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Reiser's Ramblings
“Reiser’s Ramblings” is a collection of the best columns written over the past three decades by Fr. Bernard Reiser, founding pastor of Epiphany Parish in Coon Rapids, Minn. In the book, find Fr. Reiser’s take on everyday topics such as family, kindness, gratitude, prayer, helping others, and staying focused on what’s important in life. Fr. Reiser’s essays are rich in symbolism, wise in understanding of human nature, and fruitful in explicating the word of God.Fr. Reiser brings together a wonderful collection of “ramblings” that all of us can take home and take to heart. Father is a master in the art of spiritual storytelling; he engages, entertains, and challenges with undeniable hope. He has a gift and he shares it generously in this lovely book. Included are stories with the deep conviction that our human journey and our spiritual journey are intrinsically linked. He shares observations that are sometimes so wondrously obvious and visible, and he does it in a way that feels like you’re hearing from a close friend.Read in this book a sincere glimpse into the heart and soul of a religious man serving the people around him; his memories from childhood to an inspiring account of his priestly life, which spans over 60 years and starting in 1949. These ramblings memoirs are composed of moving, funny, and profound vignettes that blur the line between sermon and a story. Like a homily, Father will share a little scripture with a story that helps readers understand that verse and, even more, learn to live it.Fr. Reiser’s real life stories evoke deep feelings of joy and love for God. He freely shares his rewards of being a Catholic priest. Fr Reiser allows us to intimately share with him his personal spiritual journey. These heartfelt and inspirational stories demonstrate the presence of God in everyday life. God touches all of us in different ways. To experience God we simply need to open ourselves up to the events and people around us. I found it refreshing to have a priest put his trust in us by revealing himself so honestly and openly. We are fortunate to have Fr Reiser working at God's side. I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for God in their daily lives. His descriptive ramblings makes you feel like you are sitting with him on the bench by the ocean and feeling the presence and awesomeness of Gods power and creation. To give faithful Catholics the information, encouragement, and perspective they need to become an active force for renewal in the Church and in society, working to shape an authentically Christian culture in a secular world.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2010
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July 26, 2011
I would like to invite you to join me on a spiritual journey that is inspiring, illuminating and heartening. "Reiser's Ramblings", by Father Bernard Reiser, is a collection of columns by the founding pastor of Epiphany Parish in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. These columns impart wisdom and advice on living in this world with a focus on Eternity. This book is not a Catholic book, although I am sure that people of the Roman Catholic faith will find it extremely valuable, it is a book for all who seek a closer personal relationship with God.
About The Author
Father Bernard Reiser was born in 1924 and grew up on a farm in Medina, Minnesota. Father Reiser was ordained into the priesthood on June 4, 1949. In 1964, he was chosen to start a parish in the fast-growing Minneapolis suburb of Coon Rapids. Under Father Reiser's leadership, Epiphany grew to become one of the largest Catholic communities in Minnesota. In 1996, Father Reiser traveled to Haiti and decided to establish Reiser Relief Inc., a non-profit organization that funds relief and development projects in Haiti. Father Reiser is now retired from Epiphany, but he stays actively involved by helping some of the world's poorest citizens as chairman of Reiser Relief.
All proceeds from this book will go to Reiser Relief and will benefit Haiti relief efforts.
Father Reiser shares many of the happy recollections of his childhood in the first section of the book. Aloys and Otillia Reiser raised Bernard, his brother and his three sisters on a farm during the Great Depression. Father Reiser learned the meaning of perseverance and hard work from his father. His parents loved their children and they loved each other. Father Reiser never once heard his parents quarrel! It was on his family farm and at the events of a small country parish that he learned to love God. Every Sunday the entire family dressed up in their best clothes and went to church. When they got home, his mother always fixed a big dinner that included fried chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and apple pie. The family often entertained friends or family in the afternoon and filled the time with games and fellowship. Father Reiser's family and friends were very influential in his decision to enter the priesthood.
Father Reiser is able to see God's hand in all of nature. He does a beautiful job seeing God's face in a flower in this passage;
"We need to stop and smell the flowers! To take them in hand individually and to open our eyes and hearts to the message they all share so powerfully, of the One who fashioned them so beautifully and lovingly."
Father Reiser has traveled all over the world and shares many of the wonderful adventures that he has had. He believes that nature is a prayer book and we should read it regularly and give praise to the Creator of the Universe.
