Book Review: The Catholic Study Bible

The Catholic Study Bible Second Edition
New York: Oxford University Press, 2006

Perhaps you have "reading the Bible more" as one of your New Year's Resolutions, or perhaps you are simply in the market (as I was) for a new volume of a much-loved worn-out Bible. "The Catholic Study Bible" is a perfect choice. It contains the full text of the New American Bible (the text used in the lectionary readings of the Roman Catholic Church).

It also offers extensive notes which are very helpful when one wants to know more about the history or interpretation of a given passage. Additional features include several articles including topics such as the origin of the Bible, Biblical history, the Catholic interpretation of the Bible, and the Bible in the Lectionary. There are also reading guides dedicated to the major sections of the Bible. Several maps, a glossary, a listing of lectionary readings for the liturgical year, and a concordance are also included.

This Bible is truly all I hoped for. I look forward to making good use of it for many years to come.

If You Love, You Will Hurt

Today's Gospel (Luke 2:22-35) features those famous words of the prophet Simeon to Mary: "And you yourself a sword will pierce."

Sr. Melanie Svoboda, S.N.D. offers these thoughts on that passage in today's Living Faith:

These are sobering words. But in one way they can be said to any new parent - or to anyone who has reached out in love to someone else. Though love is filled with many joys and delights, it also exposes us to pain, grief and anguish. Simply put: If you love, you will hurt. The infant in Mary's arms will grow up to exemplify these words.

Faithful God, help me to persist in loving others despite the hurt it may entail.

Two Short Prayers from Consoling the Heart of Jesus

These two prayers are part of the collection found in Consoling the Heart of Jesus - Prayer Companion

When my Sin Discourages Me

O Jesus, I feel that I've ruined everything by my sin. I'm so sorry for what I've done, and I will do my best not to do it again. Dear Jesus, by the power of your infinite mercy, I trust somehow you can fix not only the evil I've done but bring an even greater good out of it.

For Conforming My Will to God's Will

Jesus, behold, I give you my heart. If my desires aren't in harmony with yours, then please change them according to your wisdom and love. Dear Jesus, you know that by myself, I'm too weak to change my desires, but you can do it. Jesus, I trust you to do it. Jesus, I thank you in advance for doing it.

Book Review: Consoling the Heart of Jesus

Consoling the Heart of Jesus - Prayer Companion
by Michael E. Gaitley, MIC
Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press, 2010

"Consoling the Heart of Jesus: Prayer Companion" by Father Michael Gaitley is a purse or briefcase-sized book designed to be a "simple guide to living Consoling spirituality." This small book is a companion volume to the longer "Consoling the Heart of Jesus" do-it-yourself Ignatian retreat book. A reader wrote to Father Gaitley. She carried the 430 page book everywhere she went and asked for a smaller book that contained the major prayers and ideas. He was happy to comply.

I have not read the longer volume. Nevertheless, I found this prayer companion easy enough to understand and benefit from. "The core of Consoling spirituality is a compassionate response to Jesus in his sorrow." In his encyclical letter Haurietis Aquas, Pope Pius XI teaches "we can and ought to console that Most Sacred Heart which is continually wounded by the sins of thankless men." Fr. Gaitley presents the various ways to help console Jesus, especially accepting our suffering, praying for souls, and turning over our weaknesses and sinfulness to Jesus. Perhaps the most important component is to trust in Jesus.

As the title suggests, a good portion of "Consoling the Heart of Jesus: Prayer Companion" is devoted to self-examination and prayer. It contains a detailed examination of conscience, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Divine Mercy Novena, as well as several other helpful prayers. This small book is a very useful introduction to consoling spirituality.

Qualities to Work on in the New Year

With the new year right around the corner, many of us make lists of physical things we’d like to change. Losing weight and exercising more seem to top many lists. Quitting smoking or drinking less may top others. Simplifying, organizing, and reducing clutter is another popular item. These are all good things and worth striving for.

