October 2018

The Eucharist: Mystery of Presence, Sacrifice, and Communion by Lawrence Feingold [fbshare type=”button” float=”right” width=”100″] Reviewed by Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB Dr. Lawrence Feingold, in this excellent volume, offers a treatment of the Eucharist that not only is useful for the classroom but for anyone wishing to enter more deeply into the Paschal mystery and

The Book of Acts is a work of both history and theology, an account of God’s self-revelation within the course of human history. Hence, to understand what Luke intended to communicate in Acts, one must set aside the false dichotomy between history and theology. In Luke’s biblical theology, history itself is a framework created and governed by God through which He reveals Himself to man.

By becoming man, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity was able to teach us perfect virtue not only through a law but also through the example of His human words and actions, especially in His Paschal mystery.

It is proper to spousal love that there be a mutual and total self-giving of the partners to each other, as St. Paul says in Ephesians 5:25–27: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”

The teachings of Teresa of Avila are a vital source of wisdom for many who seek a deeper life of prayer. EWTN’s Daniel Burke, founder of the Avila Institute, often provides testimony how the teachings of this Doctor of the Church guided him through the shallows of Quietism and into the discipline of authentic contemplation.

I feel sure that your Majesty is aware that I persevere in recommending you to our Lord in my poor prayers. And although, considering what a wretched creature I am, it is rendering you but little service, yet I do you some good by inciting the Discalced nuns to pray for you, as I know that they serve God faithfully. The community in this convent intercedes for your Majesty, for our Lady the Queen, and for the Prince, to whom may God grant a very long life.

JESUS, MARY! On reading the challenge, we thought we could not brace ourselves to encounter in the field such mettlesome and puissant knights. For no doubt they would conquer us and leave us rifled of all our goods—we might even be so daunted as to leave undone the little that was in our power. Therefore not one of us took up the gauntlet—least of all Teresa de Jesus—and this is the simple truth.

JESUS! May the Holy Spirit be with you! I have made this journey with a very heavy heart, for I deeply regretted leaving Valladolid after receiving a letter from his Lordship the Bishop stating that you were undergoing a severe trial, although not explaining what it was. Had it not come on the eve of my departure, I would not have left you in such trouble; however, it has had the great advantage of leading me to pray much to our Lord for you.