Book suggestion needed

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After 25 years away from the Church I returned last year and have been filled with deep joy…however, that story is for another post.

A few weeks ago I was having a conversation with a close family member who has always attended Church regularly, and is active in prayer groups and ministries. She prayed for me during the years that I was busy being the vocal, ex-Catholic. Her faith always seemed solid as a rock but she shared with me that it was actually riddled with doubt and asked me to pray for her, which I have been doing.

With Christmas closing in I would like to buy her a book, or prayer aid, that would help her to get back on track. She is pretty hard on herself and was comparing her own faith with people around her as a way to put herself down. That said I don’t want to buy her something that would make her feel worse or anything that is written for a novice as she has a very strong understanding of the faith.

Hopefully that’s not too tall an order.

Thanks and God Bless.

TC
 
Why not try St. Louis De Montfort’s “True Devotion to Mary?” This is a wonderful book, full of joy, full of insight, and leading to a deeper and more faith filled life whether one attempts the consecration right away or not.

I also recommend St. Teresa of Avila’s “The Interior Castle”. This is one of the doctors of the Church, writing in a style which can be read as both simple and extremely nuanced, offering an ‘interior journey’ which can be taken at any rate, and which, which Teresa may at times worry about herself and others as lacking, she immediately takes joy and comfort in God’s unconditional and perfect love.
 
With all due respect to Tantum Ergo, I wouldn’t recommend such difficult reading for anyone riddled with doubts. They’re not for the faint-hearted or the theologically iffy.

I’d recommend I Believe in Love by Pere Jean du Coeur de Jesus D’Elbee, based on the “Little Way” of St. Therese. It has given comfort to many, many souls overwhelmed by the world, scrupulosity, and fear. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
 
Della, I take back my suggestions and wholeheartedly endorse yours. (I had indeed thought about suggesting the Story of a Soul. Great minds. . .)
 
TJRC said:
After 25 years away from the Church I returned last year and have been filled with deep joy…however, that story is for another post.

A few weeks ago I was having a conversation with a close family member who has always attended Church regularly, and is active in prayer groups and ministries. She prayed for me during the years that I was busy being the vocal, ex-Catholic. Her faith always seemed solid as a rock but she shared with me that it was actually riddled with doubt and asked me to pray for her, which I have been doing.

With Christmas closing in I would like to buy her a book, or prayer aid, that would help her to get back on track. She is pretty hard on herself and was comparing her own faith with people around her as a way to put herself down. That said I don’t want to buy her something that would make her feel worse or anything that is written for a novice as she has a very strong understanding of the faith.

Hopefully that’s not too tall an order.

Thanks and God Bless.

TC
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What do you think of this?

"CONSIDER how noble and excellent a thing your soul is, endowed with understanding, capable of knowing, not merely this visible world around us, but Angels and Paradise, of knowing that there is an All-Mighty, All-Merciful, Ineffable God; of knowing that eternity lies before you, and of knowing what is necessary in order so to live in this visible world as to attain to fellowship with those Angels in Paradise, and the eternal fruition of God.

Yet more;—your soul is possessed of a noble will, capable of loving God, irresistibly drawn to that love; your heart is full of generous enthusiasm, and can no more find rest in any earthly creation, or in aught save God, than the bee can find honey on a dunghill, or in aught save flowers. Let your mind boldly review the wild earthly pleasures which once filled your heart, and see whether they did not abound in uneasiness and doubts, in painful thoughts and uncomfortable cares, amid which your troubled heart was miserable.

When the heart of man seeks the creature, it goes to work eagerly, expecting to satisfy its cravings; but directly it obtains what it sought, it finds a blank, and dissatisfied, begins to seek anew; for God will not suffer our hearts to find any rest, like the dove going forth from Noah’s ark, until it returns to God, whence it came. Surely this is a most striking natural beauty in our heart;–why should we constrain it against its will to seek creature love?

In some such wise might you address your soul: “You are capable of realising a longing after God, why should you trifle with anything lower? you can live for eternity, why should you stop short in time? One of the sorrows of the prodigal son was, that, when he might have been living in plenty at his father’s table, he had brought himself to share the swine’s husks. My soul, you are made for God, woe be to you if you stop short in anything short of Him!” Lift up your soul with thoughts such as these, convince it that it is eternal, and worthy of eternity; fill it with courage in this pursuit."

If you think this kind of material would appeal to her, then you might consider St. Francis de Sales “Introduction to the Devout Life.”
 
How about one of Patrick Madrid’s Surprised by Truth books? True, these books are great for people considering Catholicism, but I have found that reading conversion stories really reaffirms my faith. Another suggestion is Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer, edited by Jeff Cavins and Matt Pinto. After reading that book, I was so thankful for our faith and the amazing grace that flows through living it.

Kathy
 
Della said:
With all due respect to Tantum Ergo, I wouldn’t recommend such difficult reading for anyone riddled with doubts. They’re not for the faint-hearted or the theologically iffy.

I’d recommend I Believe in Love by Pere Jean du Coeur de Jesus D’Elbee, based on the “Little Way” of St. Therese. It has given comfort to many, many souls overwhelmed by the world, scrupulosity, and fear. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
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I am really with you on this. The Little Flower has helped me a lot.
 
Father Dubay has a really good book on prayer: Prayer Primer. All of Father Dubay’s books are wonderful.

