Good books for summer

Come, Holy Spirit new books to fan the flame within

by Julie McCarty

Each Sunday, we proclaim in the Creed that "We believe in the Holy Spirit." What do you think of when you say Holy Spirit? A dove? A tongue of fire? The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?

I wonder sometimes if we believe wholeheartedly in the Holy Spirit. Do we believe that God’s spirit is actually alive in our midst, or do we subconsciously think the Holy Spirit is simply a nice idea, a mere metaphor to comfort us?

The Holy Spirit is probably more active in your life than you realize, guiding you to choose good things, enabling you to persevere during hard times, and quietly filling you with gentle love for others.

Want to discover more about the Holy Spirit? Try these new books this summer:

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, by Mitch Finley, Liguori, 2001, $12.95, 130 pp. Using Scripture, church teachings, and concrete experiences, Finley explores the meaning of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in the lives of ordinary Christians. Newcomers to the gifts of the Holy Spirit will find this to be a good basic guide, but old-timers will also glean new insights about how the Spirit builds up both the holiness of the individual person and the Church community as a whole.

Enkindled: Holy Spirit, Holy Gifts, by Albert Haase, OFM, and Bridget Haase, OSU, St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2001, $5.95, 73 pp. Recognizing that the Holy Spirit is unfortunately the "neglected middle child" of the Trinity, the authors remind us that the Spirit is actually meant to be the "operating system" of a Christian’s life. Emphasis is given to discovering the action of the Holy Spirit in a rich variety of commonplace experiences. This book’s slender size and reflection questions make it appropriate for RCIA or other discussion groups.

Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit, by Thomas Keating, Lantern Books, 2000, $12.00, 116 pp. Fans of Abbot Thomas Keating will recognize the simple but profound style of his latest book. Combining traditional understandings of the spiritual journey with a contemporary approach to the human person, Keating explores the work of the indwelling Spirit in the lives of everyday believers. Readers attracted to a more contemplative approach will appreciate his insights on prayer.

The Mystery of Pentecost, by Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., translated Glen S. Davis, Liturgical Press, 2001, $7.95, 61 pp. Readers desiring something a little more challenging for the mind will enjoy these meditations on the Holy Spirit as revealed in the book of Acts, John’s Gospel, and the letters of Paul.