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Life of Christ
Filled with compassion and brilliant scholarship, Fulton Sheen's recounting of the Birth, Life, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ is as dramatic and moving as the subject Himself.
476 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
1651 people are currently reading
6420 people want to read
About the author
Fulton J. Sheen
519 books741 followersFulton John Sheen was an American bishop of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois, in 1919, Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and served as a parish priest before he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966 when he was made bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in New York. He resigned as bishop of Rochester in 1969 as his 75th birthday approached and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales.
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
March 15, 2016
I very much enjoyed this book by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Although its title suggests a biography of Jesus Christ, it really is much more than that -- more a commentary by Bishop Sheen upon the life of Jesus Christ. It is intellectual in style, but still readable, and is written in the clear, eloquent style of how I remember Archbishop Sheen's television show that I saw back when I was a child. I would also point out that, although this book was written by a Catholic, its truths and insights are really poignant and applicable to Christians of all denominations. I highly recommend this book for anyone desiring to know more about the life of Jesus Christ and the significance and meaning of the events and miracles during His time upon this Earth.
August 18, 2013
Life of Christ by Archbishop Fulton Sheen is a rich exegesis of Our Lord’s life from the four recorded accounts in the Christian ‘New Testament’. Reading this book was the opportunity to delve into familiar passages and come away renewed in spirit. Although much of what Archbishop Sheen writes wasn’t new to me, it was frequently written or presented in such a way as to shed light from a different angle or draw my attention to subtle nuances long-overlooked or forgotten. Also I found a sympathetic friend in this author, whose works I have long neglected. He showed me actual reasons why some encounters/events in Scripture have always touched me without my understanding why this was so.
For example, the story of Simon and the unnamed penitent woman described in Luke 7:36-50 is sometimes called ‘The Pardon of the Sinful Woman’ which (to me) overlooks the even greater sins of the Pharisaical Simon something the evangelist Luke has Jesus spell out for us—lest we miss any of them. In Sheen’s book, the account is described in a chapter entitled “The Intruder Was a Woman”. The cold reception afforded Our Lord by skeptical and inhospitable Simon is contrasted with the deep humility underlying the bold intrusion of the penitent woman. She is willing to enter a stranger's dwelling, fully aware of her lack of status, invitation, and welcome, to brave whatever might happen in order to surrender herself in her ointment. The Archbishop’s description of this story was better than I had ever heard or even imagined, although this story almost always makes me cry when it is read at Mass. I like this woman’s moxie and always wonder if I would have had the courage to do as she did, especially with all the cultural taboos women faced then. Later Sheen writes:
A book I will return to often!
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I am highlighting many good lines from this text and reading approximating a chapter a night. What I love most about the text is how Archbishop Fulton Sheen emphasizes the person-hood of Our LORD numerous times in throughout the narrative. Sheen tells us that the power behind the word in Scripture is in The Word, i.e., The Word is a Person, Our LORD, Jesus Christ.
For example, the story of Simon and the unnamed penitent woman described in Luke 7:36-50 is sometimes called ‘The Pardon of the Sinful Woman’ which (to me) overlooks the even greater sins of the Pharisaical Simon something the evangelist Luke has Jesus spell out for us—lest we miss any of them. In Sheen’s book, the account is described in a chapter entitled “The Intruder Was a Woman”. The cold reception afforded Our Lord by skeptical and inhospitable Simon is contrasted with the deep humility underlying the bold intrusion of the penitent woman. She is willing to enter a stranger's dwelling, fully aware of her lack of status, invitation, and welcome, to brave whatever might happen in order to surrender herself in her ointment. The Archbishop’s description of this story was better than I had ever heard or even imagined, although this story almost always makes me cry when it is read at Mass. I like this woman’s moxie and always wonder if I would have had the courage to do as she did, especially with all the cultural taboos women faced then. Later Sheen writes:
‘The love of this woman grew in proportion to her gratitude for pardon. It was not the quantity of sin, but rather the consciousness of it and the mercy extended in its forgiveness, which manifested the great love of this penitent woman. Much was forgiven her; therefore she loved much. Nothing so much brings one person in contact with another as the confession of sin. When a friend tells us of his success, he stands at a distance from our heart; when he tells of his guilt with tears, he is very near... He who makes light of sin will make light of forgiveness. He who makes light of really serious wounds will never appreciate the power of the physician. Simon had something to learn; so he invited a teacher; the woman had something to be forgiven, so she poured out her contrite tears on the Divine Creditor Who proved to be her Savior.’This is just one example and far from the best in the book, except that maybe it is the easiest for me to offer as something which speaks most deeply to me as a woman and repentant sinner. Or perhaps it is because I have so often been inspired by this story to seek confession and in so doing found My Savior.
