October 12th, 2009

A Catholic Apocalypse, Written.

Cover of "Pierced By A Sword"Usually, I find myself very circumspect when “religious fiction” happens across my path. It was no different when I was browsing through a used book shop in Lafayette, LA with fellow Undergrounder, Joshua LeBlanc (@jrleblanc) and his wife.

We came upon the “religion” section of the shop, which usually turns up a few laughs to see what passes as “religion” these days. There are always a few of the off-the-deep-end “Chrisitan” self-help books, new-age nonsense, the entire Left Behind series of books in quadruplicate, and a disused New American Bible with matching unthumbed Catechism.

I noticed Pierced By A Sword, and immediately noted the author’s name, Bud Macfarlane, Jr. What would a Bud know about Catholic fiction?  The picture of the Miraculous Medal on the cover was captivating, but it didn’t serve well enough as a “Don’t Panic” when situated so close to an odd name.  Realizing that I was probably…er…judging a book by its cover, I asked Josh if he had ever read the book.

“What?! You’ve never read this book before?!” spurted unanimously from both Josh and Annie.

The choreographed response was enough for me to swoop up the entire trilogy. I started reading Pierced that evening and am certainly glad that I did.

The story weaves the lives of a number of people together: a drug dealer, a young priest, an aging tycoon, a few young apathetic Catholics, an Irish pope and his secret team of nun-prayer-warriors, several saints in Heaven, and Mary, the Mother of God.  As their lives come together through many grace-filled (and I mean that in the way Catholics should mean it, not the way Oprah means it) events, the reader sees the apparitions of Our Lady coming into focus, and an impending spiritual war ready to be fought in the world.

Macfarlane himself reminds the reader that this book does not purport to predict the future, but rather tells of a possible future.

The mastery of this book is in the weaving of orthodox (and I mean that the way the Orthodox don’t) Catholic theology, good philosophy, and extremely creative storytelling. I can liken it only to Michael D. O’Brien’s Father Elijah, which is admittedly a better book, in that it prompts the reader to move past the characters’ struggle with the cross to look into one’s own life of prayer.

While reading this book, my devotion to Mary was examined, my understanding of prayer and intercession was deepened, and I realized that God was using this rather happenstance book purchase to bring me closer to Him through his Blessed Mother. It’s amazing how grace works, eh? Don’t know how grace is at work in your life? Well, pick up the Catechism to be sure, but crack open Pierced By A Sword for a grace-filled, prayerful, and exciting adventure.

After you’ve read the book, here are a few helpful links:

Fr. Chris | Posted in Fr. Chris Decker, re:views | 6 Comments »

  • Chester Mealer

    It’s a great book. My then-future-Mother in law passed it on to me.

  • http://www.naturaldesign.blogspot.com Dawn

    I agree, this is a good book. And so very Catholic. Great combination! : ) The story pulled me in and made it hard to put down. I have the two follow-up books sitting on my bookshelf but haven’t gotten to them yet. I’m anticipating more goodness when I get around to reading them.

    Thanks for the review. More ideas from you guys for good (and orthodox) books would be greatly appreciated. Maybe that could be a section on the blog. Please? (I will beg if needed.)

    I love the new website!

    God bless,
    Dawn

  • http://www.catholicunderground.com Fr. Chris

    yep, I’ve given it out to several directees. I find it’s a great spring board to discussions about the Faith, especially the Eucharist and Mary!

  • Fuquay Steve

    Enjoyed the book. Michael O’Brien also has some great books with terrific Catholic values (the highest in my opinion). He also has a new book coming out soon! I can hardly wait.

  • George Murray

    Having read Fr. Chris’ blog I bought the books and have read the first. It may be my Scottish nature but while I enjoyed the book, I thought it was a bit exaggerated in a similar way to the Da Vinci Code. Why are all American hero characters super jocks, Magna Cum Laude students, totally gorgeous but brainy women, or if their life chances have inhibited their development at least having the potential to be all of these things.

    I also found the notion of an armed struggle totally at odds with ‘put up your bright swords’ message of the Saviour. In the same way the putting all your resources into Kruger Rands are somehow inconsistent with the Gospel teaching with regards to God and Mammon.

    I cannot imagine even in a fictional context that Our Blessed Lady’s ‘stormtroopers’ (sic) would in any way see violence as a response to the depredations of the Devil.

    Fuquay Steve:

    I will look up the Michael O’Brien books asap. Thanks for THE TIP.

  • George Murray

    Have read Fr. Elijah. Found it far superior to the other books although they were readable. Have passed it on to others and await their view on it.