St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church

Looking back through my blog posts, I noticed that it has been a while since I had recommended some reading material. With winter upon us, the long nights, short days, and cold temperatures are a good time for spiritual reading. Many spiritual writers consider spiritual reading to be an excellent form of prayer to strengthen our faith and provide more depth in our prayer life. Here are a few of the books I have read over the last few years that I think you would enjoy and find beneficial as I did.

Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World by Elisa Morgan

I was looking for an Advent reflection book this year and ran across this book in my search. It has been a wonderful source of reflection and insights into the people involved in the original Christmas. Each chapter explores a person and how Christmas changed them. There are biblical insights into their story and real-world examples from the life and experience of the author. I have found that each chapter has opened me to new understandings and provides reflection questions that have challenged me in how I live my faith. Maybe a good Christmas gift to yourself or somebody you know to explore during the upcoming Christmas season.

The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today by Shannon Bream

Last winter, Julie and I participated in a Zoom group that read and discussed this book. It was a fascinating journey into women of the bible, many of whom are not well known. Each chapter had insight onto these women's lives and applications for living our faith with them as a model. Although each chapter is not very long, there are scripture readings to help you understand the stories. All of us involved in the study group enjoyed the book and came away with expanded knowledge of women who's stories are in scripture.

A Hiker's Guide to Purgatory: A Novel by Michael Norton

A member of my Cursillo small group read this book and was telling us about it and it sounded very interesting. He lent it to me after he finished and both Julie and I enjoyed reading it. We agreed that it did a very good job of showing how a soul journeys through purgatory towards heaven. It is a journey of reconciliation and coming to terms with our sins and their effect on our relationships.

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr

Those that know me would be expecting a book or two from Richard Rohr to be on this list. I have found this book to speak a profound truth about the spiritual journey especially in seeing how so many people are stuck in the first half of life that is based more on rules and achievements. The foundation of this book is that the first half of life with its more fundamental approach to faith is needed, but that we need to continue developing our faith into one that does not see faith and life as a black and white, right and wrong. Time and time again I come back to the concepts revealed in this book.

Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World by Brian McLaren

Hands down this is the best book I have read about the struggle to be truly ecumenical in our faith. Many great real world examples of how and how not to be ecumenical. The path forward is engagement, listening, working together to serve others, and sharing truthfully. Highly recommended if you are struggling as I believe we all are in living as Christians in a multi faith world.

I am always on the lookout for good daily reflection books and would pass these on as potential enhancements to your prayer life.

Jesus, Companion in My Suffering: Reflections for the Lenten Journey by Joyce Rupp

If you are like me and suffering is one of those mysteries of life that puzzle you this book may make a wonderful Lenten resource as it did for me.

Yes, and...: Daily Meditations by Richard Rohr

These are nice short reflections pulling from his many books and articles. I find them a good way to reflect before heading to sleep.

Three Minutes with God: Reflections to Inspire, Encourage, and Motivate by Monsignor Frank Bognanno

Based Monsignor Bognanno’s one-minute “Thought of the Day” television spots that air in the Des Moines area this is a collection of short reflections divided into three sections: “Encouragement,” “Inspiration,” and “Motivation.” I find these to also be nice short reflections to sit with before heading to sleep.

Wishing you and your families a joyous Christmas and may the Spirit of God open your hearts to receive the Love of God in new ways.

Peace, Love and Blessings

Deacon Richard