In these reflections on the readings for Lent and the Triduum, Monsignor McIlhon invites us to ponder the consistency between what we believe about human dignity and how we live that dignity. If Lent becomes a daily journey whereby we consent to become one with the visible features of Christ's risen life, waiting to be raised from the dyings of our life, then the paschal mystery becomes a marvelous experience.

Although he writes with great sensitivity and theological depth, Monsignor McIlhon does not become pedantic nor does he go beyond the depth of the average reader.

For priests,...

What does the paschal mystery mean in the context of the rite - past and present - and in Christian life and death?

Students of the liturgy and preachers will find in these pages a thoughtful examination of the mystery of Easter. Father Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, is in full command of both the scholarly and the pastoral implications of the Easter rite. From his words you will gain the insight to articulate this mystery within the liturgy and within life so that it will imbue with hope and awe all those who come to celebrate it.

These meditations present the mystery of Pentecost, from Luke in Acts, John in his Gospel, and Paul in his Letters. By placing these diverse but complementary points of view together, Cantalamessa provides priests, students, and interested lay people with a three-dimensional image of the coming of the Spirit, particularly suited to promote catechesis and devotion. Fr. Cantalamessa originally presented these meditations in his capacity as preacher to the papal household.

Chapters are "And They Began to Speak in Different Tongues: The Lukan Pentecost and the Spirit of Unity," "You Will...