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Charlene Rack shares her ideas for drawing nearer to Jesus this Lent.

We find ourselves, for the second year in a row, in our Lenten season under the shadow of Covid-19 fears and inconveniences, along with upheaval, division, and damaging weather events in our country. We have a lot to dig through to get to the core of our very selves, and concentrate as we should on the gift of Lent.

Catholic Mom’s Lenten theme this year seemed, at first glance, to be out of my league. How can I get myself to the foot of the cross, when only three of Jesus’ followers had the courage, love, and loyalty to be there with Him? Then, out-of-the-blue, on a thrifting adventure, I found one awesome book that spurred my ingenuity.

Digging through our own bookshelves for more reading material, I built what I call my stepping stones to Golgatha. I’ve prayerfully selected a number of books to peruse during this holy season. I gathered some of the following titles for my seasonal reading, and even a few more not pictured or mentioned.

stack of spiritual books arranged stair-step-fashion with crucifix and candles on table at top.

(And, just composing my “still life” illustration had quite an effect on me, lying on the floor, looking up at Jesus on the cross, with my staircase leading that way … I’m pumped!) Perhaps my idea will inspire you, too.

My Stepping Stones to Golgotha

The Passion: (Photography from the movie, The Passion of the Christ.) © 2004. I have a tradition of watching this movie on Good Friday, pausing the movie at appropriate times while praying the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary. This Lent (with my $2, brainstorm-triggering thrift store find), I can easily meditate on these images for all of Holy Week.

The Navarre Bible, Gospels & Acts © 2002. The in-depth commentary and notes in the Navarre Bible are always helpful to my Bible study efforts, but especially so when I’m “getting serious!”

Basic Writings of Thomas Aquinas, Vol 2, Edited by Anton C. Pegis © 1945. Sometimes a little over my head, but I’m blessed with the ready support of a learned philosopher friend, and a son-in-law who is earning his Masters in philosophy!

Consecration to St Joseph, by Fr Donald H. Calloway, MIC, © 2020. This book has been slowly making its way through our frugal family, and it’s finally my turn. How lucky that the suggested reading schedule has me unraveling it during Lent! I’m learning so much about St. Joseph. And since St. Andre Bessette is a new favorite saint of mine, I’m getting a strong urge to travel to Montreal’s Oratory of St. Joseph, a minor Basilica and Montreal’s largest church.

Peace of Soul, by Fulton J. Sheen © 1949. Really, need I say much about Venerable Fulton Sheen and his books?! Anything he has written is a pretty reliable bet, if your goal is growing in knowledge and holiness!

Saint Mary Magdalene, Prophetess of Eucharistic Love, by Fr John Davidson, © 2017. Are you looking for a book that will (first of all) clear up any confusion about Mary Magdalene and her anointing of and love for Christ, and then go on to light a fire of love in your own soul for Jesus fully present in the Holy Eucharist? This book has changed my life and my habits of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. I am no longer “afraid” to do an act of full prostration during Exposition. St Mary Magdalene never worried what others thought, so why should we?! We love the Lord, and He is deserving of all the love and humble adoration that we can offer. (I often find myself in tears now, during an act of prostration, as I imagine wiping my Lord’s tired and dirty feet, those feet destined to walk the grueling path to Golgotha to pour out his life and love for my sins!)

Talks on the Song of Songs, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, by Bernard Bangley. An accidental, but excellent, companion book to the St. Mary Magdalene paperback.

An Anthology, by Josef Pieper, © 1989. Very down-to-earth, philosophical gleanings from a master. Be prepared for lots of “Wow” moments!

Mother Angelica on Prayer and Living for the Kingdom, EWTN © 2017. Who doesn’t love Mother Angelica, with her unique, winning mixture of wisdom and humor?

 

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How can I get myself to the foot of the cross, when only three of Jesus’ followers had the courage, love, and loyalty to be there with Him? #catholicmom

Basket of spiritual books on lamp table

With these and other books on the table beside my favorite chair, I’m doing better than usual this time around (so far), and am determined to continue in this discipline for the whole of Lent, while turning to all of the saints (several of whom I’m getting to know better) for their aid in my endeavor.

All you angels and saints in heaven, thank you for all the wisdom and help you provide, and pray for us all to have a holy and beneficial Lent, gathered together at the foot of the Cross!


Copyright 2021 Charlene Rack
Images (from top): Canva Pro; all others copyright 2021 Charlene Rack, all rights reserved.