Wednesday, 5 April 2023

Dead Inside - Barry J Hutchinson - Dan Deadman Space Detective Book 2

Dead Inside
Dan Deadman Space Detective Book 2
ISBN 9781912767700
ASIN B0784QML5V


This is the fourth story I have read in the Space Team Universe, but I have read many others by the author. Several months before reading this I encountered the works of J.D. Kirk I also discovered that Kirk publishes children’s books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. I have read 21 stories published under the Kirk Name and am now branching out to the ones under the Hutchinson names, this is the twelfth under that name. He is coming up on 200 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. I have enjoyed all I have read from his pen and this one was no different. 

The description of this novel is:

“Dan Deadman is having one of those days.

After saving the grim and gritty alien city of Down Here from something big, mean and mind-bendingly horrible, Dan is looking forward to unwinding in the closest available bar. Annoyingly, the universe has other ideas.

Instead, Dan finds himself investigating a cheating husband, two horrible murders, and the potential enslavement of everyone in the galaxy. With his caseload stretching his woefully limited detective skills, his car in pieces, and the whole 'being dead' thing not doing him any favors, Dan has no choice but to ask his friends for help.

And that's when his problems really start.

Featuring motivational gangsters, predatory worms and a whole classroom full of defecating infants, "Dead Inside" is the second book in the Dan Deadman Space Detective Series, and the follow-up to the best-selling "Dial D for Deadman".”

When doing research for the Dial D for Deadman review I found on Barry’s site a reading order for the Space Team Universe Books and Short Stories:

2a. Space Team: The Holiday Special 
      (found in Space Team: A Lot of Weird Space Shizz)
3. Space Team: The Search for Splurt
4. Space Team: Song of the Space Siren
5. Space Team: The Guns of Nana Joan
6. Space Team: Return of the Dead Guy
7a. “Dead Men Don’t Get Paid” 
      (found in Space Team: A Lot of Weird Space Shizz)
8. Space Team: Planet of the Japes
9. “Dead Inside”
10. Space Team: Time Titan of Tomorrow
11. “Dead in the Water”
12. Space Team: The King of Space Must Die!
13. Space Team: Sting of the Mustard Mines
14. Space Team: Sentienced to Death
15. Space Team: The Hunt for Reduk Topa
16. Konto Garr: Bounty Hunter and Occasional Babysitter

I have been intentionally jumping around Barry’s middle grade, young adult, and adult series. This was such a fun read. With a whole lot of slap stick humour, over the top antics. And at times it was laugh out loud funny. It reminds me of several series and authors, most of whom, I read when I was much younger. In a way this book and both series are like a jump back in time for me. The first to come to mind was Harry Harrison’s Bill the Galactic Hero series and his Stainless Steal Rat series, the next was Robert Asprin’s Phule’s Company Series. But for all the sense of a mash up of these other series there is something different about this offering, I absolutely love the concept of the Deadman series. And the universal translator that blocks swearing is very easy to decipher. As is obvious by the title Dan is dead, yea literally dead. He is trying to make a living as a Private Eye. Think Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, except he is dead, not a zombie. And has a conscience even though he fights it often. Ollie (Oledol) is a woman he rescued while closing a portal to the malwhere a place of nightmares. She says she cannot remember anything and she is now more than a bit of a side kick. And man does she have some kick. And Artur his pint size leprechaunish friend. The characters are great. The humour is maybe a bit juvenal. Think Deadpool with an automatic filter to clean up the language. 

This story picks up shortly after the previous novel in the series. And there is a novella or short story in an anthology that falls between the two novels. In this one We find out more about Ollie, her powers, and even Dan’s own backstory. We also learn a little more about those who live in floating cities above. 

This book marks the 33rd offering from Hutchison I have read in the last 10 months, under the three names he publishes under. They have all been entertaining reads. Some have been excellent. Reading this as mentioned was like a throwback to stuff I read in my late teens and early twenties. It was a very fun read. I love the character of Dan Deadman and look forward to reading more of his stories in the standalone trilogy and in the larger Space Team Universe. A highly entertaining read I can recommend for mature readers who love the slap stick humour!    

