The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic - Matthew Kelly

The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic
How Engaging 1% of Catholics Could Change the World
Matthew Kelly
Wellspring Publishing
formerly
Beacon Publishing for
Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781937509262
eISBN 9781937509323
ASIN B00A3YOVL2


To be honest this book has been on to be read list for a few years. But every time I went to read it, I always ended up starting something else. But over the last year I have read 11 books by Matthew Kelly and it was time to work through this one. The interesting thing is once I overcame the resistance to start it I could not put it down. The book is easy to read, but will take a lifetime of effort to apply. The book is about becoming engaged so that we can be used by God as tools to engage and challenge others. Like much of what I have read by Matthew Kelly the key teaching is about becoming 'the best version of yourself.' And through that process being a better witness and servant to God, the church and others.

The first paragraph of this book is: "Transforming people one at a time is at the heart of God's plan for the world. It is also essential to developing dynamic marriages, loving families, vibrant parish communities, thriving economies, and extraordinary nations. If you get the man right (or the woman, of course), you get the world right. Every time you become a-better-version-of-yourself, the consequences of your transformation echo through your marriage, family, parish, nation, and beyond to people and places in the future. It is God who does the transforming, but only to the extent that we cooperate. God's grace is constant, never lacking. So our cooperation with God's desire to transform us is essential; it is the variable. Are you willing to let God transform you?" In many ways this book is like an 80/20 analysis of the church. But Matthew focuses on a 7%; for that is the number that keeps coming up in his research. Matthew Kelly walks us through what vibrant engaged Catholics look like and what makes them different from the rest of the Catholics in the pews on Sunday's or who only attend occasionally.

The 4 Signs of a Dynamic Catholic from Matthews's extensive research are:

• Prayer
• Study
• Generosity
• Evangelization

Or in a longer format:

• Dynamic Catholics have a daily commitment to prayer.
• Dynamic Catholics are continuous learners.
• Dynamic Catholics are generous.
• Dynamic Catholics invite others to grow spiritually by sharing the love of God with them.

From Matthews research 7% of Catholics are doing 80% of the work in parishes and ministries. But his challenge and I believe one of the primary focuses of The Dynamic Catholic Institute is to grow that 7%, even if just by 1% a year. Matthew states: "If just 7 percent of Catholics are accomplishing more than 80 percent of what we are doing today, imagine what 14 percent could do. Not to mention what 21 percent or 35 percent could accomplish. Our potential is incredible. The Catholic Church is a sleeping giant. We literally have the power to change the world." One of my favourite Matthew Kelly quotes is "Most people overestimate what they can do in a day, and underestimate what they can do in a month. We overestimate what we can do in a year, and underestimate what we can accomplish in a decade." by Matthew Kelly from the book The Long View, This book and most of Matthews work for the church focuses on that long view. Engaging 1% more each year, until after a decade we have a force capable of transforming the world. 

I want to provide you with one quote from each of the four signs:  

1. Dynamic Catholics have a daily commitment to prayer.
"The 7% have a daily commitment to prayer, a routine. Prayer is a priority for them. They also tend to have a structured way of praying. Many of them pray at the same time every day. For some it means going to Mass in the morning and for others it means sitting down in a big, comfortable chair in a corner of their home or taking a walk, but they tend to abide by a structure."

2. Dynamic Catholics are continuous learners.
"Jesus doesn't just want followers. He wants disciples. To be a Christian disciple begins by sitting at the feet of Christ to learn."

3. Dynamic Catholics are generous.
"The 7% are universally described as being generous, not just with money and time, but with their love, appreciation, praise, virtue, and encouragement. They see generosity as the heart of Christianity and the proof that the teachings of Christ have taken root in their lives."

4. Dynamic Catholics invite others to grow spiritually by sharing the love of God with them.
"Though they don't consider themselves to be actively evangelizing, they are constantly trying to help people develop vibrant spiritual lives by discovering the genius and beauty of Catholicism."

Each chapter of this book is structured the same. There is a main teaching section. This is followed by a chapter summary and then key concepts. The teaching of the chapters is condensed into a page or 2 and then a few key points. This triple repetition of the main teachings really hammers home and helps to reinforce the main teaching.

I believe this book is more than worth the price and the time just for the chapter on prayer. At the beginning of this chapter Kelly states "When I am spiritually healthy, nothing bothers me." And from the many personal examples he gives it proves true. I know from my own experience, if I pray the Rosary while walking to work the day always goes better than if I miss it and end up praying it later in the day. This chapter emphasises a routine in prayer, but it is not a 6 step plan. It highlights many key practices and structures and lets you figure out the best for you.

