Mother Angelica's Private and Pithy Lessons from the Scriptures

by Mother Angelica, Raymond Arroyo (Editor)

The Word is made fresh by the irrepressible Mother Angelica as she personally escorts you through the Scriptures, unearthing lessons for daily living--the perfect companion to the New York Times bestselling Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality. The founder of the world's largest religious media empire shares her beloved wit and down-to-earth spirituality in MOTHER ANGELICA'S PRIVATE AND PITHY LESSONS FROM THE SCRIPTURES. Editor Raymond Arroyo draws on hundreds of never-before-released private lessons to present the renowned nun's definitive take on the Good Book. Angelica provides readers with guided meditations, probing personal questions, and reveals an often-overlooked practical spirituality. She doesn't just explain the stories, she relates them to our daily lives, helping even those who've never opened the Bible experience its power and life-altering lessons. The apostles Paul ("the little shrimp"), Peter ("that great bungler") and all the characters of the Scriptures are suddenly human again, complete with their foibles and triumphs. Here is the Greatest Story, newly told as only Mother Angelica can. The Bible and you will never be the same.A portion of the royalties from this book goes to support the work of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality, Theology

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, PCPA (born Rita Antoinette Rizzo; April 20, 1923 – March 27, 2016), usually known as Mother Angelica, was an American Franciscan nun best known as a television personality and the founder of both the internationally-broadcast cable television network Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and the radio network WEWN.

In 1981, Mother Angelica started broadcasting religious programs from a converted garage in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the next twenty years, she developed a media network that included radio, TV, and internet channels as well as printed media.

Mother Angelica hosted shows on EWTN until she had a stroke in 2001. She continued to live in the cloistered monastery in Hanceville until her death at age 92 on March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday.

In 2009, Mother Angelica was a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award granted by Pope Benedict XVI for services to the Catholic Church.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really, really sad when I finished this book. I read a section each night before bed and looked forward to it every day. Mother's sense of humor, love of Jesus and the Scriptures, and heart really shine through. I would never fail to laugh out loud at Mother's earthy and hilarious observations about the Scriptures, and I learned so much. I may just have to start at the beginning again so I can keep reading it every night!

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this probably another half star if GR allowed.

It is good for getting down to thinking about scripture in a personal way, digging in with imagination. Since it is Mother Angelica, she's letting it all hang out. Pithily. My opinions didn't coincide with hers about 1/3 of the time, usually when she was most decidedly commenting about various biblical personalities. So ... I can agree to disagree but those bits didn't really contribute much to the book for me.

Also the typesetting. To put the scriptural quotes, sometimes very long (very) in all caps was difficult to read. Unlike what was probably intended, I wound up often simply skimming the scripture for that reason. Hey, that's just me. But it cost the book a star. :-)

Not the best, but overall valuable for shaking loose on scripture and prayer - for entering into conversation with the Word, via the word. :-)

[Books I'm Not Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spunky nun. I didn't agree with all of it (who cares how tall Jesus was?), but I found myself reflecting more on my own spiritual life.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first Audible books I listened to was Mother Angelica's Private and Pithy Lessons from the Scriptures. I listened to this book countless times throughout the years and always walked away with some new nugget of wisdom. Unfortunately, when I listen to audiobooks. I almost always space out, so I feel like I missed as much as I learned. For that reason, I knew I needed an actual copy of the book that I could read/reference whenever I needed to. The book is divided into three large sections - The Old Testament, The New Testament, and The Epistles.

The book begins with Creation and the Fall and moves on to Abraham. We then fast forward to Exodus and Moses. There are a surprising bit of entries on Numbers and Judges. The Old Testament section is than wrapped up with a few select passages from different prophetic books. The Old Testament section was much shorter than I had hoped it would be, but the amount dedicated to the Gospels is more than sufficient. In addition to reflections on key events like Jesus' birth and the Flight into Egypt, we receive meditations on a great deal of the miracles and parables of Jesus. The closing section covers both Paul's Epistles and the Catholic Epistles with no reflections on Revelation.

Like her programs on EWTN, this book is full of Mother Angelica's wisdom, wit, and insight. However, this is book is merely an appetizer, if you will. Mother Angelica had much to share with others, both on the air and in small groups, on Scripture. It would be amazing if we were able to compile it all in book format, but I don't know if that will ever happen. Instead, we must rely on this book and others compiled/edited by Raymond Arroyo to provide us with as much as he can on this potentially future saint. Be on the lookout for his latest book, Mother Angelica: Her Grand Silence, coming May 2016.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother Angelica is so wise, funny, and practical. This collection of short Bible lessons and meditations is perfect for reading or listening while exercising or driving. It makes boring tasks fun and spiritually enriching. My favorite nugget of wisdom from Mother is that we all know how to meditate. We can meditate all day on that person or event that bugged us, so we can't claim we're not good at meditating. The trick is to meditate on holy things instead of things that ultimately don't matter.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

With only minor forays into Catholic theology, Mother Angelica has given a number of small devotionals about what the Bible teaches. Her views of the disciples - indeed all of her devotions - are a joy to read with all of the humor she interjects! There were several moments when I outright laughed in joy at her take on matters, making the lessons presented easy to swallow and digest. I'm going to be on the lookout for more of her devotions...

