God Is Near Us: The Eucharist, the Heart of Life

Exactly the books we Needed. Arrived in a timely manner, before our class day. Packaged very securely and arrived in great shape.

"God is Near Us - The Eucharist the Heart of Life" is a collection of numerous homilies given by Pope Benedict XVI when he was Archbishop of Freising and Munich. The separate entries contained within this remarkable book address various questions, problems and issues related to the origin, meaning and practice of the Eucharist in the life of Christians. The issues covered include, the birth of Christ, Easter, the Mass, Eucharistic adoration, the feast of Corpus Christi, communion, the liturgy, and eternal life.The understanding and insight demonstrated by this book is truly remarkable. With casual ease, Pope Benedict explains the Biblical and historical contexts and origins of Christian practices and doctrines. Beyond this, this book aims to identify and answer the most pressing contemporary concerns that people have about the Eucharist, the liturgy, God and the idea of an afterlife. Pope Benedict is not afraid to address very difficult religious and theological questions. But, as the Pope says in his own words (p.149-150) this book is intended to teach the faith and encourage reflection on one's personal faith, rather than be a scholarly treatment of the subjects.If you interested in a highly readable book on Catholic beliefs, written by a respected and learned author, then this book is for you. As well, if you are curious to know why Joseph Ratzinger was chosen to be Pope, read this book and learn how capable he is. All in all, one of the best books I have read.

This book seemed to me a collection of essays rather than a deliberate effort to explicate at length any given subject. The Pope touched on a few subjects throughout the book being the Eucharist the main theme. According to the author, and he should know, the Eucharist has two dimensions, namely, adoration and communion. Through the Eucharist we meet Jesus again and again in an intimate and sublime way. God loved us first and He became flesh and blood at a given point in history with the purpose of redeeming us all. This book does touch on what was stated in the previous sentence and much more. Enjoy it.

I just finished this book by Cardinal Josef Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI). It's notably pre-Pope in its style and teaching (my copy has a "Pope Benedict XVI" sticker on the front of it showing its age!) I say notably pre-Pope because he is not speaking for the entire Church and doesn't pull his punches.He is often direct or often obscure, depending upon the time and place of the writing. Individual chapters were written as homilies, articles, teachings and the like. Overall I enjoyed it, though it lacked continuity.But I'll tell you, if you can get a hold of a copy, read the chapter: "The Presence of the Lord in the Sacrament." I've never heard it put so beautifully. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving us this wonderful scholar and pastor as our Pope. Amen.

This collection of reflections and homilies on the Holy Eucharist is profound, simple, and beautiful. I was constantly amazed at the Holy Father's insights and his ability to express them in an accessible and readable manner. Yet again with this book I perceived a man who understands the doubts and questions of the modern man and how to answer them. I highly recommend reading this book. I would suggest reading it all at once rather than in the piecemeal manner in which I read it however.

I have read many books about the Eucharist and many books by Cardinal Ratzinger. However this is one in a million. It has a vibrant quality that springs from a true contemplative, a profoundly spiritual man that really lives what he is writing about. I think that what makes this book really special is the depth of Ratzinger's knowledge of the Bible and how he illuminates the reading of the Old Testament when read in the light of the New Testament. For me it has been a real higlight in my spiritual life and in my understanding of this Sacrament.I cannot recomend it enough.

Retired Pope Benedict is a heart filled teacher of ordinary lay Catholics as well as a theologian. I am an extraordinary Minister of Eucharist in our Parish. I take Holy Communion to a nursing home, parish families that are unable to get to Mass and to our County Jail. In this wonderful book, our retired Pope Benedict expands my love and understanding of the Eucharist.

Ratzinger breaks open the scriptures and plunges into the christian mysteries.Great book to read if your wanting a deeper understanding of the Eucharist and some of the deeper beliefs of the catholic faith.

Every detail one wants to know from the brilliant mind of Joseph Ratzinger

Very good book.

In this book, the current Pope expounds upon the nature of and the importance of the Eucharist ,which he believes is the heart of Christian life. He sees it as a mysterious phenomenon whereby Jesus is transformed into bread and wine , which ,once consumed by the communicant, unites that person with Christ. I bought the book seeking more enlightenment about this ritual having participated in the Eucharist myself for several months. Something mysterious and profound does indeed take place during Communion ; I get a feeling of peace , cleansing and oneness and the sense that something supernatural has taken place. It is the main reason why I bother going to church. This book provided me with a little more information about the phenomenon, although there is a lot of waffle in it to be honest. I guess what happens in the Eucharist is a bit of a mystery really ; does Jesus really transform himself into bread and wine , or is there some other supernatural force at work here ? I would like to believe that it is the former , but having just read the Old Testament from cover to cover and having found precious little in it prophesying the coming of Christ , I'm beginning to have some doubts.