intention of illuminating the beauty, reverence, and relevance of the Catholic faith in this day and age, Father Robert Barron serves as a knowledgeable, thought-provoking guide to some of the most awe-inspiring mysteries of Christianity throughout the ages.  Though it’s quite unusual for me to say this or have it be true, I saw the Catholicism DVD series before I read Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith.  I must stay that both are well-worth your time and money. 

    
This Catholicism blog tour is to celebrate the release of the paperback version of this book by Fr. Robert Barron, which follows, pretty much word for word the Catholicism DVD series which he wrote and hosted. 

Oh yeah, and did I mention you can also win a trip for two to Rome and Paris?  Image Books and Word on Fire have teamed up to put together a really sweet trip for two, so you and whomever you choose to take with you will get to explore some of the gorgeous places and holy spaces visited in the DVD series and described in the book.  There’s more information about that here.

   
When asked to write a reflection on a chapter of Catholicism, I immediately jumped at the chance.  As the Holy Spirit would have it, my husband has made it his Lenten practice to go to daily Mass most days of the week.  In addition to this best of practices, he’s also been interested in watching the entire Catholicism DVD series for a second and third time.  I can’t think of a better way to bring an already very intriguing book to life, so we revisited some of the breathtaking examples of the faith alive and well today.

“Catholics hold that the church is not merely a human organization, simply a coming together of like-minded people, a community of purely worldly provenance and purpose.  Rather, the church is a sacrament of Jesus, and as such shares in the very being, life, and energy of Christ.” 

Father Barron talks about how the church is a living organism.  Each person is made in the image of Christ, and we are all intimately connected.  When one person suffers, we all suffer.  When one rejoices or is healed, everyone is affected.  Father Barron underlines the importance of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy as necessary outpourings of the grace we experience in the sacraments and are called to go and share with the world.  

   
Fr. Barron shows in a myriad of ways why community is essential if we are going to remain in communion with the Lord and have an interactive, ongoing relationship with Christ Jesus.  I’ve been reminded of this phenomenon a number of times in the past several months.  When surrounded by people who make prayer a top priority and serving others a way of life, I am more likely to do the same.

   
Much of the time, I could easily enough go to daily Mass most days of the week, take time for silent prayer time alone, and reach out to someone who is suffering in mind, body, and/or spirit.  Does that mean I always do?  No.  It is most often in my conversations with the Lord and my interactions with others that I am challenged to be transformed so that I can be made into a more effective living part of the mystical Body of Christ.

   
We are all made in Christ’s image, but we need to stay connected to the Source of all Life, Love, and Truth if we are going to have our will, heart, and mind transformed to be like our Savior’s.  That requires that we accept our God-given holiness, remain open to faith formation, and live out what we’ve learned through action, particularly through serving and ministering to others.   

   
Through a deeper understanding of how and why the church is described as "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic," we see how such a delineation across the centuries has set the Roman Catholic Church apart as the great gathering force rooted in the person of Jesus Christ and subject to the interpretation and leadership of the apostles and their descendants.  

“The Catholic Church has all of the gifts that Christ wants his people to have: Scripture, Liturgy, theological tradition, sacraments, the Eucharist, Mary and the saints, apostolic succession, and papal authority.”   

I highly recommend reading Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith along with watching (or in some cases re-watching) the Catholicism DVD series, and if you have any interest in going on a trip to Rome and Paris, then you should probably enter these sweepstakes. 

     
To check out all ten bloggers who have read and written about Catholicism as part of this blog tour, click here.  

     

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 104)

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Birthday Party Photos This past weekend the twins had their first birthday party.  Their mom made Livie a cake with pink frosting and Sophie had a cake with purple frosting.  As you can see, the frosted birthday cakes mommy made them were very well-received.

