A CALL TO MERCY - MOTHER TERESA

As one of the most widely recognized personages of our times and acknowledged to be a saint even while still alive, Mother Teresa became the personification of virtue and mercy. A Call to Mercy is a compilation of her notes and writings, guidance she offered to the nuns, speeches and interviews edited by Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk,the postulator in the cause of her canonization.

I found the format of the book particularly appealing. Each one of its fourteen chapters is devoted to one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy or one of the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. The straight-forward wisdom of Mother Teresa’s words reach deep into your soul. A focused reading of this book provides the reader with all the benefits of a spiritual retreat without ever having to leave their home. I highly recommend it.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

CITY of SAINTS, A Pilgrimage to John Paul II's Krakow by GEORGE WEIGEL

City of Saints provides an intimate and insightful portrait of the ancient city that formed one of the giants of our era.

I had the good fortune to encounter George Weigel’s book, City of Saints, at the same time as I was reading a biography of Karol Wojtyla, known to us as Pope St. John Paul II. Being able to switch back and forth between the two volumes greatly enhanced my reading experience. Having this picture-packed reference on the table beside me allowed me to experience Krakow, Poland in ways I never could have otherwise done. 

- E. G. Lewis

For more information about City of Saints, click here.

THE GOSPEL OF HAPPINESS by Christopher Kaczor

I’ll admit I approached The Gospel of Happiness with some trepidation. One of the subsets of current Christian preaching is the so-called “Prosperity Gospel.” You’ll find it popping up in the local bookstore, as well as on the radio and TV. However, I’m happy to report that this book has nothing whatsoever to do with the comical idea that God is always lurking in the background eagerly awaiting an opportunity to shower his followers with riches.

Instead, author Christopher Kaczor focuses on the built-in wisdom of Christian theology and the ways in which authentic Christian practices bring about true and lasting satisfaction. In other words, true Happiness. This timely book reminds us that happiness is found, not in getting or grasping, but in giving of one’s self.

I shared several relevant passages from The Gospel of Happiness with my wife. They impressed her enough that she recommended it as a selection for the Parish’s reading club…a most appropriate use for this fine book. 

Highly recommended!

SEVEN REVOLUTIONS by Mike Aquilina & James L. Papandrea

Seven Revolutions – How Christianity Changed the World and Can Change It Again, reminds us of an uncomfortable truth. Believer and unbeliever alike, we have all benefited from the Christianization of our world.

Science tells us that the physical world tends to disorder…chaos, if you will. It is easy to forget that the way in which we live and things we have come to accept as the natural order of society are not in any way natural. And it is only now, when we begin to look around and see it crumbling before our very eyes that we ask, “Why?”

The Church and its principles revolutionized the world 2,000 years ago, and this book makes a strong case for the urgent need to re-Christianize our world.

After establishing its thesis of the changing power of Christianity on society, the book lays out the task which we, as people living in a post-Christian world, now face as we set about reclaiming the world around us.

Seven Revolutions is both insightful and articulate. I highly recommend it.

E. G Lewis

MOTHER TERESA -- COME BE MY LIGHT

Meditate on the Life of a Greta Saint

We all have our favorite saint, but no matter how much we read and study they exist mostly in our imagination. Mother Teresa is different; she’s a contemporary. I never met her, of course, but still feel as though I know her. And through the wonderful book, Mother Teresa – Come be My Light, I’ve come to know her in ways I never imagined. I marveled at the depth of her humility and holiness as I read her personal correspondence with her confessor and her Bishop. The insights one gains are life changing.

Pope Benedict once said, “Even in the most difficult times, the Lord does not cease to bless his People, bringing forth Saints who give a jolt to minds and hearts…” Mother Teresa was surely once such person given to us as a role model.

This is a must read book…Don’t miss it!

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.