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Review Suffering: What Every Catholic Should Know

Mark Giszczak’s book, Suffering: What Every Catholic Should Know (Ignatius Press) resonated with me. Truth be told, I didn’t want it to affect me as deeply as it did. Long time readers of this blog know of my husband’s illness, and other members of my family are struggling with serious health concerns, as well. Beloved friends, too, have their share of suffering.

I hoped to glean a better understanding of the Church’s teaching on suffering, and I did. If that is all I had taken away from this book, I would have had a strong foundational understanding of the Theology of suffering. I knew there would be deep theological points, but Giszszcak has a direct style that remains formal, but flows conversationally. I enjoyed reading the book, even though the topic is close to my own experience.

Coping with suffering as Christians is not just about pain management but also includes certain spiritual practices that lead us to surrender our lives more fully to the Lord. (10)

What struck me right away is how I experienced all the things that Giszszcak names. Suffering is universal, a part of the human condition, as misunderstood as it is pervasive. He doesn’t avoid the WHY that so many of us ask of God. And so, he begins with the story of Job, and goes on to describe how suffering is deeply personal, yet filled with the power of hope and redemption.

I reflected upon the various times of suffering in my life, as daughter, wife, and mother, as friend and companion, spiritually and physically, and I was consoled.

In suffering, we are transformed. It aligns us with Christ’s suffering on the cross, and brings us closer to Him. Suffering is not endured in vain, but is a great spiritual gift.

A recommended read in good times and in bad.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Augustine Institute – Ignatius Press; 1st edition (February 26, 2024)
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1955305587
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1955305587
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Review: My Life with the Jedi

In this insightful book, My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars, author Eric A. Clayton takes us on an Ignatian journey around the Star Wars universe.

A little self-disclosure, I saw Star Wars when it was first released. I was a teenager soaking up all the Sci-Fi I could get my hands on, so you can imagine I fell instantly in love with these heroes and villains. The unique gift of the Star Wars universe is how subsequent generations have delved into the adventure. Parents have introduced it to the children, and it has become a multigenerational experience for the family. What better opportunity to also use it for a little evangelization and instruction?

As Catholics, we always enjoyed the inside joke response anytime we heard “ May the Force be with you.” We cleverly kept up with the new translation, too, just in time for new generations to join in the fun. so it comes as no surprise that Clayton would delve into Ignatian spirituality in concert with the many iterations of the Star Wars canon. After all, Star Wars is an epic adventure that takes us across the universe, only to take us interiorly in a study of The Human Condition. 

We’re familiar with the battle of Good versus Evil–and all the gray that fills the space between the two extremes, but Clayton explores all the many stories that make up the canon. While I have seen all three of the trilogies, and read a good many of the books, I haven’t watched all of the new series. I will, however, express my opinion that “The Mandalorian” is the best of the best.

Nevertheless, you don’t need to be familiar with all the characters; Clayton does a fine job of providing context for his exploration of Ignatian spirituality through the lens of Star Wars. It works.

Clayton sets the framework of his spiritual discussion within the narratives, analyzing motives and growth with a parallel discussion of the Ignatian perspective. The sections end with an examen-like exercise that encourages the reader to put into action the lessons learned.

I enjoyed the book, as I imagine many Star Wars fans would, but you don’t have to be a super-fan to enjoy how Clayton weaves the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius through a storyline that already explores the human condition. 

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Loyola Press (February 27, 2024)
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0829457011
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0829457018
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Review: Living the Seasons

Living the Seasons: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your Faith Throughout the Year by Erica Tighe Campbell, Ave Maria Press

Living the Seasons: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your Faith Throughout the Year, by Erica Tighe Campbell (Ave Maria Press, 2023) is a delightful and practical resource for Catholic mothers and families looking for a rich and family-fun way to celebrate the liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church. Campbell, owner and designer of Be a Heart, understands the importance of family bonding and spiritual growth. This book is filled projects and crafts that bring the liturgical calendar to life in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Don’t worry if crafts are not your thing! Campbell offers good advice and the crafts have easily accessible supplies. The beautiful pictures are great guides, too.

From Advent to Ordinary Time and back, Campbell gives us a wonderful selection of activities that cater to various age groups and interests within the family. Whether they are simple crafts for young children or more complex projects for older children, every member of the family can find ways to celebrate their faith.

The activities are designed to encourage families to spend quality time with one another, deepening their bonds through shared experiences rooted in the teachings of the Church. Whether it’s designing an Advent banner, creating a cardboard cactus during Lent, or preparing a special meal for a feast day, each project gives space for conversation and reflection. I especially love how she incorporates prayer as part of these activities.

Living the Seasons is a great resource for Catholic families seeking an activity-based approach to celebrating the faith. It’s filled with activities and projects that deepen that celebrate the liturgical seasons in creative ways while creating lasting memories. This book is a lovely companion for families looking for ways to introduce the celebration of all the liturgical seasons throughout the year.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ave Maria Press (October 6, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1646802314
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1646802319

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