Introduction to the Devout Life is one of my favorites.

But, if she is having doubts on doctrine, I think conversion stories would be a great choice. Rome Sweet Home, Surprised by the Truth books, Jeff Cavins’ conversion story are all some of my favorites.

A Protestant book has helped me with basic doubts–* The Case for Christ* by Lee Strobel.
 
I would suggest The Imitation of Christ. A friend bought it for me several years ago and it helped so much! It’s a small book, but I believe, meant to not be read in one sitting. It’s mainly meditations and it’s really good for thinking about your own relationship with Christ.

I understand your friend, as I think many people, myself included, find themselves very shaky in their faith, esp. when surrounded by people who appear to be so strong.
 
Wow! A wonderful set of recommendations from posters!!

It’s so individual… everyone has been touched by one book or another in different ways.

Two of my favorites are:
  • “Weeds Among the Wheat” by Father Thomas Green, SJ [this book always blows my mind after a page or so … it leaves me deliciously reeling, feeling great.]
  • “In the Presence of Our Lord” by Father Benedict Groeschel *
And a third:

“A Travel Guide to Heaven” by Mr. Anthony Destefano [this was an eyeopener for me … he doesn’t even mention that its a Catholic book until the very end. Inspirational as well as biblically grounded.]

It kind of depends what I might be in the mood for … inspiration or facts.

Peter Kreeft writes amazingly well.

And Karl Keating has “What Catholics Really Believe”… subtitled “52 Answers to Common Misconceptions About the Catholic Faith.”

Good luck and feel free to chat more if you need other titles or authors.*
 
Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly

Details

ISBN: 1592760120
ISBN-13: 9781592760121 Hardcover, 313pp
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor, Publishing Division

From the Publisher

Over the past ten years, Matthew Kelly has seen more of the world than most presidents and more of the Church than most bishops. Now, in this unique and timely book, he proposes that Catholicism is not a lifeless set of rules and regulations, but a way of life designed by God to help each person reach his or her full potential. With remarkable insight, Kelly dispels dozens of the myths that surround the practice and rejection of Catholicism today, and provides a profound and practical vision of what will lead the Catholic Church to thrive again in the future. “Holiness is to become the-best-version-of-yourself. Francis of Assisi spent his whole life trying to become the best-version-of-himself. Mother Teresa spent her whole life trying to become the-best-version-of-herself. God calls us all to holiness, because God wants each of us to be all we can be.” “The goal of the Christian life is holiness,” Kelly explains, “but somewhere along the way this term disappeared from most Catholic’s vocabulary. Either because we thought it was an unattainable ideal or because we felt it lacked relevance in the modern context. Maybe we thought the idea of holiness made people feel guilty. Perhaps we just wanted to make it easier for people. Whatever the reason, the disappearance of this goal hasn’t made it easier for modern Catholics; it’s made it harder for them.” “Have you ever tried to find your way to a place you have never been before with no directions, no map, and no clear description of the destination?” “The great confusion that is torturing the Church and weakening our faith surrounds one question. What is holiness? The falling attendance at church, the marginalization of the Church by our secular culture, and our failure to reach the youth are all caused by our inability to communicate clearly the answer to this question. What is holiness?” “Modern men and women have simply become disoriented. We have lost our way. By putting aside the goal of the Christian life – this call to holiness – we have lost sight of the great Spiritual North Star. The North Star is the only star in the sky that never moves; it remains constant, unwavering, and therefore is truly a guide. If we are to find our way, we must rediscover the great Spiritual North Star.”
 
I would second ANY of Matthew Kelly’s books! I’ve read A Call to Joy and The Rhythm of Life. Both are exceptional and about renewing your vibrancy in your faith (and not emotionally, all that goody-goody feeling stuff). In fact, you may like to get yourself a copy as well. Maybe tell your friend that you’re reading it too and can talk about it later once you’re both finished. 🙂
 
lotusblossom said:
I would second ANY of Matthew Kelly’s books! I’ve read A Call to Joy and The Rhythm of Life. Both are exceptional and about renewing your vibrancy in your faith (and not emotionally, all that goody-goody feeling stuff). In fact, you may like to get yourself a copy as well. Maybe tell your friend that you’re reading it too and can talk about it later once you’re both finished. 🙂
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And I third! His most recent, “The Seven Levels of Intimacy” for married folk.For your friend, “Rediscovering Catholicism” 👍
 
She might also benefit from a retreat. I know that when I’m struggling, a retreat is very helpful to get me back on track.
 
Wow…thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. I picked up a book of the inspirational quotes of St. Therese. I can’t recall the title and, as my wife is a speed wrapper, there’s no way for me to see the title until the gift is given.

Just so you know I will be spending some of my Christmas loot on a few of the titles listed below.

Merry Christmas to you all and your families.

God Bless!

TC
 
Della said:
With all due respect to Tantum Ergo, I wouldn’t recommend such difficult reading for anyone riddled with doubts. They’re not for the faint-hearted or the theologically iffy.

I’d recommend I Believe in Love by Pere Jean du Coeur de Jesus D’Elbee, based on the “Little Way” of St. Therese. It has given comfort to many, many souls overwhelmed by the world, scrupulosity, and fear. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
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Thank you for that I will look up the book myself right now. I love the “little way” of St therese thank you
God bless
littleone
 
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