2016 Book Reviews
Catholic Women's Book Group
Ratings 1–5 †
December 2016
Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives by Joseph Ratzinger Pope Benedict XVI (††††)
Synopsis: taken from Ignatius Press
The momentous third and final volume in the Pope's international bestselling Jesus of Nazareth series details the stories of Jesus' infancy and boyhood, and how they are relevant today in the modern world. In this final book the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary. This is a story of longing and seeking, as demonstrated by the Magi searching for the redemption offered by the birth of a new king. Ultimately, Jesus' life and message is a story for today, one that speaks to the restlessness of the human heart searching for the sole truth which alone leads to profound joy.
Comments from the Group Discussion
As a whole the women in the group agreed that they liked the book and would recommend it to others. Some thought the Pope brilliant in weaving the Old Testament with the New and they all loved the historical references, the little tidbits of new or forgotten information. One lady thought the book read like a textbook.
Favorite Quotes:
November 2016
No Greater Love by Mother Teresa (†††††)
Synopsis: taken from Spirituality and Practice
This inspiring book brings us the words of the twentieth century's most visible saint. Mother Teresa, armed with her faith and the spiritual practices of attention, compassion, and hope, created a religious order that has spread to 100 countries. She characterizes her work in the phrase, "I am but a pencil in the hands of God." As bestselling author Thomas Moore notes in his foreword, this Christian "stops to care precisely for those whom the world in general neglects" — the destitute elderly, poor orphaned children, lepers, and the dying.
Here are Mother Teresa's thoughts on prayer, love, giving, being holy, work and service, forgiveness, suffering and death, and much more. For example: "We do not need to carry out grand things in order to show a great love for God and for our neighbor. It is the intensity of love we put into our gestures that makes them into
something beautiful for God." And on prayer, Mother Teresa says, "Prayer is in all things, in all gestures."
Comments from the Group Discussion
All the women in the group gave this book an overwhelming five crosses. They found Mother Teresa’s writings to be both humbling and spiritual food for the soul—a great book to have for daily meditation.
Favorite Quotes:
“Lose of self leads to the discovery of the soul.”
“We should make every effort to walk in the presence of God, to see God in all the persons we meet, to live our prayer throughout the day.”
“Words that do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”
“We complicate our lives so much, by so many additions. Just one thing counts—to be humble, to pray. The more you pray, the better you will pray.”
“We know poverty means to be hungry for bread, to need clothing and not to have a home. But there is a far greater kind of poverty. It means being unwanted, unloved and neglected. It means having no one to call your own…. Do we know the poor in our house, in our family, in our neighborhood? ... When you know them, that will lead you to love them. And love will impel you to serve them. Only then will you begin to act like Jesus and live out the gospel.”
October 2016
Making Gay Okay—How Rationalizing Homosexual Behavior Changes Everything by Robert Reilly (††††)
Synopsis from Ignatius Press:
Why are Americans being forced to consider homosexual acts as morally acceptable? Why has the US Supreme Court discovered a constitutional right to same-sex "marriage", which until a decade ago, was unheard of in the history of Western or any other civilization? Where has the "gay rights" movement come from, and how has it so easily conquered America?
The answers are in the dynamics of the rationalization of sexual misbehavior. The power of rationalization—the means by which one mentally transforms wrong into right—drives the gay rights movement, gives it its revolutionary character, and makes its advocates indefatigable. The homosexual cause moved naturally from a plea for tolerance to cultural conquest because the security of its rationalization requires universal acceptance. In other words, we all must say that the bad is good.
At stake in the rationalization of homosexual behavior is reality itself, which is why it will have consequences that reach far beyond the issue at hand. Already America's major institutions have been transformed—its courts, its schools, its military, its civic institutions, and even its diplomacy. The further institutionalization of homosexuality will mean the triumph of force over reason, thus undermining the very foundations of the American Republic.
Comments from the Group Discussion
All the ladies agreed that this was a very relevant, timely topic. It was somewhat depressing to read, but knowledge it is important to have. It was a thesis-type book. We had an extensive discussion.
Favorite Quotes:
“The family is the nursery of virtue.”
“Children of same-sex couples are made rootless and powerless”
“Homosexuality is not immutable”.
“Intention doesn’t change the good or evil of an act”
“Liberty does not mean the freedom to choose wrong.”
“There is a difference between the truth and what we want to be truth”.
September 2016
The Sign of the Cross by St. Francis De Sales (†††+)
Synopsis from Sophia Institute Press
From the young St. Francis de Sales’s heroic efforts to bring Calvinists back to the Faith comes this succinct, eloquent defense of the age-old Catholic practice of making the Sign of the Cross, which sixteenth-century Calvinists denounced as a Popish invention and many Protestants scorn even today.
Embodying the zeal of youth and the wisdom of age, this gentle jewel of Catholic apologetics traces the origins of the Sign of the Cross back to the Fathers of the Church, to the Apostles before them, and finally to our Lord Himself.
Along with St. Francis’s other lucid explanations of our Catholic Faith and his undaunted love even for those who hated him, this modest book helped restore to their native Catholic faith tens of thousands of heretics who not long before were intent on killing him.
As they did for the Calvinists in St. Francis’s day, so in our day these pages will bring you a better understanding and a renewed love for the Sign of the Cross, that brief and lively exterior prayer by which, from time immemorial, God has been invoked by serious Christians before all of their endeavors.
Among the other things you’ll learn here:
Comments from the Group Discussion
Though most of the ladies agreed that this book was an academic-type work, and required focus and concentration to read, all read the entire book and agreed it had many relevant points.
Favorite Quotes:
“Apostolic work absent an interior life focused on Jesus Christ will not bear fruit.”
“…we make the Sign of the Cross in order to attest that every blessing takes it value from the Passion of Jesus Christ.”
