The Mystery of the Cross

George Basil Hume,O.S.B., of blessed memory, was a prince among men long before he was mad a "prince" of the Roman Church. These refelctions, given as mostly homilies{sermons] during,but not exclusively, Holy Week,are broken into 3 sections 1:Embracing mystery 2:Inner Peace 3:Celebrating mystery. Hume was singular among churchmen of his elevation in his common touch{owing somewhat to his benedictine training},and had a gift of speaking plainly. As he was also slwoly dying of cancer, these meditations are therefor more poingnant.He is especially good on the centrality of the cross, which,then makes this all the more appropriate during lent. A good book from a great man.

Basil Hume (d.1999)lived as a Cardinal of the Church, but lived at the grassroots. His real humility is very evident in this book and in his words. He has an extraordinary capacity to communicate the Gospel message in simple and evocative ways that touched ordinary hearts -- like mine. This book is an essential companion for anyone on the journey that leads to God, and for me, it has been the "good news" about God's love for us, the heart of the Christian message and mission.