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Treasure Chest Surprises A few weeks ago, Sophie began pulling up on the treasure chest, then perching on top of it for a bit.  Over the past week, Sophie and Livie have been very interested in climbing into the Minnie Mouse treasure chest Vivi received as one of her turning 3 birthday gifts.  At first, Sophie would approach the open treasure chest filled with wooden blocks and Duplos and gingerly sit on it with one leg hanging off the side.  Mastering this trick, she decided to climb in, make herself as comfy as possible while sitting on blocks, and even cross her ankles. 

     Thursday Livie was sitting in the treasure chest facing backwards, trying to pull the lid down on herself which went about as well as you can imagine it would. 

  Earlier both of the twins managed to wedge themselves in there with the colorful assortment of blocks.  To read about more of our adventures, click here.

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Quality Toddler Time Usually I try to do something one-on-one with Vivi when her sisters are sleeping, because when all three are awake, I’m so often playing the role of waitress, interceptor, referee, busboy, block builder, diaper changer, potty monitor…that it’s easier to do something that’s just the two of us when it’s just the two of us.  Typically we do an activity of her choosing.  Lately, we’ve played Candyland, read several picture books in a row, and built towers of blocks.    

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A Multi-Media Event This scene has reminded me of a similar one I photographed of the boys I nannied for a while ago.  Basically, if it’s on a shelf that’s within reach, not behind plastic, or glass, it’s fair game for the little ones who can reach it is my philosophy about most things, especially in the main room where we spend several hours a day.  The girls have quite an extensive collection of DVDs, but not yet nearly as big as their parents’ movie and video game collections.  I honestly couldn’t tell you how many times I have put these DVDs back on their shelf, nor can I recall how many times I put the cookbooks and magazines on the shelves in the den when I was taking care of the boys. 

   

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Simultaneous Adoration Pope Francis will begin an hour of simultaneous Adoration for the Feast of Corpus Christi in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5:00 p.m. Rome time.  I've been told that's 11am Eastern time.

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Celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi Here are a few of the most impressive books (and the reviews I wrote of them) that I’ve read about the Eucharist over the past few years:

Divine Love Made Flesh

Celebrating the Holy Eucharist

                             The Amazing Sacrament

    

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Prayers for Ordination This Saturday morning at 10:30am many will be gathered at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Richmond for the ordination to the priesthood of Gino Rossi.  Please join me in praying for this young man and all who are being ordained over the next month. 

Lord, thank You for guiding the men being ordained this month to shepherd Your flock.  Draw them ever closer to You, keep them centered on Christ, open to the Holy Spirit, and committed to the vocation to which You have called them.  Amen.

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.

Serving Up On the Altar

     Those gathered for daily Mass this past Saturday morning, January 12, 2013, witnessed a beautiful sign of love and dedication to the Church in the chapel at Little Sisters of the Poor.  The priest who usually celebrates Mass there wasn’t well enough to do it, so the 93 year-old priest who typically concelebrates with him and gives out Communion while sitting in a chair on the altar was asked if he would be up to doing it with help.  Fr. Paul agreed, and our best friend and dearest brother in Christ John, was summoned to come up to assist him. 

     It was deeply moving to see a very elderly, devout priest sitting next to a young only just finished his first semester seminarian.  John helped him find the right prayers, consecration, and blessings for the Mass.  The lady sitting in front of Kevin and me said it was one of the most beautiful Masses she’d ever been to.  Kevin and I definitely agreed.

     At the conclusion, we clapped for Fr. Paul and thanked him for being willing to celebrate Mass for us when it took a good deal of effort for him to do so, even sitting down the whole time.  As he slowly made his way back down the aisle with his walker (which of course has the standard two yellow tennis balls), he said that we should be thanking John.

     Many people did come up to John after Mass to talk with him.  The woman sitting in front of us asked Kevin if John’s our brother, because she could tell we were proud of him.  My husband ultimately said yes, with a little bit of explanation.

     When he was home for Christmas break, John served at quite a few Masses, so we’d gotten used to seeing him up on the altar.  It hit home that’s where his ministry is going, and ours will continue to be, at least in part, to love and support him on the journey—a blessing we are grateful to have.