“The Sign of the Cross is…a brief and lively exterior prayer by which God is invoked, and, as a result, it is proper for all of our doings and plans.”
August 2016
The Rite, the Making of a Modern Exorcist by Matt Baglio (††††+)
Synopsis
Author, Matt Baglio, followed Father Gary Thomas from California as he began training to become an exorcist. Fr. Gary became the apprentice of an exorcist in Rome in order to get some sense of exorcisms outside of the classroom lectures. We are taken on the journey as well. Additionally, Baglio’s accounting of the information from classes amounts to a brief catechism of Church teachings about anything to do with this subject including among other things, angels, free will, God’s power, and human ailments. Skillfully interwoven with this are Fr. Gary’s experiences and thoughts about the process every step of the way, and real life stories told by people who have been exorcised of a demon.
It is clear that Baglio is a serious journalist as he examines what popular culture takes as truth and corrects misconceptions. As well, he thoroughly examines many of the questions that occur to any logical person when faced with the idea of demons and possession in modern times. To this end he interviews psychologists, doctors, and other specialists for information.
Comments from the Group Discussion
Though some were skeptical in reading the book at first most all of the ladies read the entire book. All ended up recommending it.
Favorite Quotes:
“Where faith decreases, superstition grows.”
“The Devil’s main trick is to make people think they are unworthy of God’s forgiveness. This is the biggest lie that the demon gives us, not making us believe in God’s mercy.”
“Simply put, the prayers of the exorcism weaken the power that the demon has over the person. The healing, however, cannot happen without the full participation of the individual. Victims of possession are exhorted to go to weekly confession, to recite the rosary daily, and above all to receive the Eucharist.”
July 2016
The FEASTS, How the Church Year Forms Us as Catholics by Cardinal Donald Wuerl and Mike Aquilina (††††)
Synopsis from Fathers of the Church
“The church forms us in many different ways, and the calendar is one of the most important. Most people, through most of history, couldn’t read. So they didn’t learn the faith from catechisms. They learned it, and they passed it along to their children, through the celebration of the feasts. From the Annunciation through the Ascension, the calendar guides us through the mysteries of Jesus Christ.” Mike Aquilina
Catholic faith is festive, and the Catholic faithful count their days by celebrating the mysteries of Jesus’ life. There is a message to be found in the passing of days, weeks, and seasons. Through the feasts, ordinary Christians learn the life of Christ, share it, and come to imitate it. This book continues the work the authors began in their books “The Mass” and “The Church”, exploring the meaning and purpose of the most basic and beloved aspects of Catholic life. Each chapter uncovers the biblical origins and development of one of the great feasts or fasts — Advent, Epiphany, the Holy Angels, all the Marian feasts, and even this very day. The calendar can be a catechism for Catholics who know how to live it. Taken all together these provide a thorough, accessible, and much needed look at aspects of the Roman Catholic faith which seem very mysterious to outside eyes.
Comments from the Group Discussion
All the ladies were happy to have had the opportunity to read this book and relearn why we have these feast days and why we fast.
Favorite Quotes:
June 2016
Heaven, The Heart’s Deepest Longing by Peter Kreeft (†††+)
Synopsis from several online reviews
“Kreeft begins with a simple premise: heaven is real and we all want to go there. But in its simpleness, this idea proves to be the most profound and deepest idea that humanity can lay claim to, and it grabs hold of us like no other. It is an idea that has always been part of the human psyche, an idea that will not go away, though we try to ignore it, or fill our lives with other things. But we are unable to escape it. He explores some of the history of the idea of heaven in philosophy, psychology and theology, and offers insight into why heaven has retained such a strong hold upon our souls. There are three questions, according to Kreeft, which all humans seek to answer: What can I know? What should I do? What may I hope? There are many answers to the first two questions, but in Kreeft's view, only heaven, and the hope it entails, is a valid answer to the third. He says, "Just as faith fulfills the mind's deepest quest for truth and as love fulfills the moral will's deepest quest for goodness, so the hope of heaven fulfills the heart's deepest quest for joy."
“As always, Kreeft is thoroughly versed in the history and philosophy of this concept, quoting from divergent sources such as Plato, Nietzsche, C.S. Lewis and Viktor Frankl. He helps us to understand all aspects of the quest for heaven, including where it starts, when it takes place, where it takes place (and how) and what its ultimate end will be. But heaven is not just an abstract concept giving us hope for the future. It is, instead, a practical and real idea which can and should transform the way we live every day, and he shows us how and why that is true.”
“The book is not an ‘easy’ read, but an incredibly “rewarding” read. I think the depth of Kreeft’s knowledge of philosophy coupled with theology and his wide range of reading and creativity makes for writing that feeds the soul and the mind. So much of what we read today is “fast food.” Heaven: The Heart’s Deepest Longing is a seven-course gourmet meal that leaves you full and satisfied. After contemplating what you have just read it makes you long for Heaven and a deeper and more intimate relationship with Jesus.”
Comments from the Group Discussion
The overall comment was that the book was very philosophical and deep. Many ladies thought it was too heavy for a summer read, few actually finished the book or struggled reading it.
Favorite Quotes:
May 2016
The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Venerable Fulton J. Sheen (††††+)
Synopsis taken from the book cover
With his characteristic eloquence and brilliance, Fulton J. Sheen presents a moving portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary that combines deep spirituality with history, philosophy and theology. All the major aspects and events of Mary's life are lovingly portrayed in this word portrait that is a never failing source of information, consolation and inspiration. Sheen also gives profound insights into all the Marian beliefs ranging from the Immaculate Conception to the Assumption to the miracle of Our Lady of Fatima. While considering the different phases of Mary's life, Bishop Sheen discusses various problems common to mankind of every age and reveals clearly that every problem can be resolved. He emphasizes the unique dignity, strength and gifts of women and their ability to help heal the world's problems. Sheen stresses mankind's need of the Mother of God and her burning love for all her children. The great resurgence of devotion to Mary is God's way of emphasizing the worth and dignity of every person against the false doctrines that have so confused the modern world.
