Quiet Moments with Benedict Groeschel: 120 Readings

This book contains 120 brief, yet inspirational readings from Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R, who has long been known as a spritual leader. Fr. Benedict has overcome many situations in life and has lived with courage and love - this book contains 120 one page passages that can be used to jump start your own day. Whether or not you're acquainted with Fr. Benedict's writings, you will find hope and strength for the journey in his words. Start or end your day with this book and Fr. Benedict, and you'll be motivated to be a better, more loving, more prayerful person.

These 120 single-page readings are taken from the work of Father Benedict a popular speaker and writer who has spent years ministering to troubled youth and needy families in the South Bronx. The work is best suited to short sessions, allowing time digest the reflection, perhaps choosing meaningful words, phrases, and images to contemplate over time. It would be especially useful for a faith-sharing group looking for fresh discussion-starters. Fr. Benedict reaches out to us through personal stories, reflections on scripture or writing of saints, prayers, and general observations. Samples of this last category include, "Our essential task is not to do things for God, but rather not to resist God's trying to do good things for us," and "A saint is just a sinner who is more repentant than most of us." In the reading entitled "Give Me Wheels," Fr. Benedict lays bare our human frailty when it comes to accepting the will of God. It is pride, he says, that prompts us to say to God, "I am willing to do everything you want, God, but could I make a suggestions? I'll carry the cross, but preferably something with wheels on one end, and a nice little shoulder pad."

Fr Groeschel skillfully intermixes very short thoughts and examples which cause you to meditate about what he is saying. His writing style does not allow this to be a quick read -- you can't help reflecting on the writings. Then, after you've digested his words for a while he interspaces his beautiful prayers, which always seem to be just what you would want to say to God at that time. After reading a few pages of this book, I always come away feeling a bit closer to God, and understanding what He wants of me -- unfortunately this is sometimes scary, considering how little I give Him. You can't buy a better book for improving your relations with God, and it makes an excellent gift for people of any faith.