Having been intentional and reading over 70 Catholic books this year. I have a love of study. But what I appreciate most about the chapters on study if that it is not just about finding truth. It is more about facing the truth and working hard to follow it. 

The generosity challenge really hit me in this book. Most people especially living pay check to pay check cannot immediately jump to giving 10% or a tithe. Their budget just cannot support it. But Matthew Kelly has a 1% challenge, he states: "So, this is my challenge to you. I call it the Generosity Challenge. Take some time over the next week or two and calculate what you gave to your church, charities, and people in need last year as a percentage of your annual income. Once you have that number, I challenge you to give one percent more of your income this year than you did last year. Furthermore, I challenge you to increase this giving percentage by one percent of your income each year until you reach a tithe of 10 percent (or until it simply is not possible or prudent for you to give any more). Goals bring out the best in us. We have goals for everything else; isn't it time we had some generosity goals?".

And the Fourth sign is evangelism. Kelly says" Throughout the Win and Build stages, one of the things that happens to people is that they start to feel good about being Catholic. We don't talk anywhere near enough about this. In the context of a theological discussion or Church governance this might seem a little soft, but it is absolutely essential to the life and growth of the Church. Highly engaged Catholics feel good about being Catholic. They are inspired Catholics."

As I mentioned at the beginning, I encountered great resistance every time I went to read this book. In fact in sat on my to be read shelf for a few years. But once I picked it up I could not put it down. This book is an incredible read and I highly recommend it!

Books by Matthew Kelly:
I Know Jesus
The Long View
Decision Point: The Workbook
Decision Point: The Leader Guide
The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic
The One Thing
Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction
Why Am I Here?
Perfectly Yourself: 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness
Perfectly Yourself Discovering God's Dream For You
Building Better Families: A Practical Guide to Raising Amazing Children
The Dream Manager
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved
The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
Building Better Families - 5 Practical Ways to Build Family Spirituality
The Book of Courage
The Shepherd: A Modern Parable about Our Search for Happiness
Mustard Is Persecution, Matthew Kelly Foundation
A Call to Joy - Living in the Presence of God
The Rhythm of Life: An Antidote For Our Busy Age
Words from God
Resisting Happiness
The Narrow Path
Our Father
The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
Why I Love Being Catholic
Good Night, Jesus
In a world where you can be anything ...

Coach: 365 Days of Inspiration for Coaches and Players 

I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's 

Life is Messy

Difficult Teachings

The Rocking Chair Prophet

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory

Best Christmas Ever - Worst Christmas Ever

The Three Ordinary Voices of God

Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy

33 Days to Divine Mercy

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory for Kids

The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality 

The Forgotten Way 

33 Days of Miracles, Wonders and Grace 

...

Beautiful ... Series:

Beautiful Hope
Beautiful Mercy

Beautiful Eucharist

...

Rediscover Books by Matthew Kelly:
Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose
Rediscover Advent
Rediscover Lent
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation
Rediscover the Rosary: The Modern Power of an Ancient Prayer
Rediscover the Saints

Audio by Matthew Kelly from Lighthouse Media:
Becoming The Best Version Of Yourself
The Best Way To Live
Don't Just Try, Train
Faith At Work & The Holy Moment
The Four Signs Of A Dynamic Catholic - Excerpt
The Jesus Question
My Spiritual Journey
Our Lives Change When Our Habits Change
Raising Amazing Children
The Seven Levels Of Intimacy
The Seven Pillars Of Catholic Spirituality

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

The Transformation: GTE 45 - Faren R. Siminoff

The Transformation: GTE 45
Faren R. Siminoff
Starry Night Publishing
ISBN 9780692766101
eISBN 940158001215
ASIN B01DCIQXJS




I read this book with both a bit of fear and fascination. Much like Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal I fear that some people might take this book seriously. The book is in some ways a terrifying read, especially after the recent US election and the aftermath that we are still witnessing. Set in the rebranded Corporate States of America, where people are classified and are wither contributors or takers. Takers live in walled ghetto's. The 'we' class strive and struggle every day just to stay afloat. And the JC class create jobs and are the elite.

The story follows two people from youth through adult hood. Is also written around the official and unofficial history of the CSA (Corporate States of America).  The GTE The Great Transformation in America took place some 45 years before the main part of our story. Paul Gaugin is a 'we' but he dreams of being an artist. At every turn that dream is squashed and he is threatened with reassignment as a taker and being demoted to the projects. And the other is Layla Saenz, she was raised as a 'taken' and rose from the projects to become a Proffie, a professor at the premier university. But she also likes to break the rules and push the boundaries. She sees something in Paul and loves his art. But she also falls for the Reverend Isaac Freeman the leader of the new state church of the revealed saints.

