Companion to Saint Paul - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series

Companion to Saint Paul
CTS Companions Series
J.B. Midgley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860822407

CTS Booklet Do718

A few of years ago I encountered the works of J.B. Midgley and was very impressed with his writing. I have worked at tracking all his books down. It took me a few years. I now have all of his books, or at least the ones I am aware of. This volume was the last I had left to read. I have read his works a total of 31 times so far; with a few having been read more than once. It has been worth tracking down all 28 books by J.B. Midgley. Twenty-six of those books were published by the Catholic Truth Society.  And 6 of those were from the CTS Great Saints Series. And 7 are from the CTS Companions Series. He also wrote books in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. He even contributed to one of the CTS Devotions volumes. I have loved most of them. I first read a book by Midgley almost just over 4 years ago, almost to the day. This volume is a great book, by an excellent author in a wonderful series! It is much a little more academic than some of his other offerings. But how could you look at Paul and Pauline studies and not become academic to some extent.

The description on the back of the book is:

“This ‘Companion’ sketches a dramatic panorama of the amazing life, work and legacy of Saint Paul. The story of his life, with his major journeys, failures and successes, is told. Importantly, the author identifies the central themes of his many ‘Letters’, with helpful summaries and assessments of their significance. The feasts and devotions surrounding Saint Paul are also explained.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction

Legacy of Saint Paul

Devotion to Saint Paul

The Life of Saint Paul

Those who worked with Paul

Themes of Saint Paul’s Letters

1 and 2 Thessalonians AD 50-51

1 and 2 Corinthians AD 57

Galatians, Romans AD 57-58

Philippians c.AD 59

Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians c. AD 61-63

1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy c. AD 65-5

Hebrews C.AD 65

Acknowledgements

Some of the passages I highlighted my first time through this volume are:

“Paul’s enduring message is about the freedom which Christ brings to God’s people in whom He lives, and which He has achieved by His sacrifice on the Cross with the Holy Spirit and in charity. It is a freedom so unrestrained that the opportunities to serve him are limitless.”

“We find salvation when we use our lips to say that Jesus is Lord, and our hearts to believe that God has raised Him from the dead. WE have received the Spirit of adoption so that, as His children, we are able to call God Abba, Father and, as His heirs, we share Christ’s inheritance, participating in His sufferings and His glory.”

“Those who doubt their personal qualifications to carry the Gospel, may be comforted that, at first glance, Paul seems an unlikely addition to the ranks of the Apostles. This Pharisee, who was a legal adviser to the hostile Sanhedrin, a cruelly efficient persecutor of Christ’s followers, and a citizen of an occupying foreign power could be opinionated, short-tempered, censorious, and disruptive, but he became consumed with love for Christ and his Church whose members he referred to tenderly as his “little children”. Though he trembled at the thought of speaking in public, he did so with a certainty that the Lord would make good his deficiencies. He showed heroic courage in the face of danger and welcomed the severity of sufferings which united him with those of Christ whom he followed to the death, rejoicing in His Resurrection.”

He is the Patron Saint of Greece, Malta and the city of London. In England fort-three churches were dedicated to him and, with Saint Peter, another two hundred and eighty three, but perhaps it is his cathedral in London which best exemplifies the great Apostle’s enduring influence. 

““God our Father, you taught the Gospel to all the world through the preaching of Paul your Apostle. May we who celebrate his conversion to the faith follow him in bearing witness to your truth, and experience the power of his intercession.” (Opening Prayer, January 25th and Collect, June 30th adapted.)”

“Saul had always believed he was acting in good faith but now the grace of God began to work in him, enabling him to understand that in persecuting the members of His Body he was persecuting Jesus. The Pauline doctrine begins its life: Salvation through faith and the grace of God, and Jesus is one with His followers.”

“The New Testament lists Paul’s letters in an order of diminishing length which opens with Romans until concluding with Hebrews. The order in which they were written, however, shows the development of his theological thought as he articulates the depth and meaning of the Gospel.”

“Christ is the object of Paul’s constant love and heartfelt praise, and nothing is going to separate him from that love, not even hunger, nakedness, suffering and persecution. For him life is Christ and death a wonderful triumph. Because he has been crucified with Christ, he does not live his own life now, but the life of Christ who lives in him, and no one on earth can disturb him because he carries on his body the marks of Christ.”

“Paul condemns such teaching as more daemonic than divine, and foresees the dangers of an asceticism which enslaves rather than liberates, and an arrogant spirituality which is contemptuous of others.”

