Not that long ago I read something interesting in the newspaper. In an article that was written in the sports section, it mentioned how Kobe Bryant during the offseason would make 1000 baskets a day in preparation for the upcoming basketball season. Not attempt but make. What the article made me think about was how much effort he puts into basketball and how much work we put in our own work or hobbies. It makes we wonder for myself and for all of us, How much work do I put in my faith life? Am I giving it the attention it deserves? Am I watering it and helping it grow? This summer while we are involved with many summer activities, let us remember to put some work into our spiritual life. It is easy to forget about our faith life during the summer. Continue to go to mass, to pray, and faithfully receive the sacraments. God never goes on vacation nor should we go on vacation in regards with our relationship with Him.
I thought it would be a great idea to put a list together on some of the books that I am planning on reading this summer. For those who don’t know, I am avid reader. I encourage everyone to do some spiritual reading or some type of reading about our faith during the remaining months of the summer. I am planning on reading Credo for Today: What Christians Believe by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). Church Fathers and The Apostles both books are written by Pope Benedict. These are both based on his Wednesday audiences and are quick reads. The Catholic Martyrs of the Twentieth Century: A Comprehensive World History by Robert Royal. The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Fulton J. Sheen. A Civilization of Love: What every Catholic Can Do to Transform the World by Carl Anderson. The final book is The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien. I encourage all of us to do some type of reading to learn more about our faith. You can get these or any other good Catholic books at Faith @ Work. This is a catholic bookstore and coffee house just down the street.
I ask all of you to say a prayer for me as I leave for my vacation to Montana this week for the next two weeks. May God Bless you all.
