We Find Ourselves Put To The Test

Does the world we inhabit offer us hospitality or indifference? This question is central to the spiritual literature of all cultures. In We Find Ourselves Put to the Test James Crooks returns to the Bible’s book of Job to explore the enduring relevance of that question and its philosophical dimensions. Beginning with the puzzle of Job’s famous stoicism and nihilism in the face of loss, Crooks explores the contradictions of suffering as dramatized in the dialogue between Job and his friends. How is it that the friends’ attempt to comfort Job with a rational explanation of his misfortune devolves seamlessly into victim blaming? How is it that Job’s own renunciation of life at the nadir of his pain converts into an intellectual patience that outlasts the advocates of rational explanation? We Find Ourselves Put to the Test gives a portrait of the suffering protagonist looking into the heart of a creation that is, by necessity, both indifferent and hospitable. A philosophical exploration of one of the most enigmatic books in the Bible, We Find Ourselves Put to the Test goes beyond critical interpretation and suggests a way of reading the book of Job that is animated by a consideration of the reader’s narratives and communities, and the limits of his or her own understanding.

This perfectly delightful and all-inclusive resource covers Years A, B, and C of the liturgical cycle. It is perfect for parishes who schedule a childrens Liturgy of the Word as well as for those who simply want materials to prepare children for the weekly liturgy. It is geared to ages 5-8 and for each week of the lectionary cycle there are creative hand-out activity sheets that involve children in the scriptural message. Best of all, it offers informative background notes and directions for liturgy leaders, parents, catechists, and all who work with parish children. This is a must-have resource for every parish.

GOD KNOWS/Wisdom for Everyday Living is spiritual nourishment for our souls in the challenges that life brings. Pastor Orr reassures us of God’s undying love for us with a sense of promise and adventure, wit and wisdom.

Enter a Sacred Space Wherever You Are Prayer is the raising of our hearts and minds to God. It is a holy and sacred experience open to everyone. Sacred Space: The Prayer Book can lead us into a life of prayer and, in doing so, inspire new expressions and depths of faith. The Scripture, prayers, and reflections in this year’s edition of the beloved series will inspire you to a richer daily spiritual experience throughout the liturgical year and invite you to develop a closer relationship with God. Each day of Sacred Space: The Prayer Book includes a Scripture reading and points of reflection, as well as a weekly topic enhanced by six steps of prayer and contemplation: The Presence of God, Freedom, Consciousness, The Word, Conversation, and Conclusion. Designed to help you stay faithful to your intention to deepen your spiritual journey, Sacred Space: The Prayer Book is the perfect gift for your parish, campus ministry program, small group, friend, family member, or yourself.

This is a humorously written motivating adventure that encourages the champion within us all. Inside the covers of its captivating insights, you will find strategies that will enable you to go the distance in any challenge you face in life. You are sure to relate to the message that is shared and will be counted among the successful as you apply the lessons that are taught through experiences of endurance and perseverance.

‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away’ (Luke 21:33) At the weekday Eucharist we read from sections of all four gospels in the course of the liturgical year. The reflections in this book are based predominantly on the gospel readings for the weekdays of the coming liturgical year, 2021/22, with occasional references to the first reading. They follow the sequence of the weeks of the calendar year, beginning on the 29th November, Monday of the first week of Advent. In the course of the liturgical year, the gospel readings present us with a significant selection of the words and deeds of Jesus from all four gospels. In and through these gospel readings we encounter the living word of the risen Lord to his church. There is rich fare here to nourish our faith life and to help us to grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord. These short reflections attempt to listen to the Scripture passages on their own terms, while showing how they can continue to speak to our church and our world today. Many people feel drawn to basing their prayer on the Scriptures, in particular the gospels. It is hoped that these reflections will serve as a help to prayer for people of faith. They may also be of service to priests who seek to offer a short reflection on the gospel reading of the day to their parishioners. In parishes where, from time to time, there is a Liturgy of the Word in place of Mass, the Minister of the Word might read the corresponding reflection after the gospel reading. On most week days, the same readings are proclaimed in the church throughout the world in the setting of the Eucharist. To read and reflect upon the readings for the weekdays of the liturgical year is to go on a spiritual journey with the universal church.

These are selections from the Notebook of Abbot Philip Lawence that describes the life of monks in a monastery in New Mexico. Abbot Lawrence reveals the day to day existence and principles of what it takes to live a life of prayer, obedience, and perseverance in a Benedictine Abbey.

Understand Daniel as never before. Drawing from his research in ancient Jewish sources and knowledge of the original language, Doukhan recreates the world of Babylon, explains obscure allusions, and finds hidden patterns within the prophecies that clarify their meaning.