Looking for inspiring books that will enhance your Lenten journey? We asked a few prolific readers within the Norbertine community for suggestions. Below are their recommended titles.
- Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection
- Mysterium Paschale: The Mystery of Easter
- Benedictus: Day by Day with Pope Benedict XVI
- The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
- i am through you so i
- Written for Our Instruction: Theological and Spiritual Riches in Romans
- Everything Ablaze: Meditating on the Mystical Vision of Teilhard de Chardin
- The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
- The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation
- iBreviary—Office of Readings
- Hope for the Flowers
- The Way of Gratitude: Readings for a Joyful Life
- The Magnificat Lenten Companion 2018
- The Long Loneliness: An Autobiography of the Legendary Catholic Social Activist
Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection
By Pope Benedict XVI
Recommended by: Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem., and Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.
Pope Benedict takes his readers through the familiar stories surrounding our Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection while adding unique reflections and insights earned from a lifetime of study, prayer, and reflection. This book not only makes you rethink what you know of Jesus of Nazareth but also fall in love with him again.
Mysterium Paschale: The Mystery of Easter
By Hans Urs von Balthasar
Recommended by: Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem.
Named a cardinal of the Church by Pope (Saint) John Paul II shortly before he died, Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988) was one of the great theologians of the post-Vatican II Church. Mysterium Paschale is one of Balthasar’s most influential works, especially for its unique take on Christ’s decent into hell. At times, this work can be a bit jargon-filled and difficult to read, but for those comfortable with theological language, it is a profound and worthy book.
Benedictus: Day by Day with Pope Benedict XVI
By Pope Benedict XVI
Recommended by: Fr. Michael Weber, O. Praem.
I’ve used Pope Benedict’s devotional throughout the last couple of years for reflection. Although these are daily meditations throughout the year, they are particularly powerful, well written short reflections on Scripture passages—including Lenten messages.
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
By Joan D. Chittister, O.S.B.
Recommended by: Abbot Emeritus Jerome Tremel, O. Praem.
Grace and wisdom flow from some 40 short essays. A rich source of reflection for anyone approaching or experiencing the elder years.
i am through you so i
By Brother David Steindl-Rast
Recommended by: Fr. James Herring, O. Praem.
Brother David, one of the most significant spiritual teachers and international speakers of our era, tells his incomparable rich story spanning the nine decades of his life.
Brother David and his TED Talk also can be found online.
Written for Our Instruction: Theological and Spiritual Riches in Romans
By Thomas D. Stegman, SJ
Recommended by: Fr. James Herring, O. Praem.
This book sets forth and makes accessible an under-appreciated aspect of St. Paul’s theology on the life of the Spirit. In his letters, Paul often reminds his readers/hearers about the gift of the Spirit they have already received.
Everything Ablaze: Meditating on the Mystical Vision of Teilhard de Chardin
By David Richo
Recommended by: Fr. James Herring, O. Praem.
Richo describes our calling to discover the sacred heart of the universe, grow into planetary consciousness, and participate in the great work ahead of us. A rich resource for meditating.
—Ursula King
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
By Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Abrams
Recommended by: Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem.
The author invites these two spiritual leaders and close friends to share their experiences of deep and abiding joy, most particularly in the face of profound suffering. This book has both confirmed and challenged my understanding of hope, joy, and suffering amidst the blessedness and brokenness of our shared humanity.
The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation
By Richard Rohr with Mike Morrell
Recommended by: Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem.
Fr. Richard Rohr invites us to enter into one of the central tenets and mysteries of Christianity: our God is relationship, our God is community. Made in this image and likeness, we are invited to be transformed by our God, who constantly calls us into relationship. I’ve had this book on my shelf since late last summer; perhaps Lent will be the perfect time to jump in.
Between the Pages Book Discussion
Wednesday, February 28, 2018, 10-11 a.m.
Tony Pichler, director of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality at St. Norbert Abbey, is facilitating a book discussion on The Divine Dance. Details and registration »
iBreviary—Office of Readings
Recommended by: Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
When I start my day reading the Office of Readings, my heart is much more open to God’s presence throughout the day. Simply download the iBreviary app, click on “Breviary” and then select “Office of Readings.”
Hope for the Flowers
By Trina Paulus
Recommended by: Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
This simple book tells a beautiful allegory of letting go of our comforts in life and finding the courage to move through death to a life greater than anything we could have imagined. I find this book so insightful in reflecting on my own struggles, identifying what comforts I am holding on to that I may need to let go of, and visiting anew the need to give my life completely to God.
The Way of Gratitude: Readings for a Joyful Life
Editors: Michael Leach, James Keane, Doris Goodnough
Recommended by: Fr. Stephen Rossey, O. Praem.
The Way of Gratitude is a treasure trove of writings that inspire and prod one to think seriously about things that most of us just take for granted. The editors have assembled the writings of well-known authors who open the meaning of “gratitude” to make its practice useful and joyful. Authors such as James Martin, SJ, Henri Nouwen, Joan Chittister, O.S.B., and even David Brooks help you rethink your own response to gratitude.
The Magnificat Lenten Companion 2018
Recommended by: Deacon Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.
This booklet contains reflections and short prayers for every day in Lent and helps keep one focused through one’s Lenten journey.
The Long Loneliness: An Autobiography of the Legendary Catholic Social Activist
By Dorothy Day
Recommended by: Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.
Through Dorothy Day’s autobiography of her life as a devout Catholic, a lover of Christ, and a tremendous champion for the poor, we gain insights regarding the call of true discipleship within our lives and the beauty of the Paschal Mystery.
More opportunities to celebrate the season of Lent at St. Norbert Abbey »
