My first book of 2008 is a profound series of reflections on the cross guided by the seven last sayings of Christ. The commentary on these sayings is brilliant, but even more, the path Neuhaus takes allows for many insightful diversions. He speaks powerfully on the hope for universal salvation. He also includes challenging comments concerning our therapeutic society which reduces everything to the psychological.
There is so much good and various material in this book that I highly recommend it. I include this one quote for those Protestants suspicious of Neuhaus's Catholicism: "The last point is pertinent to those Christians who make so much of being saved, or justified, by faith alone. What should one say in response? I can only give my testimony. When I come before the judgment throne, I will plead the promise of God in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. I will not plead any work that I have done, although I will thank God that he has enabled me to do some good. I will plead no merits other than the merits of Christ, knowing that the merits of Mary and the saints are all from him; and for their company, their example, and their prayers throughout my earthly life I will give everlasting thanks. I will not plead that I had faith, for sometimes I was unsure my faith, and in any event that would be to turn faith into a meritorious work of my own. I will not plead that I held the correct understanding of 'justification by faith alone,' although I will thank God that he led me to know ever more fully the great truth that much misunderstood formulation was intended to protect. Whatever little growth in holiness I have experienced, whatever strength I have received from the company of the saints, whatever understanding I have attained of God and his ways—these and all other gifts received I will bring the throne. But in seeking entry to that heavenly kingdom, I will, with Dysmas [the thief on the cross], look to Christ and Christ alone" (70)
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