A
Andruschak
Guest
Last time, I reviewed the 15 Volume LITURGICAL YEAR by Dom Prosper Gueranger O.S.B.
Today I would like to make two more suggestions for “lifetime reading books”, books with entries for every day of the year, adjusted for the Church seasons, and which can be profitably re-read year after year. I have them both, and have been using them since the start of last december (Advent)
First up is DIVINE INTIMACY by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene O.C.D. I have seen it sold as a set of 4 paperbacks, but I prefer my Tan Edition of one hefty hardcover.
The purpose of this book is to help you, through prayer and meditation, to move into deeper contemplation of God. As might be expected from a Carmalite Father, there are extensive quotations from Carmalite Saints such as St. John of the Cross, Saint Teresa of Jesus, and others.
Each day’s entry is about 3 pages long, half being a meditation, and the other half a guided prayer titled 'colloquy".
The other book series is IN CONVERSATION WITH GOD, by Opus Dei priest father Francis Fernandez Carvajal. As might be expected, the 7 books are heavy in quotations from Saint Escriva, but it includes substantial quotes from Popes and other saints. Each day’s lesson is about 6 pages.
It is sort of like having this nice Priest come into your house every day to give you a personal homily.
Of course, both books require some time read each day. In my case, on workdays, I read them during my lunch break at work, 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM. I do not actually eat lunch, since my BSP/CFP program has persuaded me to be content with two meals a day. Dinner from 11 AM - Noon, and supper when I get home from work at midnight. So I have an uninterupted half hour to read and digest these two books.:coffeeread:
(THE LITURGICAL YEAR is part of my bedtime reading, Midnight - 2 AM)
So there it is, three hefty books to read a day. As time goes on, I may, probably will, drop one or two. But not right now. All three give ways to make spiritual progress, from a mid-19th century Benidictine, a mid-20th century Carmalite, and a late 20th century Opus Dei teacher.
Typed 6 january 2008 with Fluffy in my lap. Without her “help”, I could have finished the typing in half the time.
Today I would like to make two more suggestions for “lifetime reading books”, books with entries for every day of the year, adjusted for the Church seasons, and which can be profitably re-read year after year. I have them both, and have been using them since the start of last december (Advent)
First up is DIVINE INTIMACY by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene O.C.D. I have seen it sold as a set of 4 paperbacks, but I prefer my Tan Edition of one hefty hardcover.
The purpose of this book is to help you, through prayer and meditation, to move into deeper contemplation of God. As might be expected from a Carmalite Father, there are extensive quotations from Carmalite Saints such as St. John of the Cross, Saint Teresa of Jesus, and others.
Each day’s entry is about 3 pages long, half being a meditation, and the other half a guided prayer titled 'colloquy".
The other book series is IN CONVERSATION WITH GOD, by Opus Dei priest father Francis Fernandez Carvajal. As might be expected, the 7 books are heavy in quotations from Saint Escriva, but it includes substantial quotes from Popes and other saints. Each day’s lesson is about 6 pages.
It is sort of like having this nice Priest come into your house every day to give you a personal homily.
Of course, both books require some time read each day. In my case, on workdays, I read them during my lunch break at work, 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM. I do not actually eat lunch, since my BSP/CFP program has persuaded me to be content with two meals a day. Dinner from 11 AM - Noon, and supper when I get home from work at midnight. So I have an uninterupted half hour to read and digest these two books.:coffeeread:
(THE LITURGICAL YEAR is part of my bedtime reading, Midnight - 2 AM)
So there it is, three hefty books to read a day. As time goes on, I may, probably will, drop one or two. But not right now. All three give ways to make spiritual progress, from a mid-19th century Benidictine, a mid-20th century Carmalite, and a late 20th century Opus Dei teacher.
Typed 6 january 2008 with Fluffy in my lap. Without her “help”, I could have finished the typing in half the time.
