Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Cycle C)

by Peter Kreeft

The Second Vatican Council called the Bible “the food of the soul.” Yet, for many Catholics, their engagement with Scripture is often limited to what they hear at Mass—and the dull, safe, predictable homilies that obscure rather than break open up the Word of God.


In this 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.

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Christian, Religion, Devotional

749 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2022

About the author

Peter 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.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (and the other two in the series, Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Cycle A) and Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Cycle B)) may be written for priests and deacons, but the laity may benefit from them as well. A friend does not care for Mr. Kreeft because she says, he is more philosopher than theologian. Not having sufficient knowledge of either discipline to be a judge of that, I cannot agree nor disagree with her assertion. All I know is that these reflections mostly moved and inspired me. Not all, of course, and unfortunately, I did not keep track, but overall, I like Kreeft, here, and in his other writings/books. He explains the three Mass readings, drawing their individual meanings from their historical context, contrasting where appropriate and showing where the Old Covenant foreshadows the New and then offers wonderful material to meditate on. Not just milk for babies, as St. Paul would say, but real meat to chew on ... !

An excellent reference which will remain in my library, and I expect be used again in the coming years ... God willing of course!

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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'll keep reading 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.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, meaningful exposition and insights. Kreeft is stellar, as usual. This makes a great gift for Catholics who want to go deeper into understanding the readings in Cycle C, or for ecumenical Protestants interested in Kreeft’s perspective on these Bible passages.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

So aptly titled. This has become my go to for insights into each reading for the coming Sunday. I meditate on this during my holy hour and it has brought me closer to God. I routinely recommend this to others who are looking for something to give them insight into the readings. I have already received my copy for Cycle A and can't wait to see what new teachings Peter Kreeft has in store. He writes in depth but accessible reflections. Highly recommend.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I've been working through each of Dr. Kreeft's reflections for the readings of each liturgical cycle for three years after being inspired to read them when a spry old priest highly recommended Kreeft's Food for the Soul. I've learned so much from these books - about the Church and about myself.

My plan for this coming liturgical year is to not start over reading these books (love them, but I think I need a bit of time for Kreeft's analysis to give me fresh inspiration again) but rather read some of the religious books I haven't gotten around to yet or haven't had a decent chance to finish. Spiritual learning, I've found, requires dedication and shifts in focus to other questions to discover their answers. With that being said, I have quite a few books in mind - finishing The Shadow of His Wings, Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich's visions of the life of Mary, reading Pope Benedict XVI's Jesus of Nazareth books... There may be more, too, and I'm looking forward to giving other religious books my time on Sundays to keep learning about my faith.

[Doug Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kreeft is a prophet. He inspires and speaks the truth in this masterful interpretation of the weekly Sunday liturgy.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with Cycle B, I appreciate reading Peter Kreeft's reflections and looked forward to it every Sunday! I am excited to start Cycle A next Sunday!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent, I will read it again (in 3 years time)

[Matt Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a remarkable collection of short reflections on the Mass readings for each week. Peter Kreeft, as usual, demonstrates his genius in communicating ideas through engaging prose. He introduces this as a sourcebook for homilists, but quite frankly it's a tremendous supplement for deeper reflection by any Christian. There will be moments for laughter, moments that give pause, moments that inspire action. It's brilliant.

Even though this is the first published book in what should be a trilogy, it's clear that this was written a bit more like the 3rd book. The conspicuous absence of any reflection on the readings for the Easter Vigil was most notable, but it also seems intentional. Perhaps that gets addressed in some for with the Cycle A edition.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I didn’t read this book in its entirety, I absolutely loved it! Sometimes just reading the weekly Bible readings, isn’t enough to fully understand what I’ve read. At times I listen to different Sunday sermons or homilies to help me understand more fully. This book is so well written and so in depth, that I have a better insight in sharing during small group meetings. I highly recommend it! I have already purchased Cycle A and have started reading that one too! The book is broken down with Advent Catholic readings in Cycle C and continues through to Ordinary Time. If you fall behind it’s ok to just pick up in the readings for the week you are in. That’s what I did. You won’t be disappointed.

[Jody McCluggage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this through the course of the year in line with Mass readings of cycle C. Excellent exposition of the passages. Looking forward to reading through the next volume for cycle A.