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The Practical Prophet: Pastoral Writings

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Bishop Ken Untener left this life 3/27/2004. His gentleness of spirit and humbleness in life along with his wise words continue to inspire many, many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. As with so many who speak truth to power, his life and words also galvanize those who do not agree with his views. Read this beautiful book and let the words speak for themselves. If you appreciate the writings in this book, please visit the website for the Diocese of Saginaw which continues to publish a series of Little Books that contain daily meditations for each liturgical season in the church.

Here is a portion of a prayer which was attributed to assassinated Salvadoran Cardinal Oscar Romero but was actually never spoken by him. Instead, it was spoken by John Cardinal Dearden in 1979 and was drafted by Bishop Ken. These words, and those in this book, have truly planted seeds in the church and beyond which will continue to grow.

"It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.

The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,

it is even beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction

of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work.

Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying

that the kingdom always lies beyond us.

No statement says all that could be said.

No prayer fully expresses our faith.

No confession brings perfection.

No pastoral visit brings wholeness.

No program accomplishes the church's mission.

No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about.

We plant the seeds that one day will grow.

We water seeds already planted,

knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.

We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities."

Catholic Bishop Ken Untener presents The Practical Prophet: Pastoral Writings, an anthology of inspirational and challenging essays especially for Christian ministers. The writings included are divided into the categories "Vision and Creative Imagination", "Liturgy and the Word", "Ministry of Mercy", "Consistent Ethic of Life", "Ministry of Prophet", and "The Wider Church". Each section is introduced by one of the author's trusted advisors. A plain-spoken tone, and a binding call to bring the church back to its roots form a solid common thread between diverse topics in this excellent and thought-provoking resource. The Practical Prophet is as timely and modern-thinking as it is spiritual, addressing serious present-day concerns as well as theological issues. "Day after day we read reports of past abuse by priests. This is the most agonizing experience I have ever had. It's not a thorn in my side. It's a sword in my soul. The pain comes from knowing that some youngsters have been hurt. The pain also comes from knowing that you have suffered as a member of the Catholic Church. It's on my mind every waking hour." Highly recommended.

This is an excellent book written by an outstanding person! Take the time to read it. It is very inspiring, and spoken from the heart to the heart.

In the introduction to "The Practical Prophet" it is pointed out that the book is very much a sampling of the writings and thoughts of the late bishop of Saginaw, Michigan Ken Untener.

If one reads the book as a series of essays about different talks they will find it much more satisfying than someone who is looking for one consistent focused line of thought about the Catholic Church during the past 40 years.

The editors of the book have gone to great lengths to point out that many of the bishop's writings (on topics such as the ordination of women) were written prior to magisterial instructions that sought to put an end to such conversations. I am not certain why the editors chose to add these footnotes. The book carries no imprimatur, so it is not presented as free from doctrinal error at the outset (which is not to say that this reviewer believes it contains any either). It's as though the editors have sought to water down the clarity of thought that the late bishop was known for by apologizing posthumously for his work. It would have been wiser to allow his writings to stand on their own and be discussed openly by those who were strong supporters and strong detractors of Bishop Untener.

I would recommend this book as a primer for the diversity of thought that exists in the Catholic church today. However, it would be very beneficial for the reader to explore texts that responsibly contradict the point of view offered by Bishop Untener in this book on some of the more controversial topics.

Pope Benedict XVI has been teaching vehemently on how Catholicism is a "positive option", not simply a series of prohibitions. This has been treated by many in the media as a bit of a novel approach. If one reads this book, it would appear they would find that bishops have been pointing out the 'positive option' for many years. It would do the late bishop proud to note that he was right about one thing..change starts from the ground up.

Bishop Ken Untener was one-of-a-very-few-kind of priest and bishop. His talks, his style, his writings, everything about him was remarkable. This book is a fine testament to that man.

What a heart warming collection of writings by perhaps the greatest of late 20th century Catholic thinkers. Anyone who seeks a vision of faith that is based on hope not fear will love this book. If these words are taken with love they can change lives and just maybe our world as well.

It is a honor to have The Practical Prophet among my most cherished / sacred writings. For anyone who is serious about her/his Christian growth and wants to rethink what is important and what is of no eternal value must read these masterful writing(s) by a Christ-filled follower of Christ, Bishop Ken Untener.

Bishop Untener shares some very helpful insights and help. A great resource for all who proclaim the Scriptures.