Spiritual reading 101

“Clyde, how was your climb up Pulag?” I asked the darkly tanned teenager.

“Father, it was awesomely breathtaking! We were so lucky to be in the sum-

mit on a cloudless day. I savored every moment of that unforgettable 360° view of the world from up there. I wonder how Everest would be.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, I was also lucky ‘coz we didn’t have a single cloud when we went up,” I said.

“Yup, it’s nothing like anything you would enjoy in YouTube, a 3-D movie or the latest video game craze!”

“Why do you say that, Clyde? I asked.

“’Coz it touched me deeply, and you can’t YouTube my soul’s experience,” he quipped.

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Clyde’s experience reveals that today many young people are easily dazzled by new tastes, sights, sounds and spectacular events. As man continues to arbitrarily and immoderately immerse himself in such a tidal wave of material indulgence, he becomes less sensitive and becomes numb to spiritual experiences and gifts.

One of the numerous nourishments for the growth and fruitfulness of man’s soul is found in a traditional ascetical means called spiritual reading. People today seem to be reading a lot more than before. The Internet had made it easy to access torrents of good reading materials. But spiritual reading isn’t the simple fact of grabbing any inspiring book at whim or simply because it radiates some sort of spirituality or mysticism.

Spiritual reading is guided reading: with the advice or recommendation of someone knowledgeable about the spiritual life and the person’s spiritual needs. The director or guide orients one’s reading towards an incisive nourishment of the soul to grow in specific virtues, themes or areas that streamline his journey towards God.

There are just so many good spiritual reading materials. Sometimes it’s not easy to determine what suits us best. Moreover, one who may still be starting off in his spiritual itinerary would need to familiarize himself with the basic doctrinal, moral and ascetical facets of Christian life.

Before enumerating a list of recommended spiritual books, it would be good to clarify the difference between inspirational and spiritual books. In general, most spiritual books inspire. But they don’t only inspire emotionally but also intellectually when they help open one and help to acquire higher spiritual ideals and goals.

Not all inspirational books, however, are spiritual. Although their content may be related to spiritual matters, they are more like spiritual appetizers or feel-good materials that give one general inclinations or resolutions. This doesn’t mean they are not recommended, but one should realize that we seek to pray through reading. And prayer, authentic prayer, is not aimed towards what we will obtain or how good we will feel, but whether it leads us to a more refined fulfillment of God’s will. Thus, it is always prudent —and saves precious time—to consult an experienced spiritual guide or mentor.

What would be the categories of spiritual books? First, spiritual books provide us with materials to imitate our Lord. These focus on the humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ and His teachings. Then there are other models close to our Lord in the lives of our Lady, St. Joseph and the saints.

Second, there are books that deepen our doctrinal and moral knowledge about God, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s nature, teachings and her history; the Sacraments and the apostolic mission of every Christian. In this category are commentaries of the Fathers of the Church, documents of Church councils and the writings of the popes, theological and moral treatises.

Third are various writings that are ascetical in nature. These focus on how to live prayer, spirit of penance and sacrifice, how to grow in virtues and carry out one’s personal apostolate.

How to read? Here is a brief instruction: (a) Find a fix place and time—prayer requires discipline to keep a spiritual appointment with God who will speak and inspire us through what we read. It’s enough to spend between 10 to 15 minutes daily. (b) Jot down notes—let’s not allow inspirations to expire, write these down and bring them to prayer later. (c) Practice what you read—either by consulting our director on how to apply them or in a concrete personal resolution to live them.

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Here is a list of highly recommended books to begin your spiritual reading. Remember, it’s not simply reading, it’s reading them spiritually.

General Orientation of our Faith and Worship

• “The Faith Explained” – L. Trese

• “Life Everlasting” – R. Garrigou-Lagrange

Encountering Christ, Mary and Joseph and the Saints

• “Jesus as Friend” – S. Canals

• “To Know Christ Jesus” – F.J. Sheed

• “The Life of Christ” – F.J. Sheen

• “This Tremendous Lover” – E. Boylan

• “History of the Sacred Passion” – L. de la Palma

• “World’s First Love” – F.J. Sheen

• “Mary of Nazareth” – F. Suarez

• “Joseph of Nazareth” – F. Suarez

• “Friends of God” – J. Escrivá

• “Christ Is Passing By” – J. Escrivá

Ascetical and Moral Guides

• “In Silence with God” – B. Baur

• “Lukewarmness” – F. Carvajal

• “Prodigal Son” – G. Chevrot

• “Time for God” – J. Philippe

• “Sacrifice of the Altar” – F. Suarez

• “Frequent Confession” – B. Baur

• “Soul of the Apostolate” – Jean-Baptiste Chautard

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“Don’t neglect your spiritual reading. Reading has made many saints.” (St. Josemaría Escriva, “The Way,” no. 116)