Yet, in the second reading for this week, St. Paul offers us an even better guideline for making the coming year (and all those that come after) the best that they can possibly be. The Apostle to the Gentiles tells us: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.” (Col 2:12-14)

This is a tall order. I invite you to consider these qualities again: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.

Compassion means to suffer with someone – to be with him in his sorrow and to seek to alleviate it as much as it within our means to do so. Who do you know that is suffering – physically, spiritually, emotionally? What can you do to help? Can you offer assistance in some way? Perhaps there is no way to actually remove the source of suffering, but can you spend time with the person? Listen to them? Pray for them?

Kindness is a general goodwill towards others. Do you wish others good things, or do you get jealous when others lives seem to be better than yours? Do you indulge in gossip? Do you treat service people with respect? What about the homeless? Do you greet others with a smile?

Humility is to see ourselves as we are before God. It is to realize that we are totally dependent on God for all the blessings and gifts we have received. It also calls us to serve others. How can you better serve those you come in contact with?

Gentleness, sometimes known as meekness, goes together with kindness and humility. It calls us to be slow to anger. It also means to care about God and others more than we care about ourselves.

Patience means to be willing to wait, whether that be something as simple as waiting in line at the grocery store without complaint, or something more difficult, such as waiting for God to come through on a long time prayer request. How can you be more patient with the difficult situations you encounter in life? How can you make good use of those times when you must wait?

Forgiveness asks us to not hold another’s wrongs against them. We all make mistakes. We want God to forgive us. So, too, must we forgive others, even when it is hard – especially when it is hard. What wrongs are you still holding on to? Who do you need to forgive?

Love means wanting whatever is best for another person, even when it hurts you – it requires us to put other’s needs before our own. How can you better love the people in your life?

As I said, St. Paul asks a great deal of us. Yet, all these qualities are interconnected. All come under the mantel of love. Making even small steps to love more will help make this coming year the best it can be. It won’t be easy, but it will bring you closer to the eternal goal of loving God and neighbor with all that you have. What goal could be more important than that?

I wish you all a very blessed New Year!

Merry Christmas!

"And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us."

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Prayer Request

A reader wrote and asked for prayers for Nicolas, a child in critical condition.

Thank you.

Book Review: "Women of Opus Dei in Their Own Words"

Women of Opus Dei: In Their Own Words
Edited by M.T. Oates, Linda Ruf, and Jenny Driver MD
New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 2009

Opus Dei received a great deal of negative publicity a few years back when "The DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown was making headlines. In some ways, this book is a response to that publicity. The women of Opus Dei wanted to tell their stories and explain their lives.

I came to "Women of Opus Dei in their Own Words" not knowing anything about Opus Dei. I was pleasantly surprised. Founded by St. Josemaria Escriva in Spain in 1928. The name "Opus Dei" is Latin for "Work of God." The organization "is dedicated to helping lay men and women throughout the world find and love God through their daily work and social interactions, and to spread the Christian message in and through their daily lives."

They offer a combination of resources to help members live out this mission. Among them are "a daily, flexible plan of prayer . . . weekly, monthly, and annual Catholic spiritual and theological development programs . . . personal guidance sessions . . . Centers and conference centers . . . managed as settings where Opus Dei and many others can find a Christian home environment to inspire and encourage them."

St. Josemaria was very supportive of women and encouraged them to be the best they could be in "whatever professional sphere they chose." He was always adamant that "work in the home is a professional job as well." The women who share their stories in this book come from all walks of life. Some have families. Others have chosen to remain celibate in order to serve God exclusively. Some work solely in their homes. Others have high-profile professions. All are united in their desire to live their lives for God. They share their conversion stories, their call to become part of Opus Dei, and their struggles and successes. I think most women reading this will find that these women are very much like women we know.

The "Women of Opus Dei" is an inspiring, informative book. Even if one has no call to join Opus Dei, it is interesting to learn about their lifestyle. There are also wonderful suggestions about ways to integrate one's service of God with all aspects of life.

