Rekindling the Christic Imagination: Theological Meditations for the New Evangelization

Being a lifelong Catholic who has been devoted to the Eucharist, this book stands for all that is good and holy in our Church. There are so many examples of how the Eucharist inspires people to great works of art, poetry, music and dance as well as challenging our imaginations to focus on the new evangelization. On page 92 of this book, Imbelli, writes:"The incarnation of Jesus realizes its continuing presence in the sacrament of the Eucharist, and patiently works its ultimate purpose: to fill up the body of Christ - the body of redeemed humanity. These are dimensions of the one enfolding and unfolding mystery- the Love in which we live and move and have our being." The Eucharist provides us with the strength and courage to make the Jesus' decisions that will make the difference in our society as the human and divine become as one .

As a former student of his, I am very happy to see this publication by Fr. Imbelli. It refreshes for me matters that we were discussing 26+ years ago, in class and out of it. It also introduces new material, including reflections by Popes St. JPII, Benedict and Francis, while engaging many issues that enliven -and sometimes roil- the contemporary Church. (I find myself fighting many of the same battles he references, against the same persistent fads and fancies.) A crowning achievement of a long career, let us hope this book is not the last we hear from Fr. Imbelli's persistently sane and faithful voice. My only regret is that making notes with my original Kindle -one feels driven to do so, by way of engaging the material- is a bit of a chore.

The media is rather full of doom-filled tales of the imminent demise of the Catholic Church, or at least in some instances hand-wringing lamentations as to dwindling figures of members. The author fully acknowledges the challenge, but discusses his suggested solutions in a positive, even cheerful, manner.He writes well, with well-chosen references to art and literature supporting his various arguments. The book is certainly a well-aimed riposte to all the doom and gloom, and shows those who care about the future of the RCC a healthy, beautiful way out of the current morass.Well worth the read.

Enlightening

Magnificent reminder of what our predecessors did, and how we can strive to do the same.

A deeply cultured and committed expression of Catholic faith!