This comes from the page just before the book's Prologue and is the source of the book's title: 'And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:34-35)

Although it is a work of fiction, Pierced By a Sword is a thought-provoking read. An Irish Pope, a playboy, an unmarried pregnant woman, a professor, a multimillionaire, a fast-talking priest, a druggie: in the beginning their lives seem to have little in common, but as the story progresses, they are being drawn together by Providence, prayer and perhaps so . . . 'that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed'?

I would give this book an additional 1/2 star rating if goodreads had that capability. It's a noble 'First Novel' effort by the author and it reflects his belief in his chosen ministry which is to provide free tapes and other Catholic materials for evangelization. I wish I shared his belief that a warning or even a Warning would sufficiently change the human heart so much that the world he envisioned could come to pass. Nevertheless, it is a thought-provoking book and I'm very glad I read it, especially in conjunction with Mary: The Church At Its Source.