A Simple Christmas Pleasure

For days (weeks maybe), I've been longing to play some Christmas music on our piano. Now, I am not a good pianist. The extent of my skill is to hammer out one note of the melody at a time, yet one can recognize the tune (despite the occasional clunker note!) and this simple action gives me such pleasure.

I finally had the opportunity to indulge today. Playing the piano brings back such wonderful memories from my childhood of playing the organ while my older sister played guitar, and the simple melodies do help to up my Christmas spirit a few notches.

The piano was a Christmas gift a few years ago - given by a friend of a friend of a friend who was moving and had no use of it. We had to pay the moving costs and tuning costs, but it was ours and I was thrilled to have it. I dreamed that my boys would someday play beautiful music on it. Alas, that hasn't been the case. Unfortunately, it mostly sits unused. I'd like to think that it was happy to be played a bit today, and as I played, I wondered about the people who had played it before me. At one time, it must have been used quite a bit - the keys are quite worn in places.

In any event, that was my simple Christmas pleasure for today. Perhaps I'll get another chance to play a carol or two amidst the busyness of the next few days. I hope that you get a chance to do something you love to mark the season as well.

One Solitary Life

One Solitary Life
(the original version by Dr James Allan Francis)

Let us turn now to the story. A child is born in an obscure village. He is brought up in another obscure village. He works in a carpenter shop until he is thirty, and then for three brief years is an itinerant preacher, proclaiming a message and living a life. He never writes a book. He never holds an office. He never raises an army. He never has a family of his own. He never owns a home. He never goes to college. He never travels two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He gathers a little group of friends about him and teaches them his way of life. While still a young man, the tide of popular feeling turns against him. One denies him; another betrays him. He is turned over to his enemies. He goes through the mockery of a trial; he is nailed to a cross between two thieves, and when dead is laid in a borrowed grave by the kindness of a friend.

Those are the facts of his human life. He rises from the dead. Today we look back across nineteen hundred years and ask, What kind of trail has he left across the centuries? When we try to sum up his influence, all the armies that ever marched, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned are absolutely picayune in their influence on mankind compared with that of this one solitary life…


I understand that this is the original essay by Dr James Allan Francis in “The Real Jesus and Other Sermons” © 1926 by the Judson Press of Philadelphia (pp 123-124 titled “Arise Sir Knight!”).

Book Review: "Safe Haven"

Safe Haven
by Nicholas Sparks
New York: Hachette Book Group, 2010

I indulged in some leisure reading this past week and savored every word of Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, author of such best-sellers as "The Notebook," "Dear John," and "The Last Song." I have read almost all of his books and enjoyed every one of them. Some are definitely better than others, however, and Safe Haven is Sparks at his finest. It is a well-told story about a young woman, Katie, attempting to start over after escaping from her abusive husband. His skillful handling of the difficult topic of domestic abuse is to be commended.

As with all Sparks' stories, this is a love story. Despite all her intentions not to, Katie begins to fall for a local storekeeper, Alex, and his two young children. Alex is a widower who has been hesitant to give his heart away as well. Katie's neighbor and friend Jo encourages her to pursue their relationship, but cautions her not to break his heart. Katie and Alex cautiously fall in love, but their road to happy ever after is haunted by Katie's past. The ending of this book is the best part. I won't spoil it, but it literally gave me chills.

This is a quick-read, which is a blessing, because you won't want to put this book down until you reach the very last word. If you are a Sparks' fan, you simply must read this book.

Christmas Should Disrupt our Life

I came across this quote in an article "Awaiting New Life" by Sebastien Lacroix in the Knights of Columbus magazine. It provides a different take on the Christmas season:

What is certain is that Mary and Joseph were forced to face the unexpected. The experience of the months leading up to the birth of our first child has allowed me to better understand what that means. Welcoming a child means that we must accept the fact that our lives will be unsettled. The arrival of Jesus did just that: It disrupted the established order, and it continues to disrupt wherever there is injustice and hatred. Each Christmas invites us to be disrupted by a God who wants to be close to us, a God for whom the gift of life is one of the greatest proofs of his love.

