This is a story of faith, of failure, and ultimately of salvation. Tom Whalen left behind the world of men, joining other men who fought private demons and worked to find a better way of being human. One question haunted Tom: Could God alone really be enough for any man? Tom’s lapse, and his return to the material world to savor again all the temptations of the flesh, will haunt the reader.

Even more astonishing is the story of his brother monks, trained to chastity and regimented prayer, who followed Tom into the deepest caverns of desperation and depravity to save his life and soul.

This story of redemption offers a window into the grace awaiting all who seek the moment when God enters fully into our all-too-human lives.

Mark Delery, O.C.S.O., is a Trappist monk at the Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia.

Modern biblical exegesis is severely weakened by its tendency to rely only on “science” or “reason” instead of also allowing faith to play its proper interpretive role. One way of overcoming this problem is to enrich modern exegesis by integrating it with the exegesis of the church fathers, who are exemplary in allowing faith to guide their interpretations of the Bible.

Fr. Walter M. Werbylo here brings out the multiple layers of meaning in John 7:37–39 (which includes Jesus’ cry: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink”) by integrating the patristic exegesis of these three verses with the modern exegesis. His patient, wise investigation shows what the patristic and modern methods look like in practice, and it confirms that patristic exegesis and modern exegesis are indeed guided by particular and identifiable principles that can and should be fruitfully combined.

Walter M. Werbylo, C.S.B., is assistant professor in New Testament at St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto.

Two dangers confront the modern Christian regarding the apparent conflict between the role of miracles and the rigors of modern science. First, a naïveté that forces such shallow methods upon the scientific disciplines that the result is the evaporation of both reason and miracles. Second, the inherently irreligious spirit that empties the world of wonder out of homage to an outdated rationalism. Scientist and theologian Stanley Jaki makes a case for recognizing the needs of modern science and of establishing a proper understanding of the miraculous in history.

This book provides a guide for prayer and a meditation on the mystical truths about God and man and the social and political ramifications of the Incarnation. Unlike the outdated social justice writers of previous decades, Bozell and Miles-Campos suggest a concrete plan for advancing works of mercy to relieve the suffering of the poor, to uplift the spiritually malnourished, and to form a more vibrant Christian community in the midst of a secular world. This text is presented in both English and Spanish.

Theologian William May offers an engaging study of sex, in particular the relationship between the natural and the spiritual dimensions of human love and reproduction. For those who question the common assumptions of secular society about the body, human sexuality, courtship, marriage, family, and children, this book presents wise and beautiful insights into the human condition.

Triumph magazine was published during the most critical period of American history since the Civil War: 1966–76. These were the years when America passed through a near-revolution and ceased to identify itself as a Christian nation, becoming increasingly secular and neopagan. Triumph was founded to champion the view that every nation is shaped by its religion (or lack thereof); that a religion that has nothing to say in the public arena is not worthy of the name; and that what it has to say must be, first of all, religious. The Best of Triumph will be a source of inspiration and practical guidance for all those interested in the transformative power of Christianity in political life.

This controversial work of biblical criticism presents linguistic arguments for the original Hebrew text of St. Matthew’s Gospel. Using rigorous philological techniques, Tresmontant translates the Greek of Matthew back into the Hebrew, uncovering fascinating nuances and implications obscured even to scholars of the standard Greek text.

Noted Italian theologian and philosopher Pancheri revisits a crucial question of the Middle Ages and shows its perennial importance for Christian society: If the Incarnation is, in some sense, caused by the Fall of Adam and Eve, then how can Christ be said to have primacy in all things? The discussion amongst scholastic philosophers continues to have broad implications for the Christian understanding of free will (and predestination), the relationship between creation and Creator, and the final things towards which all creation moves.

In What the Catholic Faithful Can Do, Gerard Morrissey offers practical solutions for Catholics seeking to deepen their relationship with the Church. He focuses on three areas in particular: how to deepen one’s own faith; how to pass faith on to one’s children; and how to work fruitfully, effectively, and prayerfully within one’s own parish.

In addition to constructive advice, this book includes four appendices with multiple resources. These include sample letters for writing to express support for Church teaching; a comprehensive list of Catholic publications, youth programs, home study aids, and other resources; and study questions suitable for use with book groups or for further meditation.

This helpful guide is like having a conversation with a trusted spiritual director. It’s easy to see why What the Catholic Faithful Can Do has been a popular title among Catholics for nearly twenty-five years.

Gerard Morrissey is the pseudonym for a Catholic priest.