A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and St. Thomas Aquinas

“Prayer transforms us, for it is impossible to come into contact with God without being changed.  The change is proportional to our openness, our disposition, to being transformed by God.” (p. 24).    

     
A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and St. Thomas Aquinas is a wonderful resource to help Christians understand the importance of prayer, the necessity of ongoing transformation, and the value of the Sacraments.  This book is one that could easily be used for a group study as well as for journaling, personal prayer, and contemplation. 

   
I enjoyed reading this book with its single serving size insights from St. Thomas Aquinas to go with the Gospel readings for each day of Lent and Holy Week.  Dominican author Fr. Paul Jerome Keller has done a magnificent job of incorporating brief passages from one of the most well-known and widely read members of the Order of Preachers, Thomas Aquinas, into daily meditations that are perfect for the season of Lent.  Fr. Keller has selected poignant passages from Aquinas’s vast works as the precursor to his own short reflections and original prayers written on the Gospel for each day.

   
During the season of Lent, we are all encouraged to enter into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  These practices are intended to bring us closer to Jesus not only as we prepare for the upcoming Easter season, but also as we move beyond it and live out our call to apostolic action. 

   
If we are truly changed from the inside out by our encounters with the Lord, then we will not be content to return to our former ways.  We will be inspired and called to keep moving forward into a more intimate relationship with the Source of All Love and Mercy.       

   
“The real benefit of prayer is that we are lifted to God; in our conversing with Him, which often should involve more listening than our own talking, we are deepened in our love of God.” (p. 23). 

 For more information or to order your copy of A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and St. Thomas Aquinas, click here.  I received a free copy of this book from Tuscany Press in exchange for an honest review.

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

I finished reading Home Tonight: Further Reflections on the Parable of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen on Pentecost Sunday.  It gave me a great deal to think, pray, and write about as well as meditate on.  Truthfully, I read through it without stopping each and every time to do the journaling exercises, because I wanted to get the overall message of the book, as Nouwen has for many years, been one of my absolute favorite authors.  I plan to go back and do the journaling meditations over time.  Being a writer, they take me much longer than they might take other people because as long as the ideas keep coming, I keep the pen moving. 

   
As is often the case with Nouwen’s books, I am again very aware that I’m being challenged through these heartfelt personal reflections to accept the love, forgiveness, and mercy of the Lord on a deeper level than I ever have before.  This task is rather daunting because it’s really difficult for me to accept love, especially unconditional love and forgiveness when I know (to some extent) how little I deserve it.  There’s a lot in me that still believes certain lies: that my worth comes more from what I do for others, can offer them, and help them with more than it has to do with my innate value as a Beloved Daughter of God.  We are all God’s Beloved Children, and I know intellectually that favor cannot be earned and isn’t based on performance.  I really don’t understand that kind of love—especially when it comes to God and others loving me—but by golly, I’m sure going to keep trying if not to understand it, at least to absorb it.

   
Nouwen writes and reflects intimately on the love of God and the many roadblocks we put up that keep us from accepting it on the deepest level.  I highly recommend reading this book as well as one of my all-time favorites of his The Return of the Prodigal Son.

I received a free copy of Home Tonight from WaterbrookMultnomah in exchange for an honest review to share on their Blogging for Books site.  To purchase, Home Tonight, click here.  If you love free books, reading, and have a blog, you might be interested in signing up.  Check it out here.

Magnificat Year of Faith Companion

     I have been a fan of the Magnificat publications for many years.  I have found the monthly magazine a wonderful guide to Catholic prayer that gives the feel of the Liturgy of the Hours without its complexity or multiple volumes. 

     The Magnificat monthly magazines were absolutely indispensable for me when I was studying abroad in France, because I was able to follow along with the readings at Mass, had the words in front of me to the prayers I knew only in English before then.  I am certain using the Magnificat in French dramatically improved my appreciation for the language as well as the nuances and multiple translations of prayers that are possible. 

     I knew I would like the Magnificat Year of Faith Companion, but knowing that the regular monthly publication already contains a number of prayers, the daily Mass readings, reflections on the readings and information about the saints, I wondered what this magazine would add to the mix.  I am pleased to report that this book is indeed a beautiful way to “rediscover the joy of believing” as Pope Benedict XVI put it. 

     Scripture reflection, prayers, meditations, original poetry, essays on the faith, devotions, and explanations of the Catechism are what you will find in this daily boost for your faith.  Each day there’s something different to ponder, and perhaps share with others.  The variety of writers and myriad of genre included guarantee a blend of insights, outlooks, and perspectives that will deepen your understanding of the faith and richly enhance your prayer time.         

     I wrote this review of for the Magnificat Year of Faith Companion as part of the free Catholic book review program.

     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.

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings

I learned quite a bit from reading Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings and highly recommend the book to those who are interested in a solid overview of the saint’s life, how the the Society of Jesus (aka the Jesuits) began, and what defines and explains their main spiritual training and practices.  I had in my mind only a brief summary of Saint Ignatius’ life when I began reading these excerpts written by the founding father of the Society of Jesus’ and annotated author Mark Mossa, SJ.  I have found this man’s life and philosophy of how to live out the teachings of Christ quite fascinating. 

     
Over the years, I’ve heard a number of people, Catholic and Protestant, who have done The Spiritual Exercises written and propagated by St. Ignatius.  I have not yet embarked on them, but my interest in learning more is piqued, and I could be easily persuaded to take on such a program for spiritual growth. 

    

I didn’t realize how much of modern day spirituality and prayer practices came from this particular saint and his prescribed methods of growing closer to the Lord.  Now that I have read excerpts from his memoir as well as his letters within the context of explaining certain passages of The Spiritual Exercises, I have a far greater appreciation of the wealth of wisdom he provided through his writing. 

     

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings is proof positive that there is a great deal we can learn from the lives of the saints and apply to our present circumstances and daily challenges to offer all that we are, have, and do for the Lord’s greater glory in time and eternity. 

     

A reminder that we need to have a measure of balance in our religious practices and spiritual lives is one important principle that this saint explores at length.  It’s not a new concept to me that spending hours in prayer daily without devoting any time to works of mercy or studying can actually go against what would be best for us. 

     

I have gotten into trouble far too often in the past when I have assigned greater value to one form of prayer or activity done for the Lord than I’d give to something else that is also part of the work I do for Him. 

     

For example, if a student were to neglect his studies in favor of spending all of his time in prayer, then this would likely go against what God intended for him.  In the same light, if a mother of young children offers to God the cooking, cleaning, teaching, and nurturing she does as part of her vocation of raising her family, then that is admirable and advised, even if it means that she is not able at that particular time in her life to devote as much time to study, personal prayer, or corporal works of mercy outside the home. 

     

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings is a wonderful introduction to this great saint and Jesuit spirituality and/or serves as a wonderful refresher on this man’s life and proposed prayer practices.  For more information, or to order your own copy, click here.       

Whose Requests Are Pending?

     Is it a more a sign of the times or willful defiance that makes me not feel too disturbed by the fact that I have seven pending requests God wants me to know?  Maybe both, or perhaps it’s because the messenger in this case is merely an application on Facebook telling me there are seven things God has been trying to tell me between January 31 and today. 

     Quite honestly, I’m sure there have been a whole lot more than just seven things He’s been trying to get through to me in the past nineteen days.  Fortunately, I do unplug from the computer, TV, my phone, etc. to tune in to God’s will during the day, so He’s reached me through a number of other methods.    
     Lent is just around the corner.  I’ve begun asking the Lord in my quiet prayer time how He would like me to observe this holy time of preparation and transformation leading up to Holy Week and Easter.  I’m still listening and waiting for specifics.  
     Recently I’ve been inspired to do Morning and Evening prayer in addition to attending daily Mass.  All three have been very powerful ways and times during which the Lord has spoken to me and/or helped me understand an aspect of Scripture in a new way.  My husband and I have also been praying the Rosary, especially as we are lifting up the participants of the Men’s Cursillo weekend going on right now. 
     I can't even tell you how many times the Lord speaks through my husband.  Sometimes, I'm more open to that messenger than others. :) I’m clearly feeling a nudge to spend more time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  This evening Kevin assured me that he's not giving daily Mass up for Lent, which is indeed some great news!

Questions for reflection:

     When was the last time you spent some unplugged quiet time alone with God? 

     What methods has the Lord used to speak to you or through you in the past month?

