The Mystery of Christ: The Liturgy as Spiritual Experience

I am slowly making my way through Fr. Keating's works as I learn about centering prayer, lectio divina, and contemplative practices. This book is mentioned in an older edition of Open Mind, Open Heart as being part of the "main trilogy" of Keating. The current trilogy is considered to be OMOH, Invitation to Love, and Intimacy with God, all of which are great books about contemplation and spirituality. This book, The Mystery of Christ, is so interesting because it follows the liturgical calendar and goes deeper into certain lectionary readings and practices / symbols within the church year. Since we are beginning Lent, I started reading the section about Lent and Easter and it is so rich. I highlighted in my Kindle version some particularly thought provoking passages related to the Passion. I have never heard the words of Jesus on the cross explained thus, and have always been confused about why he would say them. Was Jesus in so much pain / frustration that he only felt abandoned by God? How can God (the Father) abandon himself (Jesus)? Did God (the Father) ACTUALLY abandon Jesus on the cross?Through the lens of contemplation and this kind of spirituality, this new interpretation is so interesting. He then continues to talk about important symbols and traditions that happen during the liturgy (darkness on Easter vigil, anointing with oil, fire, water, etc). I think this would be a great resource for old and new Catholics to get some more information (on a deeper level) about things happening during Mass that we can take for granted. I like Keating's other works but they can be a little dry at times. This book I can hardly put down and I am thinking a lot about what I've read-it's sticking with me.

My own learning and to enhance and restructure the classes I teach.

Having a strong interest in the contemplative, transformative, esoteric, or mystical side to Christianity I have searched for years to find some piece of work that would be sort of a "philosopher's stone" to unlock the implicit depth in the New Testament. After reading a ton of works with many great ideas, this small book is as close as I have come. At least as far as the Gospels are concerned. This book takes many quotes from the Gospels that are read liturgically for each season and comments on them in a deep but straight-forward manner. I have many of Keating's books and these are by far the best commentaries he has made. I highly recommend having this book in your collection of contemplative Christian ideas.

Father Keating's haunting, exquisite reflections on the Scriptures and liturgy bring new depth and freshness to passages one may have heard a hundred times - but which, with each chapter, seem refreshingly new. For example, his treatment of the Annunciation, John the Baptist, and the parable of the Prodigal Son, and the continuing call to holiness in each incident, presented beautiful truths in an engaging, casual, and deceptively simple style. Father Keating's words about the "double bind" (doing God's will when two "callings" seem contrary), which he applies to the Passion of Christ itself, are intense food for thought, and he skillfully presents them in terms which are very easy to understand. Excellent work for anyone interested in the spiritual life.

I use this book more than any other when I am planning classes on spirituality, liturgy, Scripture study or prayer. It invites us to experience the mystery of how Christ is present in our own lives. It is clearly written. It is an excellent starting point for planning Advent, Lent, and Easter liturgies or retreats. I read it as if it were a map that that describes what I may encounter as I attempt to follow Christ. Students have been enthusiastic in praising this book because of its clarity and the insights it offers.

I have read many of Father Keatings books. This book is laser-focused on the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist. Every member of the group that I read it with was grateful. I will read many more times in my life. I do however wish that it was available in Kindle format.

The book arrived as stated. I was hoping that $4.00 shipping on a $.43 book would get it here faster, but I checked the promised date and it arrived within those parameters. Thank you.

I'm starting to get Keating. Wow. He is a leader for the church as it contemplates roots in meditation and experiencing the presence of God.

This is one of my favourite books on contemplative prayer. It is full of quotes that inspire deep reflection and contemplation. It covers a series of reflections on the liturgical year, with a section on Ordinary Time, and will deepen your understanding of the various feasts if you are not so familiar with them.

Happy to have further and deeper explanation. I love Thomas Keating's books.

The book arrived as expected; the cover was quite attractive but the printing seemed amateurish and pages often smudgy., somewhat of a disgrace in view of the subject matter. I would have returned it and requested a full refund, but decided I would overlook the fault, and carry on with the reading of the important theme.

OF COURSE, ANY BOOK FROM OUR SPIRITUAL BROTHER MONK, ALTER CRISTUS, THOMAS KEATING IS THE INDWELLING OF THE SPIRIT HIMSELF, ALLELUIA.

Very good