Liturgical helps

There are many helpful sources for Catholics (and all Christians, if they choose to use them) to deepen their understanding of the mysteries of our Faith and to cooperate better with the Holy Spirit in the work of our sancitification. One of the principal ones is the liturgy. In first place there is the enriched selection of biblical readings for the Mass, especially the three readings for Sundays and Solemnities arranged in a three year cycle. The Eucharistic liturgy, that is rooted in Divine Revelation and the saving actions and word of Jesus Christ, can only be interiorized by a proper understanding of the Revealed Word of God.

To help in this many have found useful the monthly worship guide Magnificat. The daily meditations for each day, as well as the brief biographies of saints not found in the ordinary cycle of commemorations are the source of inspiration.

In addition to the Mass the Church's official liturgy is constituted by the Liturgy of the Hours. For me a privileged place in the Liturgy of the Hours is taken by the Office of Readings, which besides the usual psalms and prayers contains passages from Sacred Scripture and the Writings of the Fathers of the Church (and other holy men and women.) Taken together with the readings from the Mass these form a rich tradition of revealed truth and proven holiness.

Lastly, let me mention another book that is more related to piety and the basic teaching of the Church. That is the Handbook of Prayers edited by Rev. James Socias.

The liturgy is the best way to become immersed in God and the history of His Love for the creature he made in His image and likeness.