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Book Reviews Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI This book is a vital one. It helps us understand the figure and meaning behind Jesus. ‘In every age, man’s questioning has focused not only on his ultimate origin; almost more than the obscurity of his beginnings, what preoccupies him in the hiddenness of the future that awaits him’. We want to look behind him and set ourselves toward salvation through him. In Deuteronomy the author offers a promise : “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you …him you shall heed.” (Deut 18:15). Benedict informs us that it is through the scriptures that we come to know the path to God as the true direction that we must seek and find. So we need to not only look beyond Jesus to the future but also to Jesus’ actual life. Jesus is seen as the new Moses. He is hinted as being greater - the last prophet who is granted, ‘a real, immediate vision of the face of God’. Something Moses was not able to see. It is in Jesus that the new covenant is achieved. To understand Jesus we must look at his words, deeds, sufferings and glory. This book covers that through looking at the scriptures and early fathers’ writings. ‘The question that every reader of the New Testament must ask – where Jesus’ teaching came from, how his appearance in history is to be explained – can really be answered only from this perspective.’ This book is a crucial starting point to readings on Jesus. It ultimately comes from the Jesus origination – from the face-to-face dialogue with God – ‘from the vision of the one who rests close to the Father’s heart.’ Read this book and find within it why we believe in Jesus, find out who Jesus is and the role he plays in our hearts. This book is suitable for those wanting a deeper understanding of Christ - teens through to the elderly. The Apostles by Pope Benedict XVI This book is a fulfilling read. It expounds on the 12 Apostles and those like Paul who played an important role in the early church. The book simply helps us to understand the message of those early church missionaries. Benedict uses the bible as a crucial instrument to highlight the various roles and thinking of those early apostles. He sees it as necessary that we go back to the foundation of Catholicism to find our way to Christ. Benedict highlights St. Paul as a giant of theological thinking and action and gives us Paul’s message. That is to keep Christ central in our lives, to exist with the Holy Spirit within and to take in Paul’s dedication to the development of the church through those early church communities. I found that after reading this book I wanted to go back to the bible and read more about these men and women. Benedict writes so Page 18 December 2011
clearly and concisely which enables you to digest the book in reasonable time as well as giving you a crucial understanding of these early figures. This book would suit both those new to their faith. The Biblical Basis for the Eucharist by John Salza This book is one of those that does not start well but by the end is definitely worthwhile. The early chapters focus on God’s anger, particularly regarding events in the Old Testament. The anger is hard to reconcile with the God of love in the New Testament. What is excellent about this book is the comparison between Protestant thought and Catholicism regarding the Eucharist. It clearly shows what is right about the Catholic doctrine. We believe in the re-enactment of the Eucharist every Mass. The crucifixion of Christ is visually re-presented within the transformation of the bread and wine into body and blood. In contrast the Protestants believe that the crucifixion happened once and through this they believe their sins are saved once and for all. In truth John Salza states that Catholics believe you need to continue working on your faith through words and deeds throughout your life. We are not guaranteed heaven. We believe in transubstantiation. The Protestants in turn believe that the bread and wine in the Eucharist is only symbolic of Christ. John Salza uses scripture to prove Catholic belief; that every time we take communion we are accepting, in reality, Christ in us. Perhaps most important is the reason why we are Catholics. WE believe in the true meaning of the Eucharist. Jesus’ body and blood consecrated for us to live in Christ. This book would suit a mature reader. (Books reviewed by Kirsten Allan). December 2011 Page 19
Page 1 and 2: Catholic coast&countryside Bay of P
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Page 5 and 6: Father’s Corner Today I celebrate
Page 7 and 8: Passionist Family Groups We note wi
Page 9 and 10: Now Caesar commanded a tax would be
Page 11 and 12: Helping Paremoremo Prisoners The re
Page 13 and 14: The Power of Prayer can Open Doors
Page 15 and 16: I am ready to come home but am not
Page 17: changing their wardrobe and/or buyi
Page 21 and 22: At the end of October 130 children
Page 23 and 24: Dear Parish Community, From St. Tho
Page 25 and 26: Master Chef Glen on the creation of
Page 27 and 28: Catholic Discipleship College Decem
Page 29 and 30: LEAVE YOUR LOVED ONES FOND MEMORIES
Page 31 and 32: Thankyou Moira ‘Housekeeper extra
Page 33 and 34: BAPTISM PREPARATION PROGRAM BAPTISM
Page 35 and 36: SUPPORT YOUR PARISH SUPPORT For eve

Mount Maunganui Parish, St Thomas More Catholic ...

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