“With the world situation as challenging as it is today, especially the fear of war and terrorism, this book is truly prophetic. Sheen presents powerful insights into how Our Lady can help us in dealing with the problems in today’s world. Among his many books, Sheen cherished this book as his personal favorites!” Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.E.R.
Comments from the Group Discussion
Favorite Quotes:
April 2016
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper by Brant Pitre (†††††)
Synopsis taken from Lighthouse Catholic Media
"Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" shines fresh light on the Last Supper by looking at it through Jewish eyes. Using his in-depth knowledge of the Bible and ancient Judaism, Dr. Brant Pitre answers questions such as: What was the Passover like at the time of Jesus? What were the Jewish hopes for the Messiah? What was Jesus' purpose in instituting the Eucharist during the feast of Passover? And, most important of all, what did Jesus mean when he said, "This is my body... This is my blood"? To answer these questions, Pitre explores ancient Jewish beliefs about the Passover of the Messiah, the miraculous Manna from heaven, and the mysterious Bread of the Presence. As he shows, these three keys-the Passover, the Manna, and the Bread of the Presence-have the power to unlock the original meaning of the Eucharistic words of Jesus. Along the way, Pitre also explains how Jesus united the Last Supper to his death on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Inspiring and informative, "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" is a groundbreaking work that is sure to illuminate one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith: the mystery of Jesus' presence in "the breaking of the bread."
Comments from the Group Discussion
Favorite Quotes:
See more about this author at www.BrantPitre.com
March 2016
Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, Not Conformed to the Culture by Teresa Tomeo (††††)
Synopsis taken from several reviews
The self-image of American women is being distorted by pop culture. With its emphasis on youth, physical beauty, and sexuality, the secular media is encouraging women - and girls - to see themselves primarily as sex objects. Tomeo pulls together the latest research on social behavior and trends to demonstrate that women are harming themselves and their chances for true happiness by adopting the thoroughly modern, sexually liberated lifestyle portrayed in magazines and movies. She starts with her own conversion story up front, recounting how she accepted hook, line, and sinker the Western cultural message to women that they can have everything with no consequences. After consulting contemporary sociological research to show how women have been damaged by their supposed freedoms, the author then offers the teachings of the Catholic Church as a remedy. Catholicism, she claims, is the true path to freedom for women. The Catholic Church holds up the dignity of women in a culture that communicates overly sexualized messages to young girls and treats women as objects to be used for gratification. Included are personal testimonies from women who share their spiritual life journeys. Packed with not only persuasive statistics but also powerful personal testimonies, Extreme Makeover shows that it is not the slogans of the sexual revolution and the women's liberation movement that free and dignify women, but the beautiful teachings of the Catholic Church.
Comments from the Group Discussion
Favorite Quotes:
February 2016
Laudato Si by Pope Francis (††††)
Synopsis parts taken from “The Tablet”
“What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” This is the question that is at the heart of Laudato si’. The Encyclical takes its name from the invocation of St. Francis, “Praise be to you, my Lord,” in his Canticle of the Creatures. It reminds us that the earth, our common home “is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.” We have forgotten that “we ourselves are dust of the earth; our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.” Now, this earth, mistreated and abused, is lamenting, and its groans join those of all the forsaken of the world. Pope Francis invites us to listen to them, urging each and every one – individuals, families, local communities, nations and the international community – to an “ecological conversion,” according to the expression of St. John Paul II. We are invited to “change direction” by taking on the beauty and responsibility of the task of “caring for our common home.” At the same time, Pope Francis recognizes that “there is a growing sensitivity to the environment and the need to protect nature, along with a growing concern, both genuine and distressing, for what is happening to our planet.” A ray of hope flows through the entire Encyclical, which gives a clear message of hope. “Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.” “Men and women are still capable of intervening positively.” “All is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start.” Pope Francis certainly addresses the Catholic faithful, quoting St. John Paul II: “Christians in their turn ‘realize that their responsibility within creation, and their duty towards nature and the Creator, are an essential part of their faith.’” Pope Francis proposes especially “to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home.”
Comments from the Group Discussion
Favorite Quotes:
January 2016
Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler (††††+)
Synopsis taken from the book cover:
Jennifer Fulwiler told herself she was happy. Why wouldn't she be? She made good money as a programmer at a hot tech start-up, had just married a guy with a stack of Ivy League degrees, and lived in a twenty-first-floor condo where she could sip sauvignon blanc while watching the sun set behind the hills of Austin.
Raised in a happy, atheist home, Jennifer had the freedom to think for herself and play by her own rules. Yet a creeping darkness followed her all of her life. Finally, one winter night, it drove her to the edge of her balcony, making her ask once and for all why anything mattered. At that moment everything she knew and believed was shattered.
Asking the unflinching questions about life and death, good and evil, led Jennifer to Christianity, the religion she had reviled since she was an awkward, skeptical child growing up in the Bible Belt. Mortified by this turn of events, she hid her quest from everyone except her husband, concealing religious books in opaque bags as if they were porn and locking herself in public bathroom stalls to read the Bible.
Just when Jennifer had a profound epiphany that gave her the courage to convert, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition-and the only treatment was directly at odds with the doctrines of her new-found faith. Something Other Than God is a poignant, profound and often funny tale of one woman who set out to find the meaning of life and discovered that true happiness sometimes requires losing it all.
