This book was recommended to me by a good friend who told me that he has read this book several times and considers it one of his all-time favourites. With such high praise, I decided to pick it up and read through it this summer. And what a gem it is!
Dolan, now Cardinal of New York City, shares 10 reflections on different events or words of Saint Peter from sacred scripture. His level of depth in these reflections are profound to say the least, and very practical when applied to our spiritual life. I must admit that his charismatic personality and high energy comes through in his writing, which makes it fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed his life lessons that he gleaned from Saint Peter’s words and actions in the New Testament.
It seems to me that Dolan’s closeness to Saint Peter comes from his many years as the Rector of the North American College Seminary in Rome. His experience in the formation of priests and proximity to the Vatican make some of his stories and insights particularly interesting given his inside perspective of the Catholic Church.
In this book, Dolan suggests that many of Saint Peter’s words are powerful prayers we can use personally. Some examples include: “Lord, it’s good to be here.” “Save me Lord, I’m drowning!” “Lord if it is really you, tell me to come to you across the water.” “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” These are just some of the words of Saint Peter that Dolan reflects upon in this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a new love for Saint Peter. Reading Dolan’s book gave me greater insight into why Jesus chose him as leader of the early Church, and how much God loves us in spite of our human frailty. I pray that you will find this book as enjoyable and helpful to your spiritual life as I have.
