A Good Book to Kick Off the Advent Season

A Child in Winter: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany with Caryll Houselander
edited with commentary by Thomas Hoffman (Sheed & Ward, 2000)

AC Librarian's Review

Tonight we begin the holy season of Advent, and with it four weeks of preparation to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. Advent is also a time to focus on our belief that this same Jesus will come in glory at the end of time to bring history to an end and inaugurate the fullness of His kingdom. As we remember the Lord's first coming and look toward his definitive coming on the last day, however, the Church also encourages us during the season of Advent to prepare ourselves for Christ to come into our hearts here and now. The words of Jesus from the book of Revelation are especially pertinent as we begin these sacred days: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20)

A great way to "prepare the way for the Lord" (Isaiah 40:3) this Advent is to take some time for spiritual reading. One great resource for Advent (and Christmas) reading is a delightful little book entitled A Child in Winter: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany with Caryll Houselander (Franklin, WI: Sheed & Ward, 2000). A Child in Winter contains a short Scripture passage for each day in the Advent and Christmas seasons, along with an excerpt from one of the writings of Caryll Houselander, a renowned English Catholic writer and mystic of the 20th century. Each selection is rounded off by a short prayer and a commentary on Houselander's writings by Thomas Hoffman, a Lutheran convert to Catholicism. The reflections are short, making them ideal for spiritual reading during this busy time of year, but they are also very rich, offering plenty of food for thought as we celebrate the wondrous mystery of the Incarnation and seek to welcome Christ into our hearts anew this Advent.

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Guest review on Mark's Gospel: To Love and Be Loved by Jesus

Meditation and Commentary on the Gospel of Mark
by Alfred McBride, O. Praem. (Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, 1992)

Guest review: C. Pak, Founder AC USA


"In his gospel, Jesus sighs, groans, feels compassion, marvels, gets mad, and openly shows affection for people. Mark gives us a Jesus who could be worn out, hungry, and yearning for a nap. The human face of Jesus glows in the Marcan narrative." ~ from the Introduction 


Anyone who wants an intimate and prayerful look at the Gospel of Mark would find this little tome both accessible and profound. Very often one loses sight of Jesus' human nature when reading scripture, and yet Mark's gospel consistently makes note of it in his accounts, helping us to connect with Him viscerally.

Fr. McBride explores various accounts found in Mark, providing historical context and allegorical insights into such details as John the Baptist's possible Qumran roots as it corresponds to the scene of Jesus' baptism; the importance of names in Scripture; demographic differences from region to region as illustrated by Jesus' ministry in synagogues, fields, and city centers. Just under 150 pages, this book offers background information, reflection questions and prayers at the end of each section, in addition to Scripture references and new ways of grouping accounts thematically.

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First Saturday Adoration|December 5, 2009

Hi everyone,

Just a friendly reminder that AC USA will be at adoration on November 7, 2009 (first Saturday) 4-6pm, at St. Clement's Shrine. More info at our groupsite. Questions email us at lanterians@gmail.com.

Peace!

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