Believe in Miracles

I’m not sure at what exact age it happened, but at some point my Christmas wish list changed from things that fit under the Christmas tree to less tangible things that don’t come in boxes.

I wish for healing for friends and family members who are suffering, either physically or emotionally. I wish for peace among family members and in the world at large. I wish for wisdom in parenting my children. I wish for belief when I am burdened with doubt. The list goes on. Perhaps you have one of your own?

Unlike my children, who are eagerly awaiting (early!) Christmas morning to open their presents, I know that most likely my wish list won’t magically be fulfilled simply because the calendar states it is December 25th. Yet, still, I hope. I do believe in miracles. I’ve seen them happen.

Isn’t that what Christmas is about? Hoping in the face of unbeatable odds? Think of the Jewish people who waited and waited for a Messiah. At times, it must have seemed that the Savior would never come. And when He did come? He came in a way they never expected – as a poor baby born in a stable.

He would go on to counter all of their expectations. They expected a military leader, someone to conquer the world for them. What they got was a carpenter who would preach the need for love and forgiveness and who would ultimately die on a cross as a criminal. How could they continue to hope in the face of all that? Wasn’t it all just some cruel joke? Many stopped hoping. Who could blame them?

Yet, for the select few that held on to their hope, their faith was richly rewarded. It was the ultimate surprise ending. The unthinkable happened. Death was conquered!

We celebrate Christmas because of Easter. For those of us who have heard both the Christmas and Easter stories over and over again, they may have lost some of their shock value. This Christmas, try to listen to the Gospel with fresh ears. The Savior of us all, the Son of God, came to earth as a baby in the humblest of circumstances. Angels announced his birth. Both shepherds and kings bowed before him.

Christmas is a miracle of the greatest degree. God still works miracles today. Believe that they can happen. I hope and pray that your Christmas wishes come true.

Prayer Request

Please pray for a friend of mine who is undergoing cancer surgery on December 22nd. Thank you.

On Jesus' Genealogy

This was the reflection from Joyful Meditations for Every Day of Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas: Years A, B, and C for today. (It's a little late to get the book for this year - but definitely worth purchasing for next year!)

From the record of Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17), we learn he is descended from Abraham, who is known as the father of three major religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Jesus' DNA also matches that of kings, adulterers, godly men and women, a prostitute and a murderer. Jesus the human person is the offspring of generations of saints and sinners - just as we are. . .

As we recognize that the whole of humanity is reflected in Jesus' family, we renew our commitment to treat ourselves and all people with love and respect.

Book Review: "Marley: A Dog Like No Other"

Marley: A Dog Like No Other: A Special Adaptation for Young Readers

by John Grogan
NY:Harper Collins, 2007

I saw "Marley: A Dog Like No Other" at the library and picked it up to read to my children. I had never read the adult version of the book, but I had seen the movie "Marley and Me," so I did have a general idea of what the story would entail. All of us loved this book. It may be geared for the 8 - 12 age range, but it is just as enjoyable (and heartbreaking) for adults. All of us laughed and cried with this story about an incorrigible dog and the family that loved him. This is a must-read for all dog lovers.

Book Review: Red in the Bed

Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Nepa is a children's picture book about interracial adoption. Truly, though, it is a simple beautiful book about not belonging, being different, and finding a place to fit in which could be used in many different situations. It tells of a poppy seed carried by the wind. The seed finds itself in a distant flower bed, filled with roses, marigolds, and violets. The poppy flower grows in the fertile soil and helps complete the perfect rainbow of color. The poppy is exactly where it belongs.