Comments from the group’s discussion:
Favorite Quotes:
December 2016
Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives by Joseph Ratzinger Pope Benedict XVI (††††)
Synopsis: taken from Ignatius Press
The momentous third and final volume in the Pope's international bestselling Jesus of Nazareth series details the stories of Jesus' infancy and boyhood, and how they are relevant today in the modern world. In this final book the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary. This is a story of longing and seeking, as demonstrated by the Magi searching for the redemption offered by the birth of a new king. Ultimately, Jesus' life and message is a story for today, one that speaks to the restlessness of the human heart searching for the sole truth which alone leads to profound joy.
Comments from the Group Discussion
As a whole the women in the group agreed that they liked the book and would recommend it to others. Some thought the Pope brilliant in weaving the Old Testament with the New and they all loved the historical references, the little tidbits of new or forgotten information. One lady thought the book read like a textbook.
- It made sense to me when the Pope said “God himself is constantly regarded as a limitation placed on our freedom. God is love. But love can also be hated when it challenges us to transcend ourselves.”
- I never considered that a lack of feeling—insensitivity toward the suffering of others—is considered typical of paganism before.
- He brought in the writings and thoughts of Church Fathers like St. Augustine when he explained the manger, a place where animals find their food, is now the place where Jesus, the true bread from heaven, is found lying.
- My favorite chapter was Chapter 2: The Annunciations of both John the Baptist and Jesus.
- I liked the scripture references from the Old Testament and uniting them with the New Testament’ his reference to the great Suffering Servant Song in Is 53 and then bringing it all together when he says “the closer one comes to Jesus, the more one is drawn into the mystery of his Passion.
- I loved the book and plan to read the first two books in this volume now. And I’m going to read it again next Christmas.
Favorite Quotes:
- “The key point is this: the wise men from the east are a new beginning. They represent the journeying of humanity toward Christ. They initiate a procession that continues throughout history. Not only do they represent the people who have found the way to Christ; they represent the inner aspiration of the human spirit, the dynamism of religions and human reason to toward him.”
- “’When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.’ Mt 2:10. It is the joy of one whose heart has received a ray of God’s light and who can now see that his hope has been realized—the joy of one who has found what he sought, and has himself been found.”
November 2016
No Greater Love by Mother Teresa (†††††)
Synopsis: taken from Spirituality and Practice
This inspiring book brings us the words of the twentieth century's most visible saint. Mother Teresa, armed with her faith and the spiritual practices of attention, compassion, and hope, created a religious order that has spread to 100 countries. She characterizes her work in the phrase, "I am but a pencil in the hands of God." As bestselling author Thomas Moore notes in his foreword, this Christian "stops to care precisely for those whom the world in general neglects" — the destitute elderly, poor orphaned children, lepers, and the dying.
Here are Mother Teresa's thoughts on prayer, love, giving, being holy, work and service, forgiveness, suffering and death, and much more. For example: "We do not need to carry out grand things in order to show a great love for God and for our neighbor. It is the intensity of love we put into our gestures that makes them into
something beautiful for God." And on prayer, Mother Teresa says, "Prayer is in all things, in all gestures."
Comments from the Group Discussion
All the women in the group gave this book an overwhelming five crosses. They found Mother Teresa’s writings to be both humbling and spiritual food for the soul—a great book to have for daily meditation.
- I loved how Mother Teresa spoke on the subject of prayer—it is the very life of oneness, of being one with Christ…it is as necessary as the air, as the blood in our bodies.
- My favorite was the chapter on forgiveness, it touched me in a way that helped me in dealing with my brother.
- The book captured me even in the Foreword when talking about how Mother Teresa focuses her attention on a person’s emotional state and sense of meaning in the last moments of life rather than heroically trying to overcome death.
- She talked about not finding God in noise or agitation, but in silence. What is essential is not what we say but what God tells us and what He tells others through us.
- This is a great meditation book, it is so soothing and comforting. A great source for the thought for the day.
- I loved her style. She said just worry about what you are doing in the moment not the future. Our calling is in the moment. I particularly liked the mentions of joy and how she found joy even through all the suffering she saw.
Favorite Quotes:
“Lose of self leads to the discovery of the soul.”
“We should make every effort to walk in the presence of God, to see God in all the persons we meet, to live our prayer throughout the day.”
“Words that do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”
“We complicate our lives so much, by so many additions. Just one thing counts—to be humble, to pray. The more you pray, the better you will pray.”
“We know poverty means to be hungry for bread, to need clothing and not to have a home. But there is a far greater kind of poverty. It means being unwanted, unloved and neglected. It means having no one to call your own…. Do we know the poor in our house, in our family, in our neighborhood? ... When you know them, that will lead you to love them. And love will impel you to serve them. Only then will you begin to act like Jesus and live out the gospel.”
October 2016
Making Gay Okay—How Rationalizing Homosexual Behavior Changes Everything by Robert Reilly (††††)
Synopsis from Ignatius Press:
Why are Americans being forced to consider homosexual acts as morally acceptable? Why has the US Supreme Court discovered a constitutional right to same-sex "marriage", which until a decade ago, was unheard of in the history of Western or any other civilization? Where has the "gay rights" movement come from, and how has it so easily conquered America?
The answers are in the dynamics of the rationalization of sexual misbehavior. The power of rationalization—the means by which one mentally transforms wrong into right—drives the gay rights movement, gives it its revolutionary character, and makes its advocates indefatigable. The homosexual cause moved naturally from a plea for tolerance to cultural conquest because the security of its rationalization requires universal acceptance. In other words, we all must say that the bad is good.
At stake in the rationalization of homosexual behavior is reality itself, which is why it will have consequences that reach far beyond the issue at hand. Already America's major institutions have been transformed—its courts, its schools, its military, its civic institutions, and even its diplomacy. The further institutionalization of homosexuality will mean the triumph of force over reason, thus undermining the very foundations of the American Republic.