Books by J.D. Kirk:
…

DCI Logan Series:

Contributed to:
Everyday Kindness: A Collection of Uplifting Tales to Brighten Your Day
…

Books as Barry J. Hutchison:
Dan Deadman Space Detective Series:
…

Space Team Series:
The Search for Splurt 
Song of the Space Siren 
The Guns of Nana Joan 
Return of the Dead Guy 
Planet of the Japes 
The Time Titan of Tomorrow 
The King of Space Must Die 
Sting of the Mustard Mines 
Sentienced to Death
The Hunt for Reduk Topa
…
A Lot of Weird Space Shizz: Collected Short Stories
…

Sidekicks Initiative Series:

The Bug Books Series:
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
…
Complete Season One
…

Other Books:
…

Children’s books as Barry Hutchison:
Invisible Fiends Series:
The Crowmaster 
Doc Mortis 
The Beast 
The Darkest Corners 
…

Afterworlds:
The Missing Remote of the Apocalypse
The Book of Doom 
...

Benjamin Blank Series:
…

Beaky Malone Series:
…

Generator Rex Series:

Living Ted Series:
Revenge of the Living Ted
Invasion of the Living Ted
…

Spectre Collectors Series:
Too Ghoul for School
A New York Nightmare!
…

Other works:
…
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Tuesday, 4 April 2023

Sugar and Spice - Sarah Mlynowski - Whatever After Book 10

Sugar and Spice
Whatever After Book 10
Sarah Mlynowski
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545851077
eISBN 9780545851084
ASIN B01FGC7I24


This is the twelfth title I have read a book in this series. I have been reading these stories with my girls for over 7 years now. I read a few of these stories with my oldest starting in 2016. Now my youngest is reading them to me, and her sister handed down the first several stories in the series. And we have added the rest to have the complete series, at least what is available to date. My youngest insists we review everything that we read together, so this review from 2023 is part of that effort. And my youngest has been writing her own reviews of the books she has finished for the last year and is planning on starting her own book blog. Between reading with my oldest and youngest this is the eighteenth time I have read a book in this series. The stories continue to have great staying power. Even as an adult I enjoy these books, not only the first time but rereading them again and again.

Mlynowski as always does a wonderful job with the story in this book, and all we have read in the series so far. My oldest was a reluctant reader. Back then when we read, I would read two pages for every page she read to me. The whole family loves these stories from 8-years old to 80 years old. It is a fantastic series. The stories are fun and entertaining, but also have some valuable lessons and insight. 

My youngest daughter and I both give this story a solid 4/5 stars, she says this is a little darker than most of the others to date. She was surprised by what appeared to have happened when it looked like Abby and Jonah might be stuck in the story, and Hansel and Gretel look like they could be their twins. This story had a lot of twists and turns that we had not guessed and took us completely by surprise. She was totally taken by what happened at the end, especially with the changes to her jewellery box once the story was resolved.

The description of this story is:

“That's the way the cookie crumbles!

Yum! Our magic mirror has dropped me and my brother, Jonah, into the story of Hansel and Gretel. If we're lucky, we may even get to taste the cake-house...

But we didn't count on accidentally getting trapped. The real Hansel and Gretel are on the run, and Jonah and I have taken their place. And the witch is making a kid casserole for dinner...

Now we have to:
- Avoid being eaten
- Pretend our dog is a cat
- Learn to make kale smoothies
- Befriend a talking duck

Or we may never make it back to our home sweet home!”

I enjoyed Abby’s and Jonah’s growth in this story, they are continuing to grow and mature. They both are also becoming better at troubleshooting issues and problems during their adventures. I was surprised by some of the twists in this one. It is a good read in a great series.