Andrea Nepa is the mother of an adopted Vietnamese daughter named Leah. In 2001, Adoptions from the Heart assisted with the international adoption. Andrea dedicated her book to her daughter: "For my dear Leah, whose journey in her young life has already taken her to far away and unexpected places." In 2006, Leah was diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in remission. Andrea lives with Leah and her husband, David, in Haddonfield, New Jersey. She is a registered dietitian for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

To find out more, please visit http://www.redintheflowerbed.com.

Book Review: "Where do Sisters Come From"

Where Do Sisters Come From?
by Elizabeth Ficocelli
Illustrations by Shannon Wirrenga
Waterford, MI: Bezalel Books, 2010

“Where Do Sisters Come From?” by Elizabeth Ficocelli is the perfect introduction to women’s consecrated religious life for children. In an era where Catholic children may be exposed to relatively few sisters, their way of life may seem very mysterious indeed. Who are these sisters and what is their life like? “Where Do Sisters Come From?” answers these questions with honesty and beauty. While this book is written for girls to encourage them to consider the possibility that they might be called by God to this way of life, it is important to note that it is equally informative for boys.

Ficocelli begins by describing the process of discernment. What does it mean to hear God’s call and to respond to it? She discusses the importance of prayer and finding the right religious community. The three vows a sister takes are defined, as is the habit many sisters wear.

Ficocelli then explores the many ways sisters can live out their vocational call, working in many different professions, serving as a missionary, or living within their own religious community as a nun. She emphasizes that they have lives outside of their work as well. They have their families of origin that they are still a part of, as well as friends and hobbies. As she states, “Sisters come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. But one thing they all have in common is a love for their faith, and a desire to be like Jesus, leading people to God.”

“Where Do Sisters Come From?” is a wonderful book to share with your children or grandchildren. It would also make a great addition to a parish religious education program or library. It is a magnificent vocations tool.

A Memorare for Anyone Who Needs It

I am currently reading Women of Opus Dei: In Their Own Words. In it, one of the women comments about how she makes it a daily practice to say a Memorare for "Anyone who might need it." What a wonderful practice! I never thought of doing that. Of course, it does not need to be a Memorare. It could just as easily be a Hail Mary or Our Father. There are so many people in this world who need prayers and have no one to pray for them. By the same token, people you love may have prayer intentions you are not even aware of. Why not make this part of your daily prayer?

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

Time for Confession?

My family and I went to our parish's Advent Penance service tonight. Even though I go to confession on a regular basis, there is something powerful about going in a large group where everyone is acknowledging their sinfulness and their need to be reconciled with God and neighbor.

When I attend these penance services where there are many priests, most of whom I do not know, I always pray to get the person I need at that time. The priest I had tonight really spoke to my heart (I cried a bit which was something I didn't expect at all) and he gave me one of those creative penances that I need to do over a couple days. It was quite a meaningful experience.

For those of you questioning whether you actually need to go to confession, or need a refresher course on how to go, The National Catholic Register has a wonderful one page guide: The How and Why of Confession

40 years of the Permanent Diaconate

When I was in graduate school, I had the pleasure of taking some of my classes with my diocese's diaconate class. Those students have now gone on and been ordained as Permanent Deacons, and two other classes have taken their place. These are men so willing to give of themselves, and the Church is so lucky to have them. My parish has two permanent deacons and we are the better for it. U.S. Catholic has an article looking more closely at the blessings and challenges of the permanent diaconate and the men (and their wives) who serve.

The Church's "Married Clergy": 40 years of Deacons

It's Hard to Be Patient

The second reading for this week (James 5:7-10) exhorts us to be patient in waiting for the coming of the Lord. James urges us to look at the example of farmers who must wait for the fruit of the earth. This is a good example. Some things, such as the growing of food, or a mother waiting for her child to be born, simply cannot be rushed. This does not negate the fact that it is hard to be patient. It is a lifelong challenge and God does provide us with many opportunities to practice it.

This time of year is especially hard on children’s patience. I remember being a child. Advent moved at a snail’s pace. The lighting of that pink candle meant so much. We were getting close. Christmas was coming! As an adult, the opposite is often true. Advent passes by in a blur of activity and the lighting of the pink candle is more likely to induce panic than joy. Christmas is right around the corner. There is so much left to do!

