Peter Costello
Sacred Space for Lent 2022 (Messenger Publications, €4.95/£4.50)
The Sacred Space website, a mission of the Irish Jesuits, continues to be one of the most popular prayer sites, accessed worldwide, continuing some would say the ancient ambition of the earliest Christians in this country to spread the word directly to people.
Sacred Space for Lent 2022 maintains the straightforward but effective format of previous years with a Scripture reading, points of reflection, a weekly topic and six steps of prayer and meditation.
The small handy format, with a concise 96 pages of devotional material, makes this an ideal vade mecum easily carried, just the thing to read on the bus or Luas! We are never so busy that we do not have time for reflection and the cultivation of hope.
This Lent and Easter many minds will be focused on what everyone has been through over the last two years, on the lingering worries of many that all is not over, and rising hopes that we can learn something for ourselves and for society from passing through the pandemic, especially the need to embrace the benefits of collective action for the benefit of all even if sacrificing ‘personal freedom’. Surely here is a misunderstanding of what the Gospel actually says about our care and concern for our neighbours. Our own ‘liberty’ cannot come at the cost of damage to others.
Hearers of the Word –Praying and Exploring the Readings for Lent and Holy Week: Year C Kieran J O’Mahony OSA (Messenger Publications, €19.95/£18.95)
In the latest book in this series Fr O’Mahony maps the readings for Lent and Holy Week, drawing together the story of Jesus’ final days with accompanying commentary, prayer guides and reflections.
This is the eighth book in this very popular series, and the final volume on the Lenten readings in this the third year of the liturgical cycle. The author explores the context and background to all three readings as a guide for personal prayer and as a preparation for taking part in the Sunday liturgy.
Hearers of the Word – Praying and Exploring the Readings, Easter and Pentecost: Year C Kieran J O’Mahony OSA (Messenger Publications, €19.95/£18.95)
This volume, the companion so to speak to the book above, is the ninth and final volume in the ‘Hearers’ series, bringing to a close the series of Gospel reflections, covering the three years of the liturgical cycle.
Again with verse-by-verse commentary, a detailed explanation of the Old and New Testament background behind each reading, and suggestions for prayer and reflection, Hearers of the Word asks us to rejoice and go outside, because Christ is risen, the first fruits of all who have fallen asleep!
Fr O’Mahony currently serves in a south Dublin parish which brings him very close indeed to the feelings and fears of ordinary Christians. What could be a more welcome and supportive message as the country is moved by a feeling that the pandemic is passing and that ‘normal life’ is returning. That at least is the hope of many, a hope still tinged with fear.