A book I will return to often!
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
I am highlighting many good lines from this text and reading approximating a chapter a night. What I love most about the text is how Archbishop Fulton Sheen emphasizes the person-hood of Our LORD numerous times in throughout the narrative. Sheen tells us that the power behind the word in Scripture is in The Word, i.e., The Word is a Person, Our LORD, Jesus Christ.
October 2, 2018
A phenomenally fabulous book so full of the Holy Spirit! Fulton Sheen at his best. I highly recommend!
November 11, 2012
If Ronald Reagan was the "great communicator," then Fulton Sheen was the "master communicator" both in speech and in written word. This book is not only for CATHOLICS, but is a marvelous recapitulation of the life of Jesus, weaving together all four Gospels into a rich tapestry of the life and love of Jesus Christ. I remember when I was seven or eight that I would sit enraptured by the Bishop's talks on radio and TV. I have recently rediscovered him, and he is no less captivating today. If you want to know the essence of Christianity or want to strengthen your faith, READ THIS BOOK!
February 9, 2013
Brilliant. It will not make you a believer, but if you are and even if your belief is tepid, it will be made stronger. I always dismissed Sheen as someone for an older generation. I had no idea he could write so beautifully. The wonderful thing about Life of Christ is it can read through or referred to from time to time when something deeply spiritual is required. I'm looking forward now to reading his book on Mary.
October 18, 2007
I read this book every Lent, especially on Good Friday.
It has also come in handy for Bible studies, due to the many scriptural cross-references.
More importantly, the way Sheen wrote was the way he spoke - eloquently, direct, and witty. He will have you grinning one moment, followed up by smacking yourself in the head for not seeing what he just made seem blatantly obvious. You'll understand, but you'll also wonder more. Excellent for meditation and study.
It has also come in handy for Bible studies, due to the many scriptural cross-references.
More importantly, the way Sheen wrote was the way he spoke - eloquently, direct, and witty. He will have you grinning one moment, followed up by smacking yourself in the head for not seeing what he just made seem blatantly obvious. You'll understand, but you'll also wonder more. Excellent for meditation and study.
September 9, 2012
The book lived up to its reputation. A book you will want to read if you are interested in following Christ and getting to know Him. A lot of depth and connections you might not have known about.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
June 8, 2015
Absolutely loved this book but saving my thoughts on it for the group I'm in. For those interested in this type of subject I would definitely recommend it.
November 26, 2016
A spiritual masters, masterpiece, this book unpacks the life of Jesus Christ and seamlessly teaches us both history, spirituality, and morality without it becoming preachy, a classic of the Modern Christian Library.
April 11, 2015
A book that I have meant to read for years has now been completed by me. My only disappointment is that I waited this long. Outstanding. I would find it remarkable if a better life of Christ has been written.
Sheen remains entirely faithful to the scriptural texts while weaving in historical data and spiritual fruit. I am sorely tempted to perpetually read this book, starting over the moment I have finished. In any case, I will certainly be referring to it again and again it my studying and writing. I noted many places of particular insight as I went.
Sheen is an intellectual giant and a spiritual master. Is there any question that such a work would be so profoundly insightful and moving?
I have little doubt that this will be my favorite book read this year.
Sheen remains entirely faithful to the scriptural texts while weaving in historical data and spiritual fruit. I am sorely tempted to perpetually read this book, starting over the moment I have finished. In any case, I will certainly be referring to it again and again it my studying and writing. I noted many places of particular insight as I went.
Sheen is an intellectual giant and a spiritual master. Is there any question that such a work would be so profoundly insightful and moving?
I have little doubt that this will be my favorite book read this year.
April 21, 2015
A truly wonderful read. An in-depth look at the entire life of Jesus. I actually got more out of this than I did Pope Benedict's Jesus of Nazareth - in fact, I think this should be read before Jesus of Nazareth because, while theologically deep, it's broken down in a way that is easier to comprehend (I'm still young in my Christian understanding). I love how well it ties the prophesies of the old testament into the Messiah's coming. For the first time in my studies I could relate and comprehend how the apostles thought - on a very human level that I never felt before. Strongly recommend to anyone searching for salvation in Christ.
November 22, 2021
I’ve read a number of both inspirational and scholarly works on the life of Christ (Farrar, Talmage, Rohr, Ehrman, Bonhoeffer). This is the first book of Bishop Sheen’s that I have read. I think it can rightfully stand as a classic. Written in 1958, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen describes the events of the life of Christ. It is more inspiring than “preachy”. Cleary, Sheen was an institutionalist and defender of the Catholic faith, but this book is not in your face, rather comforting and inspiring.
Sheen does not spend time arguing or defending the faith. If the Bible says Jesus said something, he said it, and Sheen moves on; similarly, if tradition says something happened a particular way it is simply stated. There is no analysis of possible alternate conclusions or attempt to psychoanalyze either Jesus or His companions. Sheen’s purpose was less scholarly analysis but more to inspire devotion. This being his purpose it is an easy and inspiring read. Bishop Sheen trusted the Bible and the Church tradition and it shows.
Bishop Sheen never gets lost in the theological minutiae of Christ’s life. For biblical scholars, this book was viewed as superficial. Scripture scholars may find it light reading and its lack of modern scholarship off-putting, but for committed Christians, regardless of tradition, this is a worthwhile and inspiring read.
Quotes:
“The more base and corrupt a man, the more ready is he to charge crimes to others. Those who want credit for good character foolishly believe that the best way to get it is to denounce others. Vicious people like a monopoly on their vices, and when they find others with the same vices, they condemn them with an intensity that the good never feel. All one has to do to learn the faults of men is to listen to their favorite charges against others."
"By defending the woman, Christ proved Himself a friend of sinners, but only of those who admitted that they were sinners. He had to go to the social outcasts to find bigness of heart and unmeasured generosity which, according to Him, constituted the very essence of love. Though they were sinners, their love lifted them above the self-wise and the self-sufficient, who never bent their knees in prayer for pardon. He came to put a harlot above a Pharisee, a penitent robber above a High Priest, and a prodigal son above his exemplary brother. To all the phonies and fakers who would say that they could not join the Church because His Church was not holy enough, He would ask, “How holy must the Church be before you will enter into it?”
“Bread is made from a multiplicity of grains of wheat, and wine is made from a multiplicity of grapes, so the many who believe are one in Christ. Second, no two substances in nature have to suffer more to become what they are than bread and wine. Wheat has to pass through the rigors of winter, be ground beneath the Calvary of a mill, and then subjected to purging fire before it can become bread. Grapes in their turn must be subjected to the Gethsemane of a wine press and have their life crushed from them to become wine. Thus do they symbolize the Passion and Sufferings of Christ, and the condition of Salvation, for Our Lord said unless we die to ourselves we cannot live in Him. A third reason is that there are no two substances in nature which have more traditionally nourished man than bread and wine. In bringing these elements to the altar, men are equivalently bringing themselves. When bread and wine are taken or consumed, they are changed into man’s body and blood. But when He took bread and wine, He changed them into Himself."
Sheen does not spend time arguing or defending the faith. If the Bible says Jesus said something, he said it, and Sheen moves on; similarly, if tradition says something happened a particular way it is simply stated. There is no analysis of possible alternate conclusions or attempt to psychoanalyze either Jesus or His companions. Sheen’s purpose was less scholarly analysis but more to inspire devotion. This being his purpose it is an easy and inspiring read. Bishop Sheen trusted the Bible and the Church tradition and it shows.
Bishop Sheen never gets lost in the theological minutiae of Christ’s life. For biblical scholars, this book was viewed as superficial. Scripture scholars may find it light reading and its lack of modern scholarship off-putting, but for committed Christians, regardless of tradition, this is a worthwhile and inspiring read.
Quotes:
“The more base and corrupt a man, the more ready is he to charge crimes to others. Those who want credit for good character foolishly believe that the best way to get it is to denounce others. Vicious people like a monopoly on their vices, and when they find others with the same vices, they condemn them with an intensity that the good never feel. All one has to do to learn the faults of men is to listen to their favorite charges against others."
"By defending the woman, Christ proved Himself a friend of sinners, but only of those who admitted that they were sinners. He had to go to the social outcasts to find bigness of heart and unmeasured generosity which, according to Him, constituted the very essence of love. Though they were sinners, their love lifted them above the self-wise and the self-sufficient, who never bent their knees in prayer for pardon. He came to put a harlot above a Pharisee, a penitent robber above a High Priest, and a prodigal son above his exemplary brother. To all the phonies and fakers who would say that they could not join the Church because His Church was not holy enough, He would ask, “How holy must the Church be before you will enter into it?”
“Bread is made from a multiplicity of grains of wheat, and wine is made from a multiplicity of grapes, so the many who believe are one in Christ. Second, no two substances in nature have to suffer more to become what they are than bread and wine. Wheat has to pass through the rigors of winter, be ground beneath the Calvary of a mill, and then subjected to purging fire before it can become bread. Grapes in their turn must be subjected to the Gethsemane of a wine press and have their life crushed from them to become wine. Thus do they symbolize the Passion and Sufferings of Christ, and the condition of Salvation, for Our Lord said unless we die to ourselves we cannot live in Him. A third reason is that there are no two substances in nature which have more traditionally nourished man than bread and wine. In bringing these elements to the altar, men are equivalently bringing themselves. When bread and wine are taken or consumed, they are changed into man’s body and blood. But when He took bread and wine, He changed them into Himself."
March 4, 2022
About a chapter a day for a few months. A great help for quiet time in prayer. His use of quotes from scripture really give weight to his writing.
April 14, 2025
My favorite Holy Week reflections! I come back to this book every year and it just gets better.
August 11, 2024
If you are looking for a commentary on the Gospels, read this.
September 5, 2016
Such a wonderful reflection on the life of Jesus! Fulton Sheen has such a way with words too. He gets these wonderful points and thoughts across on the most accessible way.
March 30, 2021
Be still my soul! I fell more in love with Our Lord with every chapter, and held back tears in several of them. Highly recommend this book to anyone.
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us.
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us.
January 20, 2025
The famous American Catholic prelate Fulton Sheen wrote a theological biography of Jesus based on the Gospels and his own reflections. He goes through all the details of Jesus's birth, ministry, death, and resurrection with plenty of references to the prophecies and prefigurements in the Old Testament. He makes comments and gives insights into Christ's actions on earth and how they contribute to our salvation.
Sheen's main theme is the contrast of Jesus's life to our lives. We are here to live as best we can; Jesus came to die for us. Jesus lived in a dangerous time, under a Roman rule that drove Judaism into factions and a social structure that left the ill and the poor in desperate situations. He lived an itinerant life, gathering followers who did not fully understand what He was doing. His head disciple, Peter, was scandalized at the idea that Jesus would have to die an ignominious death, even though he recognized, thanks to grace, that He was the Messiah. Sheen gives a powerful testament to Christ, showing His uniqueness as the Son of God and His familiarity as the Son of Man. Jesus came that we might have life more fully, but the path to that fuller life led Jesus to the cross.
Occasionally, Sheen's commentary reads a little dated. He talks about the great threat of communism (the book was first published in 1952). He also takes a dim view of unfettered capitalism. Sheen uses the Knox translation for quotations from the Bible that sounds old-fashioned even though Knox translated in the 1940s. He uses a lot of "thees" and "thous" along with "Isais and "Jeremias" for "Isaiah" and "Jeremiah." The text does not sound contemporary, but that is okay in my view. Other readers may feel differently.
His writing style is so straightforward and honest. Even though he is theologically insightful, he doesn't bog down in terminology or abstract arguments. His explanations are easy to follow and provide a greater insight into Christ's life and mission.
Recommended--these are good reflections by a master communicator and theologian.
Sample text:
Human infirmity touched Him so deeply, because deafness, dumbness, leprosy, insanity were the effects of sin, not in the person afflicted but in humanity. Because His death would remove sin which was the cause (though the final release from sickness and error would not come until the resurrection of the just), He said that it was just as easy for Him to heal one as the other. [p.203]
On the difference between Peter and Judas:
Why, then, is one at the head of the list, the other at the bottom? Because Peter repented unto the Lord and Judas unto himself. The difference was as vast as Divine-reference and self reference; as vast as the difference between a Cross and a psychoanalytic coach. Judas said he had "betrayed innocent blood," but he never wished to be bathed in it. Peter knew he had sinned and sought redemption; Judas knew he had made a mistake and sought escape--the first of the long army of escapists from the Cross. Divine pardon presupposes but never destroys human freedom. [p. 372]
Sheen's main theme is the contrast of Jesus's life to our lives. We are here to live as best we can; Jesus came to die for us. Jesus lived in a dangerous time, under a Roman rule that drove Judaism into factions and a social structure that left the ill and the poor in desperate situations. He lived an itinerant life, gathering followers who did not fully understand what He was doing. His head disciple, Peter, was scandalized at the idea that Jesus would have to die an ignominious death, even though he recognized, thanks to grace, that He was the Messiah. Sheen gives a powerful testament to Christ, showing His uniqueness as the Son of God and His familiarity as the Son of Man. Jesus came that we might have life more fully, but the path to that fuller life led Jesus to the cross.
Occasionally, Sheen's commentary reads a little dated. He talks about the great threat of communism (the book was first published in 1952). He also takes a dim view of unfettered capitalism. Sheen uses the Knox translation for quotations from the Bible that sounds old-fashioned even though Knox translated in the 1940s. He uses a lot of "thees" and "thous" along with "Isais and "Jeremias" for "Isaiah" and "Jeremiah." The text does not sound contemporary, but that is okay in my view. Other readers may feel differently.
His writing style is so straightforward and honest. Even though he is theologically insightful, he doesn't bog down in terminology or abstract arguments. His explanations are easy to follow and provide a greater insight into Christ's life and mission.
Recommended--these are good reflections by a master communicator and theologian.
Sample text:
Human infirmity touched Him so deeply, because deafness, dumbness, leprosy, insanity were the effects of sin, not in the person afflicted but in humanity. Because His death would remove sin which was the cause (though the final release from sickness and error would not come until the resurrection of the just), He said that it was just as easy for Him to heal one as the other. [p.203]
On the difference between Peter and Judas:
Why, then, is one at the head of the list, the other at the bottom? Because Peter repented unto the Lord and Judas unto himself. The difference was as vast as Divine-reference and self reference; as vast as the difference between a Cross and a psychoanalytic coach. Judas said he had "betrayed innocent blood," but he never wished to be bathed in it. Peter knew he had sinned and sought redemption; Judas knew he had made a mistake and sought escape--the first of the long army of escapists from the Cross. Divine pardon presupposes but never destroys human freedom. [p. 372]
November 25, 2015
Having read the Gospels, many study notes, commentaries, histories of their times and beyond, I found a major need and desire to read them in a story type format for cohesiveness. I searched long and hard and decided on this one. Like movies, there are so many views and interpretations, you have to stomach the fact that personal views are pushed. Similar to each Gospel and some works that weren't included in the final Canon, they too are designed by intent to influence. Who and how are up to the reader. So far I find it "nice". Not too preachy, still pushing a view, but a comprehensive, in sequence story combining all 4 Gospels, it is way better than just pushing thru the " Diatesseron" of old.
May 9, 2016
This book is a very in depth take on the life of Christ (hence the title) that is filled with many things to ponder, reflect and pray on. This is my first read by Fulton Sheen but will not be my last! Very deep, but accessible at the same time. I'm sure I will return to this book in the future...
August 8, 2022
Probably the best book about Jesus and the Catholic Church, which is his mystical body, I have ever read. It’s a huge book that I read a few pages daily. I love Bishop Sheen. Gives a better understanding of the Gospels.
December 22, 2018
Such a great synthesis of the Gospels. So insightful and Sheen has the Chesterton knack of seeing things truly.
April 12, 2024
This is probably my favorite book that I have read so far this year. This book is Fulton Sheen’s thorough meditation on every part of Christ’s life with so much depth and spiritual conviction. My main takeaway from this book is the way that Sheen centers every part of Jesus’ life around the cross.
He shows how so many in the secular world, especially Satan himself, offer cheap ways to happiness that are all attempts to avoid the cross. Jesus, though, fulfills the Beatitudes, his teachings on what makes a man truly blessed, on the cross (p.115). Paradoxically, imitating Christ’s self-sacrifice is the only thing that gives life true joy and substantial meaning: “nature is stamped with the cross; death is the condition of a new life” (279).
Satan’s entire mission during Christ’s ministry was to prevent Jesus from ascending to the cross, and he now brings the same temptation to every person in the world. Sheen brings up the legend of Satan’s appearance to St Theresa of Avila: “in an old legend it is said that Satan appeared to a saint and said: ‘I am the Christ’; the saint confounded him by asking: ‘where are the marks of nails?’”
Some powers in the world offer philanthropy and success, but this is essentially a messiah without a cross, a self-help option that has no power to save us and redeem our suffering. “Satan may appear in many disguises like Christ, and at the end of the world will appear as a benefactor and philanthropist—but Satan never has and never will appear with scars. Only Heaven’s Love can show the marks of Love’s greatest gift in a light forever past” (3).
He shows how so many in the secular world, especially Satan himself, offer cheap ways to happiness that are all attempts to avoid the cross. Jesus, though, fulfills the Beatitudes, his teachings on what makes a man truly blessed, on the cross (p.115). Paradoxically, imitating Christ’s self-sacrifice is the only thing that gives life true joy and substantial meaning: “nature is stamped with the cross; death is the condition of a new life” (279).
Satan’s entire mission during Christ’s ministry was to prevent Jesus from ascending to the cross, and he now brings the same temptation to every person in the world. Sheen brings up the legend of Satan’s appearance to St Theresa of Avila: “in an old legend it is said that Satan appeared to a saint and said: ‘I am the Christ’; the saint confounded him by asking: ‘where are the marks of nails?’”
Some powers in the world offer philanthropy and success, but this is essentially a messiah without a cross, a self-help option that has no power to save us and redeem our suffering. “Satan may appear in many disguises like Christ, and at the end of the world will appear as a benefactor and philanthropist—but Satan never has and never will appear with scars. Only Heaven’s Love can show the marks of Love’s greatest gift in a light forever past” (3).
February 13, 2019
Wonderful and most inspiring book. Perfect for silent contemplation about the life, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I would recommend this book for absolutely everyone, not just catholics. If you are not christian, you will most certanly get more insight about Jesus as a human, as well as God.
While reading this book, you will feel closer to Jesus. You will feel your heart burning with fire of God's Love. You will understand the God's word and you will passionately want to live it.
I would recommend this book for absolutely everyone, not just catholics. If you are not christian, you will most certanly get more insight about Jesus as a human, as well as God.
While reading this book, you will feel closer to Jesus. You will feel your heart burning with fire of God's Love. You will understand the God's word and you will passionately want to live it.
July 31, 2020
This was an incredible book. I’m so glad that I read and discussed with a friend.
Sheen was a gifted and beautiful writer.
He broke down the life of Jesus Christ into chapters that were deeply informative, spiritual, but easy to understand. I also appreciated how brought up things that had never occurred to me before. I was immediately absorbed in the book and learned so much.
Sheen was a gifted and beautiful writer.
He broke down the life of Jesus Christ into chapters that were deeply informative, spiritual, but easy to understand. I also appreciated how brought up things that had never occurred to me before. I was immediately absorbed in the book and learned so much.
July 31, 2020
This is an outstanding biography of Jesus Christ! Sheen breaks down every moment of his life into detail both historical and spiritual. There is so much to ponder in this tome. I am so glad that my friend and I read and studied this together this summer!
November 11, 2020
If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing or reading the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, this would be a great place to start. This book is an absolute masterpiece and would be a great companion to Pope Benedict XVI's three-volume series titled "Jesus of Nazareth".
April 25, 2023
Fulton Sheen goes into the life of Christ, referencing different points in the Gospels and pointing out both many of the fulfillments from the Old Testament as well as bringing in the works from the Epistles and Apocalypse. It’s a fascinating look at how everything points to Jesus.
It’s very interesting to read this after having finished the Bible. I missed so many things in my previous readings of the Bible that the Venerable Sheen references and states them so simply that I wonder what I was doing while reading the Bible before. Maybe I should read it again. 😁
It’s very interesting to read this after having finished the Bible. I missed so many things in my previous readings of the Bible that the Venerable Sheen references and states them so simply that I wonder what I was doing while reading the Bible before. Maybe I should read it again. 😁
August 1, 2018
I have been a Catholic my whole life and grew up in a family and culture steeped in Catholic identity. I know the content of the gospel stories like the back of my hand, but somehow in this book Fulton Sheen manages to uncover whole new threads of meaning behind them. The book is effectively like a unified Gospel, drawing the events of each of the four gospels and creating a single chronology, with commentary throughout by one of the Church's foremost communicators of modern times.
As with other writings by Fulton Sheen, it pays to take one's time reading it. Sheen doesn't serve fast-food - his food is best savored and left marinating in your brain. He is ever-quotable and ever-insightful, and I found myself reaching for a notebook to jot down some of the valuable gems he gleans from a prayerful reading of scripture.
I would definitely recommend this as spiritual reading, with repeat reads probably beneficial.
As with other writings by Fulton Sheen, it pays to take one's time reading it. Sheen doesn't serve fast-food - his food is best savored and left marinating in your brain. He is ever-quotable and ever-insightful, and I found myself reaching for a notebook to jot down some of the valuable gems he gleans from a prayerful reading of scripture.
I would definitely recommend this as spiritual reading, with repeat reads probably beneficial.
April 6, 2013
Every time I opened this book, I felt like I was sitting down to a good meal. This book has everything you need to know about Jesus in an ordered and comprehensive format. It pieces together his full life from birth to ascension, which can be difficult to grasp by reading the gospels, all telling a slight variation of the story. The author, Fulton Sheen, gives background behind many of the events and words of Jesus which put things into context and gives more understanding. Mr. Sheen had amazing insight into Jesus' life. It’s well-written and enjoyable to read. It will give you a deeper understanding of Jesus’ purpose and teachings. It will strengthen your Christian beliefs. It will draw you closer to God. It could save your life.
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