Heart of the Christian Life

“Ignatius Press has done a remarkable service by drawing these talks and homilies by Benedict XVI into one rewarding volume on the importance of the Eucharist. Clear, deep, rich and engaging: All of these qualities mark the style of the Holy Father as a teacher, and anyone reading this book will discover the joy of Christian life and the beauty of Catholic worship in a new way. I highly recommend it.” – Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver

“The Eucharistic sacrifice makes sacramentally available Christ’s love for his Father and for us. These reflections by our Holy Father make available for our spiritual formation the truths that shape our life in Christ’s body, the Church. They bring again to our attention the wisdom born of love.” – Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago

“In these collected talks we find, one might say, the quintessential Benedict. Those who have read his Jesus of Nazareth, The Spirit of the Liturgy, or other of his works, will recognize here that amazing concord which he always achieves by bringing effortlessly together sound biblical scholarship (he ranges easily over Law, prophets, Gospels, and Epistles), deep love for the Eucharist, and an unflagging pastoral tone which addresses us laity in language that we can grasp. The selections are brief, hence the volume offers readers very accessible “devotional” reading.” – Thomas Howard, Author, If Your Mind Wanders at Mass

Pope Benedict XVI is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders of our age. As Pope he authored the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth; and prior to his pontificate, he wrote many influential books that continue to remain important for the contemporary Church, such as Introduction to Christianity and The Spirit of the Liturgy.