     It has always moved me deeply to see Fr. Paul up on the altar concelebrating Mass at the age of 93, bless his heart.  There was hardly a dry eye in the place seeing him sitting up there with John seated at his side, helping him each step of the way. 

     Lord, thank You for the many ways that You speak to us through different circumstances as well as the sacraments of daily living.  Amen.  

Divine Love Made Flesh: The Holy Eucharist as the Sacrament of Charity

Divine Love Made Flesh: The Holy Eucharist as the Sacrament of Charity is a masterfully written reflection on the Eucharist as source and summit of God’s love and the focal point of every disciple of Jesus Christ. 
     
Honestly, I love any book that inspires me to draw closer to the Lord just by reading it.  This one serves that purpose very well.  Divine Love Made Flesh is definitely a work that describes the Sacrament of the Eucharist in a way that makes it clear that the Passion and Death of our Lord was/is the most loving, perfect sacrifice.  The work of redemption takes place in the present each time Mass is celebrated, because the True Presence, Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity exist in time and space for us to consume and be transformed by. 
     
Through incorporation and explanation of the teachings on the Eucharist given to us by Blessed Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke guides the reader to a greater understanding of the necessity of the Sacraments, the most central of which is the Holy Eucharist.

     

Reading this book has motivated me to find and read the original papal documents the author used (translated into English since my Latin is very limited) in creating this beautiful treatise on the significance of the Eucharist, the prominence it ought to have in the life of each Christian, and the ways in which we are to become Christ for one another through our participation in the Heavenly Feast.

     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Divine Love Made Flesh. This is also a great online Catholic store for all your religious shopping needs, such as gifts for Confirmation and gifts for a baby baptism.

Fed by Faith

     When Jesus fed the multitudes who had followed Him, some for many miles over many days,  He was showing the disciples how, when blessed, broken, and shared, what was a very small, finite amount of food was enough to feed thousands and still have twelve baskets-full left over.  Christ made a meager meal into a feast for many as a way of foreshadowing to the apostles how He would feed us forever with Divine Truth and His own Flesh and Blood. (Matthew 14:14-22)

     Jesus broke bread with others time and time again.  He showed humanity, vulnerability, and humility in His understanding of and sharing in our most basic physical needs.  Jesus grew hungry, thirsty, and tired, just as we all do. 
     When praying the Lord’s Prayer, we are really asking for the only food that lasts and has redemptive value in time and eternity: faith in the Everlasting Word and the Most Precious Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  “Give us, this day, our daily bread” is much more than a request that the Lord provide us with food to nourish our bodies. 
     Jesus knew that our spiritual needs and the deepest yearnings of our hearts could not then—nor can they now—be satisfied by any amount of food, drink, wealth, pleasure, power, honor, or praise.  He alone can give us what we long for most: unconditional love, mercy, forgiveness, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, faith, and eternal life. 
     He showed the crowds then and illustrates to us now in a number of ways that He has and will continue to give us concrete reasons to believe, food for our souls that will sustain us when it feels like the cupboard is bare. 
     A phone call from a family member, a letter from a friend, a Scripture message sent via text, a hug, a smile, a kind word, a generous gesture, a small sacrifice…can all be evidence that God is with us, in, near, and around us, and that we have a number of sources that feed our faith each day. 

5 Suggestions of how to be Fed by Faith

1.      Attend daily Mass

      2.      Spend time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
      3.      Pray the Rosary
      4.      Join a group reunion or prayer group

5.    Go to a Cursillo Ultreya or a Closing

Note to reader: This reflection, which was written in honor of the Men's Cursillo weekend taking place July 26-29, 2012, originally appeared in the June 2012 issue of the Rooster Review.  Please join me in praying for the participants of the weekend.

Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St.Josemaría Escrivá

What is your purpose in life?  Just in case you’ve forgotten, it’s to become a saint.  Through the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, we are reminded why, how, and for what greater mission we are called to holiness.  This Spanish saint lived at a time when many people compartmentalized religion and daily life.  Also, it was a period when many believed that it was solely the responsibility and possibility of those called to religious life to lead holy lives that were devoted to serving the Lord. 
     
