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Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Cycle B)
Vatican II called the Bible “the support and energy of the Church,” “the pure and everlasting source of spiritual life,” and “the food of the soul.” Yet, for many Catholics, their engagement with Scripture is often limited to what they hear at Mass. In Food for the Soul (Cycle B) , the third book in a riveting three-part series, celebrated philosopher Peter Kreeft invites the faithful―clergy and laity alike―to a heart-to-heart relationship with Christ the Word through the Word of the Scriptures. Moving through the first reading, second reading, and Gospel reading for each Sunday and other major liturgical celebrations throughout the three-year lectionary cycle, Kreeft brings the Mass readings to life with his trademark blend of wit and wisdom, challenging readers to plant their souls in the rich soil of Scripture and sharpen their minds with the Sword of the Spirit. Whether you are a layperson looking for additional insight on the readings at Mass, or a priest or deacon looking for inspiration for a homily, Food for the Soul is a gift to the whole Church from one of today’s greatest Christian writers.
824 pages, Hardcover
Published October 9, 2023
148 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Peter Kreeft
197 books1,070 followersPeter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 24, 2024
This is the second in this series by Mr. Peter Kreeft which I have read. They each begin with the First Sunday of Advent and conclude with the Solemnity of the Christ the King, which so happens to be today. This book is Year B, the Gospel of St. Mark. Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Cycle A), which I had read previously, followed the readings of St. Matthew. I plan to start Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Cycle C) next Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent. These reflections by Kreeft have so enriched my life, I cannot begin to say. My dear friend here on Goodreads, Julie, has already recommended another series which I hope to do when these are finished, so I am not too sad that I am beginning my last year of these books, but even so, they have formed a mainstay of my spiritual life for two years now and if you have not experienced them, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Also, even when I do finish them, I know there are still SO many of Mr. Kreeft's book I still have to read.
Most highly recommended!
Most highly recommended!
December 1, 2024
As Peter Kreeft himself says, this book is intended to help priests and deacons make their boring or bad homilies better. In his inimitable style, Kreeft offers reflections on each of the Sunday Mass readings, excepting the psalms (which I wish he'd included). These amount to a series of mini-homilies on each reading and I like them a lot so far.
Reading these made me think of Fordyce's Sermons*, which Jane Austen mentioned in her books. She was making a joke, but I always thought it was a great idea to make sermons available for people to read at home or to give pastors something they could read if they weren't good writers or engaging speakers. Not everyone can do everything well after all.
Kreeft's style of commentary is quite different from John Bergsma's commentary so the two work together well. If I could only have one, I'd pick Bergsma's book but that is just a matter of taste. Luckily, that's a choice I don't have to make! I read both to prepare for Sunday Mass.
*Sermons to Young Women (1766), often called Fordyce's Sermons, is a two-volume compendium of sermons compiled by James Fordyce, a Scottish clergyman, which were originally delivered by himself and others. Fordyce was considered an excellent orator, and his collection of sermons found a ready audience among English clergy and laity alike. It quickly became a staple of many Church and personal libraries.
Reading these made me think of Fordyce's Sermons*, which Jane Austen mentioned in her books. She was making a joke, but I always thought it was a great idea to make sermons available for people to read at home or to give pastors something they could read if they weren't good writers or engaging speakers. Not everyone can do everything well after all.
Kreeft's style of commentary is quite different from John Bergsma's commentary so the two work together well. If I could only have one, I'd pick Bergsma's book but that is just a matter of taste. Luckily, that's a choice I don't have to make! I read both to prepare for Sunday Mass.
*Sermons to Young Women (1766), often called Fordyce's Sermons, is a two-volume compendium of sermons compiled by James Fordyce, a Scottish clergyman, which were originally delivered by himself and others. Fordyce was considered an excellent orator, and his collection of sermons found a ready audience among English clergy and laity alike. It quickly became a staple of many Church and personal libraries.
December 11, 2024
I highly recommend this book as it has enriched my understanding of the Sunday Mass readings. Kreeft reflects on the readings himself. His style is conversational, serious and direct, yet at times drives the point home with some humor.
It does lack some so some specific detailed explanation of the readings. Yet, that does not seem to be his aim. He focuses on “what are we to take away.”
I will purchase the third in the series for cycle c.
It does lack some so some specific detailed explanation of the readings. Yet, that does not seem to be his aim. He focuses on “what are we to take away.”
I will purchase the third in the series for cycle c.
November 22, 2024
Excellent thoughts on the Biblical readings by Dr. Peter Kreeft. I truly recommend this series to pastors and preachers.
