Heart of the Christian Life Thoughts on the Holy Mass

by Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus

• ISBN13: 9781586174323
• ISBN10: 1586174320
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-03-31
• Publisher: Ignatius Press

Summary

The celebration of the Eucharist, in which Jesus Christ becomes present, is the center of the Catholic faith. This volume brings together substantive texts of the Holy Father on the many aspects and dimensions of the Mass and the Mystery of the Eucharist, a rich source for every Christian and a spur to reflection and personal prayer. Delivered in addresses and homilies to a wide variety of audiences , these reflections reveal the depth and breadth of Pope Benedict XVI’s profound and life-long love for the Holy Eucharist. A major theme throughout the works of Joseph Ratzinger, the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is the Church’s source of life, unity and fruitfulness. This theme has been carried deeply into his pontificate, as can be seen in this collection, which challenges the faithful to believe that by receiving Christ in Holy Communion, they are drawn not only into the very life of God, but into the community that is Christ’s Body, the Church.

Author Biography

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders of our age. As Pope he authored the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth; and prior to his pontificate, he wrote many influential books that continue to remain important for the contemporary Church, such as Introduction to Christianity and The Spirit of the Liturgy.

Table of Contents

The Bread of Life	p. 7
Without Sunday We Cannot Live	p. 11
Mary, the Eucharistic Women	p. 19
In the Hour of Jesus	p. 21
The Wine of True Love	p. 29
The Eucharist as the Way to Holiness	p. 35
Jesus Christ: Incarnate Love of God	p. 39
Friends of Jesus Christ	p. 43
The Hope of the Grain of Wheat	p. 51
The Church as Eucharistic Community	p. 57
God Is Not Far from Us	p. 65
Sacrament of the Life of God	p. 69
Eucharist: Source and School of Love	p. 81
The Passion of Jesus	p. 87
The Gift of the Self-dedication of Christ	p. 93
The Soul of Sunday	p. 99
To Stand before You and to Serve	p. 105
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