Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Mailbox time!

From Michael:

Subject: I want a good life changing book.



Hi, I stumbed led upon your blog when I googled "Catholic books that can change your life."

I am not a rapacious reader as I get bored quickly.  But when I find a good book, I will read it through like a hungry kid eats popcorn.  Most of the Catholic books I have read failed to capture my attention this way.    I have had "epiphanies" when reading books before that have motivated me to change some aspect of my life, but I have yet to find a genuinely modern Catholic book that has been successful in pushing me to the next level spiritually. 

I am a Catholic husband and father of a one-year old, and I work as a professional.  I am trying to build a stronger prayer life as I receive spiritual direction and pray with my wife regularly.  But I am seeking grace anywhere I can get it, even if it means it is in a book (something besides your standard prayer books or the Bible).  So if you know of something that will appeal to someone in my state of life and keep my attention, by all means, please recommend it.



Fully Human, Fully Divine: An Interactive ChristologyAnd my answer: 


There are a lot of books, but the first one that comes to mind is "Fully Human, Fully Divine" by Michael Casey.  I've read it at least five times, underlined, hi-lighted, starred....so it's definitely worth reading if you have a chance.  Say a prayer before you go book-hunting.  There are so many books, a little Divine inspiration couldn't hurt!

9 comments:

JJ said...

I look forward to reading your suggestion. I have a recommendation for men that want to be better men of God, husbands, fathers and person in general.

I was given the Book "Be a Man!" by Father Larry Richards after a Catholic Mens retreat this spring. I have never had a book change my life like this book did. I read the book in no time and then reread after I left it on a plane, now that I have time while I am deployed to Afghanistan.

The book challenges men to be that man that god wants us to be. After each chapter Father Larry challenges you with thoughts and homework.

Due to his book I have vowed to change my life, I read scripture daily, do the rosary and set time a side to pray to God everyday not matter what. I also increased my time, treasure and talents to the church.

Sister if there is any a book that can change a man it is this one. My wife is also impressed by my devotion to God. We as a family have stepped up our prayer life and want to the Sheep Jesus asks us to be.

Thanks for your time
Your Brother in Christ
John a Catholic Soldier

Bernadette and Rebekah said...

I must get a copy of this! I've been looking for an inspirational book lately, but I just don't know where to start.

Amanda Borenstadt said...

Sounds great! :)

JJ said...

Sister I would be happy to get a copy for you

bookworm said...

This is an excellent book--I'm reading it right now every morning as part of my Lenten journey.

Jan said...

I just ran across your post, Michael, and I see it is quite an old one--I hope you are still aboard! Have I got a book for you! Graffiti On My Soul is a faith witness memoir that reads like a suspense novel--it is riveting and stunning. But more than that it is full of insights and inspiration, written by a contemporary who has been "tested in fire" and has come out on the side of hope and faith. The late Cardinal Avery Dulles said, "The living testimony of believers...is what is necessary today. In former days we focused on 'how we get to God'; today it is more important to understand 'how God comes to us'" I think this is very true--I personally am uplifted and encouraged by ordinary people who share their walk with God. To share one's soul is to share something of the sacred because WE are the living Scripture being writeen in our time by the Hand of God. Check it out further on Amazon.

julie said...

I know that this is an older post, but I can't help it...I must make a comment. I don't know your situation, but I suggest revisiting the Bible. A priest once made me read a few verses over and over again, every day for a month, and concentrate on them intently. It was intense mental work initially, but the payoff is tremendous...think "epiphany" four times over.
Ask the Holy Spirit for help. Meditate on each word. I resisted (my) temptation to look at the words/ideas scholastically (like: "Oh, I wonder what word the ancient Hebrews used.") Sure, many have dissected the Bible, but many have fallen in theological error, too. That method would not be the best way to approach the Bible. Read it to digest it. The Bible is for our salvation...not for "ho-hum" yawns. If you are not in love with the Bible, you can't be in love with Christ. Now THAT would be ho-hum!

JJ said...

thanks for the recommendations

JJ said...

Thanks for your comments and recommendations