Comments from the Group Discussion
All the ladies agreed that this was a very relevant, timely topic. It was somewhat depressing to read, but knowledge it is important to have. It was a thesis-type book. We had an extensive discussion.
- "Concerning that there has been a re-orienting of society’s view of reality."
- "The advancement of the “homosexual cause” parallels that of abortion."
- "Frightening movement of parental rights to the State."
- "Well written, appreciated the progression of author’s logic."
- "The redefinition of marriage mocks the institution of marriage."
- “I grew up in a heavily gay area----as children we all inherently knew it was wrong.”
- “Death is the theme in all laws that deny Natural Law.”
- "Everyone should read this book. It is a great book to help explain your opposition to “gay marriage.”
- "This book made me mad, and anxious for our country."
- "I’ve talked more about this book with other people than I have about any other book we’ve read."
- “I was shocked by a lot of the information, especially regarding the indoctrination of our youth in the schools.”
Favorite Quotes:
“The family is the nursery of virtue.”
“Children of same-sex couples are made rootless and powerless”
“Homosexuality is not immutable”.
“Intention doesn’t change the good or evil of an act”
“Liberty does not mean the freedom to choose wrong.”
“There is a difference between the truth and what we want to be truth”.
September 2016
The Sign of the Cross by St. Francis De Sales (†††+)
Synopsis from Sophia Institute Press
From the young St. Francis de Sales’s heroic efforts to bring Calvinists back to the Faith comes this succinct, eloquent defense of the age-old Catholic practice of making the Sign of the Cross, which sixteenth-century Calvinists denounced as a Popish invention and many Protestants scorn even today.
Embodying the zeal of youth and the wisdom of age, this gentle jewel of Catholic apologetics traces the origins of the Sign of the Cross back to the Fathers of the Church, to the Apostles before them, and finally to our Lord Himself.
Along with St. Francis’s other lucid explanations of our Catholic Faith and his undaunted love even for those who hated him, this modest book helped restore to their native Catholic faith tens of thousands of heretics who not long before were intent on killing him.
As they did for the Calvinists in St. Francis’s day, so in our day these pages will bring you a better understanding and a renewed love for the Sign of the Cross, that brief and lively exterior prayer by which, from time immemorial, God has been invoked by serious Christians before all of their endeavors.
Among the other things you’ll learn here:
- Why now is always the right time to make the Sign of the Cross
- Why God chooses to attach power to the Sign of the Cross
Comments from the Group Discussion
Though most of the ladies agreed that this book was an academic-type work, and required focus and concentration to read, all read the entire book and agreed it had many relevant points.
- “Although written a long time ago, it is applicable to our present time.”
- “It reminded me that the Sign of the Cross is a defense against demons.”
- “It reminded me that the Sign of the Cross is an important prayer in and of itself.”
- “I was inspired to read more of St. Francis De Sales’ writings.”
- “It was interesting to learn about the Biblical roots (foreshadowing in the Old Testament) of the Sign of the Cross.”
- “I really think about making the Sign of the Cross with reverence now, rather than just doing it out of habit.”
Favorite Quotes:
“Apostolic work absent an interior life focused on Jesus Christ will not bear fruit.”
“…we make the Sign of the Cross in order to attest that every blessing takes it value from the Passion of Jesus Christ.”
“The Sign of the Cross is…a brief and lively exterior prayer by which God is invoked, and, as a result, it is proper for all of our doings and plans.”
August 2016
The Rite, the Making of a Modern Exorcist by Matt Baglio (††††+)
Synopsis
Author, Matt Baglio, followed Father Gary Thomas from California as he began training to become an exorcist. Fr. Gary became the apprentice of an exorcist in Rome in order to get some sense of exorcisms outside of the classroom lectures. We are taken on the journey as well. Additionally, Baglio’s accounting of the information from classes amounts to a brief catechism of Church teachings about anything to do with this subject including among other things, angels, free will, God’s power, and human ailments. Skillfully interwoven with this are Fr. Gary’s experiences and thoughts about the process every step of the way, and real life stories told by people who have been exorcised of a demon.
It is clear that Baglio is a serious journalist as he examines what popular culture takes as truth and corrects misconceptions. As well, he thoroughly examines many of the questions that occur to any logical person when faced with the idea of demons and possession in modern times. To this end he interviews psychologists, doctors, and other specialists for information.
Comments from the Group Discussion
Though some were skeptical in reading the book at first most all of the ladies read the entire book. All ended up recommending it.
- “I think this is an imported book to read because of the increase in new age followers. We all need to be armed with knowledge to know what we’re up against.”
- “I thought it was interesting to learn that 80% of people who are possessed have been sexually abused.”
- “I learned so much about the level of devils.”
- “I appreciated that the person wanting to see the exorcist needed to see a specialized psychiatrist first… In a way it reminded me of Charismatic prayer groups.”
- “I was touched that the Demon is afraid of the Blessed Mother.’’
- “What I got out of it was to learn to forgive ourselves, to go to healing Masses and confession, to say the rosary and pray to Mary, and the importance of a home blessing.”
Favorite Quotes:
“Where faith decreases, superstition grows.”
“The Devil’s main trick is to make people think they are unworthy of God’s forgiveness. This is the biggest lie that the demon gives us, not making us believe in God’s mercy.”
“Simply put, the prayers of the exorcism weaken the power that the demon has over the person. The healing, however, cannot happen without the full participation of the individual. Victims of possession are exhorted to go to weekly confession, to recite the rosary daily, and above all to receive the Eucharist.”