Parenting, on the other hand, is a daily lesson in patience. Looking back, children grow up so quickly. Where did all those years go? Most days, however, dealing with the struggles and crises of the moment, it seems as if progress is being made ever so slowly. We want our children to be out of whatever difficult phase they are going through, even if we know that it is a learning experience for them and for us. Growing up takes place one small step at a time. Being a good parent means being patient with both our children and ourselves.

It takes patience to pray. We live in a world filled with instant gratification. We can watch what we want when we want. We can access any information we need to know at the touch of a button. We can talk to friends via email or text message all the time. We take this instant world for granted, and we sometimes carry that over into our relationship with God. “Dear God, these are my problems and I would like them fixed right now. Thank you. Amen.”

And how does God respond? “Yes, I hear you and I know your needs, but it will take some time to get everything sorted out. There are lessons here that you need to learn. There is a reason for it all. I have plans for you that you can’t even imagine.” All of which means that we are going to spend some quality time waiting. Like the plants growing or the child forming in the womb, we are developing and changing and growing. It’s a process. We need to be patient with God and with ourselves, even when it is very hard.

By the same token, we need to have patience with our fellow brothers and sisters in the trenches. Going back to that letter of James, he tells us, “Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged.” It can be so easy to see the faults in other people. If only she would do a, b, and c, her problems would all be solved. It is so simple. Why can’t she see it? That would be because she needs to grow, too, and she is traveling her own difficult road. None of us is perfect. We are all merely travelers on the journey, waiting for that second coming of the Lord when everything will be made right.

Amid this busy Advent season, may we take the time to pray for patience with God, ourselves, our children, and all we come in contact with.

Where are You, God?

I imagine that there are people who have strong enough faith that they never ask this question. I am not one of them. On a recent very bad day, I found myself at adoration, tears streaming down my face, screaming at God (in my head), "Where are you? Why don't you care?"

I know intellectually that God cares. I certainly do not always feel it. This is an article that speaks to those feelings:

Where are You, God?

Where Do Sisters Come From?

Where Do Sisters Come From?

by Elizabeth Ficocelli
Bezalel Books

Many young girls have never had the pleasure of meeting a religious Sister. This beautiful introduction to the religious life for young girls and their families explains the important roles Sisters perform in our faith, whether in classrooms, hospitals, learning centers, or behind convent walls. Where Do Sisters Come From? addresses questions such as: How do young women become Sisters? What is their day like? Where do they live? What do they do for fun? Ideal for use in the classroom, too.

Where Do Sisters Come From? is the second in a series of children’s picture books designed to increase awareness of and appreciation for religious vocations. Where Do Priests Come From? was released in July 2010 and Where Do Deacons Come From? is scheduled for mid-2011.

This is the twelfth book by author/speaker Elizabeth Ficocelli. For more information on her books, magazine articles, and presentations for conferences, schools, parishes, and other events, visit www.elizabethficocelli.com

1/2 Price Book Sale

Sophia Institute Press is having a 1/2 price sale this weekend on any book they sell (which includes some great ones!). Check it out at: Sophia Institute Press

The Mystery and Beauty of Water Crystals

In reading Holding on to Hope: The Journey Beyond Darkness, I came across this paragraph:

In his book, The Hidden Messages in Water, Masaru Emoto, a Japanese scientist and original thinker, shows that water crystals are affected by pollution and the vibrational energy of music and even words. By photographing water crystals that have been exposed to pollution, various types of music, and words of love and peace, or alternatively, anger and hate, he was able to observe that water absorbs energy and the energy is reflected in the crystals when frozen. The most beautiful and unique crystals are formed when exposed to the energy of loving and peaceful words. Words of anger and hatred produce deformed and broken crystals.



I found that fascinating. There are some examples of these water crystals on