Normally, I tend to read mainly fiction books.  However, I had the ability of getting this book on booksneeze.com to review.

The Liturgical Year is written by a Benedictine Nun named Sr. Joan Chisttister.  This book is in a series of books called “The Ancient Practices Series”.

Sr. Joan takes a close look at all the different aspects that make up the Liturgical Year of the Catholics.  One of the great things about this book is that she explains why each is celebrated or honored.  And also explains their ancient roots.  Then she goes on to talk about how just walking along this path isn’t enough.  If you don’t learn lessons in this life, then you aren’t going anywhere.

I found it interesting when she described why there are differences on when Christmas is celebrated.  She explained the different theories on why the West chose December 25th and the East chose January 6th.  She also explained all lessons that can be learned from each of the feast and fast days.

I think one of my favorite quotes in the book is

The liturgical year is an adventure in bringing the Christian life to fullness, the heart to alert, the soul to focus.  It does not concern itself with the questions of how to make a living.  It concerns itself with the questions of how to make a life.

That is so true of any religion.  As long as you follow a path that leads to spiritual growth, then you are on the right path.  For me, Christianity is not the right path.  But as a person who is on the road to spiritual growth, I couldn’t help but be moved by the words of this Nun.  We need to take life’s lessons where we get them.  And this book leads you to take a much deeper look at your own spiritual practices as well as how you live your life.

Are you living your life to make a living?  Or are you living your life to make a life?