“Paul again sees the Church won by Christ through His atoning sacrifice as a Mystical Body subject to the Head who nourishes her. She is ONE body with one Head, and is one in faith, doctrine, government and worship. She is HOLY because her members are sanctified and saved by her Founder, the all holy God who commissions her to teach a holy doctrine and provide all the means to holiness.”

“Paul’s background, education, and intellect. Certainly, over the next thirty years of Pope St Clement, St. Polycarp, and St Justin never doubted that the letter was from Paul, and it was considered of such theological importance that the earliest canons placed it immediately after Romans.”

When I returned to university as a mature student the first course I did was Paul’s Life and Letters RS209 in the spring term of 1998, This was followed by an independent reading course on Paul and Pauline Theology RS398. I have had an interest in Paul since that first course. And try and read at least one book a year on Paul. This year I discovered that 2008 was the year of Saint Paul and the CTS published at least a few booklets for that year. This one predates that by three years and would have been an excellent resource that year, or for anyone interested in Paul and Pauline Studies. I would have loved to have had this booklet as a supplemental resource for both of the courses on Paul I did. And I plan to try and track down the specific booklets that are part of the ‘Year of Saint Paul’ to read. 

This book is excellent for the scholar or the casual reader. It lines up very closely with my own reading of Paul and the works he penned. It is a great primer. It is a volume well worth tracking down and reading.

This book is a great read in an excellent series. It is a different than the most of the others and more academic. That is not a criticism just an observation. I have been blessed by all of the books from Midgley’s pen, and Know that I will likely reread them all, but this one on Paul will hold a special place for me. I highly recommend this book, the series and many of the works from the Catholic Truth Society.

(Note I was able to use the Way Back Machine and look at the CTS website from 2008-2009 and compile a list of books that were part of the Year of St Paul, see below.)

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For other books in the CTS Companions Series click here.

Books by J.B. Midgley:
Advent & Christmastide with the Saints
Antonio Rosmini
Benedict - Patron of Europe
Bernard of Clairvaux – CTS Great Saints
Charles Borromeo  - CTS Great Saints
Companion to St. Joseph
Companion to the Feasts of Mary
Companion to Saint Peter
Companion to Saint Paul
Companion to the Angels
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord
Dominic - CTS Great Saints
George: Patron of England - CTS Great Saints
Dewi Sant: St David Patron of Wales
Francis de Sales – CTS Great Saints
John Baptist de La Salle – CTS Great Saints
John Vianney – CTS Great Saints
Lent with the Saints
Nurturing the Young
Robert Bellarmine
Saint John the Baptist 
Stations of the Cross and Resurrection with the Saints
The Eucharist with the Saints
The Four Evangelists
Thomas Becket – CTS Saints of the Isles
Vincent de Paul – CTS Great Saints
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Magic
…

Contributed to:
First Fridays and First Saturdays The Devotions Explained 

Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

...

Other books in the CTS Companions Series:
Companion to St. Joseph – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Mary – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Peter – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Paul – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Angels – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Order of the Mass - Mgr Bruce Harbert
Companion to Reading the Old Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Reading the New Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Praying with the Bible – Z. Mattam
New Companion to Advent & Christmastide - CTS
New Companion to Prayer - Celia Wolf-Devine
New Companion to Lent - CTS
...

CTS Year of St Paul Series 2008-2009:

Acts of the Apostles - Henry Wansbrough OSB (Introduction) - CTS Scriptures

Companion to St Paul - J.B. Midgley

Letters of Paul - Henry Wansbrough OSB (Introduction) - CTS Scriptures

Paul of Tarsus - Pope Benedict XVI

Rome A Pilgrim's Companion - David Baldwin

St Paul the Apostle - Fr Jerome Murphy-O'Connor OP,

The Gospel of Paul - Ronald Knox

The Holy Land A Pilgrim's Companion - David Baldwin

The Way of the Cross in the Words of St Paul - Donal Anthony Foley and Friar Clement Parsons 

Thoughts on St Paul - Pope Benedict XVI

...

