My Daily Bread

Commonly perjorative and accusatory toward the reader, speaking as God in the 1st person. He often lists how bad the reader is and in sore need of repentance. While that is likely true, Is that really how God would speak to his beloved child who is coming to his Father for daily advice, or in my case as a glorified bedtime story? I doubt it. I think He would speak to uplift and strengthen, express joy and love, not beat down into further submission.

This book copies shamelessly from "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis. Here is one of many examples. "'The Imitation of Christ" says: "But let us lay the axe to the root that, being purged from passions, we may possess a quiet mind. If every year we rooted out one vice, we should soon become perfect men. But now we find it quite otherwise: that we were better and more pure in the beginning of our conversion than after many years of our profession." "My Daily Bread" says: "You must apply the ax to the root of your troubles. Learn to control this selfish nature of yours and you will possess my peace. If you rooted out of your life one single fault each year, you would soon become a perfect man. Nowadays, however, people seem to be at their best at the beginning of their conversion. They consider it a great accomplishment if they do not become worse with time."
Despite the plagiarism, legal since "The Imitation of Christ" was written long before copyright laws, Anthony J. Paone, SJ does add some interesting points. It would be unnecessary to own both books because "My Daily Bread" contains just about everything that is in "The Imitation of Christ" -- plus more....

My Daily Bread is an easy, simple, and clear read. Each chapter has three parts. Christ: As if Christ is speaking to you.Think: Meditation and readings to help one understand the lesson. Pray: A prayer to God and reflection. It is an enjoyable read, and I learn something new every time. It helps me in the morning as I wake up to acknowledge God and prepare for the day. As well as at night to thank God for the day.
The leather cover of the book keeps it looking clean and sturdy. I love taking it to adoration with me and meditating on each word. The maker is handing to keep track of the chapter I am on. I highly recommend this book to those who what to start or continue growing in their prayer life.

A beloved priest from our parish gave this little missal to me years ago. I was living a lot of turmoil in my family and personal life. I carried it with me everywhere,- and would bring it out and pray when I needed strength. My favorite prayer is the one entitled: " FEAR." When I was confronted with anxiety or fear- I would read this prayer,- and I felt, Jesus Himself- soothing my soul. It would sometimes bring tears to my eyes, knowing the power behind these words. It never failed to prepare me for the task in front of me. I have since ordered and sought out other copies for others who have needed guidance. It is a treasure of love and peace.

This is a lengthy devotional book of considerable popularity much like the pre-Vatican II Key of Heaven: A Manual of Catholic Devotions. My own reaction to this book is mixed. On the one hand, I understand why people find it edifying. On the other, while someone like Thomas a Kempis successfully manages to write in the first person as though Jesus Christ Himself were speaking to you, that's a difficult feat to pull off convincingly, which explains my ambivalence, reticence even, about this book. Personally, I think you could do better starting the day with the Psalms, or litanies, or works such as The Sinners Guide or The Imitation of Christ - Zippered Cover. As for this book: "Each chapter follows this simple plan: (a) listen; (b) think; and (c) answer Him."

I am reviewing the 1954 nihil obstat version of this book, encouraging all to avoid any post-1958 version. So you can make up your own mind about this book, below is chapter 12, "Extreme Love of This Life":

"CHRIST:
My Child, learn wisdom from the folly of worldly people. See how hard they take their worldly losses! For an earthly gain men will labor and suffer so much, but their spiritual losses are so easily forgotten. They are often interested in matters which have little or no value, and they negligently pass over matters which are important. Their entire attention is often absorbed by external affairs. Unless you fight to control your thoughts, you too will be enslaved by the passing events of the present moment.

2. How foolish are those who do not realize their miserable condition, making this passing earthly life the only object of their desires! Some cling so to this life that, if they could remain here forever, they would not care at all for the Kingdom of God. They would prefer to stay on earth even though they might have to strain and struggle for the bare necessities of this earthly existence.

3. How foolish and blind these people are! They lie buried so deep in earthly things that they enjoy only the pleasures of the senses. In a short while, they will come to the end of their earthly life. Then they will have a bitter realization of the uselessness and nothingness of what they loved.

THINK:
The best way to realize the quickly-passing value of earthly attractions, is to look at them in the past. Where are the enjoyments of last year? What became of the glory for which I struggled so hard five years ago? What's left of last summer's pleasures? Gone! All finished and gone! Do I want to go on living for that kind of happiness or do I want perfect, all-satisfying, never-ending happiness? Only a fool would hesitate in answering this question.

PRAY:
Lord and Father of all intelligence, may I never be guilty of the supreme folly - the folly of those who believe in living for today's earthly pleasures, without bothering about their eternal salvation. In the Gospel You speak of the man who sat back and prepared to think only of the pleasure and enjoyment of his earthly possessions. To him You said: 'Thou fool! This night will I require thy soul of thee!' He died that night, unprepared to face his judge. Let me always face life's greatest fact - I live for Heaven or for hell. My earthly life will show what choice I make. My God, give me the strength to live a holy life on earth so that I may receive the eternal reward of Heavenly life with You. Amen."

Excellent for daily spiritual guidance--helps us make the type of decisions that are harmonious with God's Will and thus results in a more peaceful, balanced, fulfilling life. The book reads much like THE IMMITATION OF CHRIST by A Kempis, also a stupendous spiritual guide to the blessed feet of the Divine. My only regret is that this small paperback of MY DAILY BREAD does not stay open to the desired page by itself--you have to keep holding it open and after a while the hand begins to tire. But don't let this fault dissuade you from getting and reading this inspiring book--it's a small price to pay for such a memorable, reassuring, faith-building book.

I got the physical edition, and its perfect for on-the-go devotional. It fits in my pocket nicely and I can just whip it out for a little one-on-one with God while I'm waiting for the bus or at the doctor's office.

As a cradle Catholic finishing his communion and confirmation as an adult this book has become invaluable. A lot of great information in these pages. In this day and age it may seem like a bit of a bitter pill but it pays to stick with it. Great Catholic resource!

I got the physical edition, and its perfect for on-the-go devotional. It fits in my pocket nicely and I can just whip it out for a little one-on-one with God while I'm waiting for the bus or at the doctor's office.

As a cradle Catholic finishing his communion and confirmation as an adult this book has become invaluable. A lot of great information in these pages. In this day and age it may seem like a bit of a bitter pill but it pays to stick with it. Great Catholic resource!