What we believe--suggested readings

Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

I had originally intended to use this post to explain stuff.  Upon reflection, I realized that everything I was going to explain has been explained far better by others.

So, I encourage all those whom Our Lord has brought to read my blog to read the following. I think of these as "required reading" for all Catholics and those who want to learn about the Church and the Faith.

The Bible.  For great "background material," read the Old Testament  in the Catholic Bible.  The Catholic Bible contains five books that were deleted at the publication of the Protestant Bibles.  The Old Testament is a great read--its got everything--love, hate, wars, violence, sex, incest, destruction, and salvation.

Read also the New Testament--the story of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our Lord is infrequently quoted in Scripture, but His story is told by His disciples.  The Catholic Bible New Testament is accepted by the Catholic Church as writings inspired by the Divine Power of the Holy Spirit.  It's also a great read.

Summa Theologica by St Thomas Aquinas,a Doctor of the Church.  Not an easy read, but in "Summa Theologica," Aquinas presents, by way of argument and rebuttal, arguments posed by those opposed to the theology of the Church and the invalidity of those arguments.

Confessions of St Augustine.  Also not an easy read, but a seminal work by another Doctor of the Church. Augustine was an adult convert to the Church and the Faith who, prior to his conversion, lived a pretty wild life.

Personally, I love St. Augustine's writings.  His "complete works" are also available--good reading for long winters.  My favorite quote from St. Augustine on the Bible, "If you retain the parts [of the Bible] you like, and discard the parts you don't, you don't believe in the Bible, you only believe in yourself."  Brilliant, yes? Yes.

In addition to these, there are several works I suggest:

Books by St Theresa of Avila, especially  "Interior Castle," "The Life of St Theresa of Jesus," (her autobiography), and "The Way of Perfection."

Books by St Theresa of Lisieux, especially "The Story of a Soul."

And, for contemporary reads:

"Consoling the Heart of Jesus," by Michael E. Gaitley, MIC.  This book was inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, I guarantee you will cry while reading this.  Few of us are able to attend the full 30 day Ignatian retreat.  This book is the next best thing.

"Introduction to Mary" by Mark Miravalle, S.T.D.  I highly recommend this book as a must read.  Although I might sound presumptuous and, therefore, apologize, you really don't know Our Blessed Mother as you will after reading this work.

Much of the contemporary Church is involved with Marian Doctrine (remember Doctrine from my first post). The past several popes, as well as Pope Francis, have affirmed and reaffirmed our faith in Our Blessed Mother as our most perfect intercessor to God.  As Our Lord Jesus Christ is the truth, the light, and the way to God, Our Blessed Mother is our perfect way to Our Lord.

I am not a bookseller.  All these books can be found for your Kindle or other device at low cost or free.  If you prefer hard copies, I recommend buying through betterworldbooks.com.  You can find everything there at greatly reduced prices and with a zero carbon footprint impact.  I bought "Introduction to Mary" through betterworldbooks.com for $5.

Some final notes:

I have been asked why I begin each blog with "Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!"  As adult converts to the Church, these word are the first public pronouncement we make (in addition to responding "I will" or "I am") before the congregation as we progress through our Rites of Introduction, Acceptance, and Continuing Conversion prior to receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and our Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.

Also, as we are taught and is exemplified in the order of the Mass, we first give praise to the Lord.

By His grace.