Father Reiser recounts a time when he had a serious infection in his left foot. He was confined to bed and had to take regular doses of antibiotics. He realized that we take so much in life for granted and we never truly appreciate the gifts that God has granted us...until we lose them.
When Father Reiser visited Haiti in 1996, he saw extreme poverty and appalling living conditions. His heart ached for the people he saw living in grinding poverty day after day. He knew that God was calling him to help the people of Haiti. We live in abundance but our world neighbors live in extreme poverty. Reiser Relief was created to provide essential services to aid in day-to-day survival of thousands. Today, Father Reiser stays busy doing his Father's work by helping those who have very little to count as blessings.
I truly feel like I have experienced a Divine connection. "Reiser's Ramblings" touched my mind, heart and soul in a way that I will not soon forget. The prose is written in an expressive, emotional and melodious style that is music to the reader's heart. Father Reiser writes with passion, conviction and confidence.
The photographs in the book provide a personal touch that made me feel a kinship to Father Reiser and his entire family.
The book is organized into columns that are one to two pages long. Father Reiser wrote these columns some years ago, but they are very relevant in today's world. The reader can skip through the book and read columns that are appropriate to daily Bible study and prayer concerns. The columns can be used as a daily devotional and then read over and over again. All of the columns feature important life lessons that will build faith, hope and love for God.
I want to emphasize that this is not a book exclusively for those of the Roman Catholic faith. This book is for me and it is for anyone who is seeking a closer personal relationship with Jesus Christ. "Reiser's Ramblings" will make a wonderful addition to your Christian library and it would make a marvelous gift for a loved one. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I want to thank the good folks at Reiser Relief for sending me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.
About The Author
Father Bernard Reiser was born in 1924 and grew up on a farm in Medina, Minnesota. Father Reiser was ordained into the priesthood on June 4, 1949. In 1964, he was chosen to start a parish in the fast-growing Minneapolis suburb of Coon Rapids. Under Father Reiser's leadership, Epiphany grew to become one of the largest Catholic communities in Minnesota. In 1996, Father Reiser traveled to Haiti and decided to establish Reiser Relief Inc., a non-profit organization that funds relief and development projects in Haiti. Father Reiser is now retired from Epiphany, but he stays actively involved by helping some of the world's poorest citizens as chairman of Reiser Relief.
All proceeds from this book will go to Reiser Relief and will benefit Haiti relief efforts.
Father Reiser shares many of the happy recollections of his childhood in the first section of the book. Aloys and Otillia Reiser raised Bernard, his brother and his three sisters on a farm during the Great Depression. Father Reiser learned the meaning of perseverance and hard work from his father. His parents loved their children and they loved each other. Father Reiser never once heard his parents quarrel! It was on his family farm and at the events of a small country parish that he learned to love God. Every Sunday the entire family dressed up in their best clothes and went to church. When they got home, his mother always fixed a big dinner that included fried chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and apple pie. The family often entertained friends or family in the afternoon and filled the time with games and fellowship. Father Reiser's family and friends were very influential in his decision to enter the priesthood.
Father Reiser is able to see God's hand in all of nature. He does a beautiful job seeing God's face in a flower in this passage;
"We need to stop and smell the flowers! To take them in hand individually and to open our eyes and hearts to the message they all share so powerfully, of the One who fashioned them so beautifully and lovingly."
Father Reiser has traveled all over the world and shares many of the wonderful adventures that he has had. He believes that nature is a prayer book and we should read it regularly and give praise to the Creator of the Universe.
Father Reiser recounts a time when he had a serious infection in his left foot. He was confined to bed and had to take regular doses of antibiotics. He realized that we take so much in life for granted and we never truly appreciate the gifts that God has granted us...until we lose them.
When Father Reiser visited Haiti in 1996, he saw extreme poverty and appalling living conditions. His heart ached for the people he saw living in grinding poverty day after day. He knew that God was calling him to help the people of Haiti. We live in abundance but our world neighbors live in extreme poverty. Reiser Relief was created to provide essential services to aid in day-to-day survival of thousands. Today, Father Reiser stays busy doing his Father's work by helping those who have very little to count as blessings.
I truly feel like I have experienced a Divine connection. "Reiser's Ramblings" touched my mind, heart and soul in a way that I will not soon forget. The prose is written in an expressive, emotional and melodious style that is music to the reader's heart. Father Reiser writes with passion, conviction and confidence.
