Few, if any, Catholic philosophers are as prolific as the American professor, Peter Kreeft. Over the course of his 85 years, 57 as a professor of philosophy at Boston College, Dr. Kreeft has written scores of books on philosophical, moral, and theological themes. He has the rare gift (if not unique among his peers) of explaining difficult philosophical concepts for non-professionals, but in such a way that does not diminish their profundity. Most importantly, Prof. Kreeft brings a consistent, orthodox Catholic perspective to philosophical issues, consistently showing how faith and reason contribute to an abundant moral, spiritual and intellectual Catholic life. His wildly popular courses at Boston College, especially on the work of C.S. Lewis, are consistently over-subscribed.
Among Prof. Kreeft’s many books are several works of apologetics in the form of imagined dialogues, including, for example, Between Heaven and Hell, a conversation among John F. Kennedy, Aldous Huxley, and C. S. Lewis, all of whom died on the same day, 22 November 1963. And his Handbook of Catholic Apologetics (written with former student and long-time B.C. colleague, Fr. Ronald K. Tacelli, S.J.) is a brilliant display of his depth of learning and keen intellect. If you own one book of Catholic apologetics, this is the one to own.
Prof. Kreeft has lately turned his erudition and wit to the Mass, having published the second in a series of reflections on the Sunday readings (with the third projected for 2023). Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings, Cycle A is published by Word on Fire, the multi-media apostolate founded and headed by American Bishop Robert E. Barron. It is fitting that perhaps the most celebrated American Catholic apologist and most prominent American Catholic evangelist would come together for such a large project as this three-volume series. And it is no surprise that it is a inspiring success.
At a hefty 782 pages, Cycle A of Food for the Soul is not a mere cursory commentary on the Sunday readings. Rather, Dr. Kreeft dives deeply into the readings from a number of perspectives, providing a depth of nuance and care that one does not find in the typical short observations that accompany many popular missals. And because the readings themselves are included, the book is a convenient companion before or even during Mass. (An electronic edition makes it even handier.) The structure of the book is straightforward. All three Sunday readings and the Psalm are followed by Dr. Kreeft’s reflection on them. The style of the meditation ranges from expository interpretation, historical contextualisation, allegorical comparison, theological explanation, and practical application. And regardless of the various approaches he takes, Dr. Kreeft brings a combination of humour and solemnity that are befitting the Word of God.
For example, in his commentary on the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent, he writes, “Even John had doubts. Honest doubts are not sins. If you have doubts, don’t be dishonest and pretend you don’t. Think them through. Talk them through. . . . Talk both to those who have and those who do not have the doubts you have.” For the Feast of the Holy Family, Prof. Kreeft observes, “A society that idolizes youth and fears old age, a society that does not honour or even remember its ancestors and its traditions, is not a young society. It is an old and dying society.” And these wise words, from the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary time: “The culture of death does not love life. It does not love bodies; it does not love embodiment in this world. It is far too spiritual. It does not love objective reality, only subjective satisfaction. All it wants is psychological pleasure, control, comfort, freedom, and autonomy.”
One could go on citing scores and scores of insightful quotes from the book. But the better admonition is to encourage you to get a copy and discover the profound and insightful mind of Peter Kreeft as he unfolds the wealth and splendour of our Catholic faith, as communicated through the Word and Gospel of the Lord. Food for the Soul is a source of nourishment and refreshment throughout the liturgical year.
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