Rediscover Lent

Rediscover Lent is a wonderful companion for Catholics young and old who desire to make this Lent a time of true transformation in their lives.  This book by Matthew Kelly contains a list of daily readings, a Scripture passage, a reflection, meditation questions, and a prayer for each day of Lent and Holy Week.  With his customary finesse, Kelly invites the reader into a deeper relationship with the Lord through simple practices and disciplines that have been the habits of many popes, saints, priests, religious, and devout laypeople over the centuries.

     
The themes of growing closer to the God, particularly through participation in the sacraments, reading Sacred Scripture, praying the Rosary, and embracing the fullness of the Mass are those Kelly has covered in many of his other books, talks, and DVDs.  He describes how the ancient practices and beliefs of the Catholic faith along with adopting some quite manageable practices for daily prayer and faith formation can completely change your life and all of your relationships. 
     
These basic principles and tenets of the faith are set out in thought-provoking, easy to absorb (though they’re harder to live out consistently) points, facts, suggestions, and encouragement for the spiritual journey. 
     
I highly recommend Rediscover Lent and others by Matthew Kelly for those who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith or who want to revitalize their faith and come to a renewed appreciation for the richness that lies within. 
     
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 Rediscover Lent. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

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?

Human Concerns: Is Anyone Scared?

     Last week, I had the blessing of attending the Red Mass, then immediately heading across town for proof positive of what I’d just heard in Bishop DiLorenzo’s homily, which served as a state of the union address for the Diocese of Richmond.  I hopped in the car after Mass to go to the biannual Human Concerns Core Team meeting at our parish. 

     I honestly can’t think of more inspiring, hope-filled evidence that Catholics in our Diocese are indeed in the trenches addressing the areas of suffering caused by our culture of death than attending this meeting.  Each person in attendance that evening is truly passionate about serving those in need as Christ served others: compassionately, selflessly, and with great love. 
     Though their ministries varied considerably as did their particular types of involvement, one thing remained clear: action, reflection, and transformation are powerful signs of the Holy Spirit working in and through them and the many they serve whether feeding the homeless, visiting the imprisoned, praying to end abortion, doing missionary work in Haiti, standing up for persons with disabilities, or giving underprivileged children a head start. 
    As reflection for the meeting, Bridget read the homily Fr. Michael Renninger had given at our parish the weekend of August 7^th.

Called by Name

   A great deal of thought usually goes into naming a child.  The names of family members and friends, saints, persons in the Bible, and those with special meanings are considered when it’s time to choose a name for someone. 

     It’s pretty easy to distinguish those who know us from those who don’t even over the phone by how they say our name.  If they call us by our full name when we usually use a nickname or if they completely butcher our first and/or last names, we know they probably are reading off of a list and don’t know us at all.
     God is different.  He knows and loves us more intimately than anyone else.  He never forgets who we are.  He never confuses us with one of our siblings or one of our friends.  The Lord doesn’t have a number assigned to each one of us because it would be easier than remembering the names of everyone ever born. 
     We respond differently when someone knows our name.  We recognize the voices of those closest to us, and we are familiar with what and how they call us. 
     Names and their meanings are so important that the Lord told Joseph what he and Mary were to name their only Son, Jesus, who would be referred to as Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
     We have been called by God, the One who created us, into an intimate relationship with Him.  God knows us better than we know ourselves.  He knows everything about us and still loves us unconditionally.  He has called us by name and has chosen us to take part in His plan for mankind’s salvation. 
     He knows all of our strengths as well as our weaknesses, and He wants us on His Team.  He could reveal His power to whomever He chooses, yet God has come to call us by name—or if it suits Him to change our name to fit His plan for our future as a new creation—as He did with Bible figures formerly known as Abram, Saul, and Simon.  God doesn’t categorize us by a name, stereotype, or even our sinfulness.  He sees us as His children created in His Image, beloved and precious to Him.  When we accept His love, forgiveness, and mercy, we are better able to submit to the promptings of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to fill us and others with His love.  How do we respond to the loving call of the Lord Jesus Christ?

 Note: This reflection is dedicated to the participants of the Women's Cursillo Weekend that took place Oct. 13-16, 2011 at the Abbey.  It originally appeared in the October 2011 edition of The Rooster Review.

Catholic Update Guide to The Mass

Catholic Update Guide to The Mass is a short, clearly explained guide to the Mass and the changes in the Roman Missal (which will soon be coming to the Catholic Churches near you).  After hearing various compliments and critiques of the new Latin translation of certain prayers, I found this quick read, complete with the new responses the congregation will be praying during the Mass to be very informative and easy to follow. 

