The Bookshelf

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming," by Henri Nouwen was a Book Club selection that made an impact on many in our group. Each of the story's characters were revealed in such a way that you come to identify with each of them individually; the father, the older son, and the returning son. The book opened up this parable for me in ways never before explored.

"A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.

In seizing the inspiration that came to him through Rembrandt's depiction of the powerful Gospel story, Henri Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son's return, the father's restoration of sonship, the elder son's vengefulness, and the father's compassion. In his reflection on Rembrandt in light of his own life journey, the author evokes a powerful drama of the parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as the father and be loved as the son will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.

"The Return of the Prodigal Son is a beautiful book, as beautiful in the simple clarity of its wisdom as in the terrible beauty of the transformation to which it calls us." --New Oxford Review

Eucharist by Robert Barron

Robert Barron, now Bishop Barron, has the skill to write about complex theological issues and make them understandable. Of all of Bishop Barron's books, I reference this most commonly.

The Eucharist is the foundation of our Catholic faith and worship. The meaning of Eucharist is 'thanksgiving' and this must be remembered as you read this book. But it is not a sense of 'giving' that we are to be thankful for, but rather a giving of total self, something we barely believe possible. This is the gift of the Eucharist. Bishop Barron finds a human expression in the story of Babette's Feast.

Frequently in worship, we refer to the Eucharist as a sacrifice. Bishop Barron walks us through the Old Testament and the concept of covenant, with sacrifice being the bond that holds the two parties in union. I'm sure all of us who were married could understand the sacrifice that goes into a good marriage, but yet the joy of communion is what we really remember.

Take some time and read this book slowly, and read it holding a highlighter. When you are done, the phrases and thoughts will strengthen your understanding of this most precious gift.

The Lamb's Supper

The uniqueness of Catholicism is the Mass. "The Lamb's Supper," by Scott Hahn reveals a fascinating and powerful aspect of the Mass that will heighten your Sunday experience and help you understand all the crazy imagery that is found in the Book of Revelation.

The angels and the communion of saints are always our companions but this book helps to understand more fully the supernatural drama that occurs at very Mass as we worship the Lamb of God and celebrate the Eucharist. If you are looking to see the Mass with new eyes, pray the liturgy with a renewed heart, and enter into the mystery of the Mass intelligently and powerfully, this book is a great choice.