Companion to Faith - Deacon Nick Donnelly - CTS Year of Faith

Companion to Faith

Year of Faith Series

Nick Donnelly

Catholic Truth Society

ISBN 9781860828171

CTS Booklet DO 860

This is the second volume I have read in the ‘Year of Faith’ Series from the Catholic Truth Society, it is also the twelfth from the pen of Deacon Nick Donnelly that I have read. Deacon Nick has written several wonderful volumes but this one is my current favorite, next to A Catholic Survival Guide for Times of Emergency. The ‘Year of Faith’ was from October 2012 through November 2013. I did not encounter any of these booklets during the year of faith, but from the two I have read so far, they are well worth tracking down and reading. So far, I have been able to discover 8 books and booklets that are marked as part of this series:

Companion to Faith

Praying The Creed In The Year Of Faith

The Essential Creed - Exploring the Apostles' Creed in the Year of Faith

Year of Faith Prayer Book

Year of Faith Stations of the Cross

Year of Faith with John Paul II

The Gift of Scripture

The Word of the Lord Discovering Verbum Domini

From those discovered some are clearly marked on the front cover and some have the Year of Faith logo on the back of the book. The description of this volume:

“Specially published for the Year of Faith called by Pope Benedict XVI, this booklet is full of practical suggestions and ideas for how to increase your knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Faith.  Neatly divided into 12 sections, so as to be easy to use across the whole year, this companion offers: 12 films you really must see; 12 people or modern saints you need to know about; 12 books you really must read; 12 artists and scientist you really should know more about and much more.”

About the author of this volume, we are informed that:

“Reverend Nick Donnelly is a Deacon of Lancaster diocese. He is a well-known blogger and CTS author.”

The chapters and sections in this prayer book are:

Something marvelous is going to happen

Twelve films you really must see

Twelve books you really must read

Twelve prayers for the Year of Faith

Twelve modern Catholics and modern saints you should know

Twelve paragraphs of the Catechism to the Catholic Church you should read

Twelve steps to make a simple Rule of Lie

Twelve blogs you’ll find really interesting

Twelve websites you’ll find really useful

Twelve scientists you should know

Twelve works of art you really should see

Twelve devotions you should try

Twelve things you could try during the Year of Faith

This book is a truly a blessing. Our parish has a Formed Parish Subscription and many of the movies and some of the books mentioned in this work as available there. In each of the first 11 categories listed I have created a list of new resources to check out, and in each there were a few I had already done but will circle back and revisit. We have lists of 12 recommended films, books, prayers, and other resources to try. 

Deacon nick has written a marvelous list. A reader could easily pick up this book and spend a year or two working through all the recommendations and at the end of that time come out better catechised, read, and with a deeper and broader knowledge of their faith and other faithful Catholics profiled. I highlighted a number of passages my first time through this booklet, they were:

“Something marvelous is happening to you, whether you’ve known it all your life or you’re just discovering it now for the first time.  God is offering you a wonderful gift that gives you access to his own divine life, a gift that enables you to “share in the good things of God that utterly exceed the intelligence of the human mind”.  (First Vatican Council). This marvelous gift is faith.

“For Edith Stein faith was the unexpected gift of a clear star rising out of the darkness of life’s suffering, leading her to the Catholic Church. As Edith knew, true faith leads to the Church, which she describes as the ‘gate’ to the path that leads to God.”

“So far we have looked as faith as light, as a clear star rising out of life’s suffering, as a gate that leads to our encounter with the light of Christ, but faith can also be an encounter with darkness.”

“Our generation of Catholics is confronted by two main challenges to faith, one of which is the perennial problem of evil and the other the challenge of science and technology.”

“Rather than being all about the Year of Faith, this booklet has been designed to help you do something practical for developing and deepening your faith over the course of the year.”

“The ultimate purpose of this Companion to Faith is to help you realise in your own life Pope Benedict’s hope for the Year of Faith, that each one of us becomes a credible witness in the world, “enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life, life without end.”  (Porta Fidei, 15)”

“Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians, either as individuals or groups, have sought holiness and closer communion with Jesus through living by a rule of life.  Here are twelve steps to help you draw up a simple rule of life during the Year of Faith.  You may also benefit from looking at much-loved rules, such as the rule of St Francis and the rule of St Benedict.  Se also the CTS booklet, A Rule of Life for Daily Christian Living by Fr Michael Woodgate (Do 759).” (out of print but available online here.)

This is a wonderful volume. Out of print but well worth tracking down. Deacon Nick has crafter a school of faith in this volume. It is a resource I know I will return to frequently. It is an excellent offering from the pen of Deacon Nick and from the Catholic Truth Society. A great resource for spiritual growth and to help you deepen and grow in your faith!  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews of other books in the Year of Faith Series click here.