     
I can see, in many ways, how this new translation will promote deeper reflection and awareness of what we say and do at Mass.  I know I have been guilty at times of saying the prayers I know by heart without putting as much thought, concentration, and conviction into them as I do when more focused.  Certainly the humility and reverence we ought to have before the Lord seems clearer in the new Roman Missal.  With this in hand, I don’t feel as uncomfortable about the changes, even though I know it will likely take me a while to get use to praying these slightly reworded prayers. 

    
This guide is a very handy reference, small enough to put in a purse or slide into a planner, that will help those who have memorized the responses at Mass learn the new ones and, thereby, have a renewed appreciation for the blessing of the Word of God as well as the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. 

     
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 Catholic Update Guide to the Mass. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Secrets of the Vine for Women

Yet again, God has seen fit to have me pick out and read a book at the perfect time.  This week, the Gospel readings for Mass include sections from John 15 about how the Lord is the vinedresser, Christ is the vine, and we are the branches.  I consider it a God-incident that I picked up Secrets of the Vine for Women which is about Divine Pruning and finished it during this week, not knowing until yesterday morning that the Scripture readings and the topic of this book overlapped.

     
I read The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson, Darlene Marie Wilkinson’s husband, when back in college and have fond memories of it, since it’s such an amazing book, was inspiring to me, and the first spiritual book my then boyfriend, now husband read upon my recommendation.  Upon my spouse’s suggestion, we began praying The Prayer of Jabez daily, over the phone when we were dating and miles apart, and now together as we say goodnight just after turning out our bedroom light.

     
It’s been a number of years since I read Bruce Wilkinson’s Secrets of the Vine, which also resonated with me.  His wife’s insights into how the Lord cares and prunes us in order that we produce an abundance of fruit for His Kingdom are straightforward and easy to follow.  The pocket-sized book is a quick read complete with study guide questions ideal for personal reflection or small group sharing. 

      
I would definitely recommend Secrets of the Vine for Women.  To order your copy, click here.  

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

Now is the Time

     Now is the time for what? In Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, we are told that “there is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every thing under the heavens.” If there is a set time for each action and emotion under the sun, then what are we called to now?
     Regardless of the seasons of our lives, the actions we’re currently called to, and or the emotions we are presently experiencing, now is the time to have faith and hope in the Lord. Now is the time to grow in our ability to trust and rely on Jesus Christ’s ability to heal, forgive, and make new. Now is the time to “be still and know I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

The Better Part: Stages of Contemplative Living

     How beautifully fitting that the day after I looked for a book about having a heart more like the one Mary exhibits than Martha does, I sit down with The Better Part. The title of the book and the quote from it on the back didn’t clue me in that Keating would expand upon the stages of contemplative living by taking the reader back to Bethany to learn a few lessons from Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
     Make no mistake, this quick read not only includes an in-depth look at the personalities and deeper meaning behind the accounts of the three siblings, but also delves into a much greater study of contemplative life as it has been experienced and recorded by some famous saints as well as spiritual greats from other faith traditions.
     I planned on reading a chapter or two of the book as part of my morning prayer time, but once I got into it, I didn’t want to stop. I already had some level of knowledge about centering prayer and lectio divina before picking up this book, but I enjoyed reading what Keating had to say about these two traditions as well as other forms of contemplative prayer. He tied in some of the most prominent observations, thoughts, and/or experiences of well-known saints such as John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Francis of Assisi which I found intriguing after having read some of the books to which he made reference.
     The second to last chapter is made up of thirteen questions which Keating answers individually. Though this section was not written in the same format as the rest of the book, it provides a perfect framework for answering some fundamental questions about a variety of subjects such as: defining sin, the role of personal suffering in redemption, how to overcome obstacles to practicing contemplative prayer, and navigate through the world of meditation.
     The pleasant tone, feel, and flow of the prose fit perfectly with the freeing reminder that spiritual growth is unlimited. We always have the opportunity and potential to become increasingly more aware of the Lord’s presence in and around us.
     Lord, help us to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that we may become better vessels for Your multitude of blessings and are ready always to go forth and spread Your unconditional love for all of Your creation. Amen.

