The Bookshelf

Secrets of the Sacred Heart

Is Jesus in your home? We all know that He is, but when you stop and think, is His image in your home? This question was raised to me in the context of reading a lovely text that I received at Christmas entitled Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus’ Promises in Your Life, by Emily Jaminet. When being forced to think about it, I mentally ran through every room in our house. We have crucifixes. We have Marian objects. I don’t have a picture of Jesus. After noting that this needs to be fixed, I read about a process called enthronement. Enthronement is a special act of consecration done by a family or individual who wishes to welcome Jesus into their home (or other dedicated space) as King, Savior,
Brother or Friend (p.11). It involves placing an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in a place of importance to signify the intention of all those present to grow closer to God and to allow him to enlighten their souls with Divine Truth (p. 12). Upon learning this, I felt compelled to make sure that I did this. Who doesn’t want peace in their home? In their place of work? I know I do and am so grateful that a very large statue of the Sacred Heart graces our school stairwell right
by the office. As I further moved my way through the text, I was taught a very simple way to engage the Sacred Heart in my daily life. These are called small prayers of aspiration. Upon passing an image of the Sacred Heart, whisper a small little prayer like “Jesus, I trust in you” or “Jesus, I love you” or “Make my home in your heart”. Starting there can open up a conversation with Jesus. I liken this to when I pass a photo I took of my father that rests on my dresser. He passed away nearly eight years ago, but every time I pass the photo, I talk to him. I can do that same thing with the image of Jesus. Doing so can bring peace to my home and my heart. Who couldn’t use that these days?

When we lack peace, it prevents us from seeing God’s hand, especially in times of struggle and difficulty. Often, fear and anxiety steal our peace and we begin to tremble and worry. Jesus wants to exchange our restless, broken hearts for his heart that is full of peace. (p. 15)

Following Christ in a Consumer Society

In his book, "Following Christ in a Consumer Society," Fr. John Kavanaugh elaborates on what he refers to as “The Commodity Form” wherein he examines the extremes that our society has been drawn into without slaking our thirst for products and services of every conceivable type.

Then he focuses on “The Personal Form” which concentrates on the Gospel message of Jesus requiring Christians to love and help each other vs. loving “things.”

Fr. Kavanaugh (1941 - 2012) was an acclaimed professor of philosophy at St. Louis University.  The depth of his intellect makes reading some pages of the book a definite challenge. But there are many sections that shine with facts and smooth logic encouraging the reader to live the Gospel message with stepped up commitment and more enthusiasm.

This Jesuit’s knowledge of the virtual overwhelming lure of our culture is made clear with the 27 page bibliography at the end of the book. That section is entitled, “Reading About Culture and Faith.”

His comments related to the many books that he has studied on our culture is a worthy reading all by itself.

Who Do He Say You Are?

Who Does He Say You Are? Women Transformed by Christ in the Gospels by Colleen C. Mitchell

This book speaks to the heart of every woman. Sometimes we struggle with our identity, or acceptance of who we are. Christ elevates us to a new level once we discover His love, and our uniqueness and charisms in the light of who we are in HIS EYES. Each chapter contains a scriptural account about a woman in the Bible such as: Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Elizabeth, Mother of John the Baptist, Anna, the Prophetess, The Woman of Samaria, The Hemorrhaging Woman, The Woman Caught in Adultery, Mary Magdalen. The author highlights the characteristics of the woman in scripture, the challenges that can be applied to our own lives, her message to us today, and a beautiful prayer summarizing the chapter.

Each chapter closes with reflection questions. This book will deepen your spiritual life, challenge you to come closer to Jesus and above all, to share the message of God’s love in your life with others. Take this book with you on retreat, your Lenten Journey, or even as a part of your personal prayer life. The closing words of her book sums it perfectly: “May you discover yourself in the learning and drawing near, deeper and deeper still, to the God who made you – continuing to learn to embrace who it is He says that you are.  And may his Word ever guide you to know more of who you are in Him.”