Life in Christ: A Spiritual Commentary on the Letter to the Romans

by Raniero Cantalamessa

In Life in Christ Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal household, presents a project ofre-evangelization and spiritual renewal based on St. Paul's Letter to the Romans. It is therefore neither an exegetical commentary nor a theological treatise, but goes straight to the heart of what animated the Apostle when he wrote this letter. His aim was not to give the Christians of Rome—and the Christians of later generations—a difficult text on which to exercise their critical wisdom but rather to impart a spiritual gift to them so that they would be strengthened and mutually encouraged by each other's faith. At the beginning of the third millennium a new phenomenon is spreading through the Christian Churches which can only be the work of the Holy Spirit. Up to now Christians of different denominations have proclaimed Jesus Christ mainly in competition and rivalry with one another, thus compromising our testimony in the eyes of the world. Why should we not grasp this unique occasion to start proclaiming together with brotherly love our common belief in Christ, which is far more important than what still separates us? Pope John Paul II has espoused this project and has expressed the wish that all Christians take this opportunity for fruitful cooperation in the many areas which unite us; these are unquestionably more numerous than those which divide us." Life in Christ is a contribution to the realization of this project. Father Cantalamessa has made the most of the insights and riches present in each one of the three main Christian Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, avoiding those points not commonly shared by all believers in Christ, or at least by the majority of them. The Letter to the Romans lends itself to this aim because it deals with the basics of the Christian faith, leaving all the rest aside. It is the ideal basis for that "Common Witness" which is becoming more and more central to ecumenical dialogue. This is, therefore, a first and "partial" attempt to present a spirituality and a proclamation corresponding to the new grace of understanding and unity given to the Christians in the second half of this century. Chapters are "Loved by God!" "all Have Sinned," "The Righteousness of God Has Been Manifested!" "He Was Put to Death for Our Trespasses," "He Was Raised for Our Justification," "God Did Not Spare His Own Son," "Let Not Sin Reign in Your Mortal Bodies!" "The Law of the Spirit Which Gives Life," "The Spirit Intercedes for Us," "Let Love Be Sincere," "Don't Think Too Highly of Yourselves," "By One Man's Obedience," and "Let Us Put on the Armor of Light." Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, is a past professor of the history of Christian origins at the Catholic University of Milan and a member of the International Theological Commission. He is preacher to the papal household and the author of The Mystery of Pentecost , Easter in the Early Church ; The Our Sanctification ; The Mystery of God's Word ; The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus ; Jesus Christ, The Holy One of God ; Mary, Mirror of the Church ; The Mystery of Christmas ; and The Mystery of Easter published by The Liturgical Press. "

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Christian, Religion, Faith

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin Catholic Priest. Born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, 22 July 1934, ordained priest in 1958. Divinity Doctor (Fribourg 1962) and Doctor in classical literature (Milan 1966). Former Ordinary Professor of History of Ancient Christianity and Director of the Department of Religious Sciences at the Catholic University of Milan. Member of the International Theological Commission (1975-1981) and for 12 years member of the Catholic Delegation for the dialogue with the Pentecostal Churches.

In 1979 he resigned his teaching position to become a full time preacher of the Gospel. In 1980 he was appointed by Pope John Paul II Preacher to the Papal Household and confirmed in that position by pope Benedict XVI in 2005. In this capacity he preaches a weekly sermon in Advent and Lent in the presence of the Pope, the cardinals, bishops an prelates of the Roman Curia and the general superiors of religious orders. He is also frequently invited to speak in many countries around the world, both to Catholic and Protestant audiences.

He has received an Honorary degree in Laws from Notre Dame University (Indiana), in Sciences of communication from the University of Macerata (Italy) and in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio).
In addition to his early scholar books on patristic Christology, Easter in the Ancient Church and other topics he has published numerous books on spirituality fruit of his preaching to the papal Household, translated in more than twenty foreign languages.
For 14 years, from 1994 to 2010 he has run a weekly program on the first channel of the Italian state television (RAI) on the Gospel of the following Sunday.

From 2009, when he is not engaged in preaching, he lives in an hermitage, at Cittaducale (Rieti) ministering to a small community of cloistered nuns.
The 18 July 2013 he has been confirmed by pope Francis as Preacher to the Papal Household.

Reviews

[Marcela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Cantalamessa 10 years ago. Weirdly enough, I even remember the date, August 15th, 2008. He had preached on a passage of the Gospel I had always found hard to understand, the one of the Canaanite woman (Mt 15:21-28), and his words were so enlightening, so relevant, that I still revisit them today. Since then, I've been reading his books and following all his Advent and Lenten sermons. Everything, no matter how short or how long, has always been equally fascinating, intelligent, and inspiring. As a Capuchin brother, he is heavenly influenced by Augustine and the Augustinian tradition, mainly Pascal, Kierkegaard, and Heidegger, although the diversity of authors that are echoed in his writing is very broad. He also has a very ecumenical approach and is usually in dialogue with other Christian authors and traditions. His prose is lucid, clear, prayerful. I cannot praise him enough.

[Paul Uwemedimo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gets at the heart of the Christian message. It deserves to be read and reread and reread, and its message continually meditated upon.

[Jason Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing spiritual complement to Romans

This was a great book! Instead of it being intellectually hard, and engage me more in a devotional way. There is some Greek words defined into English to illustrate some points but I did not feel like I am taking a college course. He definitely illuminated the subject of grace in a way that I can better infuse that aspect of God into experiencing Christ and the gospel.

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Cantalamessa did not write a commentary as such but a deeply spiritual reflection on Paul’s letter. This book focuses on the center of Romans, Jesus Christ. It gets at what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I think this book should be read by everyone, yearly. (Well maybe monthly.)

[Matteo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with great insights, a must read

[Zuziadeko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ta książka to d o ś w i a d c z e n i e, którego potrzebuje każdy chrześcijanin

[Matthew Heidenreich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible read. The insights in this book are so profound. The section on prayer is particularly moving.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A former colleague continuously reads this book from cover to cover, dedicating one lunch hour every week; so I thought it must be worth reading; and as it turns out, it really is. In fact, it is without doubt one of the best books I have read. On one level it is a commentary on St Paul’s Letter to the Romans; but it is much more - a great insight into what it means to be a Christian. Profound, enriching, life changing.