Thanks for the Suffering, God

     A couple weeks ago I went to daily Mass at St. Benedict’s, and I had a few ah-ha moments, some real revelations on the greater good that can come from our suffering. I found it interesting that since so many people were already there spread out through the pews, I ended up sitting farther back than usual and pillars were blocking my vision of both statues of Our Blessed Mother Mary that I can usually see, but that the Crucifix was directly in front of me.

Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander

     Once again I’ve been led to pick up a book that my favorite brother in Christ loaned me a while back at exactly the time God knew I would most benefit from reading it. I enjoyed reading Thomas Merton’s autobiographical work Seven Story Mountain as well as his other books on spiritual reflection and contemplation, so I figured I would like this book as well. Though unlike Merton’s other works in terms of format, some of the subject matter, and even writing style, I loved this work of his as much as his others.
     This piece includes a number of beautifully poetic snapshots of nature I’d classify as the prose poem equivalent of haiku in terms of subject matter and spiritual insight. There are a number of reflections from daily life occurrences, current events Merton processed and commented on through thoughtful prose, and some interesting commentary on works by writers and philosophers—those who were Christian, atheist, or agnostic. I found myself literally laughing out loud at some of the situations and observations Merton included about life in the monastery, modern day politics, religion, and the unusual, sometimes ridiculous antics of humans in general.
     I marked a number of pages, because I want to return to the nuggets of wisdom found on them. I like that it is such a mix of musings on the world, some serious, some humorous, some lyrical and concise, others thoughtful and opinionated.
     Even the title of the book is perfect for it. Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander lets the reader know right away that this is a collection of assumptions, naturally containing all of the author’s biases and religious, political leanings. While calling into question the blind acceptance of all technology as being good for the human race and signs of progress, he invites us to a deeper appreciation of nature, a new way of looking at the roles of machines in our lives, and gives us a view from the perspective of someone who was largely cut-off from mainstream media, though clearly affected by the mainstream thinking, current events, moral quandaries, and politics of his time.
     I highly recommend reading this book. You can purchase it at Amazon here.

Safely Through the Storm - 120 Reflections on Hope

Safely Through the Storm - 120 Reflections on Hope by Debra Herbeck has been a faithful companion of mine during a really awful week. Though I can’t honestly say that the words of faith and wisdom contained within transformed my tears into dancing, the quotes from a number of writers I love did remind me that God does not leave us alone in our suffering, nor does He give us trials so heavy they will destroy us.
    
The title is actually very telling of the contents and message throughout the work. Often when we embark on a trip, we pray for it to be safe. When someone is having a difficult time, we pray that they will get through it. Sometimes in the midst of a crisis when we’re asking how this could have happened, why, and for what greater good, we sometimes forget that God has promised to bring us safely through the storm. We may get beaten, battered, wind-swept, and worn out in the process, but He will bring us on out the other side.     
    
Amy Welborn, a well-known Catholic writer, starts the book off with a very down-to-earth introduction in which she mentions how she’s been called to have hope, especially in facing a devastating loss, last year her husband died suddenly at age fifty. This sets the appropriate tone for a book that is full of evidence that suffering doesn’t have the last word, especially in the lives of the faithful.
    
These reflections touched on many aspects of struggling and a variety of situations when hope is necessary. Most of the passages included are by authors I love dearly and whose names I recognized immediately from other works of theirs I’ve read and studied, such as, Pope John Paul II, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. John of the Cross, Fr. Henri Nouwen, Fr. Benedict J Groeschel, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Julian of Norwich.
    
I appreciated that the reflections in this book didn’t minimalize life’s trials or the role that hope has in them with pat answers, cute clichés, and namby-pamby advice on how to get through tough times. Real people with real struggles who made it through suffering in mind, body, and spirit while clinging to God resonated on a deep level with me, especially during a very trying week.
    
I’d recommend this book for those in the midst of the storm who aren’t yet to the point at which they’re ready for singing and dancing in the rain.
    
This review was written as part of the Catholic books reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Safely Through the Storm - 120 Reflections on Hope.

A Heart Like His by Father Thomas Williams

I enjoyed A Heart Like His by Thomas D. Williams and certainly agree with the idea that “You can know what’s on a man’s mind while never giving a second thought to what might be in his heart. But you can’t know a man’s heart without getting to know him.” (Thomas D. Williams)
   
The book is comprised of 32 simple meditations to encourage readers to think and pray about the virtues evident in Christ’s Sacred Heart and demonstrated throughout His life. The book is set up to be used in the month of June, traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with one meditation for each day plus two extras.
   
