Eucharist (Catholic Spirituality for Adults) [Paperback]

Robert Barron (Author)

Book Description

Series: Catholic Spirituality for Adults | Publication Date: September 30, 2008

A master theologian 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 spiritual meaning of meal, sacrifice, and real presence in our lives.

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Editorial Reviews

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. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 141 pages
• Publisher: Orbis Books (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570757224
• ISBN-13: 978-1570757228
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism > Roman Catholicism

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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Communion Without Sacrifice, April 8, 2010

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Genevieve Kineke "feminine-genius" (New England) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Eucharist (Catholic Spirituality for Adults) (Paperback)

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 [...]

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars amazing insights, December 4, 2011

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baltimore customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eucharist (Catholic Spirituality for Adults) (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!!