Book Review – The Gospel Truth - Happy Little Homemaker

The Gospel Truth by Kenneth Ogorek is a lectionary-based catechism for adults. This book contains the readings for every Sunday Gospel for all three years of the lectionary cycle. It does not contain the Holy Days EXCEPT for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (19 days after Pentacost).

For each Sunday, the book includes the Gospel reading, as well as a 2 short reflections on the reading as it relates to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These are followed by a question for me to ponder for the day (or week), a question for you to ask your children and a thought regarding your role in the community. You are also directed to related readings in the Bible and the US Catholic Catechism for Adults for further study if you so desire. Each Sunday ends with a verse that would make an excellent memory verse if you are so inclined.

I knew I was going to like this book when I read my first reflection. It was the 4th Sunday in Advent and it was about the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. One of the reflections said:

…And Mary is not referred to as “the woman who may become the mother of my Lord if and when the bundle of cells in her womb becomes a person at some debatable point”…

That alone sold me :). I have been reading this book every week since then and love it! It has little bite-sized sections that work well for me as a busy, constantly-interrupted mom. I start looking at it on Saturday to preview the gospel reading. I read it again on the way to church and then again on the way home because with a 2-year old the odds of me getting to HEAR the readings or homily are slim. I especially like the points to ponder in my community and for me and look forward to sharing the children’s questions with her as she gets older.

If you have more time, this could be a fairly comprehensive bible study program. You get the week’s reading, some information from the Catechism, some reflection points, a bible verse for memorization and even some additional points to study in the Bible and US Catechism. Very solid study guide, indeed! I look forward to using this resource for years to come and recommend it to everyone!

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Gospel Truth- A Lectionary-Based Catechism for Adults.