Following politics and corporate green it would not be a long shot to see a story like this come true. If good people do not stand up, soon no one is left to stand up. The book is disturbing and a true dystopian novel. But from this book the GTE was planned and worked for by the top 1% for many years before their plans came to pass. And with what we are seeing in the wake of the 2016 presidential election we can only hope this book is not prophetic.

It was a good read. I was glued to the story and wanted to find out what would happen next. But in the way that you witness an accident and cannot turn away, you want to, but you just cannot. Once you start this book you will be hooked in that way. It is an interesting read and a cautionary tale.

Books by Faren R. Siminoff:
The Transformation: GTE 45
Crossing the Sound: The Rise of Atlantic American Communities in Seventeenth-Century Eastern Long Island
Tackling College Admissions: Sanity + Strategy = Success

Fire and Light - Jacques Philippe - Learning to Receive the Gift of God

Fire and Light: 
Learning to Receive the Gift of God
Jacques Philippe
Scepter
ISBN 9781594172533

To say that I am a fan of Father Jacques Philippe's writings would be an understatement. I first discovered his writings while on retreat 10 years ago. I have read most of his books that are available in English more than once. His writing is so down to earth. He exudes peace and gentleness through his writings. Though he often deals with deep subjects he presents the truths in very accessible ways. And though I have only read Father Jacques works in translation I find that they are excellent for personal spiritual growth.

But this specific book is a little different than most of his other books. It is a collection or articles and lectures. The theme that ties them together is that of accepting the gifts of God, of learning to experience and live in the grace of God. And in this book Philippe draws from many and varied sources to highlight examples of that grace. He draws from the following sources:

Bernard of Clairvaux
Catherine de Bar
Christiane Sanson
Emmanual Hatzidakis
Etty Hillesum
Faustina Kowalska
Geneviève of the Holy Face
Glenn E. Myers
J. Daoust
Jean-Claude Sagne
Joel Guibert
John Leinenweber
John of the Cross
John R. Sommerfeldt
Lorenzo Scupoli
Louis de Montfort
Marie de la Trinité
Peter of Alcántara
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Francis
Pope John Paul II
The Desert Fathers
Thérèse of Lisieux

And many of them he quotes from more than one source, or more than one time. To be honest I have added 5 books to my to be read list just from the quotes that Father Philippe had in this volume. 

The chapters in this book are:
1. Spiritual Receptivity: Learn to Receive 
2. Living in God's Sight with Thérèse of Lisieux 
3. "When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong!" 
4. True and False Freedom 
5. Interior Peace, a Spiritual Urgency 
6. In Quest of Identity 
7. Eucharist and Faith 
8. Eucharist and Hope 
9. Eucharist and Love 
10. Come, Lord Jesus! 
11. Knowing God through Mary 
12. Touching God in Prayer 
13. Teresa of Avila and the Interior Castle 
14. Etty Hillesum, Witness of Hope 

The final section on Etty Hillesum had the biggest impact upon me the first time I read through this book. I encountered Etty about 17 years ago in a Religious Studies course. Father Philippe states this about Etty: "That is how the name and spiritual itinerary of Etty (Esther) Hillesum came to be known. Since then, her renown and influence have grown unceasingly, a sign of how revolutionary and meaningful the interior life to which Etty's journal (and letters) testify is for men and women of today. Her work, of great literary quality, is increasingly recognized as a major memoir of the twentieth century, destined to be a big influence on our times. Very close to us in her sensibilities, her aspirations, her freedom, and also her wandering, Etty, in less than three years, underwent a spiritual transformation that brought her to a surprising interior maturity and freedom, as well as a remarkable blossoming in the love of God and gift of self." There is something incredible about this young woman and her transformation.

But to be honest the book as a whole is wonderful. And once you have read it through you may find yourself randomly picking chapters to read again and again. It is another amazing book by a wonderful writer. So give it a try.

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Other Books By Fr. Jacques Philippe
From Scepter:
Called to Life
Time For God
Interior Freedom
In the School of the Holy Spirit
The Way of Trust and Love - A Retreat Guided By St. Therese of Lisieux
Thirsting for Prayer
Real Mercy: Mary, Forgiveness, and Trust
Fire and Light: Learning to Receive the Gift of God
The Eight Doors of the Kingdom: Meditations on the Beatitudes
Nine Days to Rediscover the Joy of Prayer
Nine Days to Welcome Peace

Nine Days to Strengthen Your Faith 
Priestly Fatherhood

Prayer: Oxygen for the Soul

…

St Paul's Alba House:
Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Discerning Your Vocation: A Catholic Guide for Young Adults (Forward)

...