CTS Year of Faith Books:

Companion to Faith

Praying The Creed in the Year Of Faith

The Essential Creed - Exploring the Apostles' Creed in the Year of Faith

Year of Faith Prayer Book

Year of Faith Stations of the Cross

Year of Faith with John Paul II

The Gift of Scripture

The Word of the Lord Discovering Verbum Domini

…

Other books from the Year of Faith:

Year of Faith Companion - Magnificat

Books edited by Francis Fernandez Carvajal:

Year of Faith Treasury: Prayer 

Year of Faith Treasury: Holy Communion 

Year of Faith Treasury: The Roman Pontiff 

Year of Faith Treasury: The Sacrament of Confession 

Year of Faith Treasury: The Virtue of Faith

Year of Faith Treasury: The Virtue of Fortitude

…

Books by Nick Donnelly:
Finding God Series:
Finding God in Anger and Bitterness
Finding God in Doubt and Disbelief
Finding God When Prayer Doesn't Work
Finding God When a Loved One Loses Faith

Other Books by Nick Donelly:
Living with Illness and Suffering
Hope and Healing: Living with Illness and Suffering
Prayers for Grieving Parents: Help After a Miscarriage or Still Birth
Praying the Rosary with the Martyrs
Praying The Creed In The Year Of Faith
Praying the Rosary with the Saints

A Catholic Survival Guide for Times of Emergency 

Companion to Faith

…

With Pope Francis Series:

Loving Mary: What Pope Francis Says

Finding Forgiveness with Pope Francis

Stations of the Cross with Pope Francis

Who Is the Devil? What Pope Francis Says

Our Journey to Christmas: With Pope Francis

…

Fiction by Nick Donnelly:

Ben Armstrong Adventure Series Series:

Curse of the Seawolf

Snare of the Demons

Faith of the Armstrong

Fury of the Dragons

…

Unattributed books cowritten\ghost written by Nick Donnelly:

Priesthood Today

Fit for Mission? Church

Fit for Mission? Schools

Fit for Mission? Marriage

Fit for Mission? A Guide

...

Books in the CTS Companions Series:
Companion to St. Joseph – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Mary – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Peter – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Paul – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Angels – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Order of the Mass - Mgr Bruce Harbert
Companion to Reading the Old Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Reading the New Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Praying with the Bible – Z. Mattam
New Companion to Advent & Christmastide - CTS
New Companion to Prayer - Celia Wolf-Devine
New Companion to Lent - CTS
...

Companion to Saint Peter - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series

Companion to Saint Peter
CTS Companions Series
J.B. Midgley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860822124

CTS Booklet Do698

A few of years ago I encountered the works of J.B. Midgley and was very impressed with his writing. I have worked at tracking all his books down. And it took me a few years. I now have all of his books, or at least the ones I am aware of. After reading this one I only have 5 volumes to go to have read all of his books. I have read his works a total of 28 times so far; with a few having been read more than once. It has been well worth tracking down all 28 books by J.B. Midgley. Twenty-six of those books were for the Catholic Truth Society.  And 6 of those were from the CTS Great Saints Series. And 7 are from the CTS Companions Series. I have also read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. And have loved most of them. I first read a book by Midgley almost nearly 4 years ago. This volume is a good book, by an excellent author in an amazing series! It is much more academic than some of his other offerings. 

The description on the back of the book is:

“On the life and times of the prince of Apostles.

This booklet provides a unique look at the life and discipleship of St Peter and at the legacy of St Peter not only in the early Church, but through the centuries and up to modern times. The feasts and devotions surrounding St Peter are explained, while special attention is given to the foundation of the Church, the role of the Bishop of Rome, the apostolic succession and the role of the papacy today.”

And the chapters in this little volume are:

Introduction

Devotion to Saint Peter

The First Disciples

The Foundation of the Church

Holy Thursday

The Primacy of Peter

Acknowledgements

I have encountered this saint many times in the past, in Church history courses, and in Theology courses. And just generally in reading. The introduction to this volume states:

“Pope John Paul II recently reminded the Church that Christ, the Eternal Good Shepherd, appointed Peter to be the chief shepherd of His Flock so that His loving care should be experienced in Time and that salvation should reach to the ends of the earth. In the exercise of this pastoral office which he and the Bishops have inherited, he welcomes the dawn of a new millennium as an opportunity to proclaim the good news of God’s Kingdom with renewed confidence.

