In these reflections on the Letter to the Ephesians, Fr. Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal household, asks a critical question: How can we read, And Christ loved the Church [Eph. 5:25], without asking the question, And I? Do I love the Church? The twentieth century was a time of theological ferment focusing attention on the nature of the Church. But, the author wonders, Was there a proportionate growth in love for the Church? Do we love the Church? Do we understand its nature? Do we weep over its sins or merely criticize? Are we building up or tearing down? Fr. Cantalamessa explores the Church as building, body, bride and mother and also examines the family, the domestic church in this inspirational meditation on the meaning of Church for each of us.

Loving the Church: Scriptural Meditations for the Papal Household

Religion & Spirituality

Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap., Raniero

Christian Books & Bibles

Servant

These are not drunk, as you suppose… (Acts 2:15). —Peter preaching to the crowd after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost We tend to overlook Peter's opening words to the crowd that first Pentecost morning, to our own peril. His denial of drunkenness in the wake of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit should stop us in our tracks. What was going on here? How did the apostles experience the Holy Spirit? What was he teaching them? How was he empowering them? What does this scene in the streets of Jerusalem mean for us today? Father Raniero Cantalamessa offers pastoral advice and leads the reader through passages of Scripture and the Fathers of the Church to remind us of the incalculable power of the Spirit available to us. This spiritual "intoxication" is an infilling—through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and the action of God—that purifies us of sin, renews the heart and enlightens the mind. As St. Augustine said of the Spirit, "He found you empty and he filled you…I like this kind of intoxication. The Spirit of God is both drink and light."

Sober Intoxication of the Spirit: Filled With the Fullness of God

The Transfiguration is a mystery of divine happiness. —From Chapter Two Jesus encountered the Father in a moment of dazzling glory at the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. This event took place as Jesus prayed, a point that brings the meaning of the Transfiguration close to us: As Jesus was transfigured in prayer, so we can be transfigured—brought from one degree of glory to another—through prayerful contemplation of Christ. The Mystery of the Transfiguration considers this unparalleled event from the perspective of Scripture and some of the great teachers of the Church. But ultimately, Father Cantalamessa explains, his goal is to bring you up Mount Tabor in prayer so that in gazing on Christ, you will become like Christ, transformed in glory.

The Mystery of the Transfiguration

Meditations on the beatitudes given to Pope Benedict XVI and the papal household. Anyone who has tried to live the beatitudes will confirm that the task can be daunting. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? Do you really want to be "reviled" by others? If you're not rich compared to your immediate neighbors and friends, but you're rich compared to most of the world, what are you supposed to do about that? Father Raniero Cantalamessa will lead you not only to a deeper appreciation of these famous words of Jesus, but also into the presence of Jesus himself who lived them perfectly and who will give you the ability and enthusiasm to do the same. The beatitudes are not a burden to be shouldered but an invitation to a joy-filled life of surrender to the Lord who came not to be served, but to serve.

Beatitudes: Eight Steps to Happiness

In Sober Intoxication of the Spirit Part Two, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa offers new reflections on living in the power of the Holy Spirit. From personal conversion to ongoing renewal, his focus is on the source of our strength—the living action of the Spirit. Given to us at baptism and renewed in all the sacraments, the Spirit breathes life daily into the Church and to each believer. This book offers spiritual refreshment to those who are weary, encouraging us all to find restoration and comfort through the Advocate who inspires us.

Sober Intoxication of the Spirit Part Two: Born Again of Water and the Spirit

Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa has the unique distinction of being the preacher to three different papal households. Respected Italian journalist Aldo Valli interviews Fr. Cantalamessa in commemoration of his eightieth birthday. From hearing God’s call to be “the bearer of living water” at a young age to playing an integral role in the Second Vatican Council and becoming papal preacher to three popes, Cantalamessa’s entire life has been lived in service to the Word of God. This fascinating look into the life of one of the greatest spiritual teachers alive today will quench your own spiritual thirst.

Serving the Word: My Life

Biographies & Memoirs

Leaders & Notable People

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