St. Josemaría asserts that each and every layperson, not just those called to religious vocations, is called, given the grace, and the opportunity to be sanctified.  Any and every part of our days, no matter how mundane, can be offered to the Lord.  When chores such as changing diapers, doing the laundry, washing dishes, preparing meals, weeding the garden, cleaning the house, are done with the mindset that we are serving and loving God by doing these necessary tasks, and doing them well, these become acts of prayer and sacrifice that help bring about our sanctification.
     
I have read some of the works by St. Josemaría Escrivá, but there are quite a few, and I could only seem to dissolve and absorb so many golden nuggets of his wisdom at a time.  I enjoyed this book, because author Eric Sammons weaves in some of the most powerful and prominent observations and revelations the Spanish saint had, particularly in regards to God’s plan for our sanctification. 
     
There have certainly been a number of times in my life when I’ve fallen into the thinking that the little things of daily life don’t matter all that much in the grand scheme of things.  St. Josemaría helps remind us that in the seemingly small, unseen ways we live our lives each day, especially when trying to be a model of Christ to those around us, we can become holy and lead others closer to the Lord.
       
At the end of each chapter, there are suggestions for further reading, meditation questions, prayer petitions, and contemplation questions.  The suggested supplementary reading is available for free through the following website Escriva Works. 
     
Whether you’re a student,  a high-powered executive living a fast-paced life, single, married, called to a religious vocation, or you’re working and raising a family, Holiness for Everyone is a magnificent reminder that we are each here to glorify the Lord, be sanctified through our unique position and circle of influence, and become like Christ for others. 
     
To find out more about Holiness for Everyone or to order your own copy, click here.

Two Minutes Holy Week Explanation on Youtube

Many people, including many practicing Catholics, don't realize that Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are the three holiest days in the year.  These three days known as the Holy Triduum give us a wonderful opportunity to pray and reflect on Christ's Passion, death, and Resurrection.  This is a great video to explain the who, what, when, where, why, & how of Holy Week:

 

The Transfiguration Lost in Translation

     I’ll never hear the Gospel account of the Transfiguration Mark 9:2-10 without thinking of two really funny stories shared with us many years ago when Kevin and I went to Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Rochester, New York, the parish where my parents were married.  

     The Readings that day were those we have today about the Transfiguration.  A religious sister in the community gave the homily, and included in it a great anecdote about a couple who came to her to receive ministry and informed her that they used to belong to “The Church of the Disfiguration.”  She found that to be very interesting, and all of us thought it was a hilarious misnomer. 

     It got me thinking, though.  That would be kind of a fitting name for a parish since we, the people, who make up the body of Christ on Earth, are indeed all disfigured to some extent, due to our own sinfulness and turning away from God.  Fortunately our Church isn’t focused on the darkness of sin and suffering (which I tend to be sometimes), but rather is built upon and springing forth from God’s gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and salvation.   

    Later on, the priest celebrating Mass that Sunday shared an even funnier memory before we began the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  When he was growing up, one Lent his Italian grandfather recounted to the gathered family members in broken English what Jesus said to his disciples when they were descending the mountain, “No tell o’ vision ‘til the Son of God come!”  This rather rough summary of Mark 9: “As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead,” led to a new Lenten sacrifice unintentionally imposed on everyone in the priest’s family.   And with that, the priest added, “None of us could watch TV for the rest of Lent.”  The Gospel reference was lost, but Grandpa made quite an impression by declaring that there would be no television until Easter.

     What aspects of your life is God asking you to sacrifice on the altar in order to grow closer to Him?

Father, It’s Been Less Than an Hour Since Your Last Confession

     Sermons are as varied as the clergy who give them, but I agree with Fr. James A. Wehner, S.T.D. (Sacrae Theologiae Doctor), author of The + Evangelization + Equation= The Who, What, and How, that the best ones contain valuable lessons in faith formation.  An off-the-cuff (or the collar as it were) homily that’s more a stroll down memory lane for the priest than a strong illustration of Scripture readings, holy days, an edifying look at the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church, the lives of the saints, or even a spiritual insight that really brought home one of Christ’s teachings seems like a waste of valuable time to me.

