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Son
of God, by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. FaithWords, 2014 Based on the Gospel narrative account of the Passion of Jesus through the eyes of John the Evangelist, the two authors create a small novel. The five chapters entitled Hope, Mission, Betrayal, Deliverance, and New World, follow Jesus from His birth to His resurrection. During Lent of 2013, a longer version of a movie based on this version of
the Passion story "The Bible" was shown on TV. In 2014, the shortened version of this story is being shown in theaters under the title of "Son of God". Some viewers of this movie are disappointed, but others believe it is a movie for this day and age. Written as a novel and complete with an abundance of first person conversations, this story can be easily understood by readers for whom the Gospel account is a bit cumbersome at times. Jesus comes to life in this novel by a husband and wife team. The character and teachings of Jesus and His followers show the impact of the way of the Savior in His day and for today's readers. Customs and cultures add interest and show the harsh realities of Jesus' day. This book is inspirational and shows how Jesus transformed those with whom He associated in the first century. Three messages especially stand out: repentance, redemption, and above all
love. The story begins with the message of Archangel Gabriel and ends with the explanation of the Resurrection and its impact on His followers. The authors believe this is a story told unlike any others
in novel form. Easy reading, this book should appeal to members of all Christian denominations. (Thanks to Sr. Irene Hartman OP for this review.)
Paperback, Hardback
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Saints of the Week
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St. Francis of Paola
(1416-1507): April 2
Francis of Paola was a man who deeply loved contemplative solitude and wished only to be the "least in the household of God." Yet, when the Church called him to active service in the world, he became a miracle-worker and influenced the course of nations.
After accompanying his parents on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, he began to live as a contemplative hermit in a remote cave near Paola, on Italy's southern seacoast. Before he was 20, he received the first followers who had come to imitate his way of life. Seventeen years later, when his disciples had grown in number, Francis established a Rule for his austere community and sought Church approval. This was the founding of the Hermits of St. Francis of Assisi,
who were approved by the Holy See in 1474.
In 1492, Francis changed the name of his community to "Minims" because he wanted them to be known as the least (minimi) in the household of God. Humility was to be the hallmark of the brothers as it had been in Francis's personal life. Besides the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, Francis enjoined upon his followers the fourth obligation of a
perpetual Lenten fast. He felt that heroic mortification was necessary as a means for spiritual growth.
It was Francis's desire to be a contemplative hermit, yet he believed that God was calling him to the apostolic life. He began to use the gifts he had received, such as the gifts of miracles and prophecy, to minister to the people of God. A defender of the poor and oppressed, Francis incurred
the wrath of King Ferdinand of Naples for the admonitions he directed toward the king and his sons.
Following the request of Pope Sixtus IV, Francis traveled to Paris to help Louis XI of France prepare for his death. While ministering to the king, Francis was able to influence the course of national politics. He helped to restore peace between France and Brittany by advising a marriage between the
ruling families, and between France and Spain by persuading Louis XI to return some disputed land.
Francis died while at the French court. americancatholic.org site
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