Most of you are probably aware of the custom of Lenten Reading recommended by St. Benedict’s Rule for monasteries. We read in Chapter 48 of the Rule: …in these days of Lent they shall each receive a book from the library, which they shall read straight through from the beginning. These books are given out at the beginning of Lent.
At Holy Cross Abbey, our interpretation of the custom is to begin at the First Sunday of Lent, which the Rule’s understood as the beginning of Lent. Lenten Reading may be characteristic of monastic life but it is a useful practice for any Christian. It seems to have been a help in past years to list some suggestions, so here are some books you may find helpful to choose from this Lent.
1. Holy Scripture is the source of our faith, our prayer, our spirituality and our theological reflection. Here are some current titles:
The Gospel of Mark, by John R. Donahue, S.J., and Daniel J. Harrington, S.J. (in the Sacra Pagina series)
Maverick Mark, The Untamed First Gospel, by Bonnie Thurston
The Gospel of Matthew, by Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Genesis: The Book of Beginnings, by Rabbi Johnathan Sacks (in the Covenant & Conversation series)
Exodus: The Book of Redemption, by Rabbi Johnathan Sacks (in the Covenant & Conversation series)
Shir Hashirim, A Modern Commentary on the Song of Songs, by Leonard S. Kravitz and Kery M. Olitsky
Angels and Demons: A Christian Primer of the Spiritual World, by Michael Patella, OSB
2. Monastic writers still speak to us over the centuries:
On the Ascetical Life, by Saint Isaac of Nineveh
Echoes of the Word: A New Kind of Monk on the Meaning of Life, by Enzo Bianchi
In the Heart of the Desert: the Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, by John Chryssavgis
Conversations With Saint Benedict: the Rule in Today’s World, by Terrence G. Kardong
3. Cistercian authors past and present
Pathways of Peace: Cistercian Wisdom According to Saint Bernard, by Charles Dumont (CS 187)
Stephen Harding: A Biographical Sketch and Texts, by Claudio Stercal (CS226)
Sky-Blue is the Sapphire, Crimson the Rose: Stillpoint of Desire in John of Forde, by Hilary Costello, OCSO (CF69)
The Hermitage Within, by a Monk (CS180)
Four Ways of Holiness for the Universal Church Drawn from the Monastic Tradition, by Francis Kline OCSO (MW 12)
Singing for the Kingdom: the Last Homilies, by Matthew Kelty OCSO (MW 15)
Come and See: The Monastic Way Today, by Brendan Freeman, OCSO (MW 22)
Inside the School of Charity; Lessons from the Monastery, by Trisha Day (MW 20)
4. From the Catholic Tradition
Saint Francis, A Model for Human Liberation, by Leonardo Boff
The Humility of God, A Franciscan Perspective, by Ilia Delio, OSF
Crucified Love: Bonaventure’s Mysticism of the Crucified Christ, by Ilia Delio, OSF
Why Julian Now? A Voyage of Discovery, by Sheila Upjohn
The Ascent of Mount Carmel, St. John of the Cross: Reflections, by Marc Foley, OCD
The Ignatian Adventure, Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in Daily Life, by Kevin O’Brien, S.J.
Let God: The Transforming Wisdom of Francois Fenelon, by Winn Collier
5. Contemporary Issues:
The Principle of Mercy: Taking the Crucified People from the Cross, by Jon Sobrino
The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution and the Power of Love, by Ilia Delio, OSF
Towards an Ecology of Transfiguration: Orthodox Christian Perspectives on Environment, Nature and Creation, edited by John Chryssavgis and Bruce V. Foltz
6. Pope Francis is often in the news and the press seems to have him already categorized; but how well do they understand him? Can the average journalist evaluate what he writes and says? A better picture might be gained from any of these three titles:
Pope Francis: Untying the Knots, by Paul Vallely
The Joy of the Gospel [Evangelii Gaudium], Apostolic Exhortation, by Pope Francis I
Only Love Can Save Us: Letters, Homilies and Talks of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, by Pope Francis I