Each day has a title which describes one aspect of Christ’s heart. For example, the first three days’ titles are: “a humble heart,” “a thirsty heart,” and “an undivided heart.” The reflections begin with a verse from Scripture, and there are Bible passages quoted throughout. There are two to four thought-provoking questions found within each day’s meditation, and the sections end with a personal prayer to the Father which includes the prescribed elements of praise, contrition, and supplication. The prayer at the end of each section has to do with the particular quality of heart described for that day.    
The book is well-written and is certainly a good source for examining the different qualities of Christ’s Sacred Heart. My only qualms about the book were that I found the lay-out and use of italics a bit distracting. I would have preferred to have the questions, which are quite poignant and great inspiration for discussion or journaling, appear at the end of the section rather than be in with the body of the text. The prayers at the end of the chapters would have been easier to read if they hadn’t been in italics. The only other drawback is that the book has on it the days of June, which I don’t think is necessary, because the book can be read at any time during the year. I understand that June is the customary month to celebrate the Sacred Heart, but mentioning that in in the introduction would have been sufficient in my opinion.
  
Williams is truthful when he refers to these meditations as simple. The writing isn’t complex, nor are the concepts he covers. I found myself thinking that perhaps the book was a bit too simple, but that would be rather appropriate, wouldn’t it? A work about Christ’s heart may seem rather unpretentious, because that’s how Jesus was/is. His heart was/is holy and wholesome. His Sacred Heart wasn’t/isn’t divided by sin, evil, or darkness. He embodie(d/s) every one of the ideal virtues for which we strive.
   
This book is a good study and easily accessible to the masses, just like Christ. This review was written as part of the Catholic books reviewer program from The Catholic Company.  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on A Heart Like His.

Home Improvement: God as Interior Decorator

     I like contemplating the verse from John 15:7 (NKJV): “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
     Two or three months ago when I was at Mass at the Pastoral Center, Fr. Nott explained where the verb “abide” comes from and what it implied for that day’s readings. His explanation has helped me delve deeper into this verse. He told us that “abide” was derived from the noun “abode” which we know to be home or dwelling. So in this verse from the Gospel of John, the Lord is giving two conditions in the first part that we must make our home inside of God, and we need to allow His words to dwell within us.

Christ at the Center

     I was bracing myself to take a stand since I’d found out that our Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) Women’s retreat team formation meeting was scheduled to be held in the Day Chapel overlapping the time when there would be Adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel right next to it. I had been bothered at an earlier meeting when this had happened, but I didn’t have the guts to speak up or respectfully leave the Day Chapel and pray before the Blessed Sacrament while it was exposed for Adoration, then return to our CRHP meeting after the Benediction.

Only Say a Word and I Will Be Healed

     Recently, I’ve become good friends with a charismatic Catholic in our parish who is currently serving with me on a Christ Renews His Parish women’s retreat formation team. She was the one who invited me to my first charismatic Mass, which I really enjoyed. It was fun singing really upbeat, soulful songs, some of which I remembered from college when I participated in the campus Baptist Student Union for Bible study and Christian fellowship.

     There was a man next to me at the Mass who speaks French. He said many of the prayers we were praying aloud in French, and it reminded me of going to Mass in Paris once I’d finally found the Magnificat in French and learned to pray all of the prayers I’d memorized in English during my youth in a second language.
     I still say: “Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but only say the word, and I shall be healed” aloud during the Eucharistic prayer, then silently follow it with: “Seigneur, je ne suis pas digne de te recevoir, mais dis seulement une parole et je serai guéri…je serai guéri.”
     I actually like the French better because the article is different, so the direct translation would be: Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but say only a/one word, and I will be healed. This translation sounds even more powerful to me for some reason. It may because the English version seems to imply that with the Lord’s permission or go ahead, a person will be healed.
     I guess I see the French translation as going one step further and claiming that only one utterance, just one single word from the Lord, is enough to wipe away all suffering in mind, body, and/or spirit. Both are equally true statements, and soon neither will be used since the wording of the Eucharistic prayer is going to be taught to us in a translation closer to that of the original text.
     Lord, thank You for the gift of Your son, for the graces of faith, healing, hope, love, peace and joy.  Show us how to submit more fully to Your will, so that the Holy Spirit can move freely in and through us to reach others of every race, color, and creed. Amen.