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Love is a Radiant Light: The Life & Words of Saint Charbel
"A man who prays lives out the mystery of existence, and a man who does not pray scarcely exists." Thus writes St. Charbel Makhlouf (1828-1898), a Maronite monk and priest from Lebanon whose reputation for sanctity spread widely during his life, and whose heavenly intercession has worked countless miracles after his death. St. Charbel's homilies and proverbs are reminiscent of the sayings of the Desert simple, homespun, and direct, yet shining and profound. "Success in life consists of standing without shame before God."
This holy monk speaks from a reservoir of silence about the fundamentals of the Faith and targets the temptations facing all Christians the flight from suffering, excessive attachment to comforts, pride over accomplishments, complacency, factiousness, substituting talk for action, fear of proclaiming the truth in an age of hostile unbelief. Alert to the reality of spiritual warfare, St. Charbel calls each one of us to hold fast to the Cross, "the center of the universe and the key to heaven," and defy the devil who seeks our ruin. This collection of some of the most beautiful words spoken by St. Charbel is augmented by a short biography that will bring him to the attention of those who have not yet made his acquaintance or profited from his wisdom.
This holy monk speaks from a reservoir of silence about the fundamentals of the Faith and targets the temptations facing all Christians the flight from suffering, excessive attachment to comforts, pride over accomplishments, complacency, factiousness, substituting talk for action, fear of proclaiming the truth in an age of hostile unbelief. Alert to the reality of spiritual warfare, St. Charbel calls each one of us to hold fast to the Cross, "the center of the universe and the key to heaven," and defy the devil who seeks our ruin. This collection of some of the most beautiful words spoken by St. Charbel is augmented by a short biography that will bring him to the attention of those who have not yet made his acquaintance or profited from his wisdom.
116 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 3, 2023
A book that belongs in every Catholic’s library.
It is a short collection of the writings of St. Charbel Makhlouf.
It is a very short read that is overflowing with gems.
It is one of those short, simple, profoundly deep books that you find yourself reading again and again and again.
I will share a small excerpt to give you a sense of what the whole book is like:
“Holiness is not luck; it is a choice. Do not expect it to be offered to you from outside; it is necessary to live it and realize it inside. The kingdom of Heaven is within you. Holiness is a grace and a decision: the grace is given to you by God, and it is up to you to make your decision. You are potentially saints; strive to be saints in reality.”
Highly recommend!
It is a short collection of the writings of St. Charbel Makhlouf.
It is a very short read that is overflowing with gems.
It is one of those short, simple, profoundly deep books that you find yourself reading again and again and again.
I will share a small excerpt to give you a sense of what the whole book is like:
“Holiness is not luck; it is a choice. Do not expect it to be offered to you from outside; it is necessary to live it and realize it inside. The kingdom of Heaven is within you. Holiness is a grace and a decision: the grace is given to you by God, and it is up to you to make your decision. You are potentially saints; strive to be saints in reality.”
Highly recommend!
May 9, 2021
"Те, чим, на твою думку, ти володієш у цьому світі, насправді панує над тобою"
і це не про ахімсу чи відречення від усього матеріального, а просто про те, що життя не конче має концентруватись на хочу/не хочу/буду хотіти. і це нескінченно про силу волі, яка в кінці повністю розчиняється у Безмежному.
великодні читання - це найщасливіші години/хвилини/секунди, які обведені щастям у моєму читацькому календарі
January 1, 2023
St Charbel is an unknown saint outside of the Maronite rite but he is someone worth knowing. This book provides simple and practical steps to achieve holiness.
December 1, 2023
Homilies and parables from St. Charbel. I have had a devotion to him for years and this small book is filled with beautiful gems. Pray for us St. Charbel.
April 16, 2024
Magnifique !!
August 21, 2024
One of the most consoling and most beautiful books I've ever read
January 22, 2025
Such great insights and wisdom from an incredible saint!
December 14, 2025
Love Is a Radiant Light is a quiet yet powerful collection that brings the wisdom of St. Charbel to life with clarity and grace. His words are simple, profound, and deeply challenging, calling readers to prayer, humility, and faithfulness in a distracted world. Paired with a thoughtful biographical context, this book offers spiritual nourishment that lingers well beyond the final page. A meaningful read for anyone seeking depth and renewal in their faith.
