Vincent PIZZUTO.  Contemplating Christ, The Gospels and the Interior Life.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2018. Pp. 209. $24.95 pb.  ISBN 978-0-8146-4705-9.  Reviewed by Francis BERNA, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA 19141.

 Readers of this text will appreciate two important qualities of its author.  Vincent Pizzuto demonstrates a wide expanse and great depth of knowledge regarding contemplative spirituality.  Secondly, the reader will appreciate the considerable care he has given to articulate his lived experience of a contemplative life.

Starting with his own expertise in Scripture, Pizzuto highlights the gospel call to contemplative living.  While appreciative of the various methods of modern biblical scholarship the author emphasizes that the sacred text calls the believer to a more intimate relationship with Christ.  A contemplative reading of Scripture entails appreciating the ongoing nature of the Incarnation, Deification of the believer, and Mysticism, a genuine encounter with God in the midst of life.

One engaging image, among many, that runs through the text centers on Paul’s call to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rms 13:14).  Pizzuto cleverly identifies the garments made by God for Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:21) as “borrowed clothing.”  He connects this to the expression of the false self, the covered naked self.  Contemplative living calls for growth into the authentic self and the divinization of self, being clothed in Christ.  He similarly links this to the monastic garb where one seeks to become new in Christ.

Another striking theme that the author frequently repeats, and with good reason, emphasizes that Christian mysticism connects with social justice.  Love of God and love of neighbor are inextricably linked.  Gospel contemplation awakens one to human suffering and injustice, an enlightenment well beyond personal fulfillment and inner peace.  The contemplative life calls for concrete action.

The teachings of Meister Eckhart serve as both a theoretical foundation and consistent theme through much of the text.  The author notes the assistance of a colleague who helped him appreciate “everything that Meister Eckhart did not say.”  This colleague has helped Pizzuto avoid the tension of the Matthew Fox and Bernard McGinn debate on the 14th Century German mystic.

Abundant references to the desert experience gives the reader a sound appreciation for a healthy asceticism necessary for an authentic spiritual life.  Ultimately the Christian contemplative moves beyond praying to become prayer.

Overall the book’s strengths far outweigh its few limitations.  At times this reviewer felt that Pizzuto attempted to do too much.  It can seem like he wants to offer the reader a bit of everything he has read on the topic.  The chapters of the text follow a clear pattern of organization and development.  However, the internal logic of some sections could be clearer.

Even with the well-done “Glossary” Contemplating Christ is best suited for individuals with some familiarity with his primary sources.  Working through the text, the attentive reader will come to appreciate the truth that the Incarnation has made mystics of us all.