     I have seen how true it is that Mass is and ought to be treated as the primary tool for faith formation.  If the priest does little more than describe part of his childhood, maybe tell a few funny jokes, and offers the congregation nothing more substantial that he’s doing a disservice to the assembly.  The numbers of people in the pews as declined for many reasons over the years, but how do we expect to change that if the minister serving in persona Christi doesn’t prepare a suitable sermon to feed his flock and help nurture them in the faith?
     You’re missing the mark if when given the microphone to break open the Word of God, you put little more thought, effort, study, and prayer into it than you would a spontaneous toast at a friend’s birthday party.

Excellent Advent Advice Part VII: Wait Patiently

What are we really waiting for this week, this month, this year? 
     
Around the holidays, we are often made to wait.  We wait in long lines to take advantage of a slew of sales, mail packages, purchase Christmas gifts, visit Santa, buy ingredients for holiday meals, and baking festive goodies.  I saw a number of people at the mall yesterday waiting for other people who were trying on clothes, shopping in yet another store, playing in the children’s play area, eating lunch, ringing people up in the check-out line, counting the minutes until they could go on break or just go home…
     
I know others who are waiting to be discharged from ICU, waiting for their deployment to end, waiting for grieving the loss of their loved ones to become easier, waiting for a family member’s conversion, waiting for a new job, waiting for a clearer answer from God as to what life-long vocation He’s calling them to, waiting for retirement, waiting to give birth, waiting for the pain to stop, waiting for an apology, waiting to hear I love you…
     
We are willing to wait the longest for whom and for what we yearn the most.  Are we waiting for our relationships to improve with our family? Our friends? Our Lord? 
     
You’ve likely heard about the Secret Santas who have waited in line to pay off part or almost all of the bill for items people have put on layaway at Kmart.  Waiting in line to pay someone else’s bill is certainly a charitable gift.  I imagine the individuals doing this aren’t exactly pushing and shoving to get up front, which is also a testimony to the beneficence at the root of this gesture.      
     
Can the deepest longing of our hearts be fulfilled by something from a store?  No.  The love we long for, the love that we need, only comes from the Lord.  He often works in and through other people to share His unconditional love for us, but He is the True Source of all love, mercy, peace, joy, gentleness, compassion, and kindness.   
     
Our dear brother in Christ sent me a link to the song “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?” by Becky Kelley.  It’s a thought-provoking video I listened to and watched a few times through. 
     
I had to ask myself who’s line am I in, anyway?  Would I be more inclined to wait in line for hours if that’s what it took to get the gift a loved one wanted most?  Would I wait as long as need be for the gift each heart yearns for most? 
    
The most important, life-changing line my husband and I stand in several times a week, is the line to receive the True Presence of our Lord in flesh and blood in the Most Holy Eucharist. 
     
For whom or what are you waiting?    Will your mind, body, and spirit be fed?  Will you be given the gifts of true peace and joy in time and eternity?  If not, there’s still time to get in the right line. 

Excellent Advent Advice Part II: Seek Him Who Seeks You

Yesterday’s Gospel reading was about the Lord as a Good Shepherd, who goes after the lost sheep.  It’s comforting to know that Our Good Shepherd seeks us out when we stray, get lost, or focus on presumably greener pastures instead of keeping our eyes on Him. 

     
So often, we think of it being our responsibility to seek the Lord, spend time learning about Jesus Christ, and communing with the Holy Trinity in prayer.  When we consider that we are so loved and precious to the Lord that He seeks us out, draws us closer to Him, and creates opportunities for us to know Him better, it’s reassuring.  It is also a source of consolation for us regarding our loved ones who have strayed from the love of the Lord.  They may be looking for love, satisfaction, and happiness in all the wrong places, but the Good Shepherd isn’t throwing in His staff and calling it quits because some of us in the flock wander off, not just from time-to-time, but every day. 
     
A close friend once felt very sad after having turned away from the Lord.  I reminded this person that, though he might sometimes turn his back on God, that Jesus Christ has kept pursuing Him.  I told him it was never too late to turn around and back that thang up. 
     
Lately, when I’ve had some time before work or having to be somewhere, I’ll stop into a church or a chapel to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.  Of course, God and His Creation are all around us, but somehow there’s a more powerful experience of His True Presence in the Eucharist.  Even if we go from church to church, God is there waiting for us.  He’s also in us and with us.  When we slow down, we are better able to recognize those two facts.    
     
Anyone who’s spent time with young children knows that Peek-a-boo is a very popular game.  It cracks me up every time I hear a little one dissolve into giggles over a game of Peek-a-boo.  I imagine that Jesus exhibits the same joy and enthusiasm when we turn around and acknowledge that we’re being sought after by someone who loves us unconditionally, knows us most intimately, and desires more than anything else to spend time with us.  

The Lord Jesus is peeking out from the tabernacle, will you stop in to spend some quality time with him?

The One Thing: Passing Faith Onto Children by Matthew Kelly

The One Thing was inspired by a father’s desire to pass his faith onto his son.  Within the framework of a middle of the night time spent holding his sleeping 10 month old son and wondering about what his life will be like, Matthew Kelly considers what he would most like to pass on to his child.  Through his thoughts and prayers that evening, Kelly gives a brief synopsis of the beauty and focal points of the Catholic faith along with a summary of the “becoming the best version of yourself” principles he explains and describes in his other books.

     
Adorable photos of his son, Walter Patrick, and the agape love characteristic of the parent/child bond are examined.  Kelly wishes to share the profound love, affection, and joy he has experienced as a father with his son as the first and best way to introduce the young man to the Catholic faith.  The centrality of Jesus Christ’s True Presence in the Eucharist as the fundamental Truth around which our faith revolves, is fueled, and set on fire is the crux of love and sacrifice he wants to pass on.   

Of course the closest you can get to loving someone unconditionally will be the best, most welcoming, and inspiring introduction to the Source of all Love and the most poignant glimpse of how God cherishes each one of His Children.

     
Matthew Kelly’s approach has often been to simplify the important lessons in faith and life and show people practical ways of how they can live them out.  He’s identified, simplified, and summarized the essentials he wishes to pass onto his son, thereby reminding each of us that our true presence and genuine love and compassion for others are two of the most important evangelization tools appropriate for all age levels. 

     
This little book may very well be a catalyst for parents, young adults, and grandparents to rediscover Catholicism, possibly even through Kelly’s other books, his conferences, or his DynamicCatholic.com website.

     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The One Thing. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis

Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis is a rich, well-researched study of the selfless brand of agape love by which the saint from Assisi was known.  I was pleasantly surprised to find some truly beautiful excerpts from poems in addition to a number of references to religious classics that are lovely lyrically.       

     
It is evident that author Ilia Delio, O.S.F., has captured the essence of Christ’s self-sacrificing love in her description of St. Francis life and service to others.  Thoughtful Scripture reflection and carefully chosen passages from literature, religious classics, as well as quotes from more recent books give this work a well-rounded feel instead of the more academic one a straight biography of St. Francis would be likely to have.  Each chapter ends with a meditation and some reflection questions to help the reader examine his/her life to gauge caring quotient and compassion reactiveness.         

     
One of my favorite passages from Chapter Five, I marked and have shared with my husband and also read it as the closing prayer at a Human Concerns meeting.  The paragraph begins with “Compassion is a way of being in relationship with another that accepts the other in his or her weakness and responds to the needs of the person with mercy.  In this way, compassion is Eucharistic…” (p 58)  The relationship between mercy, Eucharist, and compassion is powerfully made here.  Next the author includes a very poignant poem by Graziano Marcheschi called Tabernacles which perfectly describes humility and reverence due the Blessed Sacrament…and each person, who is made in God’s image. 

