CBB Review: From Humdrum to Holy

Last updated on: December 7, 2016 at 1:00 am by Pete Socks

CBB Review: From Humdrum to Holy 2016-12-04T21:29:52-05:00 Pete Socks

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Review by Julie Abell

With all the books I have been reading in order to review them for you, you would think I would have the topic of this book down, but From Humdrum to Holy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Living Like a Saint by Fr. Ed Broom had me doing even more thinking…and doing! It seems that no matter how much one learns about being a disciple of Christ the more there is to learn. The material in this book is a combination of guidance that may be considered typical and guidance that pushes a would-be saint even further along the road with Christ.

If you are reading this review, chances are good that you already know that we are all “called to be saints…that holiness is not the privilege of a few; it is the simple duty of each of us. “ I first learned that only a few years ago. Prior to learning that I indeed believed only a privileged few would be saints. Father Broom also made the analogy that what air is to our lungs; prayer is to our soul and salvation. That was something I have been sensing, but I enjoyed hearing it from someone else.

Some of my favorite chapters in this wonderful book are “Self-knowledge,” “Make a Plan of Life,” “Spiritual Warfare,” and “Suffering for a Purpose.” Spending time in the Bible, praying the Rosary, confession, frequent communion, etc. are all ways to come to self-knowledge. Making a plan of life was a unique concept to me; Fr. Broom suggests choosing a specific yearlong theme such as focusing on one of the 14 Stations of the Cross or one of the works of mercy, etc. and after examining your life for areas of improvement make a short, practical plan. (There is more to it than that, but I won’t spoil his message here.) Addressing spiritual warfare, he fittingly reminds us that “Our life on earth is a battle – not against one another, but against evil.” And he thankfully presents several tactics that we can use in our spiritual battles. In “Suffering for a Purpose,” the author briefly answers what we all struggle with -understanding the meaning of suffering, but then he gives tips as to how we can take advantage of our suffering so that it will transform us into a better, not bitter, person.

This deep, thought-provoking book has something for everyone who is serious about moving from being lukewarm to being on fire for Christ. And the world today could certainly use more folks dedicated to becoming holy.

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Review

The Open Book Podcast

Father Ed Broom

From Humdrum to Holy

Julie Abell

Sophia Institute Press

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