We always enjoy Mlynowski’s twists and takes on old tales. This is a great take on a familiar tale. The writing in these stories is excellent. My daughters and I love reading them together. The retelling of this story surprised both of us at several different points and I am certain it will surprise you. It is a great book in an excellent series. 













Books by Sarah Mlynowski:
Magic in Manhattan Series:
Bras & Broomsticks
Frogs & French Kisses
Spells & Sleeping Bags
Parties & Potions

Whatever After Special Editions:
Abby in Wonderland
Abby in Oz
…


Upside-Down Magic Series:
Upside-Down Magic #1
Sticks and Stones #2
Showing Off #3
...

Other Books by Sarah:
Milkrun
Fishbowl
Monkey Business
As Seen on TV
Me Vs. Me
Gimme a Call
Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have)
Don't Even Think About It
Think Twice
Know It All
A Nice Fling is Hard to Find
A Little Bit Broken
Cruisin'
Party Girls
The Two-Month Itch
...

Books Coauthored:
See Jane Write (with Farrin Jacobs)
How to Be Bad (with E. Lockhart and Lauren Myracle)
...

Books Contributed To:
Girls' Night In
Girls Night Out
American Girls About Town
Fireworks
Vacations from Hell
...

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Monday, 3 April 2023

Meditations After Holy Communion - Father Edward Looney - Guided Meditations for Every Sunday and Other Holy Days

Meditations After Holy Communion: 
Guided Meditations for Every Sunday and Other Holy Days
Fr. Edward Looney
ISBN 9781644133446
eISBN 9781644133453
ASIN B08SCP44MG


This is the seventh volume from Father Looney ait is another great read and resource for growth in your spiritual life. I had not read the subtitle of the book ‘Guided Meditations for Every Sunday and Other Holy Days’ So I was expecting meditations for daily mass as well. But even with that disappointment this was a wonderful read. Because of the formatting of the book you could pick it up and start on any given Sunday. In total there are 65 meditations. The reflections and other chapters in the order they appear is:

Introduction 
How to Use This Book
Advent and Christmas
First Sunday of Advent: I Wait for the Lord
Second Sunday of Advent: Prepare the Way of the Lord
Third Sunday of Advent: Rejoice! 
Fourth Sunday of Advent: I Carry Christ with Me
Christmas: House of Bread
The Holy Family: Praying for Your Family 
Mary, the Mother of God (January 1); Mary Treasured in Her Heart
Epiphany: My Gift for Jesus 
The Baptism of the Lord: Be Well Pleased with Me

Lent and Easter
Ash Wednesday: Hungering for the Lord
First Sunday of Lent: Overcoming Temptation
Second Sunday of Lent: Remaining with the Lord
Third Sunday of Lent: What Does Jesus Know about You? 
Fourth Sunday of Lent: “Lord, I Believe”
Fifth Sunday of Lent: Tell or Ask Jesus Anything
Palm Sunday: Jesus, Save Us! 
Holy Thursday: The Apostles’ First Communion
Good Friday: The Day with No Mass
Holy Saturday Celebrating the Eucharist after the Crucifixion
Easter Sunday: Let Jesus Speak to You
Second Sunday of Easter: Divine Mercy Sunday: Jesus, I Trust in You!
Third Sunday of Easter: Stay with Us, Lord
Fourth Sunday of Easter: Jesus Feeds His Sheep
Fifth Sunday of Easter: Remembering My First Holy Communion
Sixth Sunday of Easter: Help Me to Love
Seventh Sunday of Easter: Jesus Wants Us to Go!
Pentecost: The Power of the Holy Spirit