St Peter, Prince of the Apostles, has bequeathed to us his divinely inspired profession of faith which is the Rock upon which Christ built His Church. As guardian of the keys to Heaven’s gates, Peter Continues to guide us in the challenges of successive ages. He has left the memory of a life characterised by an absolute commitment born of love for Jesus, and an heroic witness which is an inspiration and reassurance of faith. It is hoped that these pages may contribute towards renewed appreciation of a Saint in whose abiding friendship we always find eager and powerful support.”

As mentioned this work is more academic than many of Midgley’s other volumes I have read. It is for the most part a recap of Saint Peter through the gospels and book of Acts. And then as his story continues in church history. It was a great read. It was a volume I would have appreciated having when doing my Religious Studies undergraduate degree. I highlighted many passages mostly in the first third of the book. The booklet is 72 pages and I highlighted 11 passages not counting the introduction above. Most of those highlights spanned 2 paragraphs. The sections I highlighted were:

“Hesitation and fear were no more as he bravely endured an unjust imprisonment which could have culminated in execution, made the problematic decision to recognise the right of Gentiles to become Christians, undertook hazardous missionary journeys and, with Paul, nurtured the Church in Rome. The name “first Pope” and “Bishop of Rome” illuminates Peter’s incomparable vocation, and his establishment of the episcopal continuity which exists to this day.”

“”Peter inspired great affection because, in the vivid characterisation drawn by the New Testament, we catch a glimpse of his own failings and aspirations. He was quick-tempered, impulsive, selfish, generous, brave, frightened, striving to go forward, and often retreating.”

“In England, the Abbeys of Canterbury, Glastonbury, Malmesbury, Peterborough, Lindisfarne, Whitby, Westminster: and the cathedrals of York, Lichfield, Worcester and Selsby are dedicated to him, as is Peterhouse, Cambridge University’s first College.”

“The reading from the Acts of the Apostles records that Peter performed the first Apostolic miracle. He and John were entering the Temple for the prayers which were said at the ninth hour when a man, lame from birth, was being carried to the Beautiful Gate where the destitute traditionally begged alms from worshippers.”

“Three other Feasts of Saint Peter once adorned the Roman Calendar and are worth remembering in the context of Church History, Peter’s primacy, and the devotion of earlier generations.

January 18th: “Saint Peter’s Chair in Rome” celebrates the episcopal See of Rome as the centre of the Universal Church and seat of the Supreme Pontiffs who are Peter’s successors.

…

February 22nd: “St Peter’s Chair in Antioch” commemorates his authoritative Gospel mission to the Gentiles, and the fruitful establishment of the first Gentile Church in Antioch where the followers of Jesus were first described as Christians.

August 1st: “Saint Peter Ad Vincula” celebrates his miraculous escape from prison and certain death thanks to the intercession of an Angel sent by God.”

“Jesus, “the one who sanctifies is of the same stock as those he sanctifies” (Heb 2:11). The power He delegates to Peter and his successors to promote the cause of the Kingdom, and its rule of love in human hearts, is a divine power. It is this which is exercised in the spiritual order on earth, and concerning which our Lord will say to Peter after the resurrection.”

“Jesus’ rebuke to Peter “Get behind me Satan”, seems harsh because we cannot heart the tone of voice of an exchange between close friends. He did not want Peter to act as a stumbling-block on the road which His Father chose for Him, and which He willingly followed.”

“Peter was the first Apostle to whom Jesus appeared after His Resurrection because He wanted to reassure him that his sorrow for the denial in the courtyard of the high priest’s palace had brought forgiveness, and that their relationship was unaffected.”

“Peter’s appointment and commission are inherited by his successors who are the Popes and Christ’s vicars on earth and the pastoral office, with royal authority and responsibility is at the heart of the Church and is perpetuated by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope.”

“A movement once preoccupied with Judaism was emerging as the Universal Church and, as new districts were evangelised, Peter assumed full pastoral powers and responsibilities.”

I hope those sample quotes will instil an interest in this volume for you. At the end of the book is a list of Acknowledgements referencing several other CTS resources that were quoted or used to prepare this volume. And then a bibliography 8 other resources used. This is followed by a list of 11 volumes in the CTS Companions series. 

This book is a good read in an excellent series. It is a little different than the others and more academic. That is not a criticism just an observation. I have been blessed by all of the books from Midgley’s pen that I have been able to read. I highly recommend this book, the series and many of the works from the Catholic Truth Society. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For other books in the CTS Companions Series click here.

