Through the Year with Oscar Romero: Daily Meditations

I traveled to El Salvador in 2010 to learn about the peoples and history and to march in remembrance of Monsignor Romero 30 years after his assassination. Since that time, Romero's teachings and way of life have served as an inspiration to me and I have explored many of his writings. I recently picked up this brief volume so I might have an accessible way to experience Romero's generous theology and humble sensibilities daily.Each daily text is brief, the longest is not even a full page, so it's a nice short length to make for a brief daily ritual. I keep my copy on my bedside table so when I wake up in the morning I can roll over and read the next text. Each text is numbered 1-365, not dated, so it's good for any year. The texts begin from May 29, 1977 and progress forward, chronologically, through March 24, 1980. The final text is the last words Romero spoke before he was murdered while presiding over Mass. Scripture text readings from the Lectionary are included at the end of some passages if one wishes to reflect further on Romero's sermon snippets in light of Scripture.Context is important to Irene Hodgson, who is the translator and writer of an excellent introduction, and the editing staff. The introduction encourages persons to go beyond this book to read and study Romero's sermons and writings beyond these small pieces of the patchwork quilt of his work. Likewise, each text has the date it was preached and sometimes the Scripture text(s) which would help the reader understand Romero's fuller theology. There are occasional explanatory notes regarding Spanish terms and/or Salvadoran culture and events which outside readers may not be familiar with to add context to Romero's words.As for Romero's words, he touches on so many important topics. What does it mean to be church? How does one forgive and come to reconciliation? How does one focus on God above idol things? Does God love the rich and the poor alike? When is God apparent in the lives of children? How and why shall we pray? And what of nonbelievers? And of oppressors? Where do we live out social justice beyond Scripture? He writes with conviction and elegance, and Hodgson's Spanish-to-English translation is superb; it really captures Romero's passion for the people and God.I'll add I sought out the print copy for the bed side daily devotional ritual I mentioned above though at the time the book is more available via Kindle. I am considering getting an electronic copy, too, for portability when in ministry settings where I need multiple books with short pieces. As of right now, I'm unable to comment on the Kindle's formatting of the book for its readability and will update this review if I do.

A good book to give insights to the struggles of El Salvador. As such it is not a “peaceful “ reflection, most passages have an underlying, many times openly angry and frustrated tone. I purchased the book as a daily reflection and it really doesn’t seem to be that type of book.

A servant of God....he will inspire and teach

Can't wait to start using this awesome collection of readings from Romero's sermons and letters.

I am using this book as the primary source in my Lenten discipline. Challenging, inspirational, and full of truth.Highly recommend for those who know there is more to faaith than taking blessings and doing nothing with them

I love Msgr. Romero. He was the (Christ Person) to his people. He should be a Saint. His messages are simple yet profound and are teaching moments for today.

Bought this for a Catholic friend who greatly admires this newly-minted saint.

36 years later the words of the slain Archbishop of San Salvador, Blessed Oscar Romero, still ring true. We live in a world where power and wealth are valued above all and we still fail to hear the cries of the poor and oppressed. Oscar Romero's daily reflections are like a voice crying in the wilderness and provide the reader with an opportunity to consider what is REALLY important.

This man was a reluctant saint and a true inspiration in these hard difficult times (I write from the UK). Nothing has changed - the poor are still bled dry by the coalition while the rich get fatter. The book shows why Christian ethics will always be a sign of contradiction to Governments whose only goal is to remain in power.We need more revolutionaries like Romero!

Very challenging.

Fascinating. An inspiration