Study/Formation

Good Books for Formation

 

 

This section will list recommended books from Cursillistas and short descriptions to aid other Cursillistas with study and formation.

Two books recently published deserve to have attention drawn to them, though for very different reasons.

The first is Writing in the Dust (Eerdmans, 2002), by bishop Rowan Williams. He was formerly a Professor of Divinity at Oxford University and was at Trinity Church on Wall Street, NY on September 11, 2001. His book is a mediation on the events of that day and their implications for us as Christians. He explores questions like justice, retaliation. Christian hope and potential for reconciliation. For those who have already read Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s book No Future Without Forgiveness, the saga of healing in post-aparteid South Africa, this book brings home to us as Americans the need we have to face the world with honesty and Christian conviction that redemption is always a possibility in the heart of a loving God. The title evokes the dust of the Trade Center disaster, of course, but also the tracings on the ground of Jesus when confronted by the Pharisees who were accusing the woman caught in adultery (John 8). How do we face evil in others (and in ourselves) from an authentically Christian perspective? Williams’ book is an important meditation on this and other questions we all have asked in the wake

Blessed John XXIII’s tomb is now moved up from the Grotte Vaticane below St. Peter’s to a spot almost all the way up toward the high altar, on the right (the Cappella Gregoriana), before the famous statue of St. Peter in the nave. Make a pilgrimage and say a prayer, and avoid Cahill’s shameful effort.

Forgiving the People You Love to Hate, by Judy Logue. This is a process book: to truly finish it, the reader must engage in a series of exercises and items for further reflection that are practical steps in the process of letting go. It is a book well worth working through with a spiritual director, especially if forgiveness is or has been a barrier in your life. It is not a substitute for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but then neither is Reconciliation a substitute for the process of coming to terms with and letting go of the pain and anger that so often paralyzes people when they are deeply wounded. The Pope's theme for the World Day of Peace for January 1, 2002 is: "Without justice there is no peace; without forgiveness there is no peace." This book can help people enter into that peace of the Lord which we need so badly in our world.

Witness of Hope, by George Weigel: This book is not for the faint of heart or eye (the book is over 800 pages, including notes and index). But especially for those who wish insight into the formative years of Karol Wojtyla in pre- and post-World War II Poland and the years leading up to and shortly after Vatican II, one can do no better. The book is well researched and well written, although it is flawed by its perspective that absolutely everything the Pope ever wrote or did was 100% perfect and correct. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that John Paul II is surely one of the greatest figures of the 20th century, and Weigel offers insights that reward the reader's perseverance. Highly recommended.

You Set My Spirit Free, edited by David Hazard: a 40-day journey in the company of excerpts from the writings of St. John of the Cross.

A Retreat With John the Evangelist by Raymond E. Brown, S.S. Recommended by Fr. David Tokarz.

Protect Us From All Anxiety Meditations for the Depressed, by William Burke (1998 ACTA Publications, Assisting Christians To Act,4848 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60640; ISBN: 0-87946-184-5)

Fr. Burke has compiled a series of 50 reflections drawn from his own journals of his journey from "night", to "dawn" and finally "day" as he recovered from clinical depression. Each reflection is prefaced with a scripture selection, and concludes with a short prayer.

For anyone who has in the past or is currently dealing with depression - be it self or walking with a friend or family, this book offers no "quick fix" but offers insight, hope and consolation. The writing is direct and easy to read. William Burke's sharing of his journey of healing encompasses the mind, body and Spirit.

Do you have a book that you have found inspiring or helpful in your journey with the Lord? If you would like to share it, contact us: machab@optonline.net