July 2016
The FEASTS, How the Church Year Forms Us as Catholics by Cardinal Donald Wuerl and Mike Aquilina (††††)
Synopsis from Fathers of the Church
“The church forms us in many different ways, and the calendar is one of the most important. Most people, through most of history, couldn’t read. So they didn’t learn the faith from catechisms. They learned it, and they passed it along to their children, through the celebration of the feasts. From the Annunciation through the Ascension, the calendar guides us through the mysteries of Jesus Christ.” Mike Aquilina
Catholic faith is festive, and the Catholic faithful count their days by celebrating the mysteries of Jesus’ life. There is a message to be found in the passing of days, weeks, and seasons. Through the feasts, ordinary Christians learn the life of Christ, share it, and come to imitate it. This book continues the work the authors began in their books “The Mass” and “The Church”, exploring the meaning and purpose of the most basic and beloved aspects of Catholic life. Each chapter uncovers the biblical origins and development of one of the great feasts or fasts — Advent, Epiphany, the Holy Angels, all the Marian feasts, and even this very day. The calendar can be a catechism for Catholics who know how to live it. Taken all together these provide a thorough, accessible, and much needed look at aspects of the Roman Catholic faith which seem very mysterious to outside eyes.
Comments from the Group Discussion
All the ladies were happy to have had the opportunity to read this book and relearn why we have these feast days and why we fast.
- “I especially liked the chapter on The Fasts. The book pointed out where in the Bible it speaks about the spiritual benefits of fasting— it produces humility, clears the path to God, is a means of discerning God’s will, and is a powerful method of prayer, Also, Jesus said when you fast---not if you fast.”
- “I really needed this review. I agree that as we celebrate the feasts of the saints, we pass on to the next generation the memories we have received from our parents and families. I think that after Vatican II a lot was lost, especially with doctrinal issues.”
- “I’m happy to have this book on my shelf so that I can share it with others. My favorite chapter was on Divine Mercy.”
Favorite Quotes:
- “When we celebrate the feast days, we are living life to the full, because we are fulfilling a deep need in human nature. God made us fundamentally to desire joy, and we want to have a reason for joy.”
- “We Christians in the modern age have too often allowed the culture to mute our participation in the public conversation about issues of personal morality and social justice. These feasts call every member of the Church to be a light, to manifest the Gospel, to be an epiphany of Christ, a sign of all that the Church proclaims and teaches as truth.”
- “We can enjoy the world, even with its sufferings, and we can celebrate life, with all its ups and downs, when we see the world, our lives, and our salvation as gifts from God who loves us. That is the only true cause for celebration.”
June 2016
Heaven, The Heart’s Deepest Longing by Peter Kreeft (†††+)
Synopsis from several online reviews
“Kreeft begins with a simple premise: heaven is real and we all want to go there. But in its simpleness, this idea proves to be the most profound and deepest idea that humanity can lay claim to, and it grabs hold of us like no other. It is an idea that has always been part of the human psyche, an idea that will not go away, though we try to ignore it, or fill our lives with other things. But we are unable to escape it. He explores some of the history of the idea of heaven in philosophy, psychology and theology, and offers insight into why heaven has retained such a strong hold upon our souls. There are three questions, according to Kreeft, which all humans seek to answer: What can I know? What should I do? What may I hope? There are many answers to the first two questions, but in Kreeft's view, only heaven, and the hope it entails, is a valid answer to the third. He says, "Just as faith fulfills the mind's deepest quest for truth and as love fulfills the moral will's deepest quest for goodness, so the hope of heaven fulfills the heart's deepest quest for joy."
“As always, Kreeft is thoroughly versed in the history and philosophy of this concept, quoting from divergent sources such as Plato, Nietzsche, C.S. Lewis and Viktor Frankl. He helps us to understand all aspects of the quest for heaven, including where it starts, when it takes place, where it takes place (and how) and what its ultimate end will be. But heaven is not just an abstract concept giving us hope for the future. It is, instead, a practical and real idea which can and should transform the way we live every day, and he shows us how and why that is true.”
“The book is not an ‘easy’ read, but an incredibly “rewarding” read. I think the depth of Kreeft’s knowledge of philosophy coupled with theology and his wide range of reading and creativity makes for writing that feeds the soul and the mind. So much of what we read today is “fast food.” Heaven: The Heart’s Deepest Longing is a seven-course gourmet meal that leaves you full and satisfied. After contemplating what you have just read it makes you long for Heaven and a deeper and more intimate relationship with Jesus.”
Comments from the Group Discussion
The overall comment was that the book was very philosophical and deep. Many ladies thought it was too heavy for a summer read, few actually finished the book or struggled reading it.
- I have a love/hate relationship with this book but there were many spots I really had to think about. I’m thankful I read it but will probably not go back to it.
- I love philosophical books so enjoyed reading this book, though it was deep.
- Chapter 2 on Fear spoke to me about putting our trust in God. “Only those who seek God will find him.” I also liked reading the other religious traditions on their view of heaven.
- The chapter on Joy was my favorite.
Favorite Quotes:
- “A joyful spirit inspires joyful feelings and even a more psychosomatically healthy body.
- “Death is a rehearsal for resurrection.”
- “All artistry reflects the artist; and if God is love, then his world is the eternal love made visible in time. It is made of matter, but more fundamentally, it is made of love.”
- “Once you see the face of God, the world is forever transformed into his features.”
May 2016
The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Venerable Fulton J. Sheen (††††+)
Synopsis taken from the book cover
With his characteristic eloquence and brilliance, Fulton J. Sheen presents a moving portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary that combines deep spirituality with history, philosophy and theology. All the major aspects and events of Mary's life are lovingly portrayed in this word portrait that is a never failing source of information, consolation and inspiration. Sheen also gives profound insights into all the Marian beliefs ranging from the Immaculate Conception to the Assumption to the miracle of Our Lady of Fatima. While considering the different phases of Mary's life, Bishop Sheen discusses various problems common to mankind of every age and reveals clearly that every problem can be resolved. He emphasizes the unique dignity, strength and gifts of women and their ability to help heal the world's problems. Sheen stresses mankind's need of the Mother of God and her burning love for all her children. The great resurgence of devotion to Mary is God's way of emphasizing the worth and dignity of every person against the false doctrines that have so confused the modern world.
