Genre

Nonfiction

Audience

Ages 21 & Up or whatever your country’s legal drinking age is

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2020

Themes

Wine, Prayer, Filipina Authors, Scripture, The Eucharist, Journaling, Wedding at Cana, Cana

 

Reviewed by

M.S.Ocampo

Theology In The Bottle: Where Cana Meets the Cross is a series of 30 reflections inspired by Scripture verses that all relate to wine, grapes, the winemaking process, etc. This devotional includes journal pages. Schreck does an amazing job finding applicable lessons and relatable stories from all the aspects of wine, grapes, and from Scripture. 

In the King James version of the Bible, the word “wine” is mentioned 231 times. The growing of grapes and winemaking are used as metaphors for understanding life. I’m very impressed with how Schreck used the various aspects of wine, grapes, and even the Eucharist in her reflections. Wine is used in many meals, so anecdotes about gathering around a table are also used.

In the Preface, Schreck starts off with Jesus’s first public miracle, the wedding at Cana. “You could say it was through wine that He became accessible to the laity.” She also had a reflection question in regards to Mary’s role at Cana: “Did she know that by asking Jesus to perform that miracle, that she was ushering in the chapter of His public ministry? Did she know that she was hastening His Passion?” 

Even the process of growing grapes is used as part of this series of reflections. Reflection nine talks about what it takes to grow grapes with the right sweetness or acidity. “For the purpose of ripening, what the grapes need is warmth, more than actual light. In fact, too intense of sun exposure can scorch a grape, resulting in off-flavors.” Schreck has done a lot of effort into researching all things relating to growing grapes, winemaking, and the cultures that embrace winemaking. 

While I love that the author is Filipino, I think it would have been interesting to see the author explore wines and winemaking from other cultures, such as Japan. It would have been a great way to show how people from cultures outside of Europe and America could understand all the winemaking metaphors.  

I recommend this book of reflections for people who like to go out for winetasting with friends as well as people who use wine regularly at mealtimes. I also recommend this book for those who are into growing grapes and have a great devotion to the Eucharist. 

Revelations Of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich, read by Sr. Wendy Beckett, Edited by Donna K. Triggs

A 14th century account of visions exploring the meaning of love, and God as love.

The Tale of Patrick Peyton

How a humble, Irish immigrant brought Mary to Hollywood and then the World.

Broken Brain; Fortified Faith: Lessons of Hope Through a Child’s Mental Illness

When her daughter is stricken insane her mother finds the grace to do what she must to save her and bring her back to sanity.

How to Nourish Your Marriage by M.C. So

Steps to improve your marriage with the sacraments.

The Christbearer – Exploring the Connection Between the Mandalorian and Christian Saints

Was the Mandalorian divinely inspired? A little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)

Me, Ruby & God; A Journal of Spiritual Growth by Linda Crowley

A beautiful memoir about the love of God and the love of a good dog.

The Life of Saint Joseph as Seen by the Mystics By Paul Thigpen

His staff bloomed – the sign from God that he was to be Mary’s spouse. To be obedient to God’s will seemingly put him at odds with his earlier vow.

Zeal & Zest: Where to Begin with Hillaire Belloc

Belloc was known as a Catholic polemicist with a vicious talent for skewering his opponents. Anyone struggling to persevere as a Christian in the fields of journalism or media should read him. His children’s books have an acerbic humor that will appeal to bored veterans of political correctness, especially teens.

Do Not Be Afraid: A Review of Shane Leslie’s Ghost Book

A real-life paranormal investigation in light of Church teaching and tradition

Help from Heaven by Andrea Jo Rodgers

In this year of tragedy, Rodgers reminds us of the miracle of human kindness.

At Heaven’s Edge:  True Stories of Faith and Rescue By Andrea Jo Rodgers

As an EMT Rodgers has seen God work in ways that defy medical analysis.

The Fisherman’s Tomb; The Story of the Vatican’s Secret Search by John O’Neill

The untold true story of the greatest treasure hunt of the century, all done under the noses of the Nazi invasion.

Girl Arise by By Claire Swinarski

A Catholic take on feminism, going beyond the political talking points and approaching women on a personal level.

Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation By Fr. Josh Johnson

Fr. Josh addresses some of the common misconceptions people have about God and what getting to actually know him actually means.

Calling All Booklovers! – Editor Positions Open

Do you love reading books and getting other people to read them? Join our team and make your mark on today’s Catholic literary revival.

Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids by Kathryn Griffin Swegart, O.F.S.

Teach your children about the real presence through these short bedtime stories.

The Last Monks of Skellig Michael by Philip Kosloski

The Christian monastic roots of Star Wars’ Jedi Knights.

When Headlines Hurt: Do We Have a Prayer? by Bill Schmitt

The Pope’s Words of Hope for Journalism