Book Review

Lenten book helps readers be more Christ-like

By Andrew Junker, The Catholic Sun
February 15, 2007

At one point during the very first reflection in Fr. Alonso de Blas’ new Lenten book, “Climb the Hill with Jesus,” the local Franciscan describes what the Christian life should be.

“As Jesus... puts on our frail humanity,” Fr. de Blas writes, “we are by the same token able, and in fact called, to leave behind our sinful humanity and put on the very holiness of God.”

In many ways, that sentence typifies the whole of Fr. de Blas’ book. It is simple, direct and helpful. It is also strangely beautiful.

It helps that the Church has packed the readings during Lent with some of the richest Scripture, which Fr. de Blas consistently unpacks with both authority and good humor.

Like his previous book of reflections on the Advent readings, Fr. de Blas’ exegesis offers something for everybody.

He makes interesting forays into the historical record (read especially his description of how the Jews would seal their covenants), draws insightful parallels between Old Testament readings and the Gospel, and presents a compelling portrait of Christ.

All of these topics, however, serve the one dominant theme throughout the book: practical advice on how to “put on the very holiness of God.”

He does this by entering into the three facets of Lent. Prayer, self-denial and almsgiving, writes Fr. de Blas, should all serve to “intensify our awareness of the need for more room for God in our lives.”

Fr. de Blas compels the reader to move from reflection on the Scripture of the day into action. His challenges alternate between the three facets of Lent.

One day he asks, “Where are our minds and hearts when we pray?” The next day he will remind his “gentle reader” to seek a spirit of poverty, and so on.

In this way, the book can help the reader stay accountable for his or her progress or regress during Lent. Fr. de Blas’ writing is so idiosyncratic that his voice stays with the reader long after the book is set aside for the day.

Sometimes the writing comes across as too glib, as was the case with his Advent book. But this is rare.

Catholics who wish their Lent to bear greater fruit should read “Climbing the Hill with Jesus.” As a companion to daily Mass attendance — which Fr. de Blas strongly recommends in the introduction — the book can do much in helping one shed his or her “sinful humanity.”

Though in the end, Fr. de Blas points out that it’s all up to the reader.

“Today is step one,” he writes in the reflection for the day after Ash Wednesday. “Make your choice — and live it.” ✴

Andrew Junker is a staff writer for The Catholic Sun. Comments welcomed. Send e-mail to letters@catholicsun.org.