Book Reviews and More: Trusting in God’s Love - Kathryn J. Hermes FSP

Trusting in God’s Love

Just A Minute Meditations

Kathryn J. Hermes FSP

Pauline Books and Media

ISBN ‎9780819834737

eISBN 9780819834744

ASIN B0DYXN82N1

Trusting in God’s Love - Kathryn J. Hermes FSP - Just a Minute Meditations

I have picked up a most of the volumes in this series over the years but had not got around to reading any of them until earlier this year. As of the writing of this review there are 7 volumes in the series, 4 authors with Sister Kathryn having penned 4 of the volumes. And to date and 4 and penned by Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP. I have four of them on my Kindle purchased over the last two years. But while researching for this review I have found out, at least a few of the volumes are a rebranding of volumes published 8 years ago under the titles “Mediations for …”.

The description of this edition states:

“Journey from the insecurity of fear and doubt to the courage flowing from true security in God’s love. This pocket-sized booklet features thirty Scripture-based meditations and prayers, plus an appendix of additional prayers to inspire confidence in the abiding and unconditional love of God.

Trusting in God's Love is part of the Just a Minute Meditations series from Pauline Books & Media, a collection of themed meditation booklets to help you pray through the challenges of life.”

Another current description is:

“"In every place in our lives where we see failure and disappointment, every part of ourselves we label as unlovable, God writes: 'I love you, and will always love you. Nothing can change that.' " --from the Introduction Let these thirty compelling meditations inspire you to journey from the insecurity of fear and doubt to the courage flowing from true security in God's love. Each day's meditation includes: a Scripture passage, a reflection, a short prayer. Also includes a collection of prayers of trust in God's love.”

About the author we are informed:

“Sister Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP, has been helping people walk the road of spiritual growth and inner healing for decades. She has a masters in theological studies from Weston Jesuit School of Theology and an advanced certificate in Scripture. She is the author of many books, including the bestselling Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach, which has been translated into seventeen languages. She is passionate about sharing the spiritual journey with others. You can find her at her site.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction

1. You Care Even for Me

2. I Have Stilled My Soul

3. You, O Lord, Are Right beside Me

4. I Rely, Lord, on You Alone

5. Lord, If You Will, You Can Heal Me

6. Do You Really Love Me?

7. God Delights in Me

8. For Everything There Is a Season

9. Lord, Do Not Forget Me

10. Let It Be Done to Me According to Your Word

11. You Will Trample My Sins under Your Feet

12. Jesus, Remember Me

13. Who Will Separate Me from the Love of Christ?

14. Give Me a Second Chance

15. Though I Have Not Seen You, I Love You

16. Do You Not Care That We Are Perishing?

17. I Feel the Fascination of Your Gaze

18. My Cross, O Lord, Is Heavy

19. Help Me Not to Be Afraid

20. Let Me Hear of Your Steadfast Love

21. Keep My Eyes Always on You

22. I Want to Go Where You Call Me

23. Father, I Have Sinned

24. Jesus, You Make All Things Work for Good

25. You Laid Down Your Life for Me

26. You Have Conquered the World

27. What Would You Have Me Do?

28. I Welcome Your Gift of Love

29. Help Me to Live the Faith

30. Your Mercies Begin Afresh Each Morning

Prayers

The prayers in a section at the end of the book are:

Psalm 16

Prayer of Trust

Prayer in Times of Anxiety

Jesus, Live in Me

Act of Confidence in God

God’s Dream for Me

Cor Dulce, Cor Amabile (Dear Heart, Loving Heart)

Prayer of Abandonment

Act of Abandonment

I highlighted a few passages while working through this volume, they are:

“In the Gospel Jesus, sent by the Father, announces that we are loved more than the wildflowers and sparrows that God cares for. He whispers this love in quiet conversations, displays this love in dramatic healings, reassures us of this love at the Last Supper, offers this love in laying down his life for us, and remains with us in his love in the Eucharist.”

“If you doubt that God sees you, if you feel that you’re no one special, look how he cares for these simple flowers that grow here and there and everywhere. God cares much more for you.”

“Even as adults, we are as vulnerable as a weaned child, embraced by God at every instant. We were created not to make it through life on our own, but to be cradled and beloved in the everlasting arms of God.”

“Transitions mean letting go of what we have cherished and letting in new horizons. Sometimes we leave behind seasons of our life that have been painful; other times, we find ourselves walking into an era that we’re dreading. God promises that when we are led down winding paths that make little sense to us, the situations we encounter are not random events.”

“We can have confidence that we, too, will be offered a second chance like this again and again—opportunities to be set free to love more lavishly, to reverse self-serving habits, in order to focus on the deeper joys that come with caring for others and living in uprightness and truth.”

“I have never come across anyone who had lost their trust in God who couldn’t remember at least one instant when they had been touched by the Lord’s love.”

“So for forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. There they experienced God’s power and compassion, his presence, and a care more tender than that of a mother. Although they lacked everything they needed and every possibility of taking care of themselves, God nevertheless caused them to flourish.”

A sample day is:

“13 Who Will Separate Me from the Love of Christ?

If God is for us, who is against us? Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:31, 35, 37

Paul wrote this passage after undergoing hardship, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, and perils. He is almost jubilant in his proclamation that nothing he has endured can separate him from Christ’s love.

However, we ourselves may feel that we lack that same kind of trust in the face of troubles that threaten to upend our lives. We may worry that we have failed.

It is important to note that Paul wrote the letter to the Romans toward the end of his life. His confidence in exalting Christ’s triumph over his every suffering had been crafted over many years of reflection, experience, and prayer.

Your own confident trust will grow gradually as you take small but courageous steps of faith. You can begin right now by speaking the words of this passage into the face of whatever hardship you are living.

Lord, I believe that nothing will ever have the power to separate me from you.”

I hope those quotes and sample day give you a feel for this book, and I believe the series. This was a great volume to read and pray through over a month. I benefitted from the reading. It is an easy volume to engage with, and you will benefit based on how much effort you put in. It would be a great book and series for teens, young adults and us older adults as well.

It is a great book and excellent series. I can easily recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books in the Just A Minute Meditations Series:

Embracing Hope in Christ – Kris Frank

Finding God In Times of Depression – Kathryn J. Hermes

Finding Inner Peace – Kathryn J. Hermes

Grieving with Christ – Mary Leonorr Wilson

Growing in Self Esteem - Marie Paul Curley

Healing After Betrayal – Kathryn J. Hermes

Trusting in God’s Love – Kathryn J. Hermes

…

Books by Kathryn J. Hermes: