Suggested Reading by Fr. Leo
Below is a list of books I would recommend for Spiritual Reading with short descriptions.
The it Guide to (almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin. This book makes the Jesuit Ignatian Spirituality accessible to everyday living. A clear way to use the mind and heart in seeking to live in Christ.
The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon, by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. This book give a clear picture of the early Church and the Gospel Jesus, Paul and Peter gave their lives for. Makes on ponder the difference between the Gospel of Christ and how it is changed by the institutional aspect of today’s Christian religions.
The Longest Psalm, by Michael Casey. This is a book you can keep next to your chair for a long time. It is a commentary on each verse of Psalm 119. Reading a verse a day is a great way to start the day turning your mind to God. Casey is a profound writer is the world of Christian Spiritual writing.
What is Self? A Study of the Spiritual journey in Terms of Consciousness. By Bernadette Roberts. This is a challenging read. Yet Bernadette takes us one step beyond John of the Cross in undertaking the Spiritual journey from God’s perspective and not our own. One of the most challenging books I’ve read with some fresh insights into understanding the relationship between the historical Christ and the Eternal Christ of the Trinity. Our road map is Christ who always was, was incarnate, died, rose from the dead and ascended into haven and gifts us with the Spirit to make the same journey home he has made before us.
Seven Last Words by James Martin, S.J. A great meditation on Christ seven last words. Perfect for Lent, it was first presented as a sermon Fr. Martin gave at St. Patrick’s Cathedral In New York with Cardinal Doland presiding. It’s a short read.
My life With the Saints by James Martin, S.J. As Catholics most of us lose out on having the Saints as our companions in our Spiritual Journey. Martin’s book and delightfully change that.
Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus’s Greatest Miracle by James Martin, S.J. This book is a great reflection on the raising of Lazarus from a man who has lead many pilgrimages to the site of this miracle. Martin shares his insights gathered over many years with many people.