“With the world situation as challenging as it is today, especially the fear of war and terrorism, this book is truly prophetic. Sheen presents powerful insights into how Our Lady can help us in dealing with the problems in today’s world. Among his many books, Sheen cherished this book as his personal favorites!” Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.E.R.
Comments from the Group Discussion
- I thought this was a very well-written, moving, and intelligent book. The chapter on Mary and the Moslems is especially timely and seems prophetic especially in this day and age. I loved his poetic and lofty literary style as well.
- Reading this book was so different than the Bible studies I’ve taken on Mary. I especially liked how Sheen explained how God had to decide on the time of His coming, the country in which He would be born, the city, the people, the race, and the language He would speak. Yet all these details would depend entirely on the woman who would be His Mother. She would give him a social position, a language, an environment, a destiny.
- Sheen gives some very interesting points on why he thinks Joseph was a young man as opposed to the traditional belief that he was older. His whole chapter on “The World’s Happiest Marriage” was my favorite.
- The Archbishop puts pictures in your mind when he writes. My favorite is: Mary is a window through which our humanity first catches a glimpse of Divinity on earth. Or perhaps she is more like a magnifying glass; she intensifies our love of her Son and makes our prayers more bright and burning.
Favorite Quotes:
- “As she formed Jesus in her body, so she forms Jesus in our souls.”
- The irresponsibility of love is the source of life’s greatest tragedies, and as the Church suffers more than the heretic, so the woman probably suffers more than the erring man.
- Let those who think that the Church pays too much attention to Mary give heed to the fact that Our Blessed Lord Himself gave ten times as much of His life to her as He gave to His Apostles.
- ”There is never any danger that men will think too much of Mary; the danger is that they will think too little of Christ. Coldness toward Mary is a consequence of indifference to Christ. Any objection to calling her the “Mother of God” is fundamentally an objection to the Deity of Christ.
- “God, who made the sun, also made the moon. The moon does not take away from the brilliance of the sun.”
April 2016
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper by Brant Pitre (†††††)
Synopsis taken from Lighthouse Catholic Media
"Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" shines fresh light on the Last Supper by looking at it through Jewish eyes. Using his in-depth knowledge of the Bible and ancient Judaism, Dr. Brant Pitre answers questions such as: What was the Passover like at the time of Jesus? What were the Jewish hopes for the Messiah? What was Jesus' purpose in instituting the Eucharist during the feast of Passover? And, most important of all, what did Jesus mean when he said, "This is my body... This is my blood"? To answer these questions, Pitre explores ancient Jewish beliefs about the Passover of the Messiah, the miraculous Manna from heaven, and the mysterious Bread of the Presence. As he shows, these three keys-the Passover, the Manna, and the Bread of the Presence-have the power to unlock the original meaning of the Eucharistic words of Jesus. Along the way, Pitre also explains how Jesus united the Last Supper to his death on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Inspiring and informative, "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" is a groundbreaking work that is sure to illuminate one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith: the mystery of Jesus' presence in "the breaking of the bread."
Comments from the Group Discussion
- Sometimes I forget Jesus was Jewish and the author continually brought in his Jewishness and the traditions the Jewish people had at that time and how important those traditions were, especially those concerning the Passover Meal.
- The book spoke to my heart and I found myself getting very emotional. I loved how the author explained how the Jewish priest would lift up the “Presence of God” which is nothing less than saying “Here is the face of God.”
- After reading the explanations again on St. John’s Bread of Life discourse in Jn 6, I have to wonder how some people consider the Eucharist to be just a symbol.
- The book is loaded with facts and history and is very educational. The author was always answering my questions that came up as I read.
- The author used all sorts of references: early Church Fathers, ancient Jewish scholars, Biblical scholars, etc. It took him five years of research to write this book and I love his passion for the book. I’ve listened to his blogs and watched videos he’s done on the book and love the way he explains things on every different level of understanding.
- I thought the book read like a textbook and a bit redundant since I’ve studied all this before, however, I did like the significance of the manna and he clarified the fourth cup for me—the last cup that Jesus took just before he died.
Favorite Quotes:
- “When it comes to the richness of the Christian tradition, many of its most profound insights into the Bible have not been lost, only overlooked by those of us who do not know them.”
- “Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…” Essentially, Peter was saying, “Lord, I don’t fully grasp what you just said, but I do know who you are.”
- “The Eucharist is not something, it is someone.”
See more about this author at www.BrantPitre.com
March 2016
Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, Not Conformed to the Culture by Teresa Tomeo (††††)
Synopsis taken from several reviews
The self-image of American women is being distorted by pop culture. With its emphasis on youth, physical beauty, and sexuality, the secular media is encouraging women - and girls - to see themselves primarily as sex objects. Tomeo pulls together the latest research on social behavior and trends to demonstrate that women are harming themselves and their chances for true happiness by adopting the thoroughly modern, sexually liberated lifestyle portrayed in magazines and movies. She starts with her own conversion story up front, recounting how she accepted hook, line, and sinker the Western cultural message to women that they can have everything with no consequences. After consulting contemporary sociological research to show how women have been damaged by their supposed freedoms, the author then offers the teachings of the Catholic Church as a remedy. Catholicism, she claims, is the true path to freedom for women. The Catholic Church holds up the dignity of women in a culture that communicates overly sexualized messages to young girls and treats women as objects to be used for gratification. Included are personal testimonies from women who share their spiritual life journeys. Packed with not only persuasive statistics but also powerful personal testimonies, Extreme Makeover shows that it is not the slogans of the sexual revolution and the women's liberation movement that free and dignify women, but the beautiful teachings of the Catholic Church.