Ordinary Time
The Holy Trinity: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit 
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ: The Sacrament of Unity
Second Sunday: Affirmation of Belief
Third Sunday: Are You Prepared?
Fourth Sunday: Remembering God’s Love
Fifth Sunday: A Song of Praise
Sixth Sunday: Calm the Storm of My Life
Seventh Sunday: Give Me Strength for the Week
Eighth Sunday: Anima Christi
Ninth Sunday: What Holy Communion Does for Us
Tenth Sunday: Heal Me, Lord! 
Eleventh Sunday: Give Me Joy!
Twelfth Sunday: A Bold Request
Thirteenth Sunday: In Reparation for My Sins
Fourteenth Sunday: In Reparation for the Sins of the World
Fifteenth Sunday: For the Conversion of Sinners
Sixteenth Sunday: Harvesting the Fruits 
Seventeenth Sunday: Longing for Jesus 
Eighteenth Sunday: A Powerful Moment with the Eucharist
Nineteenth Sunday: Do You Want Eternal Life? 
Twentieth Sunday: In Union with the Church throughout the World
Twenty-First Sunday: In Union with the Poor
Twenty-Second Sunday: In Union with Those before You
Twenty-Third Sunday: A Heart-to-Heart with Jesus
Twenty-Fourth Sunday: A Pledge of Love and Service
Twenty-Fifth Sunday: Invited to the Feast
Twenty-Sixth Sunday: Asking for Forgiveness
Twenty-Seventh Sunday: Mary’s First Reception of Holy Communion
Twenty-Eighth Sunday: Mary’s Last Communion
Twenty-Ninth Sunday: Behold the Lamb!
Thirtieth Sunday: For the Holy Souls
Thirty-First Sunday: Thanksgiving
Thirty-Second Sunday: Your Last Communion
Thirty-Third Sunday: Send Us Your Angels
Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: An Audience with the King

Other Holy Days
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15): Let Me Live in Your Presence One Day
All Saints’ Day (November 1): In Communion with the Saints
Immaculate Conception (December 8): God Has Chosen Me
About the Author

I would have loved to seen a few more Feasts of Mary covered, and the Feasts of Saint Joseph, and maybe some of the authors favourite saints and the optional readings for those feast days. The description of the volume is:

“In what promises to become a spiritual classic, Fr. Edward Looney’s Meditations after Holy Communion guides your prayers during those intimate moments with the Lord following Holy Communion, elevating your soul and mind and leading you into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Inspired by the work of Fr. Daniel Lord, S.J., Fr. Looney offers here a method of prayer that is sure to renew within you the practice of fruitful Eucharistic prayer. He will guide you through each Sunday of the year with meditations tied to the liturgical seasons, ensuring that you are aligned not only with Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time, but also with the universal Church, now and throughout the ages.

Each meditation introduces you to a topic for reflection and provides points to ponder and a short prayer. These guided meditations are especially helpful in those moments when you return to your pew, recollect after Mass, or enter into prayer with your family. Regardless of how you use it, this book is sure to reinforce your belief in the Real Presence and teach you how to ponder and pray to our Eucharistic Lord.

Truly, Christ is present in the Eucharist and in all the tabernacles of the world. But He is also present in us each time we receive Him. With these exhilarating meditations by Fr. Looney, you can fully appreciate this striking fact and maximize those grace-filled moments following Holy Communion.”

In the introduction Father Looney states:

“I remember, as a young boy, entering our parish church for Sunday Mass, kneeling after entering the pew, and saying a few short prayers. Now, as a priest, I am amazed by the countless faithful who do that same ritual I did in my youth. Today, because of our busy schedules, it’s possible that there is no time for silent prayer before Mass. Maybe you are lucky if you get there in time for the opening song. But if you do arrive early, what do you do in those moments before Mass begins? Maybe it is a simple exchange with God about what is weighing most on your heart or mind. Or there might be a prayer you usually recite before Mass.”

And further on:

“I hope that this book will become an entry point to a lifelong habit of dialogue with our Lord following your reception of Holy Communion, when He comes to dwell under your roof. My aim in this book is to provide you with topics to meditate on. After introducing each meditation, I explain how you can engage it for a few moments of quiet prayer and reflection, and then I close with a short prayer capitulating the topic of the week.”