My name is Tina T. Davis, and I specialize in promoting books to audiences who will truly appreciate their message. I work with a dedicated team that has consistently delivered top quality marketing campaigns for authors, helping their work reach the right readers and gain the recognition it deserves.
Love Is a Radiant Light is the kind of book that can strongly resonate with readers seeking spiritual depth, Catholic wisdom, and guidance rooted in prayer and lived holiness. Can I send over a detailed proposal outlining how I can promote your book and maximize its reach?
Best Regards,
Tina T. Davis
Book Marketing Specialist
tina.t.davisbook@gmail.com
My name is Tina T. Davis, and I specialize in promoting books to audiences who will truly appreciate their message. I work with a dedicated team that has consistently delivered top quality marketing campaigns for authors, helping their work reach the right readers and gain the recognition it deserves.
Love Is a Radiant Light is the kind of book that can strongly resonate with readers seeking spiritual depth, Catholic wisdom, and guidance rooted in prayer and lived holiness. Can I send over a detailed proposal outlining how I can promote your book and maximize its reach?
Best Regards,
Tina T. Davis
Book Marketing Specialist
tina.t.davisbook@gmail.com
November 12, 2019
beautiful book
October 31, 2021
Veľmi inšpiratívny životopis
January 31, 2025
Excellent account
Brilliant read very informative and the sermons give us a glimpse into saint charbels thinking and way of life really enjoyed it
Brilliant read very informative and the sermons give us a glimpse into saint charbels thinking and way of life really enjoyed it
March 1, 2025
3.3/5
Love Is a Radiant Light is a simple read, with a short biography & compilation of homilies. The biography section is informative & gives a succinct review of Mar Charbel & his journey to sainthood. The collection of homilies is worthwhile to read, however, the translation is a bit lacking. I wish there were more footnotes or commentaries. Instead, we are left to trust in the whims of the translator, William J. Melcher.
The overall length of the book is quite short, & can be read in one sitting. A great book to meditate upon, however, do not expect this book to cover any topic or subject in great depth.
Love Is a Radiant Light is a simple read, with a short biography & compilation of homilies. The biography section is informative & gives a succinct review of Mar Charbel & his journey to sainthood. The collection of homilies is worthwhile to read, however, the translation is a bit lacking. I wish there were more footnotes or commentaries. Instead, we are left to trust in the whims of the translator, William J. Melcher.
The overall length of the book is quite short, & can be read in one sitting. A great book to meditate upon, however, do not expect this book to cover any topic or subject in great depth.
December 16, 2023
"Do not bother to search for the truth far from Christ; no truth exists outside of him. Christ is the only truth. When you know Christ, you will know the truth and you will be free. Christ wants you to be free Have no fear, take courage; know that Christ has conquered the world."
- St. Charbel Makhlouf
- St. Charbel Makhlouf
August 4, 2024
Beautiful writings
Shared excerpts in family. St Charbel lived in same time and place as my Lebanese ancestors who fled genocide. Had similar family name and looks and writes like my Uncle. He was a Literature Professor.
Shared excerpts in family. St Charbel lived in same time and place as my Lebanese ancestors who fled genocide. Had similar family name and looks and writes like my Uncle. He was a Literature Professor.
November 24, 2019
Short, but powerful. So much spiritual wisdom!
August 2, 2021
St. Charbel was an incredible man. We named our son Luke Charbel after him and after reading this book about his life, I am even more happy we gave him this name.
July 25, 2021
Words of wisdom
St Charbel, great mystic give direction how to live to be happy forever in the Kingdom of God, Triune God .
St Charbel, great mystic give direction how to live to be happy forever in the Kingdom of God, Triune God .
April 2, 2023
Holy, profound, simple
May 19, 2024
Wisdom for the ages
This book is filled with wisdom to help you on your journey, your Exodus, to Heaven. You will treasure this wisdom for the rest of your life.
This book is filled with wisdom to help you on your journey, your Exodus, to Heaven. You will treasure this wisdom for the rest of your life.
September 9, 2024
Du miel …
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews