Living the Mysteries: A Guide for Unfinished Christians (Paperback)

by Scott Hahn (Author), Mike Aquilina (Author) "Not long ago, a series of self-help books appeared..." (more)
Key Phrases: holy chrism, one bread, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Old Testament (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Until we get to heaven, we’re all unfinished Christians.

There are no "self-made" success stories in the spiritual life. No do-it-yourself kits for aspiring saints. That’s why Living the Mysteries is ideal for a family member, friend, or fellow parishioner who was recently in the RCIA program and received the sacraments of initiation – baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist – at the Easter Vigil. That’s why it’s perfect for a lifelong Catholic, too.

The early Church had a process in which a teacher guided seekers through stages of inquiry and purification, culminating in a final phase called "mystagogy" — MIST-a-go-gee — "the revelation of the mysteries."

The instruction the early Christians needed is what we all need, no matter when we were baptized, no matter how much theology we’ve studied. That’s because God’s mysteries are inexhaustible and, until we get to heaven, we’re all unfinished Christians.

Spirit-Led Mystagogy from the Ancient Masters

Now eight of the early Church’s greatest teachers can be your guides as Living the Mysteries presents the wisdom and insights of: St. Ambrose
St. Augustine
St. Basil
St. Clement of Alexandria
St. Cyril of Jerusalem
St. Gregory of Nyssa
St. John Chrysostom
St. Leo the Great

Designed as a devotional – and more – for the fifty days between Easter and Pentecost, Living the Mysteries is a rich spiritual resource valuable any time of the year. Each day features:

• A passage from the Church’s great teachers that focuses on a relevant point of the mystical or moral life

• A plan with practical applications for letting that reading inspire your prayer and actions throughout the day

You will treasure these timeless lessons on gaining eternal life.

About the authors Scott Hahn and Mike Aquilina are the founders and trustees of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and have co-hosted several series on the Eternal Word Television Network. Each has written extensively on Catholic doctrine, history, and devotion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor (September 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931709122
• ISBN-13: 978-1931709125
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #327,230 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What every RCIA teacher needs, June 22, 2004

By	Angie Maquire (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Finally, after ten years of teaching RCIA, I have found the book that every teacher's been looking for. Unlike the other materials that we've had to use, these authors don't talk about mystagogy, they DO it. Better, they show how the Church fathers did it. Our parish priest agrees. This is the best resource for our catechumenal candidates.

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very fresh approach to Mystagogy, especially useful for RCIA, May 31, 2004

By	E. Griffin (Alexandria) - See all my reviews

This anthology presents a number of short readings for meditation and prayer. They are drawn from writings of recognized early teachers of Christian doctrine, including St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nysaa, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, St. Ambrose of Milan, St. Augustine of Hippo, St. John Chrysostom and St. Leo the Great. We may have heard of, even revered these early saints, hearing them mentioned on feast days, without really knowing their thoughts and ideas. This book makes those thoughts accessible. Very fresh and useful, too. The authors, Hahn and Aquilina, also show us how to use their book, with encouraging words about such things as meditation. The book focuses on on the ancient riches of God's Word and early Christian teachers and their value for us today.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Living the Mysteries: A guide for unfinished Christians, May 7, 2007

By	M. Schultz - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A fantastic book for Neophytes! This little book gives day-to-day meditations and goals to more fully live the sacramental life. A must read for all Catholics at all stages of spiritual growth.