Best Books for Lent
My personal list of best books for Lent include the following:
1. The Seven Last Words - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen -recommended to me by Fr. Andrew Apostoli a few years ago to read during Lent; contains short reflections and prayers for the statements Christ made at Calvary as found in the Gospel
2. His Suffering and Ours - Kathryn Mulderink - Read my review here.
3. On the Way to Jesus Christ - Joseph Ratzinger - Pope Benedict XVI - A series of meditations that the Holy Father wrote while he was Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. An aid to help us better understand the true Jesus, the Jesus of the Gospels, and the Christ of Christianity.
4. The Imitation of Christ - Thomas a Kempis - This 15th century monk combines passages from the Bible, the writings of the Fathers of the early Church, and medieval mysticism in a four-part treatise to help the reader grow spiritually by shruging off the allure of materialism and finding beauty in a life of holiness.
5. Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer - Jeff Cavins and Matthew Pinto -a compelling collection of personal stories of hope and healing which reveal the power of God's grace in the midst of suffering. Some powerful testimonies which will make you want to laugh and cry, as you develop a greater trust in the Lord.
6. The Imitation of Mary - Thomas a Kempis - A four part book consisting of prayers and meditations that helps the reader to better understand Mary's maternal role in relation to Christ and to imitate our Holy Mother in her love for Christ.
7. In The Presence of Our Lord - Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.
The history, theology and psychology of Eucharistic devotion - Extremely interesting!
8. Praying in the Presence of Our Lord - Fr. Benedict
J. Groeschel, C.F.R. - a unique collection of traditional prayers as well as modern ones to deepen and enrich your experience of Eucharistic Adoration.
9. Praying in the Presence of Our Lord With the Saints - Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F. R. and James Monti - a unique collection of prayers and meditations from the saints that reveal how Eucharistic Adoration is the key to personal understanding that can open the gates of heaven.
10. The Gift Of Peace - Personal Reflections By Joseph Cardinal Bernadin - Written by the Cardinal during the last two months of his life to cover the challenges which occurred during the previous 3 years. These included a false accusation of sexual misconduct, the diagnosis of cancer, and the return of cancer after being in remission for 15 months. At the end of his life, he was blessed with the gift of peace and he shares the secret to this peace with his readers. This is an excellent book you can't put down.
11. The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Anne Catherine Emerich - Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich was an Augustinian nun who lived in Germany from 1774 to 1824. During her life, God gave her extensive visions of the past, the present and the future. The Sorrowful (Dolorous) Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ are her visions concerning the horrific sufferings of Lord Jesus Christ, during the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, the Arrest, the Scourging the Crowning of Thorns, the Trial by Pontius Pilate, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion and the Dying on the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. They are incredibly, highly detailed and descriptive, revealing to us more information about the Life of Jesus Christ besides what we read of Him in the Bible.
12. Confessions - modern translation - St. Augustine
Augustine lived a very hedonistic and sinful life before converting to Christianity. In this autobiography, he shares his interesting life experiences and the amazing story of his conversion.
As for daily devotionals during Lent, I enjoy reading The Magnificat Lenten Companion.
1. The Seven Last Words - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen -recommended to me by Fr. Andrew Apostoli a few years ago to read during Lent; contains short reflections and prayers for the statements Christ made at Calvary as found in the Gospel
2. His Suffering and Ours - Kathryn Mulderink - Read my review here.
3. On the Way to Jesus Christ - Joseph Ratzinger - Pope Benedict XVI - A series of meditations that the Holy Father wrote while he was Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. An aid to help us better understand the true Jesus, the Jesus of the Gospels, and the Christ of Christianity.
4. The Imitation of Christ - Thomas a Kempis - This 15th century monk combines passages from the Bible, the writings of the Fathers of the early Church, and medieval mysticism in a four-part treatise to help the reader grow spiritually by shruging off the allure of materialism and finding beauty in a life of holiness.
5. Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer - Jeff Cavins and Matthew Pinto -a compelling collection of personal stories of hope and healing which reveal the power of God's grace in the midst of suffering. Some powerful testimonies which will make you want to laugh and cry, as you develop a greater trust in the Lord.
6. The Imitation of Mary - Thomas a Kempis - A four part book consisting of prayers and meditations that helps the reader to better understand Mary's maternal role in relation to Christ and to imitate our Holy Mother in her love for Christ.
7. In The Presence of Our Lord - Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.
The history, theology and psychology of Eucharistic devotion - Extremely interesting!
8. Praying in the Presence of Our Lord - Fr. Benedict
J. Groeschel, C.F.R. - a unique collection of traditional prayers as well as modern ones to deepen and enrich your experience of Eucharistic Adoration.
9. Praying in the Presence of Our Lord With the Saints - Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F. R. and James Monti - a unique collection of prayers and meditations from the saints that reveal how Eucharistic Adoration is the key to personal understanding that can open the gates of heaven.
10. The Gift Of Peace - Personal Reflections By Joseph Cardinal Bernadin - Written by the Cardinal during the last two months of his life to cover the challenges which occurred during the previous 3 years. These included a false accusation of sexual misconduct, the diagnosis of cancer, and the return of cancer after being in remission for 15 months. At the end of his life, he was blessed with the gift of peace and he shares the secret to this peace with his readers. This is an excellent book you can't put down.
11. The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Anne Catherine Emerich - Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich was an Augustinian nun who lived in Germany from 1774 to 1824. During her life, God gave her extensive visions of the past, the present and the future. The Sorrowful (Dolorous) Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ are her visions concerning the horrific sufferings of Lord Jesus Christ, during the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, the Arrest, the Scourging the Crowning of Thorns, the Trial by Pontius Pilate, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion and the Dying on the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. They are incredibly, highly detailed and descriptive, revealing to us more information about the Life of Jesus Christ besides what we read of Him in the Bible.
12. Confessions - modern translation - St. Augustine
Augustine lived a very hedonistic and sinful life before converting to Christianity. In this autobiography, he shares his interesting life experiences and the amazing story of his conversion.
As for daily devotionals during Lent, I enjoy reading The Magnificat Lenten Companion.
May I also recommed, St Frances de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life." and "Finding God's Will for You."
ReplyDeleteAnd Biela's "God alone Suffices".
Excellent suggestions!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you,
Jean