[Joseph R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mother Angelica, famous as the founder of EWTN, held many different Scripture studies throughout her life. Many were recorded (on tape, if you know what that is) and a selection has been made available by Raymond Arroyo, a friend and collaborator on the network. This book follows the Biblical structure, with lessons based on the Old Testament books coming first, followed by the Gospels and then the epistles.

This book is a mixed bag. She has a lot of interesting and entertaining insights. Her main idea is to see the Scriptures as a living story, as if you are actually there. Imagine you are in the Garden of Gethsemane--you can see torches in the distance and hear the low rumble of a crowd as it approaches your group on a moon-lit night. I liked that a lot. On the other hand, I did not agree with some of her characterizations and interpretations. Her earthy literalism is a two-edged sword. It can put you right there in the historic event; it can strike you as superficial or trivial or inaccurate. I found myself disagreeing with her, though my disagreements were far less than half the time. Your mileage will probably vary.

Mildly recommended. I'm glad I read it but probably won't re-read it.

Sample Quote:
What is it that you do when you're proud or you lack humility? You kind of nourish yourself: "Mmm, I'm wonderful, I'm always right, I'm always good, I'm always persecuted, I'm always this, I'm always that." It's me, myself and I. You see, you're going to live with a trinity one way or another. The trinity is either me, myself, and I, or it's the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The choice is yours. But if you're not with God, you're with yourself. [p.156]

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been sitting on my bookshelf for over 6 years just begging to be read, and I can’t believe it took me this long to get around to it! I used each small reflection as a daily meditation, and was consistently grateful for Mother Angelica’s wit and wisdom when walking through these Bible passages. Can’t wait to read again.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Audible book is so terrific! The narrator is excellent. She reads with the same sense of clarity, wonder, humor, and essence of Mother Angelica. It is really like listening to Mother Angelica herself. I will listen to this over and over. In fact, I have gone back to the beginning, planning to listen in short bits as I get ready for each day. I highly recommend it, especially to anyone who loved Mother Angelica and who loves the Scriptures.


Second reading,

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took my time with this book to fully enjoy the many thoughts and insights. Raymond Arroyo did a great job of capturing the wit and humor of Mother Angelica. She wants you to know Jesus loves you and does not hold back anything. The book uses scripture and then goes into brief detail of the meaning.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look at this book. Everybody who saw me with it just cracked right up. I don't care. I felt inspired the whole time I read it. It was beautiful and all heart. I wish I owned a copy. Mine was from the library. I could read this over and over.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lots of fun. It was refreshing to hear some no-nonsense talk about biblical living. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because of the unbiblical Catholic practices that snuck in at times.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, she is very witty and has a unique way of applying Bible to ordinary life. This is the first one I have read, but I will look for more. I think everyone would enjoy this book, even if you are not Catholic.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way she makes you think about your every day life and feelings and compare them to something that was written so long ago.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mother Angelica is indeed pithy, and funny, although I did not feel taken or drawn in. In short, this was a good book, but it did not really engage me.

[Mripma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a chapter/day and contemplating what it would be like to really believe that I was in the mind of God at the time of creation.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely thought provoking. You will never read your bible the same way again.

[Teofila]

Depending on how you feel can determine which chapter you would like to read or just open the book and read the chapter you land on. The lessons usually can be applied to your everyday life.

[Kurtamyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book contains some deep meditations on the Bible.

[Tracy DiCarlo]

I really enjoy Mother's style, and I find her frankness refreshing!

[Raymond III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and Mother Angelica! She is fantastic! I will definitely put it on my re-read list for the future.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice insights from a very clever and spiritual mind. Best read slowly one thought at a time as opposed to just plowing through.

[Carol Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her sense of humor , her love of the scripture, and her insights. I would recommend this devotional to everyone

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - couldn't put it down. I could almost hear Mother's voice as I was reading. I was SO blessed by it. This is one of my favorite books of Mother Angelica's

[E. Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and often amusing. You can open this book on any page and find Mother's simple but insightful commentary on Biblical passages.

[Debi]

How to deal with life in a funnier and better way.

[Miranda Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book! It is a collection of discussions she had while in a Bible study and is broken down into bit sized lessons based on a Scripture passage (no chapters). I tried to read one each morning as a sort of devotional.

I got a lot out of it, from the beginning passages explaining how we should be reading the Bible to the daily examination of conscience passage at the way end. In between were little nuggets of wisdom I bookmarked and wonderful reflections. Mother Angelica tells it like it is, and while there were some reflections I didn't necessarily agree with, this was still a great book. Highly recommend!

[Teresa Biggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.... I tried to keep it at one meditation at a time so I could fully absorb what she was thinking. For some reason, I think she was the first one for me who ever said... .use your imagination... put yourself right there in the bible .... feel the sand, the heat, the cold, picture yourself in the robes....that made more sense to me. I love that she has a sense of humor.. I think God does and I think the writers of the bible did too. The bible is suppose to be for every person and not just scholars and she makes me feel like I can understand it too

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in two days and that's saying something. I thoroughly enjoyed Mother Angelica's musings and perspectives and I even laughed out loud a couple of times. What a wise, feisty, no-nonsense, character she was. I should have listened to my Mom when she told me long ago, that I should be watching her on EWTN.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always think of Mother Angelica as the Judge Judy of nuns. Her simple, down-to-earth and approachable lessons often make me laugh and help me to examine some life choices. I sometimes catch her on reruns on EWTN and enjoy her advice to the call-ins, which also often makes me laugh. It was excellent in audio, with a narrator who captures Mother's humor and strength.