Books by J.B. Midgley:
Advent & Christmastide with the Saints
Antonio Rosmini
Benedict - Patron of Europe
Bernard of Clairvaux – CTS Great Saints
Charles Borromeo  - CTS Great Saints
Companion to St. Joseph
Companion to the Feasts of Mary
Companion to Saint Peter
Companion to Saint Paul
Companion to the Angels
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord
Dominic - CTS Great Saints
George: Patron of England - CTS Great Saints
Dewi Sant: St David Patron of Wales
Francis de Sales – CTS Great Saints
John Baptist de La Salle – CTS Great Saints
John Vianney – CTS Great Saints
Lent with the Saints
Nurturing the Young
Robert Bellarmine
Saint John the Baptist 
Stations of the Cross and Resurrection with the Saints
The Eucharist with the Saints
The Four Evangelists
Thomas Becket – CTS Saints of the Isles
Vincent de Paul – CTS Great Saints
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Magic
…

Contributed to:
First Fridays and First Saturdays The Devotions Explained 

Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

...

Other books in the CTS Companions Series:
Companion to St. Joseph – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Mary – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Peter – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Paul – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Angels – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Order of the Mass - Mgr Bruce Harbert
Companion to Reading the Old Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Reading the New Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Praying with the Bible – Z. Mattam
New Companion to Advent & Christmastide - CTS
New Companion to Prayer - Celia Wolf-Devine
New Companion to Lent - CTS
...

Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series

Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
CTS Companions Series
J.B. Midgley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 781860821691

CTS Booklet Do685

I have come to love and depend on the books from the Catholic Truth Society. Over the last few years, I have read over 175 books, and booklets from the CTS. I have many series I love, and many authors who have published with CTS. And the works of J.B. Midgley really captured my attention. I read my first booklet by him in mid 2019 and have since read books by him 22 times. Barry Midgley published most of his works under the name J.B. Midgley. And all but two volumes he wrote were for the Catholic Truth Society. I have been able to track down all but one, and only have a few to go to have read them all the first time. Most of his books for the CTS are either in this series or the CTS Great Saints Series. Mr. Midgley passed away before I began reading his works. I have found them to be treasures. His writing is clean and crisp. And always spiritually edifying. But back to this volume. The description of this volume is:

“A rich store of teaching. History, and prayer.

This Companion is designed to accompany you through the many feasts connected with Our lord Jesus Christ as they occur during the year. The reader has access here to spiritual writings, historical background, scriptural passages and reflection which combine to enrich the meaning and enjoyment of each feast. Why does the Church celebrate these feasts, and what meaning and fruits can the disciple derive from them? All this is answered here in this finely compiled Companion by Mr J.B. Midgley for the CTS.”

The volume lives up to that and even exceeded my high expectations. The chapters in this book are:

Introduction

The Annunciation of the Lord

The Nativity of the Lord

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The Circumcision of the Lord

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

The Epiphany of the Lord

The Presentation of the Lord

The Baptism of the Lord

The Transfiguration of the Lord

The Body and Blood of Christ

The Resurrection

The Ascension

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Divine Mercy

The Triumph of the Cross

Christ the King

Acknowledgements

Chronological Lists of Feasts

For each chapter there are the following sections:

Origins and significance

From the liturgy

Reflection

A few of the chapters have additional sections as well. For Example 

The Nativity of the Lord

Origins and Significance

Preparations for the Incarnation

The Birth of Our Lord

The Shepherds

From the Liturgy

Reflection

For a few of the feats we learn about why some have had their dates moved, and why. For The Body and Blood of Christ we learn that it was once two separate celebrations that were combined. There is a lot of great information and the reflections are for the soul and spirit. This is a book that fill nurture Mind, Body, and Spirit. 

This volume can be read from beginning to end. It can be read following the year and the feats in the order they appear in the calendar. The first time I read it was between The Nativity and The Most Holy Name of Jesus. But I plan on rereading over the next year and ending up back at Epiphany. This book was written as a companion but can be used as a devotional for those 16 feasts. 

Another fantastic volume from the pen of J.B. Midgley. And an excellent resource from the Catholic Truth Society.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For other books in the CTS Companions Series click here.

