Why Not? How to Bring the Liturgy About
by Turlough Baxter (Veritas, €8.99)
This little book consists of thoughts on the liturgy that originally appeared in Intercom, the pastoral and liturgical resource magazine, over the last dozen years or so. Though aimed by Turlough Baxter at his fellow clergy, it will be read with by many lay people as well. Inspired by the General Instruction on the Roman Liturgy, they are intended to help bring about the goals of that document. He calls this ‘Incarnation Liturgy’, that is a way of making principles comes alive in a relevant way in the parish context.
The liturgy is not mere ritualism, but an expression of communal faith, a way of entering into a two thousand year old tradition. He arranges his observations by the parts of the Eucharistic celebration. And they are presented as thoughts, reflections, and suggestions. They are intended to stir the celebrant and the worshiper to a deeper appreciation. Observation on many Sundays suggests that such a little book, easy to approach, will be of importance to many, for some people in a congregation seem to be present, but not attending. They will learn much from Fr Baxter.
The Stations of the Cross
by Vincent Sherlock (Messenger Publications, €3.99)
St Ignatius recommended that anyone starting out on mediation should viendo el lugar – seeing the place. In his little companion Fr Sherlock imagines that one’s guide is the women taken in adultery, an actual witness to the ministry of Jesus, whose own confusions, doubts and failings to fully understand reflect those of Christians down the centuries.
We follow her through all 14 stations until the body is laid in the tomb. On that scene she reflects in the light of her own experience: “I’m glad we met. I’m glad I was there, when they crucified my Lord. God know, he knows, I owed much. Of course, had it not been for my ‘sin’, chances are I’d not have come to know him as well as I did.” The echo here of a famous negro spiritual suggests that her simple faith may not be so simple, but is deeper that one might imagine, and more complicated.
The Living Gospel: Daily Devotions for Lent 2017
by Tim Fox (Ave Maria Press/Alban Books, €2.99).
Lent began yesterday, and this little book by popular Catholic columnist, blogger and podcaster, Deacon Tim Fox. Fox aims to provide a set of devotions suitable for every day of Lent, the Triduum and Easter Sunday.
It is not a stand-alone book though, but requires that the user open and read the Gospels along the way. Under some six heading he provides not only a prayer and a reading, but also a reflection, and suggests an action too.
For a morning devotion for even the busiest person this is an ideal little book. Written and presented with simplicity, it contains few allusions to American life, but can be heartily recommended, allowing those who run to also pray.