Thursday 18 June 2020

Meeting Christ in the Eucharist - Father Stephen Wang - CTS Living the Sacraments

Meeting Christ in the Eucharist
CTS Living the Sacraments
Fr. Stephen Wang
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781784695668
eISBN 9781784695880
ASIN B07B6M4GY5
CTS Booklet Do938


Over the last few years I have read and reviewed over 150 books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. This is the second volume by Father Stephen ang that I have read. After reading the first I started following his social media presence and have been very impressed with his work. This piece was originally published in 2000 and released as a booklet and eBook in 2018 from the CTS. I did not know it when I read it; but this volume can be read as a book or worked through as a group study. The description states:

“This booklet will help you grow in your love for Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It includes clear explanations, prayers, scripture readings, meditations, quotations from the Catechism and from the saints about the Eucharist, together with illustrations to aid personal reflection. There is also an option to use these in a faith sharing group.

The chapters cover six main themes: the Christian encounter with the Lord; the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist; the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; the graces given in Holy Communion; Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; and the implications of the Mass for service and mission.”

And the chapters in the volume are:

Introduction
“I Will Be with You Always”: 
         The Christian Encounter with the Lord
The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Sacred Banquet, Spiritual Food: 
         The Graces Given in Holy Communion
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
“Love One Another as I Have Loved You”: 
         The Implications of the Mass for Service and Mission
Prayers for Personal Devotion
How to Run a Faith Sharing Group Using this Booklet

This is an excellent little volume. Either for personal or group use. Throughout the volume are several prints of painting by Elizabeth Wang. Each of the illustrations has a description and image code for the artwork. Each of the chapters contains the following sections:

Reflection
Holy Scripture
Catholic Teaching
Wisdom from the Saints
Summary of Core Beliefs
Practical Suggestions
Prayer

But one chapters, includes … And from Tolkien in the Wisdom From the Saints sections. One such quote is:

“Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament … There you will find romance, glory, honour, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves upon earth.” 
J.R.R. Tolkien

That same chapter on The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament also contained these quotes:

“Through adoration, the Christian mysteriously contributes to the radical transformation of the world and to the sowing of the gospel. Anyone who prays to the Saviour draws the whole world with him and raises it to God.” 
Pope St John Paul II

“Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the Living Heart of each of our parishes.” Blessed Paul VI 

“Do not think that Jesus Christ is forgetful of you, since he has left you, as the greatest memorial and pledge of his love, himself in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.” 
St Alphonsus Liguori 

“When the Sisters are exhausted, up to their eyes in work; when all seems to go awry, they spend an hour in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. This practice has never failed to bear fruit: they experience peace and strength.” 
St Teresa of Calcutta

There is also a wonderful collection of prayers. This is a wonderful little volume. It is a great read. And one I know I will return to again and again. It is also one I plan to read with a group when we can get one together.

As the second volume from Father Stephen Wang that I have read, I am impressed. I plan on tracking down more of his books. It is a great read and I highly recommend it!



Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.


Books by Steven Wang:
The Long Road To Freedom: The Story Of Wang Mingdao
The Christian Faith: A Mini-Catechism for Catholics
Aquinas & Sartre: On Freedom, Personal Identity, and the Possibility of Happiness
Meeting Christ in the Eucharist
The New Evangelisation
What is the Catholic Church?
Being a Parent Today
A Way Of Life For Young Catholics
How to Discover your Vocation
Sycamore The Catholic Faith Explained
...

Available in French:
Comment découvrir sa vocation
...

Books in the Living the Sacraments Series:
Confirmed - Catholic Truth Society
Food for the Journey - Catholic Truth Society
Meet Christ in the Eucharist - Fr Stephen Wang
Spiritual First Aid - Fr Jim McManus CssR
A Question of Death & Life - r Neil McNicholas
Cherishing Your Wedding - Kerry Urdzik
7 Words on Marriage - Fr Ivano Millico
Love's True Meaning - Fr Anthony Doe
Beloved - Catholic Truth Society
Preparing for your Child's Baptism - Sr Hyacinthe Defos du Rau OP





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