That introduction ends with these words:

“Truly Christ is present in the Eucharist, present in all the tabernacles of the world. But He is also present in us each time we receive Him. And just as we speak to Christ reserved in the tabernacle or the monstrance, we can speak to Him in those intimate moments following Holy Communion. I hope, like me, you will be able to acclaim at every Mass, “Truly it is You!””

A Sample reflection is:

“Immaculate Conception (December 8)
God Has Chosen Me

The feast of the Immaculate Conception recalls God’s saving work in history and, in a singular way, in the life of Mary. Due to the Fall of Adam and Eve, the wrong in the world had to be put right again, and this was to be accomplished by the death of Jesus on the Cross. By the grace of the Cross, the original disobedience was corrected by the obedience of Jesus, who died willingly for sinners. The ancient tree that brought about the curse of sin was corrected by the tree of life, on which hung the Savior of the world. 

In the order of time, the Father sent His son, Jesus, to become incarnate of the Virgin Mary. God chose Mary for this special task, to which she assented when she gave her fiat — that is, “let it be done to me” — during the angel Gabriel’s visit to her home in Nazareth. Because God chose Mary for this special role in salvation history, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception remembers God’s saving action in the life of Mary from the very moment of her conception. God foresaw the merits of the Cross and applied the graces of redemption to Mary before the action occurred in history, thereby preserving her from the taint of Original Sin and allowing her to be free from sin throughout her life. 

God chose Mary for a special mission in history. He has chosen you and me for a special mission too. Through holy Baptism, the Original Sin in us was wiped away, and we were claimed for Christ Jesus by the sign of the Cross and called into mission as disciples of Jesus. God chose you. Mary discovered her calling by Gabriel’s announcement. We discover our calling by following God’s voice deep within us. One way we can discern how God chose us is to be still after receiving Holy Communion, knowing that God is within us and wants to speak to us in that moment. 

Points to Ponder
God preserved Mary from all sin. What sin do you wish Jesus would take away from your life? God chose Mary to be the Mother of Jesus. Can you trace how God called you at particular moments in your life for a special purpose? What was God’s calling for you last week? How did you rise to the occasion? How is God calling you, choosing you, directing you right now? Spend a few moments in silence and be attentive to how God is working deep within you. Thank You, Jesus, for choosing me to be Your disciple and to be Your follower. I wish to follow Your call for my life in all that I do. Help me, strengthened by the Eucharist I have received, to remain faithful to You and the way You have chosen me to serve in the world.”

I hope that sample mediation give you a feel for the volume. It is well written, and easy to engage with. It is a great tool to kick start meditation and reflection after mass. And will benefit any Catholic readers. I can easily recommend this volume.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Fr. Edward Looney:
A Heart Like Mary's: 31 Daily Meditations to Help You Live and Love as She Does
Our Lady of Good Help Mary's Message and Mission for Adele Brise and the World
A Rosary Litany
Our Lady of Good Help Prayer Book For Pilgrims
Lenten Journey with Mother Mary
Behold the Handmaid of the Lord: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary

Children’s Books:
Little Chapels, Grateful Hearts
The Story of Sister Adele and Our Lady of Champion
Breakfast in Bethlehem
Fr. Looney's Christmas Stories
…










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Sunday, 2 April 2023

Lent, the Journey to Easter Joy: More Words of Encouragement - Pope Benedict XVI - CTS Books

Lent, the Journey to Easter Joy: More Words of Encouragement 
Pope Benedict XVI
ISBN 9781860825699
CTS Booklet Do805


There are numerous volumes by Pope Benedict XVI from the Catholic Truth Society that are currently out of print. I have been slowing tracking them down to read. This is one of two I have read during Lent in 2023. Almost every time I read a volume from the CTS I find another book or 2 I want to read. I have read a few from the Pen of Benedict XVI, have a few others, and there are several that are out of print are on my wish list. This one is another taken from a collection of homilies and it is an excellent little read. 