At times, I was a bit thrown off by the high number of quotes in a book that seemed at first glance like it would be more of a reflection than a dissertation or a research paper.  However the works cited (of which there are fifteen pages at the end) certainly add to and explicate the message of mercy. 

     
From Chapter Eight to the end of the book, the topic seems to shift more from spirituality and how St. Francis lived to a scientific and sociological analysis of how technology and its implications in our current society have adversely affected people’s aptitude for and tendency towards compassion.  These are certainly important elements to consider since so many people are plugged in practically 24/7 and not spending as much face-to-face time communicating. 

    
I’d definitely recommend this book for all Catholics, as compassion is certainly key to living a Christian life, and St. Francis modeled the virtue in very inspirational ways.

     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Celebrating the Holy Eucharist

The key to an intimate relationship with Christ is described within the pages of Celebrating the Holy Eucharist by Francis Cardinal Arinze. He examines a number of Church documents, encyclical letters, apostolic exhortations, constitutions, official instructions, Church teachings, and Scripture passages to show the necessary centrality of the Holy Eucharist to life on earth and in eternity.   

    
The importance of the Eucharistic feast as the most vital element in being transformed through the grace of the Lord to become more like Christ is illustrated in a number of ways. The author also shows how and why the Eucharist includes a unifying presence as well as a sending out into the world to evangelize others.

   
I found this book fascinating for many reasons, not the least of which, is the amount of research, prayer, and theology that dictate why Catholics do what they do the way they do it when celebrating Mass. There are certain rules and regulations in place to assure the sacredness and purity of the Eucharistic celebration remain intact, even if provisions are made for some differences in styles or forms of worship within the Mass depending on the culture and location of the congregation.

     
Celebrating the Holy Eucharist reminds me of one of the reasons why I love the Catholic Church so dearly: we are not only invited to learn about Christ’s life, but also to consume and be consumed by Him through a Most Sacred Sacrament that shows the ultimate sacrifice He made out of love for us.

    
Arinze does a wonderful job of explaining what responsibilities bishops, priests, and laypersons have regarding the celebration of the Eucharist, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the living out of Christ’s message in mind, body, and spirit.

    
Infused with the powerful and life-changing Presence of the Holy Spirit, Arinze explores the mysteries of the Eucharist, the glory of the Lord, service of His people, and how each of us in our own particular vocations is called to bear witness to the Truth.

You can purchase this book here.

     
I wrote this review of Celebrating the Holy Eucharist 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.

Damien and the Distressing Disguise of Christ

The cross-country trip, the beard, the hair dye would all have seemed like some mid-life crisis if it weren’t for the one-man play our pastor Fr. Dan Brady did this past weekend.  A number of years ago, our pastor saw this play on PBS called Damien that was written by Aldyth Morris.  In 1978, Damien received national recognition when it won the Peabody Award.  Fr. Dan explained that this powerful play was instrumental in helping him discern his vocation to the priesthood. 

     
Fr. Dan’s been in a number of plays and musicals put on by the amazing music ministry at our church, but this was a role much different from others I’ve seen him in on stage as well as around the altar.  (Our church is in the round, and he generally walks around the altar while giving his homilies).    

     
Fr. Dan writes: “When I first saw this play on PBS in 1978, while I was in the seminary, it had a profound effect on me…”  When my husband, mom, our beloved brother, and many dear friends saw this play in 2011, it had a very profound effect on us as well.

Fr. Damien was born in 1840 in Belgium.  He joined the Sacred Heart Order, was ordained in 1864 in Hawaii while serving one of their mission churches there.  In 1873, he requested to become the priest for the leper colony on Molokai (otherwise known as Kalawao).  He faced horrible living conditions and witnessed some of the most terrible suffering imaginable, yet he refused to abandon his flock.  He clearly took his vows of charity, celibacy, and obedience to a level many other priests couldn’t even fathom.  Damien ministered to the lepers banished to the desolate, nearly uninhabitable island of Molokai in mind, body, and spirit.

