Four Books For Post-Christmas Reading

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The following are four books that I think may be of interest to readers. They are chosen for their theological solidity, accessibility (not too difficult), and the spiritual needs of Catholics.

• William J. Bausch, From No to Yes: Reflections for Pilgrims

William Bausch, a retired priest of the Diocese of Trenton, N.J., has over the years produced a great variety of  books on Catholic theology, sacraments and homiletics. This book, based on the Sunday Scripture readings, is meant primarily for clergy preparing homilies. However, it also serves a much larger readership: the inquiring Catholic, who can use it for theological reflection and spiritual reading. As such, it can be read without reference to the weekly scripture readings.

With his signature use of stories and an engaging writing style, Bausch invites readers to engagement with the Gospel ancient yet ever new. I heartily recommend this book to all Catholics seeking a deeper faith.

• Mike Aquilina, A History of the Church in 100 Objects

In this very engaging book, popular Catholic author and his daughter Grace tell the Christian story through the examination of 100 objects and places. Some, like Michelangelo’s “Pieta,” are priceless works of art. Others, like a union membership pin, don’t hold much monetary value. But through each of them, the Aquilinas offer a  memorable and rewarding look at the history of the Church.

This book could be used profitably in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, as well as, more generally, through high school to adult formation. Retired Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl, in a brief blurb for the book, invokes the well-known saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” The cardinal recommends the book highly.

• Christopher Carstens, A Devotional Journey into The Mass

The book is subtitled “How Mass Can Become a Time of Grace, Nourishment, and Devotion.”

Carstens, a student of mine at the Mundelein Liturgical Institute in its early period, has written a book that has few parallels these days. Most books on the liturgy nowadays deal with the structure and history of rites, but few serve to help worshippers enter into the spirituality of the liturgy.

The book offers eight simple ways to make Mass a time of piety and deep devotion. It explains the spiritual meanings contained in the signs and symbols, words and actions of the Mass. The book teaches the reader how to enter a church building, make the Sign of the Cross, pray the Opening Prayer, listen to the readings, prepare oneself for the Presentation of the Gifts, participate in the Eucharistic Prayer, receive Communion, and even respond to the Dismissal rite.

This is a book that can be read profitably over and over again. I recommend it highly.

• Nicholas Wolterstorff, Lament for a Son

Wolterstorff, a theology professor emeritus of religion at Yale, published this book in 1997 after his son  died in a mountain-climbing accident in Austria at the age of 25. Though his thoughts are intensely personal, Wolterstorff decided to publish “in the hope that some of those who sit beside us on the mourning bench for children would find my words giving voice to their own honoring and grieving.”

The author expresses his grief in a searing and painful manner. But as a Christian he holds firmly to hope. Though grief remains, he is able to come to terms – but never fully – with the tragic ending of his son’s life.

I recommend this book to all who mourn. It would also be used profitably in bereavement groups.

Msgr. M. Francis Mannion is pastor emeritus of St. Vincent de Paul Parish.