Comments from the Group Discussion
- I think TV has really been going downhill and this book just proved that. I just didn’t know, from the statistics she gave, just how really bad it is.
- My experience is that women are looked down on, or considered uninteresting if they stay home to raise children. The culture is changing our way of thinking and we’ve let the culture change us.
- I knew about the problem with internet porn, but she points out it’s just not just men but with women also.
- I was well aware of the content she wrote about in the book, it was the statistics she gave that surprised me.
- We are such a health-conscience society yet women don’t seem to be concerned about what’s in the birth control pill and what it does to their bodies.
- I liked that the book not only explains reasons for the statistics, but it gives links to look things up yourself.
Favorite Quotes:
- Truth is truth and it cannot be suppressed. Whether we are talking abortion, contraception, or embryonic stem cell research, the Church is proven right over and over again.’
- God loves us right where we are at, but He also loves us too much to leave us there. In other words, if we are still walking the earth, God isn’t done with us yet.
- Your past does not define you.
- I get tired. I get frustrated…That’s when I recall the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.”
February 2016
Laudato Si by Pope Francis (††††)
Synopsis parts taken from “The Tablet”
“What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” This is the question that is at the heart of Laudato si’. The Encyclical takes its name from the invocation of St. Francis, “Praise be to you, my Lord,” in his Canticle of the Creatures. It reminds us that the earth, our common home “is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.” We have forgotten that “we ourselves are dust of the earth; our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.” Now, this earth, mistreated and abused, is lamenting, and its groans join those of all the forsaken of the world. Pope Francis invites us to listen to them, urging each and every one – individuals, families, local communities, nations and the international community – to an “ecological conversion,” according to the expression of St. John Paul II. We are invited to “change direction” by taking on the beauty and responsibility of the task of “caring for our common home.” At the same time, Pope Francis recognizes that “there is a growing sensitivity to the environment and the need to protect nature, along with a growing concern, both genuine and distressing, for what is happening to our planet.” A ray of hope flows through the entire Encyclical, which gives a clear message of hope. “Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.” “Men and women are still capable of intervening positively.” “All is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start.” Pope Francis certainly addresses the Catholic faithful, quoting St. John Paul II: “Christians in their turn ‘realize that their responsibility within creation, and their duty towards nature and the Creator, are an essential part of their faith.’” Pope Francis proposes especially “to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home.”
Comments from the Group Discussion
- I found it a little hard to read but it pricks the conscience and I think we all need more education on this teaching.
- The Pope is a little bit of a Socialist, but finally, we have a spiritual perspective for the care of our planet.
- It really gave us a lot to think about though I thought it very redundant and the message got lost because it was so long.
- I found it fascinating to get into the mind of Pope Francis. You could tell that his number one concern is for the care of the poor.
- It was very challenging and philosophical. He points out that all our modern knowledge, precisely those with the knowledge have an impressive dominance over the whole of humanity and the entire world.
- At first I thought I’d rate the book only 1at best because I’m not quite convinced of global warming, but in the end I liked the book and think the Pope has some valid points such as we have too much (of everything), technology advancements are not accompanied by development in human responsibility, values and conscience.
Favorite Quotes:
- When people become self-centered and self-enclosed, their greed increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs things to buy, own, and consume.
- He asks us to replace consumption with sacrifice, greed with generosity, wastefulness with a spirit of sharing, an asceticism which entails learning to give, and not simply to give up.
- The acceptance of our bodies as God’s gift is vital for welcoming and accepting the entire world as a gift from the Father and our common home…Learning to accept our body…is an essential element of any genuine human ecology. Also valuing one’s own body in its femininity or masculinity is necessary if I am going to be able to recognize myself in an encounter with someone who is different. It is not a healthy attitude which would seek to cancel out sexual difference because it no longer knows how to confront it.”
January 2016
Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler (††††+)
Synopsis taken from the book cover:
Jennifer Fulwiler told herself she was happy. Why wouldn't she be? She made good money as a programmer at a hot tech start-up, had just married a guy with a stack of Ivy League degrees, and lived in a twenty-first-floor condo where she could sip sauvignon blanc while watching the sun set behind the hills of Austin.
Raised in a happy, atheist home, Jennifer had the freedom to think for herself and play by her own rules. Yet a creeping darkness followed her all of her life. Finally, one winter night, it drove her to the edge of her balcony, making her ask once and for all why anything mattered. At that moment everything she knew and believed was shattered.
Asking the unflinching questions about life and death, good and evil, led Jennifer to Christianity, the religion she had reviled since she was an awkward, skeptical child growing up in the Bible Belt. Mortified by this turn of events, she hid her quest from everyone except her husband, concealing religious books in opaque bags as if they were porn and locking herself in public bathroom stalls to read the Bible.
Just when Jennifer had a profound epiphany that gave her the courage to convert, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition-and the only treatment was directly at odds with the doctrines of her new-found faith. Something Other Than God is a poignant, profound and often funny tale of one woman who set out to find the meaning of life and discovered that true happiness sometimes requires losing it all.
Comments from the group’s discussion:
- I admire her persistence in finding the truth.
- I enjoyed her journey to faith and how she included her husband’s journey as well.
- I loved her realization about men and women being different: complimentary but equally important
- A very real, honest story
Favorite Quotes:
- “When you come to know God, the initiative lies on His side. If He does not show Himself, nothing you can do will enable you to find Him.” (p.129, quoting C.S. Lewis)
- “…the secret to being good is to be humble.” (p.151)
- “Are you seeking God like he’s a person, or like he’s a concept?” (p.196)
- “In every single case where people cooperated with evil, they used eloquent lies to assure themselves that what they were doing was actually good.” (p.138)