     
He fought long and hard to get the lepers food, building materials for proper dwellings, and medical supplies.  He offended many with his persistence in ensuring that government and diocesan authorities would not forget or dismiss the needs of the lepers they had exiled.  Damien stood up for the sanctity and dignity of every human life.  In 1884, the priest who wasn’t afraid to get down in the trenches with his congregation to fight for what was right was diagnosed with leprosy himself.  He considered it a blessing that he was then truly one of them.  He died of the illness in 1889.

     
I doubt there was a dry eye in the place on either of the two evenings when Fr. Dan so passionately portrayed Fr. Damien.  I’m still in awe of how dedicated this priest was to serving “the poorest of the poor” who were definitely “in the distressing disguise of Christ.”  We are all called to love and serve others as Jesus did, but when people are willing to give up everything and anything that would bring them even a modicum of comfort to live out God’s will with humility and obedience, the holiness of being made in God’s image seems to shine the brightest.    

The Amazing Sacrament: A Celebration of the Eucharist by Fr. Stephen Redmond, SJ

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.

Invitation, Initiation, and the Power of the Sacraments

     Kevin and I were very moved by Saturday evening Mass this past weekend. We came to support a friend who was coming into the Catholic Church and who happens to be the roommate of our dear brother in Christ, John. We’d only met Stephen a few times and hadn’t really gotten to know him well, but when we heard that he was going to be joining the faith, we agreed we both wanted to be present to support him.     
     In some ways, we were prepared. As we do each day, we’d read aloud the Scripture readings for Mass that morning. We prayed for Stephen and his fiancée Andrea (who goes by Andi). We came to church knowing we would witness an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We had a card and a few small gifts to give him at the conclusion of the Mass.    
     In other ways, we were pleasantly surprised. We had no idea which Sacrament(s) of Initiation Stephen would be receiving. We weren’t sure if family members and friends were coming from out of town to support him. Truth be told, his roommate John didn’t even know the who or what, just the when and where for the event, but I guess that’s not a shocker since guys don’t tend to deal too much with details.

     Another friend of ours, Jeff was doing one of the readings, so we sat with him over by the lectern where John soon joined us. Stephen, Andi, their families, and friends were gathered in the first couple of rows directly across from us.  It was beautiful to see the joy and anticipation on Stephen’s and Andi’s faces. Seeing the two of them together on such a special day reminded me how incredible it felt when Kevin first started coming to Mass with me because he wanted to be there, participate in the Sacraments, and live what he learned. Faith has been very important to Andi, and I was really excited for her as well, because I know how significant it is to have the love of your life open his heart to the Lord.

     The love, power, and joy of the Holy Spirit shown across their faces as Stephen was Baptized, Confirmed, and made his First Communion. Looking across at the two of them, I couldn’t help beaming. I know that no other aspect of their relationship is going to be more important in their future as an engaged couple and as a married couple than that they both share a deep love and desire to serve the Lord and one another.
     I completely understood when Andi said after Mass that she couldn’t imagine a day, even their wedding, being any better. I happen to know that God continues to shower blessings upon those who love Him, so I wouldn’t put it past Him.

Reflections on the Second Anniversary of My Dad's Death

Two years ago this morning (Monday, August 10, 2009) my dad James Lester Niermeyer passed away at the age of 54.  I learned a lot from my dad over the years, and quite honestly, I’m still examining my own life in light of his.  I find this a bit easier to do now that I have a sense that he’s finally able to love and allow himself to be loved unconditionally.  I also am comforted that he is now completely at peace with himself, God, and others.

     
Through the grace of God, my dad and I reconciled completely three years before he passed away.  I had the blessing of helping take care of him as his physical health deteriorated and his faith was put to the test. 

     
I brought him the Eucharist each week.  We read the readings together, held hands for the Our Father, did some intercessory prayer for each of our special intentions, then I gave him the Body of Christ. 

     
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Beloved Son to unite us and teach us to love.  Amen.