Last year, 1 percent of American Catholics read a book about their faith. I encourage every Catholic to read at least one such book during the coming year. The books I recommend here are carefully chosen (some are recent; some are classics). All are substantive, compelling, and easy to read. Except for the last one, they are not given in any preferential order. These books are all in print, and are available from good bookstores and from online distributors.
The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth, by Scott Hahn (Doubleday, 2005; $21). Hahn is one of the most popular Catholic writers of our time. In this book, he shows how one of the best ways to view and understand the Mass more adequately is by reference to the Book of Revelation. The book offers a fresh perspective on the Mass, and helps the reader appreciate the Eucharist more deeply.
My Life with the Saints, by James Martin, SJ (Loyola Press, 2006; $15.95). This memoir encompasses saints throughout Christian history (from St. Peter to Dorothy Day, St. Francis of Assisi to Blessed Teresa of Kolkata) and chronicles the author’s lifelong relationship with the saints. The witty, vibrant, and stirring stories enable readers to discover how the saints guide us through our earthly journey.
The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis (many publishers, many inexpensive editions). Written about 1420, this book is one of the most popular spiritual works of all time. It shows how we may conduct our lives in all their aspects by imitating and shaping them in the model of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. This timeless book is concerned with the reformation of character, and the uprooting of the vices that drag us down.
Word on Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ, by Robert Barron (A Crossroad Book, 2008; $19.95). Written by possibly the best contemporary Catholic author and evangelist, this book delves enthusiastically into the riches of Catholic belief and tradition. The lively presentation of Catholicism uses art, music, painting and the lives of the saints to illustrate the power of Christian faith.
A Eucharist Sourcebook, various authors (Liturgy Training Publications, 1999; $18). Part of the excellent Sourcebook series, this collection offers brief excerpts on the Eucharist from poets, mystics, theologians, and "ordinary" Catholics (both ordained and lay). Immensely varied, they show how the many familiar aspects of the Mass may be approached with fresh understanding and insight.
The Reed of God, by Caryll Houselander (Sheed and Ward, 1941; inexpensive recent editions). First published over half a century ago, this little book is a spiritual classic. It is a beautiful and still-fresh mediation on the human side of Mary, Mother of God. Mary, the "reed of God," is the quintessential person of faith who is responsive to God and his will. (All of Houselander’s books are excellent in their profound simplicity.)
Last, but not least, my Best Book of 2013: Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, "The Joy of the Gospel" (Evangelii Gaudium) (USCCB Publishing, 2013; $10). This Exhortation sets out the "program" for the ministry of Pope Francis for (we hope) years to come. It covers a wide variety of topics of current interest in the Church and is remarkable for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and readability. Unlike many papal documents, which are more specialized and often difficult to read, this one should be of interest to every Catholic. It could profitably become the subject of a parish study group.
Stay Connected With Us