THE CATHOLIC REVIEW: A Better Rosary, Isaiah and Advent, Fear and Faith

Sometimes in the midst of all the familial, commercial and year-end activities that are a part of the holidays, our spiritual life can take a bit of a hit. Here are some book recommendations that might help remind us all about why this season should be filled with wonder and joy, and not simply frenzy.

Last Advent, our parish, St. Francis of Assisi in Colorado Springs, held a course between Sunday Masses titled “Isaiah’s Manger,” which focused on Isaiah’s prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. We had a wonderful time together, mining through the Book of Isaiah and learning to appreciate aspects of his prophecy. It was wonderful, and everyone was thankful for the experience. So I thought in my heart, “Why not keep things going?”

I came across a book written years ago by a favorite Old Testament teacher and Protestant minister, Dr. Walter Brueggemann. In earlier times, his “Introduction to the Old Testament” was my seminary textbook, and an excellent thematic work on the psalms was an early “deep dive” into the church’s prayerbook. “Names for the Messiah” (Louisville, Westminster John Knox Press, 2016) focuses on only one verse in Isaiah 9, but what a verse it is!

For a child has been born for us,

a son is given to us;

authority rests upon his shoulders;

  and he is named

Wounderful Counselor, Mighty God,

          Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

                                       —Is 9:6

One divine utterance, one glance through the future’s window, most likely given to Isaiah during a time of oppression, looming exile, and loss of hope. “Names for the Messiah” takes these four divine names, examines them in a 4-week structure (perfect for a small-group course, prayer group, or personal reflection this advent, and since it’s an older book, the price was only $3!). The book ponders each of these four titles given to Jesus, how people understood them during the time of the prophecy, and how others have understood these names to point forward to Jesus, the Christ. Brueggemann tackles the thoughtful questions — how did people react to these words when first pronounced? How did Jesus fulfill them in his day? What comfort can they bring to our own hearts this Advent and Christmas?

However the national elections went for you and your family, we can probably say without any exaggeration that ours was a national experience with fear, uncertainty, and no little bit of doubt. Such is the way it seems these days, but we soon realize that fear can be used a weapon to manipulate our emotions, make us desire something for sale that will provide safety and comfort, and tempt us to pull inside ourselves in closed-off lives in the hope that isolation will provide safety. We don’t really want to escape, for we soon learn that escapism has its own pain. But how do we address our fears?

It is no accident that whenever angels brought a message to a person on this earth, their first exclamation was “Do not be afraid!” The same with our Lord, as Jesus conveys to his followers in the Gospels, “Don’t be afraid!” Even in the words of Pope St. John Paul II, his famous “Be not afraid!” echoes in our memories. Our response may be “well, that’s easy for you to say, but things are hard these days.” How do we cultivate a faith that does not succumb to fear? What is Christian hope and what does it look like to embrace it in the face of such fearful circumstances? Can we retrieve or develop an understanding of the Holy Spirit that better grounds us in times of crisis and moments of fear? How can we become ambassadors of hopefulness in times of testing?

“Fear and Faith: Hope and Wholeness in a Fractured Word” (Paulist Press, 2024) by Franciscan Father Daniel Horan takes us through the depths of these emotions in a compact book, exploring fears that are natural and unnatural, rational or irrational. He provides us with pithy vignettes of individuals who overcame crippling fears, and he guides us in developing a Christian Theology of the Spirit to help us in times of near-overwhelming crisis. I think you will find comfort and guidance in the words of this little book.

During November, we prayed the rosary before every Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. As a deacon, it was my honor to lead God’s people in prayer, and the prayers were fervent, the people came early, and great good was accomplished. I have come to appreciate a bit of help as I transit into my seventh decade on this earth, and “The Magnificat Rosary Companion” is something that you can carry along as a prayer companion just about wherever you go. This beautiful little rosary booklet from Magnificat is a complete resource for praying the rosary. Easy to use and lush with brilliant color illustrations, it includes original and rich meditations on all 20 mysteries of the Rosary, including the “Luminous” mysteries.

With special Marian prayers, hymns, other reflections that are appropriate and fitting while praying the rosary — especially if you are asked to lead — this little volume is worth its weight in gold.

“The Magnificat Rosary Companion” is full of insightful catechetical and spiritual essays on key aspects of the Rosary by renowned writers. It includes step-by-step directions on how to pray the Rosary with all the special rosary prayers, with new concluding prayers for each mystery. A special section gives commentary on St. Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter on the rosary. It’s perfect for teaching children and those new to the faith, and suited for private or communal recitation and study of the Rosary. In most Catholic bookstores, it is priced from $5-$7 and makes a wonderful gift for new disciples.

(For comments, reactions, or to suggest a book or resource that might be helpful for Catholics, please write Deacon Rick at rbauer@diocs.org.)