The photographs in the book provide a personal touch that made me feel a kinship to Father Reiser and his entire family.
The book is organized into columns that are one to two pages long. Father Reiser wrote these columns some years ago, but they are very relevant in today's world. The reader can skip through the book and read columns that are appropriate to daily Bible study and prayer concerns. The columns can be used as a daily devotional and then read over and over again. All of the columns feature important life lessons that will build faith, hope and love for God.
I want to emphasize that this is not a book exclusively for those of the Roman Catholic faith. This book is for me and it is for anyone who is seeking a closer personal relationship with Jesus Christ. "Reiser's Ramblings" will make a wonderful addition to your Christian library and it would make a marvelous gift for a loved one. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I want to thank the good folks at Reiser Relief for sending me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.
September 8, 2011
When I was approached with the request to review this book, there was no way I could say no. ALL proceeds from the sales of 'Reiser's Ramblings' go to Reiser Relief Inc which in turn goes to relief efforts in Haiti.
To start with, you may be interested in the fact that I am not Catholic. I do, however, have a strong belief that we can learn from all religions and points of view if we keep our minds and hearts open. Father Reiser gives us lots to consider in this collection of his columns written over time. The columns are separated into six sections: Early Life and Key Influences; The Wonder of God's Creation; Our Place in God's World; Counting Our Blessings; God's Grace at Work Within Us; All Eyes on Heaven. Each column is titled and short. So we end up with a lovely book of short, easily read reminiscences and edifying stories and thoughts.
If I could offer some advise for those of you that decide to pick up this book it would be this: don't read it all at once. There is so much packed into these few pages that it requires the reader to ponder the message and meaning in each column and how, or if, it applies to each individual life. If you are one of those people who engages in daily devotionals, this book would be a lovely addition to that time in your day. Consider such topics as 'freedom is a basic right of humanity' (pg 82) and 'small annoyances can rub like sandpaper' (pg 192). There are words of wisdom on each topic and direction from a humble servant of God.
'Reiser's Ramblings' is straightforward and worthwhile. Sort of like a combination of listening to your Grandfather's stories and advise and a visit with your spiritual leader.
To start with, you may be interested in the fact that I am not Catholic. I do, however, have a strong belief that we can learn from all religions and points of view if we keep our minds and hearts open. Father Reiser gives us lots to consider in this collection of his columns written over time. The columns are separated into six sections: Early Life and Key Influences; The Wonder of God's Creation; Our Place in God's World; Counting Our Blessings; God's Grace at Work Within Us; All Eyes on Heaven. Each column is titled and short. So we end up with a lovely book of short, easily read reminiscences and edifying stories and thoughts.
If I could offer some advise for those of you that decide to pick up this book it would be this: don't read it all at once. There is so much packed into these few pages that it requires the reader to ponder the message and meaning in each column and how, or if, it applies to each individual life. If you are one of those people who engages in daily devotionals, this book would be a lovely addition to that time in your day. Consider such topics as 'freedom is a basic right of humanity' (pg 82) and 'small annoyances can rub like sandpaper' (pg 192). There are words of wisdom on each topic and direction from a humble servant of God.
'Reiser's Ramblings' is straightforward and worthwhile. Sort of like a combination of listening to your Grandfather's stories and advise and a visit with your spiritual leader.
December 21, 2011
When I started reading Reiser’s Ramblings, I half-expected it to be filled with Catholic theology and since I’m not a Catholic, I was slightly apprehensive about it. I was pleasantly surprised to find otherwise about the book. As I read, I couldn’t help but think how similar the columns are to devotional aid materials such as Our Daily Bread (the well-known devotional study book). Many of the columns contain godly principals we are often taught and reminded again and again.
I loved the humor in the columns and frequently found myself smiling as I read the funnier stories. The stories was something that struck me most when I read the book. Of course, it isn’t all stories. It also touches on lessons/matters such as blessings, prayer, gratitude, God’s grace, and dozens of other topics. These lessons are written in such a simple manner and easy style that anyone can read and understand them.
I loved the humor in the columns and frequently found myself smiling as I read the funnier stories. The stories was something that struck me most when I read the book. Of course, it isn’t all stories. It also touches on lessons/matters such as blessings, prayer, gratitude, God’s grace, and dozens of other topics. These lessons are written in such a simple manner and easy style that anyone can read and understand them.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews