I am part of a prayer group at church and we use the Magnificat daily prayers and readings. Every so often, something will strike me and I will earmark a page and eventually, I write it down. I was recently going through and recording these thoughts and prayers when I came across this from the December issue:

Long familiarity with the Passion narratives can dull our awareness of the acute suffering that Christ endured for our sake.

I know that I fall into this trap. Thank goodness there are authors out there like Br. Richard Contino, OSF, who have the courage to write a book like These Sacred Days: Walking with Jesus through the Sacred Triduum.

This short book is packed with meaning. Contino hones in on the drama that unfolds during the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Instead of simply narrating the story, the reader is submerged in it, witnessing the events through the eyes and ears of those who were actually there. I do not recommend reading it in one sitting. This is a book meant to be prayed over, to be read and re-read as you allow yourself to walk the Way of the Cross with Christ.

Christmas has only just ended but Lent is fast approaching. As you begin to consider how you are going to celebrate the Lenten season, I highly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. It can easily be read a few pages at a time throughout the whole season, or be used as the text for a book club or bible study. I believe that your Lent, or any season of the year, would be enhanced and your spiritual life edified.