I've long wanted to read more Guardini but have only read "Meditations Before Mass" which is excellent. Since I couldn't find time to read him more in depth, I decided to get a collection or two of his writings. This one is quite good. Romano Guardini was no shrinking violet and went right at the enemies of God:
"A human being exists only in the I-you relation with God. It is the ontological order in which someone lives. In light of this reality, we become aware of the absurdity of the assertion that God does not exist. ... God embraces us, surrounds us, enters into us. God abides at the innermost point of our existence." (PP. 66, 71)
This echoes Scripture:
"The fool says in his heart,
'There is no God.' ...
He who is throned in Heaven laughs;
the LORD derides them." -Psalms 53:2; 2:4 (See also Psalm 14:1)
"In him we live and move and have our being" -Acts 17:28
Guardini's writings on conscience are also interesting:
"Conscience is absolutely significant. What is ultimate in my life exists in union with my conscience. Conscience should be acted on. ... Conscience is therefore also the point at which the eternal enters into time. History means that the eternal occurs in time through the free acts of men and women." (PP. 70,71)
Unfortunately, when many modern people say they have "acted on" their conscience, they've really only acted on their desires as their consciences are so poorly formed. A person should only act on a sure conscience. The only exception is a scrupulous person who should follow the advice of his/her confessor/spiritual director. By talking about "free acts" is Guardini also implicitly saying that the objectively grave sins some people commit are subjectively only venial because the person's will is compromised by anxiety, compulsion, ingrained habit or mental defect?
My favorite writings of Guardini's in this book are on the Rosary. They have played a part in reviving my flickering devotion to the Holy Rosary:
"Oppressive events move throughout time and lay a heavy hand on the lives of us all. ... People long for a place of quiet in which they can meditate and gather strength and then later return to their tasks with fresh assurance. They need a prayer that gives them a lingering chance to pause, to collect and strengthen themselves. Such a prayer is the Rosary. It has served many people well. ... Repetition becomes the outer form of prayer with the purpose of pacifying and fulfilling the inner emotion. ... The Rosary consists of holy words. The 'Hail Mary' takes precedence over all. Its first part is derived from the New Testament. It begins with the message of the angel in Nazareth. 'Hail, full of Grace, The Lord is with you.' This is followed by the words with which Elizabeth greeted Mary when she crossed the mountains to visit her: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb' (Luke 1:28, 42). ... God always remains God, no matter how powerful earthly influences may be" (PP. 148-151)
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Top reviews from other countries
MDLION
An excellent introductory taste of the writings of Romano Guardini
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2015Verified Purchase
Rebecca J. Huddy
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2015Verified Purchase
