Book Reviews and More: Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley

Friday, 15 January 2021

Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series

Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
CTS Companions Series
J.B. Midgley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 781860821691

CTS Booklet Do685

I have come to love and depend on the books from the Catholic Truth Society. Over the last few years, I have read over 175 books, and booklets from the CTS. I have many series I love, and many authors who have published with CTS. And the works of J.B. Midgley really captured my attention. I read my first booklet by him in mid 2019 and have since read books by him 22 times. Barry Midgley published most of his works under the name J.B. Midgley. And all but two volumes he wrote were for the Catholic Truth Society. I have been able to track down all but one, and only have a few to go to have read them all the first time. Most of his books for the CTS are either in this series or the CTS Great Saints Series. Mr. Midgley passed away before I began reading his works. I have found them to be treasures. His writing is clean and crisp. And always spiritually edifying. But back to this volume. The description of this volume is:

“A rich store of teaching. History, and prayer.

This Companion is designed to accompany you through the many feasts connected with Our lord Jesus Christ as they occur during the year. The reader has access here to spiritual writings, historical background, scriptural passages and reflection which combine to enrich the meaning and enjoyment of each feast. Why does the Church celebrate these feasts, and what meaning and fruits can the disciple derive from them? All this is answered here in this finely compiled Companion by Mr J.B. Midgley for the CTS.”

The volume lives up to that and even exceeded my high expectations. The chapters in this book are:

Introduction

The Annunciation of the Lord

The Nativity of the Lord

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The Circumcision of the Lord

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

The Epiphany of the Lord

The Presentation of the Lord

The Baptism of the Lord

The Transfiguration of the Lord

The Body and Blood of Christ

The Resurrection

The Ascension

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Divine Mercy

The Triumph of the Cross

Christ the King

Acknowledgements

Chronological Lists of Feasts

For each chapter there are the following sections:

Origins and significance

From the liturgy

Reflection

A few of the chapters have additional sections as well. For Example

The Nativity of the Lord

Origins and Significance

Preparations for the Incarnation

The Birth of Our Lord

The Shepherds

From the Liturgy

Reflection

For a few of the feats we learn about why some have had their dates moved, and why. For The Body and Blood of Christ we learn that it was once two separate celebrations that were combined. There is a lot of great information and the reflections are for the soul and spirit. This is a book that fill nurture Mind, Body, and Spirit.

This volume can be read from beginning to end. It can be read following the year and the feats in the order they appear in the calendar. The first time I read it was between The Nativity and The Most Holy Name of Jesus. But I plan on rereading over the next year and ending up back at Epiphany. This book was written as a companion but can be used as a devotional for those 16 feasts.

Another fantastic volume from the pen of J.B. Midgley. And an excellent resource from the Catholic Truth Society.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.