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Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Cycle A)
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 Food for the Soul , 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.
816 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2022
190 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Peter Kreeft
201 books1,082 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 27, 2023
This book is a brick! Had I known how humongous it was I might have been tempted to get the kindle version, even though I greatly prefer books, especially for spiritual books. But now that the year is over, I am happy with its size and weight, as I think it reminds me of its importance.
I brought this to Mass almost every Sunday and read it on the drive to church. Somewhere during the year, I realized that my husband would also really enjoy much of the writings. I think I was reading bits and pieces aloud to him... Kreeft is a serious thinker. My sister says he is a philosopher v. a theologian. I think he's both.
The important thing though is that we enjoyed EVERY single reflection!!! You know that with most priests, some homilies are better than others and there are always a few bombs. We don't think there is a bomb here. Some spoke to me more than others, but ALL of them were excellent. I am just happy that we have two more books to look forward to!
Thank you, Mr. Kreeft!
I brought this to Mass almost every Sunday and read it on the drive to church. Somewhere during the year, I realized that my husband would also really enjoy much of the writings. I think I was reading bits and pieces aloud to him... Kreeft is a serious thinker. My sister says he is a philosopher v. a theologian. I think he's both.
The important thing though is that we enjoyed EVERY single reflection!!! You know that with most priests, some homilies are better than others and there are always a few bombs. We don't think there is a bomb here. Some spoke to me more than others, but ALL of them were excellent. I am just happy that we have two more books to look forward to!
Thank you, Mr. Kreeft!
December 10, 2025
It's Year A which is the first year in the three-year lectionary cycle. This commentary is the perfect complement to the one by John Bergsma that I also read through the year.
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.
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.
November 24, 2023
Dr. PK is a gifted writer. I am beyond appreciative of his ability to find perfect analogies - he is a laser when needed and a floodlight when needed. The big picture, the small picture and the personal picture. Truly a gift to all people who desire to know God.
My book is filled with underlines, highlights, stars, hearts… It has been a joy to go through this each week with a great friend, as well as my daughter.
I’m so excited about starting Food for the Soul Cycle A next week!
My book is filled with underlines, highlights, stars, hearts… It has been a joy to go through this each week with a great friend, as well as my daughter.
I’m so excited about starting Food for the Soul Cycle A next week!
December 15, 2022
I have not finished reading this book but it’s similar to his first book Cycle C. This book cover’s Cycle A and begins with Catholic Sunday readings in Advent, followed by Christmas Time, Lent, Holy Week, Easter Time, and finally Ordinary Time. By reading ahead of the Sunday readings, you will better understand what will be shared at Mass. If you are unable to read the book each week, it’s okay to just pick up where you are. Author Peter Kreeft does an excellent job of interpreting the readings to maximize understanding and reflections. I am deeply grateful for his work. You won’t be disappointed. If you attend small group meetings to discuss the upcoming Mass readings, you will be able to share expertly in the discussions with the help of this resource. I highly recommend it.
December 4, 2023
Technically, since I jumped in reading this book after or near the end of the Christmas season, and I never caught up, I didn't read the whole book, BUT I did read the majority of it and can start afresh next Cycle A.
Anyway, I loved this. Kreeft puts things so simply and helps give the reader a straightforward understanding of the readings for the weekends and Holy Days. It was so good, so now I'm in his Cycle B.
I recommend to anyone wanting a weekly deep-dive on the Mass readings!
Anyway, I loved this. Kreeft puts things so simply and helps give the reader a straightforward understanding of the readings for the weekends and Holy Days. It was so good, so now I'm in his Cycle B.
I recommend to anyone wanting a weekly deep-dive on the Mass readings!
November 17, 2023
Dr. Kreeft does an outstanding job!
Very insightful and thought-provoking meditations. Dr. Kreeft makes the Sunday mass readings more meaningful. I look forward to reading his commentaries each week.
Very insightful and thought-provoking meditations. Dr. Kreeft makes the Sunday mass readings more meaningful. I look forward to reading his commentaries each week.
November 24, 2023
Excellent Preparation for Liturgical Readings
Dr. Kreeft has an engaging style of getting the points across on the readings for Sundays and Feast days. Many thought provoking insights.
Dr. Kreeft has an engaging style of getting the points across on the readings for Sundays and Feast days. Many thought provoking insights.
November 26, 2023
Blessing
This book is a gift to unpack the Wisdom of the Sunday readings, guided by the years of Dr. Kreeft's study.
This book is a gift to unpack the Wisdom of the Sunday readings, guided by the years of Dr. Kreeft's study.
November 30, 2025
Great Reflections
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.
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.
November 23, 2025
So beautiful
I love reading this. It prepares me so well to fully take in the Mass on Sunday. I have already received the third installment of this series for year b readings. Peter Kreeft has a wonderful way of bringing out a meaning in the readings.
I love reading this. It prepares me so well to fully take in the Mass on Sunday. I have already received the third installment of this series for year b readings. Peter Kreeft has a wonderful way of bringing out a meaning in the readings.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews