Jesus: A Pilgrimage (2016)
James Martin, S J
The bestselling author James Martin was an American businessman before becoming a Jesuit.
This book is the result of a visit to the Holy Land that the author undertook in the company of his colleague Fr George Williams. It is an extraordinary book, a combination of travelogue, memoir, Bible scholarship, historical document and spiritual retreat. Through vivid storytelling and personal reflection, Martin invites readers to join him as fellow pilgrims, exploring the sacred sites of the Jesus story. Along the way, he highlights lesser-known facts and connects the ancient narratives with the author’s own life experiences. From Bethlehem to Jerusalem, the narrative unfolds, weaving together historical context, geographical details, and theological insights. Martin’s journey is not merely an academic pursuit but a spiritual quest, grounded in prayer, experience, and pilgrimage. As readers journey through contemporary Israel with Martin, they encounter Jesus not just as a figure in the Gospels but as a living presence.
At the heart of the book lies a fundamental question: “Who is Jesus to you?” Drawing inspiration from the Caesarea Philippi episode in Mark’s Gospel, Martin explores the dual nature of Jesus as fully human and fully divine. He emphasizes that Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and challenges but remained free from sin. Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, Jesus: A Pilgrimage offers readers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Christ and their own faith. Each chapter includes questions for personal reflection or group discussion, inviting readers to engage with the material on a deeper level. Ultimately, Martin’s retelling of the life of Christ serves to illuminate the central message of the Gospels while staying faithful to church teachings and traditions.
The Book of Joy. Lasting Happiness in a Changing World (2016)
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams
This book stems from a unique collaboration between two eminent spiritual leaders and Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Both were deeply involved in political struggles against oppression – Tutu against apartheid in South Africa and the Dalai Lama against Chinese aggression in Tibet. They are highly qualified to discuss this topic, as they represent two major world religions and have personally endured cruelty, exile, and violence. Despite these hardships, they emerged as exceptionally joyful individuals, speaking of human happiness not despite these challenges, but because of them.
In 2016, Bishop Tutu visited the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. They spent seven days together, during which Douglas Abrams recorded their discussions and friendship. Their main focus was on human joy. The book captures their lively interactions, playful teasing, and warm exchanges, all while they reflect on today’s challenging global issues.
In their joint statement, titled “Invitation to Joy,” they assert that the future is not determined by fate but by our actions. Three key lessons evolve from their discussions.
- Suffering is inevitable in life, but adopting an attitude of compassion towards others can help alleviate it.
- While we can’t always control suffering, we can develop mental resilience to cope with it better.
- Instead of letting anger and stress consume us, cultivating compassion and sadness can lead to productive responses. Converting fear into joy and reflecting on sadness can empower us to take positive action to address challenges.
The book ends with a chapter on “Joy Practices,” offering practical tips for cultivating daily joy. Additionally, it provides insights into the life and rituals of the Tibetan Buddhist community in Tibet.
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