"Time for God," is another book by Jacques Philippe that is easy to read and understand and yet profound and full of life changing truths. It answers so many questions that you may be wrestling with in regards to prayer. This is not a book to read through quickly though, it begs you to take your time, to reflect deeply on a page or passage, and to slowly transform your prayer life, leading you to a closer and more intimate relationship with God.
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist,” by Brant Pitre does a marvelous job of sharing his knowledge and research into Jewish traditions and Old Testament Scripture that is easy to read yet provides a wealth of information on the Last Supper. Want to know what the Passover was like at the time of Jesus and what Jesus meant when he said, "This is my body...This is my blood? This book opens your eyes to the magnificent story of God's presence - the mystery that we are called to see and are invited to partake in. It helps one truly believe in the mystery of the real presence of Christ, body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist.
Padre Pio: The True Story is the best kind of book about a saint, perhaps because it remains faithful to its title. Padre Pio is an incredible and holy man and the author of this book does a fantastic job of highlighting those two truths: that Padre Pio was holy and Padre Pio was a man. We can often separate these two things and think the only way to be holy is to throw away our humanity. The saints, and the story of Padre Pio in this book, remind us holiness and humanity are not at odds with one another.
In this book one reads about incredible miracles and graces Padre Pio brought about in his life: Reading souls in confession, healing illness and injury, fighting with the devil, and bilocation to name a few. One also reads about his humor, pain, suffering, and struggles to follow God’s will for his life. These two elements show what sainthood is all about: the courage to follow God in the midst of our weakness and inadequacy and even sometimes the misunderstandings of our peers. Padre Pio is a saint not because he was perfect, but because he did not allow his imperfections to prevent him from following and loving God. If you are looking for a book which will inspire you to be a saint, this one is for you! St. Padre Pio: Pray for us!