Over the last several years I have read over 300 volumes from the Catholic Truth Society. In fact, this is the 344th book or booklet from the CTS that I have read several of them by or about Pope Benedict. 

The description of this volume:

“Each year, Lent offers us a providential opportunity to deepen the meaning and value of our Christian lives. It stimulates us to rediscover the mercy of God so that we, in turn, may become more merciful cowards our brothers and sisters. In the Lenten period, the Church makes it her duty to propose some specific tasks that accompany the faithful concretely in this process of interior renewal: these are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Drawing from his recent addresses and homilies, this booklet brings home Pope Benedict's urgent call to conversion of heart and therefore to happiness. The journey to Easter joy begins on Ash Wednesday and takes us through Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, the Triduum and Easter Vigil, Eastertide and finally to Pentecost. The pilgrim could have no belter spiritual guide than Benedict XVI.”

This booklet draws from homilies and addresses of Pope Benedict XVI made during Lent, Eastertide and Pentecost in 2008.

The chapters in the volume are:

Christ made Himself Poor for You 
The Lenten Season 
Ash Wednesday's Ashes 
Walking in Lent 
Palm Sunday 
The Lord 's Supper 
Good Friday: Way of the Cross 
Easter's Vigil of Vigils 
Easter Joy 
Pentecost 

I read this volume slowly over a few weeks. I read one sermon at a time. I did not stick to the outlined or original dates and feasts. I highlighted several passages in each. Here are some of those highlighted passages:

“Each year, Lent offers us a providential opportunity to deepen the meaning and value of our Christian lives, and it stimulates us to rediscover the mercy of God so that we in turn, become more merciful toward our brothers and sisters.”

“For this year’s Lenten Message, I wish to spend some time reflecting on the practice of almsgiving, which represents a specific way to assist those in need and, at the same time, an exercise in self-denial to free us from attachment to worldly goods.”
 
“According to the teaching of the Gospel, we are not owners but rather administrators of the goods we possess: these, then, are not to be considered as our exclusive possession, but means through which the Lord calls each one of us to act as a steward of His providence for our neighbor.”

“By drawing close to others through almsgiving, we draw close to God: it can become an instrument for authentic conversion and reconciliation with Him and our brothers.”

“He gave His entire self for us. Lent, also through the practice of almsgiving, inspires us to follow His example. In His school, we can learn to make of our lives a total gift: imitating Him, we are able to make ourselves available, not so much in giving a part of what we possess, but our very selves.”

“Let this time, then, be marked by a personal and community effort of attachment to Christ in order that we may be witnesses of His love. May Mary, Mother and faithful
Servant of the Lord, help believers to enter the “spiritual battle" of Lent, armed with prayer, fasting and the practice of almsgiving, so as to arrive at the celebration of the Easter Feasts, renewed in spirit.”

“Today, Ash Wednesday, we are taking up our Lenten journey, as we do every year, motivated by a more, intense spirit of prayer and reflection, penance and fasting.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, let us ask Our Lady, Mother of God and of the Church, to accompany us on our way through Lent, so that it may be a journey of true conversion. May we let ourselves be led by her, and inwardly renewed we will arrive at the celebration of the great mystery of Christ’s Pasch, the supreme revelation of God’s merciful love.”

“We can thus affirm that precisely because the Lenten Season is an invitation to prayer, penance and fasting, it affords a providential opportunity to enliven and strengthen our hope.”

“Therefore, let us begin Lent in spiritual union with Mary who “advanced in her pilgrimage of faith” following her Son (cf. Lumen Gentium, n. 58) and always goes before the disciples on the journey towards the light of Easter. Amen!”

“We have entered Lent with fasting and the Rite of Ashes. But what does '"entering Lent'" mean? It means we enter a season of special commitment in the spiritual battle to oppose the evil present in the world, in each one of us and around us. It means looking evil in the face and being ready to fight its effects and especially its causes, even its primary cause which is Satan.”

“If we listen attentively to the Gospel, we can discern two different dimensions in the event of the washing of the feet. The cleansing that Jesus offers his disciple; is first and foremost simply his action - the gift of purity, of the “capacity for God” that is offered to them. But the gift then becomes a model, the duty to do the same for one another.”

“Holy Thursday is a day of gratitude and joy for the great gift of love to the end that the Lord has made to us. Let us pray to the Lord at this hour, so that gratitude and joy may become in us the power to love together with his love. Amen.”

“At this hour, let us thank the Lord, because through the power of his word and of the holy Sacraments, he points us in the right direction and draws our heart upwards. Let us pray to him in these words: Yes, Lord, make us Easter people, men and women of light, filled with the fire of your love. Amen.”

“It is important to reaffirm this fundamental truth of our faith whose historical veracity is amply documented even if today, as in the past, there are many who in various ways cast doubt on it or even deny it. The enfeeblement of faith in the Resurrection of Jesus results in weakening the witness of believers.”

“Especially in this Octave of Easter the liturgy invites us to meet the Risen One personally and to recognize his life-giving action in the events of history and in our daily lives.”

“How important and, unfortunately, insufficiently understood is the gift of Reconciliation which sets hearts at rest! Christ's peace is only spread through the renewed hearts of reconciled men and women who have made themselves servants of justice, ready to spread peace in the world with the force of the truth alone, without descending to compromise with the world's mental ty because the world cannot give Christ's peace: this is how the Church can be the leaven of that reconciliation which comes from God. She can only be so if she remains docile to the Spirit and bears witness to the Gospel, only if he carries the Cross like Jesus and with Jesus. The saints of every epoch witness precisely to this!”

Like several other volumes I have read by Pope Benedict XVI, this book is infused with his deep personal faith, his mastery of theological concepts, and his great wisdom. The homilies are accessible, and enriching. They can be engaged with and enjoyed by any Catholic, and I would go so far as to say any Christian would benefit from these words. 

This is another excellent little volume. It is always inspiring to read the words of Benedict XVI to see his faith infused in his teachings, his love for God and his desire for our growth. It is a great read and I highly recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books by Benedict XVI:
Jesus, the Apostles and the Early Church and Church Fathers 
...                    

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Saturday, 1 April 2023

Red Lentil and 5 Bean Crock Pot Soup

Red Lentil and 5 Bean Crock Pot Soup 

Ingredients 
2 cups red lentils dried 
4 cups vegetable or Chicken broth 
2 carrots cut into chunks 
14 ounces tomatoes canned, or diced, another ounce more is good too, depends on your can size 
6 ounces tomato paste 
1 can Black Beans 
1 can Chickpeas 
1 can White Kidney Beans 
1 can Red Kidney Beans 
1 can Black Eyed Peas 
1 can Whole Corn or 1 cup frozen niblet corn 
1 onion, diced 
15 Mushrooms sliced 
3 cloves garlic very finely diced or minced 
1 tablespoon lemon juice 
¼ teaspoon black pepper 

Spices Mix and Match: 
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 
¼ teaspoon white sage  
or 
2 teaspoons ground cumin 
1 teaspoon dried basil 
1 teaspoon dried thyme 
¼ teaspoon chili powder 

Directions: 

Put everything but lemon juice in the slow cooker and cook on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours.  

Notes: 
1: You can Sautee the mushrooms, garlic and onions first. 
2: If reheating second day in crock pot, can add another can of Tomatoes, whole or crushed. 
3: Add Salt to taste if needed. 
4: If you have a smaller crockpot add ½ of each can of beans on first day, then reheat next day and add rest of beans. 
5: And as always rinse the beans well before use. 
6: Add Lemon juice right before serving. Can add more on day 2 if desired.

Lentil & 5 Bean Soup SRMcEvoy

You can see all the recipes I have created and collected here on OneNote.
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