February 13, 2025
Peter Kreeft is a brilliant philosopher, teacher and theologian. In this series he carefully develops thought provoking reflections on all or each of the scriptural selections from each Sunday liturgy. For many years I considered the Psalms during Mass a nice transition between readings (and if sung, also entertaining), but Dr. Kreeft even helps to decode the significance of this part of the Mass.
Each of the three volumes cover one of the yearly Mass cycles (A, B, C). Get all three in ebook and/or print you’ll not be disappointed and can assure you they will broaden your thinking.
Each of the three volumes cover one of the yearly Mass cycles (A, B, C). Get all three in ebook and/or print you’ll not be disappointed and can assure you they will broaden your thinking.
November 21, 2024
No homilia pero si reflexión teológica
El don de la palabra se nos ha dado no en sí misma sino para relacionarnos. Y si esto es una verdad antropológica cuanto más lo es la Palabra por antonomasia. La Palabra se nos ha dado para tener vida y vida en abundancia. Estas reflexiones nos acercan más al corazón de la Misa, no solo para entenderlas sino para comerlas. Este libro es un bello inicio de lo que se quiere consumar en cada Misa.
El don de la palabra se nos ha dado no en sí misma sino para relacionarnos. Y si esto es una verdad antropológica cuanto más lo es la Palabra por antonomasia. La Palabra se nos ha dado para tener vida y vida en abundancia. Estas reflexiones nos acercan más al corazón de la Misa, no solo para entenderlas sino para comerlas. Este libro es un bello inicio de lo que se quiere consumar en cada Misa.
April 23, 2024
Required Reading for All Christians
This book is a must read for all Christians! Kreeft writes with easily understandable prose and a bit of humor thrown in, bringing you on a journey of great depth of thought about the beautiful truths of Christianity. If you're not a better Christian after having read this book, you missed something, go back and read it again.
This book is a must read for all Christians! Kreeft writes with easily understandable prose and a bit of humor thrown in, bringing you on a journey of great depth of thought about the beautiful truths of Christianity. If you're not a better Christian after having read this book, you missed something, go back and read it again.
November 23, 2024
Strongly Recommended
Peter Kreeft’s reflections on the Mass Readings (for all three cycles) would be a great recommendation for all Catholics and anyone interested in learning more about Catholicism. Useful for personal reflection and understanding as much as for sermon preparation. Kreeft as a philosopher and theologian deserves to be widely recognised for his work.
Peter Kreeft’s reflections on the Mass Readings (for all three cycles) would be a great recommendation for all Catholics and anyone interested in learning more about Catholicism. Useful for personal reflection and understanding as much as for sermon preparation. Kreeft as a philosopher and theologian deserves to be widely recognised for his work.
November 24, 2024
Among the best prep for Sunday Mass I have been blessed with!
Each 1st and 2nd reading, each psalm and each gospel: exegesis and application. Heart, mind and soul are fed. Great for private Lectio Divina or for homiletic prep. Clergy, laity or religious will be blessed by Peter Kreeft’s Food for the Soul series.
Each 1st and 2nd reading, each psalm and each gospel: exegesis and application. Heart, mind and soul are fed. Great for private Lectio Divina or for homiletic prep. Clergy, laity or religious will be blessed by Peter Kreeft’s Food for the Soul series.
November 23, 2024
Definitely feeds the soul
Peter Kreeft is masterful at taking apart the Sunday Scripture readings and making them understandable and challenging us to live the Scriptures to draw closer to God.
Peter Kreeft is masterful at taking apart the Sunday Scripture readings and making them understandable and challenging us to live the Scriptures to draw closer to God.
November 24, 2024
Inspirational
All three in this series helps you go so much deeper into the Word on Sunday and everyday. Kreeft writes to lift your understanding of God's to another level with humor and insight.
All three in this series helps you go so much deeper into the Word on Sunday and everyday. Kreeft writes to lift your understanding of God's to another level with humor and insight.
November 24, 2024
This was my fiirst year to follow the Mass from Advent through the year. I appreciate reading Peter Kreeft's reflections and looked forward to it every Sunday! I am excited to start Cycle C next Sunday!
November 25, 2024
Excellent Devotional Reading
I loved everything about this book! It was a joy to read each week during the Catholic liturgical year. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend this five star read!
I loved everything about this book! It was a joy to read each week during the Catholic liturgical year. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend this five star read!
November 21, 2024
Very good and insightful overview of Sunday Mass readings. Missed some weeks but read most weeks.
January 6, 2025
5 stars
Love these Peter Kreeft Mass reading reflection books.
Highly recommend.
Love these Peter Kreeft Mass reading reflection books.
Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews