Looking for some spiritual reading this Lent? The Church in the 21st Century Center has compiled a one-stop shopping list for you.
1. by Kerry Weber
From Loyola Press:
When Jesus asked us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and visit the imprisoned, he didn鈥檛 mean it literally, right? Kerry Weber, a modern, young, single woman in New York City sets out to see if she can practice the Corporal Works of Mercy in an authentic, personal, meaningful manner while maintaining a full, robust, regular life.
Weber, a lay Catholic, explores the Works of Mercy in the real world, with a gut-level honesty and transparency that people of urban, country, and suburban locales alike can relate to. Mercy in the City is for anyone who is struggling to live in a meaningful, merciful way amid the pressures of 鈥渞eal life.鈥�
For those who feel they are already overscheduled and too busy, for those who assume that they are not 鈥渞eligious enough鈥� to practice the Works of Mercy, for those who worry that they are alone in their efforts to live an authentic life, Mercy in the City proves that by living as people for others, we learn to connect as people of faith.
You can listen to our Godpod with Kerry Weber here.
2. By Gretchen Crowe
From Our Sunday Visitor:
Gretchen R. Crowe, award-winning writer and OSV Newsweekly Editor-in-Chief, compiles eloquent and inspirational writings of popes, priests, and saints in a new book that illuminates the many benefits of the centuries-old devotion of the Rosary. Why the Rosary, Why Now? answers the question posed in its title by making a compelling case for why we need to pray the Rosary now more than ever.
As we mark the 100th anniversary of Mary鈥檚 apparitions at F谩tima this year, we are reminded of the difference praying the Rosary can make in our distracting, stressful, and increasingly secular world. As Crowe states, 鈥淲hen we turn to Mary, she quiets our minds, calms our hearts and focuses our thoughts where they should be more often: on her son.鈥�
In each chapter, Crowe explores varied writings of 14 individuals who have experienced the power of this traditional prayer. Each excerpt is paired with a commentary by Crowe, which not only illuminate the power of the Rosary in extraordinary events but give context for the devotion鈥檚 relevance in everyday life. As Pope St. John Paul II said, 鈥淭he simple prayer of the Rosary marks the rhythm of human life.鈥�
You can listen to C21鈥檚 Godpod conversation with Gretchen here.
3. by Haley Stewart
From Ave Maria Press:
Do you ever feel caught in an endless cycle of working harder and longer to get more while enjoying life less? The Stewart family did鈥攁nd they decided to make a radical change. Popular Catholic blogger and podcaster Haley Stewart explains how a year-long internship on a sustainable farm changed her family鈥檚 life for the better, allowing them to live gospel values more intentionally.
When Haley Stewart married her bee-keeping sweetheart, Daniel, they dreamed of a life centered on home and family. But as the children arrived and Daniel was forced to work longer hours at a job he liked less and less, they dared to break free from the unending cycle of getting more yet feeling unfulfilled. They sold their Florida home and retreated to Texas to live on a farm with a compost toilet and 650 square feet of space for a family of five. Surprisingly, they found that they had never been happier.
In The Grace of Enough, Stewart shares essential elements of intentional Christian living that her family discovered during that extraordinary year on the farm and that they continue to practice today. You, too, will be inspired to:
- live simply
- offer hospitality
- revive food culture and the family table
- reconnect with the land
- nurture community
- prioritize beauty
- develop a sense of wonder
- be intentional about technology
- seek authentic intimacy
- center life around home, family, and relationships
Drawing from Pope Francis鈥檚 encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si鈥�, Stewart identifies elements of Catholic social teaching that will enhance your life and create a ripple effect of grace to help you overcome the effects of today鈥檚 鈥渢hrowaway鈥� culture and experience a deeper satisfaction and stronger faith.
You can listen to Haley share more about her book on C21鈥檚 Godpods.
4. The Examen
Looking to learn more about the prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola this Lent? One place to find out more is by reading the Church in the 21st Century Center鈥檚 , published by Paraclete Press. While you鈥檙e there, you can also find essays on fasting, praying, and practicing forgiveness, among others.
If you鈥檙e looking to begin the practice today you might also take up by Father Timothy Gallagher. Father Gallagher helps the reader to discover the fruits of this practice and tips for starting it today.
You can listen to our conversation on the Examen prayer with Fr. Casey Beaumier, SJ, here.
5. The Church in the 21st Century Center鈥檚 Book Series
Boston College鈥檚 Church in the 21st Century Center has published an award-winning book series, drawn from the conferences and symposia the Center has held on campus. Assembled from papers delivered primarily by academics, the books are written to inform and inspire the community of Catholic faithful.
Titles include:
- Poverty: Responding Like Jesus
- Catholic Sacraments: A Rich Source of Blessings
- Encountering Jesus in the Scriptures
Curated by ELISE ITALIANO URENECK (Associate Director of The Church in the 21st Century Center)
PHOTO CREDIT: 漏istock.com, cover and text design by Katherine Robinson