A master theologian and popular Catholic author offers inspiring insights into the mystery of Christ's presence in our lives. As festive as the film "Babette's Feast" and as profound as the work of Ronald Knox, this fresh look at the Eucharist brings to light the meanings of meal, sacrifice, and real presence in our lives.
Eucharist (Catholic Spirituality for Adults)
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About the Author
ROBERT BARRON is professor of systematic theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois. He is the author of many articles and books, including And Now I See, The Strangest Way, and The Priority of Christ.
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39 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
There can be no doubt that Fr Barron is one of the most dynamic preachers in our midst, illustrating his catechesis with incisive critiques of modern cultural offerings, but always grounding his explanations with the deepest grasp of ageless Catholic teachings. Thus it was no surprise that Eucharist was both a delight to read and a penetrating look at the "Messianic banquet" (p. 141) to which we are all invited.
While the book is a straight-forward look at the Eucharist, this particular review is directed specifically towards women, who need to consider the truths of the faith with an ever-present awareness of their feminine vocation. The essence of that vocation is to live as an icon of Holy Mother Church--virgin, bride and mother--fully rejoicing in the nuptial backdrop that gives depth to our relationship with the Creator
I found three portions of the book extraordinarily edifying as I considered them through the lens of womanhood, beginning with his beautiful summary of the gift of self offered in Karen Blixen's short story, Babette's Feast. The key point Fr Barron made was that there can be no communion in a fallen world without sacrifice. Truly, we understand this concept as it applies to Jesus' gift of self on the cross, but the same truth applies to us in relation to our families--and to every opportunity for communion that we provide in our domestic church. The sacrifice on Calvary is repeated in our efforts to create communion amidst the joys and trials in family life, in our places of work and among all those with whom we come in contact on a daily basis.
Secondly, the author takes great pains to explain the competing views of the Eucharist other than transubstantiation, and he makes a difficult topic manageable. He receives their arguments in good faith, and then explains why they cannot stand as the true explanation of what is happening on the altar, culminating with the explaining the profound effect that words have on being. All readers will benefit by this section, but women in particular must draw an additional meaning from the text. "Whatever happens, therefore ... it reminds us that the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a consequence of the power of the word" (p. 131). Women, I believe, are intimately familiar with the power of words, and although we do not confect the Eucharist, we have tremendous influence with the way we speak. We do this for good, in the case of the blessings and words of encouragement we bestow, or for evil, when we condemn, tear down or curse with our over-hasty or scathing judgments. We also carry deeply within us the burden of others' words to us, which we need to forgive in order to find true freedom.
Finally, I discovered a third treasure that we can bring into our relationships with others, especially those for whom we have the responsibility of forming. This point concerned the essential Catholic truth, not only that the body and spirit are a cohesive whole, but that God works through his creation in a delicate and respectful way. Thus, Fr Barron describes it (using the thought of Robert Sokolowski) as "the noncompetitive presence of God within an aspect of nature he has made" (p. 133). It is adequately explained even for those without a philosophical background, and it should pierce the heart of any woman who loves deeply, plants seeds of wisdom for the edification of others, and prays intensely for conversions of heart to this most loving God.
Everyone benefits when we have a deeper, richer understanding of this great gift of God, but women in particular can meditate on their call to live the Holy Mass, to absorb the lessons about generosity and sacrifice, and to transform our small pockets of humanity with the leaven of love. Ultimately, after partaking of this Divine Feast we are all called to go in peace, and with a better understanding of how the Incarnation is prolonged through the Real Presence, we will then grasp our feminine vocation, which is to give flesh to his cherished bride.
________________
Genevieve Kineke is the author of The Authentic Catholic Woman (Servant Books) and the editor of [...]
While the book is a straight-forward look at the Eucharist, this particular review is directed specifically towards women, who need to consider the truths of the faith with an ever-present awareness of their feminine vocation. The essence of that vocation is to live as an icon of Holy Mother Church--virgin, bride and mother--fully rejoicing in the nuptial backdrop that gives depth to our relationship with the Creator
I found three portions of the book extraordinarily edifying as I considered them through the lens of womanhood, beginning with his beautiful summary of the gift of self offered in Karen Blixen's short story, Babette's Feast. The key point Fr Barron made was that there can be no communion in a fallen world without sacrifice. Truly, we understand this concept as it applies to Jesus' gift of self on the cross, but the same truth applies to us in relation to our families--and to every opportunity for communion that we provide in our domestic church. The sacrifice on Calvary is repeated in our efforts to create communion amidst the joys and trials in family life, in our places of work and among all those with whom we come in contact on a daily basis.
Secondly, the author takes great pains to explain the competing views of the Eucharist other than transubstantiation, and he makes a difficult topic manageable. He receives their arguments in good faith, and then explains why they cannot stand as the true explanation of what is happening on the altar, culminating with the explaining the profound effect that words have on being. All readers will benefit by this section, but women in particular must draw an additional meaning from the text. "Whatever happens, therefore ... it reminds us that the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a consequence of the power of the word" (p. 131). Women, I believe, are intimately familiar with the power of words, and although we do not confect the Eucharist, we have tremendous influence with the way we speak. We do this for good, in the case of the blessings and words of encouragement we bestow, or for evil, when we condemn, tear down or curse with our over-hasty or scathing judgments. We also carry deeply within us the burden of others' words to us, which we need to forgive in order to find true freedom.
Finally, I discovered a third treasure that we can bring into our relationships with others, especially those for whom we have the responsibility of forming. This point concerned the essential Catholic truth, not only that the body and spirit are a cohesive whole, but that God works through his creation in a delicate and respectful way. Thus, Fr Barron describes it (using the thought of Robert Sokolowski) as "the noncompetitive presence of God within an aspect of nature he has made" (p. 133). It is adequately explained even for those without a philosophical background, and it should pierce the heart of any woman who loves deeply, plants seeds of wisdom for the edification of others, and prays intensely for conversions of heart to this most loving God.
Everyone benefits when we have a deeper, richer understanding of this great gift of God, but women in particular can meditate on their call to live the Holy Mass, to absorb the lessons about generosity and sacrifice, and to transform our small pockets of humanity with the leaven of love. Ultimately, after partaking of this Divine Feast we are all called to go in peace, and with a better understanding of how the Incarnation is prolonged through the Real Presence, we will then grasp our feminine vocation, which is to give flesh to his cherished bride.
________________
Genevieve Kineke is the author of The Authentic Catholic Woman (Servant Books) and the editor of [...]
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
First, I want to disclose that I am not a Roman Catholic, but a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. I found this book facinating, insightful, and deeply enriching. Aside from the actual "how" Jesus becomes really present in the elements of bread and wine, (and the author treats the views of Luther vs. Thomas Aquinas very respectfully) there is nothing that I felt was contrary to Lutheran teaching. In a small volume, the themes of sacred meal, sacrifice and real presence were treated on such a profound and faith affirming level. In addition, the discussions of biblical texts offered many new insights and symbolism that I had not been aware of, such as the image of the mother hen gathering her chicks as not only an image of love and care, which I had recognized, but as taking part in sacrificial imagery as well. I really enjoyed the discussion of the power of words, and how God speaks things into being and how that relates to Jesus' words at the last supper transforming bread and wine into his body and blood. My son was recently confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and one of the questions he had to answer was what gifts does God provide to us in the Lord's supper? The answer is eternal life, forgiveness of sins and salvation. I though this book did a tremendous job of demonstrating how those gifts flow because of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Finally, the discussion gave me hope that on this aspect of theology, which is really of central importance to the faith, Lutheran and Roman Catholic unity may not be far off.
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Father Barron has so many biblical and historical reflections on the origins and Christs' intentions for us in the Holy Eucharist. A very well-written book, it is both concise and full of insightful nuggets of the Blessed Sacrament. I did a bible study in conjunction with reading the book, and I just want to read it again. He truly makes us hunger for the body of Christ!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Growing in my Catholic faith
I have read two of Robert Barron 's books now, Catholicism and this book. Beside being held captive by the wonderful way father writes, I found my faith growing like I've never... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Gibson07
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robet Barron is the Bishop Fulton Shean of our times
This book is a keeper. Every catholic should read it and non-catholics too, so they would find out what catholics believe.
Published 1 month ago by Amalina G. Nisos
4.0 out of 5 stars
father Barron Does it Again!
Father Barron does it again. This is an eccellent s-iritual guide with a sacramental approach. it is sure to ehance your prayer life.
Published 1 month ago by James P. Finerty
5.0 out of 5 stars
worth the effort
this is not a particularly easy read but very worthwhile to understand and appreciate the enormity of the Eucharist in the life of a Catholic.
Published 2 months ago by joan b galbraith
4.0 out of 5 stars
GOD'S GREATEST GIFT.
Very interesting. I will be looking through Book catelogs for Spiritual works. I find secular works a waste of my time (at 73 I cannot afford to waste time.)
Published 2 months ago by Janet DeNicola
4.0 out of 5 stars
In depth Scriptural analysis
If you liked Fr. Robert Barron's "Catholicism" and are looking to delve deeper into the whole theology of the Euchariet, this is the book for you. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Cecelia Cody
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book !!!!
Father Barron does a great job of tying the old and new testament together. His
series on Catholicism is a great walk through our history of faith.
series on Catholicism is a great walk through our history of faith.
Published 4 months ago by Robert Hayes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful and elucidating
As a lifelong Catholic I have read tons of books on various aspects of the Eucharist, but few pleased me as this one does. Read more
Published 4 months ago by avidreader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
In the span of a book fewer than 150 pages, Fr. Barron clearly presents the Catholic Church's understanding of the Blessed Sacrament as Sacrifice, Meal, and Real Presence of... Read more
Published 6 months ago by David
4.0 out of 5 stars
Because Jesus said they are
Having struggled with the concept of transsubtantiation for a long time, I found this book very insightful. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Camille Marteaux
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