Gospel Connections for Teens-Cycle B

How exciting it is to find a book that brings the Scriptures, real-life experiences, and questions for reflection together in an easy-to-use format. Brost suggests that readers "take 5" to examine, "take 5" to read, and "take 10" to reflect. I suggest we each take all the time necessary to use this book in our ministry with young people—and even for our own spiritual journey.

Solid—and lively—Catholic resources for teenagers to use to explore the Bible are rare. Gospel Connections for Teens is the exception. Written for (and with the help of) young Christians who want to discover the meaning of the Scriptures for their lives, this book of guided reflections on the Sunday readings is just right.

Written by Corey Brost, a priest with the Clerics of Saint Viator, Gospel Connections for Teens: Reflections for Sunday Mass, Cycle C is a guide meant to help Christian teens prepare for Sunday Mass. Divided into sections consisting of a Gospel passage, a plain-terms discussion of the passage, and questions for reflection. Each section can be absorbed in 20 minutes or less, making Gospel Connections for Teens ideal for young Christians trying to keep up with a hectic schedule. "If a word or phrase from the Gospel grabs your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life. Or, reflect and possibly journal on the following question: Does your fear of failure ever stop you from taking risks for your faith?" Though intended especially for Catholic teens, Gospel Connections for Teens is a superb spiritual resource for Christian readers of all ages, and its broad selection of Gospel insights is sure to appeal to Christians of any denomination.

A helpful little handbook to help inquiring teenage minds understand Sunday Gospel readings and relate these to their lives. . . . Fr. Corey's 17-plus years of ministry with teens in parishes and high schools shows through in this sensitive and worthy addition to any parish or high school library—and for the Catholic teenager's or youth minister's own bookshelf.

Written by someone who is an educator and has worked in teen ministry, this book of reflections on the Sunday Gospel selections for Cycle B is a helpful resource for those in youth ministry. Brost divides his concentration on each Sunday Gospel into 20-minute sessions, with time allotted to reading of the biblical passage (provided in the book), a brief analysis of its meaning, and a concluding reflection. The commentaries and reflections are done in an easily accessible, conversational style and offer the kind of thoughtful questions that can lead to discussion. Leaders of Bible study groups or harried CCD teachers will find this a helpful resource.