Books by J.B. Midgley:
Advent & Christmastide with the Saints
Antonio Rosmini
Benedict - Patron of Europe
Bernard of Clairvaux – CTS Great Saints
Charles Borromeo  - CTS Great Saints
Companion to St. Joseph
Companion to the Feasts of Mary
Companion to Saint Peter
Companion to Saint Paul
Companion to the Angels
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord
Dominic - CTS Great Saints
George: Patron of England - CTS Great Saints
Dewi Sant: St David Patron of Wales
Francis de Sales – CTS Great Saints
John Baptist de La Salle – CTS Great Saints
John Vianney – CTS Great Saints
Lent with the Saints
Nurturing the Young
Robert Bellarmine
Saint John the Baptist 
Stations of the Cross and Resurrection with the Saints
The Eucharist with the Saints
The Four Evangelists
Thomas Becket – CTS Saints of the Isles
Vincent de Paul – CTS Great Saints
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Magic
…

Contributed to:
First Fridays and First Saturdays The Devotions Explained 

Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Other books in the CTS Companions Series:
Companion to St. Joseph – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Mary – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Peter – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Paul – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Angels – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Order of the Mass - Mgr Bruce Harbert
Companion to Reading the Old Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Reading the New Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Praying with the Bible – Z. Mattam
New Companion to Advent & Christmastide - CTS
New Companion to Prayer - Celia Wolf-Devine
New Companion to Lent - CTS
...

A New Companion to Lent - The Catholic Truth Society - CTS Companions Series

New Companion to Lent
CTS Companions
Fr Jerome Bertram
Fr Tim Finigan
Amette Ley
Fr Richard Ruff
Fr Richard Whinder
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860823619 
CTS Booklet Do740


Over the last few years I have read over 150 volumes from the CTS. And currently have over 150 in my to be read pile or on my Wishlist. I have read several of the books in the original CTS Companions series, and this is the first of the New Companions I have read. And to be honest this was the first book from the CTS that I was not impressed with. While reading it I oscillated between men, being underwhelmed, and actual disappointment. I have read many great books from the Catholic Truth Society, but this is not one. There where a few times while reading this volume I almost put it down and put it in my ‘did not finish pile’. The description on the back of the volume is:

“Taking ‘personal and heartfelt conversion’ as its central theme, this booklet unfolds the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, particularly as part of preparing for Easter. Full of spiritual insight culled from centuries of Christian experience, and astutely balanced with practical advice for people of today, this companion also offers advice on making a retreat, a good confession, and understanding some of the key themes of the scriptures and liturgy during Lent and Holy Week.

Contributors: Fr Jerome Betram, Fr Tim Finigan; Amette Ley, Fr Richard Rutt, and Fr Richard Whinder.”

The chapters in the volume are:

Conversion
Fasting
Almsgiving
Prayer
How to make a good retreat
Making a Good Confession
The Sunday Gospels During Lent
Holy Week – Liturgy and Word
Steps to Daily Prayer in Lent
Understanding the Stations of the Cross

None of the chapters are attributed. There is no way to know which of the contributors wrote what. Most of the contributors have written other books, for the Catholic Truth Society. 

The book started off well:

“Conversion is never a once and for all experience: conversion is something fresh every morning, renewed every evening. Our whole Christian life is a process of turning towards God, meeting Him as He comes towards us. No day should pass without refreshing our desire to break with sin, to break away from the values of this world, and to unite ourselves ever more closely to God.”

But there were a number of things I read in this book that I just shook my head about. For example, cutting down on gambling, or playing the lottery as a Lenten fast.

“Some will find it best to cut down on gambling, refraining from playing the lottery during the weeks of Lent, or betting only on horses with Catholic owners…”

And though written tongue in cheek I found this ridiculous:

“If we begin by trying to think charitable thoughts about Osama bin Laden or Robert Mugabe, we can work up gradually to charity towards the mother-in-law.”

There was some good in the book, but not enough that I would recommend it. CTS has many other great Lenten resources. I really struggled with rating it, I settles on 3 but would really give it 2.5 stars if possible. But it will not stop me from trying other books in the New Companions series.

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.

Link to other Lent Resources.

Other books in the CTS Companions Series:
Companion to St. Joseph – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Mary – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Peter – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Paul – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Angels – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Order of the Mass - Mgr Bruce Harbert
Companion to Reading the Old Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Reading the New Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Praying with the Bible – Z. Mattam
New Companion to Advent & Christmastide - CTS
New Companion to Prayer - Celia Wolf-Devine
New Companion to Lent - CTS
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