Pauline Books and Media:
Time For God

...

SingTala:
Time For God
I Choose to be Free: the Power of Faith Hope & Charity (a different edition of Interior Freedom)

...

Contributed to:

Beautiful Hope
…

Behold the Man - Harold Burke-Sivers - A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality

Behold the Man: 
A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality
Harold Burke-Sivers
Ignatius Press
ISBN 9781586178871
eISBN 9781681496757
ASIN B0167ND1N6



At the beginning of last year I made a list of 32 Catholic books I had purchased over the last few years and made a commitment to try and read and review them all over the year. It started as A Year of Reading Intention. This book was on the original list but over the year my goal expanded, currently there are 93 books on the list and of those 93, and I have read 73 of them and this will be the 67th Catholic book to be reviewed that was read this year. 

I was first attracted to this book by its cover. I know we are not supposed to judge a book by its cover but the close up of the rosary and hands clasped in prayer. I do not know who had recommended it; I can think of a number of Christian men I know who might have posted about this book. But as some point I had picked it up. So when I was going through my eReading apps to make a list of books I had but had yet to read, this title was only a few months old. It is one of a few books dealing with manhood from a Catholic perspective I have read this year. Including Be A Man by Fr. Larry Richards and Catholics Wake Up by Jesse Romero. Each of these books offers something different to the dialogue. 

The Chapters in this book are:
Foreword by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample
Introduction
Chapter One: Biblical Manhood
Chapter Two: Covenant Relationship
Chapter Three: Sin and Forgiveness
Chapter Four: Truth and Freedom
Chapter Five: Theology of the Body
Chapter Six: Fatherhood
Chapter Seven: Work
Chapter Eight: The Armor of God
Epilogue
Suggestions for Further Reading
Bibliography

This book draws extensively from church history. To the point that there are 12 primary sources that Deacon Harold draws from to the extend he uses abbreviations for them. Those twelve are composed of the Catechism, 3 Documents from Vatican II, 7 writings of Saint John Paul II, and one Encyclical from Pope Benedict.  And he has almost 120 secondary sources that are quoted in this book. To say that this book is pretty packed full would be an understatement. If it was a meal it would be meat and potatoes, and with a second helping of meat.

Now some might be concerned that with so many sources this book would read like an academic dissertation, but those fears would be completely unfounded. This book from a reading level was a very easy read, and extremely engaging. From a spiritual or personal level not so much. It is one thing to read about being a better man, it is something altogether different to actually apply that knowledge; to learn to live it out day by day. That might be why Deacon Harold provides so many resources at the end of the book for the readers to take this teaching further. In some ways this book makes me think about the 1975 version of the movie Rollerball, James Caan's character - Jonathan E is growing in knowledge, but the more knowledge he attains the harder his life becomes, the more difficult his choices. But like Jonathan once we read this book we will not be able to not remember it. We will carry that knowledge forward. 

The write up about this book states "What is authentic male Catholic spirituality? What distinguishes it from Protestant male spirituality? How does masculine spirituality complement feminine spirituality? These questions and many more are answered in this book." And it truly does a wonderful job of that. 

Not only was this a great read in and of itself. But it is an amazing jumping off pint. Having 128 primary and secondary sources that can lead to further reading it also has a whole sections dedicated suggestions for going deeper. And that list has 42 books, dvd's, websites and ministries.

This book was an excellent read. It was so good I have already picked up another of Deacon Harold's books and added it to next year's reading list. If you want to grow in all areas of manhood as a Catholic, as a Christian than this book is for you, but be prepared to be challenged!

Books by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers:
Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality
The Mass in Sacred Scripture
Father Augustus Tolton: The Slave Who Became the First African-American Priest
Be Strong in the Lord: Spirituality for Men
Ignite: Pray the Bible Like Never Before with Sonja Corbitt
…

Contributed to:
Man Up! Becoming the New Catholic Renaissance Man
Your Marriage: Leader Guide
From Slave to Priest
...

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

An Unexpected Role- Leslea Wahl

An Unexpected Role
Leslea Wahl
eLectio Publishing
ISBN 9781632133045
eISBN 9781632133052
ASIN B01M22KC1J

This was the second book by Leslea Wahl I have read in the last month. It was a nice surprising read. A little bit mystery, a little bit, romance, and a bit of coming of age. But all of that is written around a young woman who is away from her family and figuring out who she really is?  Who she wants to be? And who has a growing faith. One of the key criteria I have when judging young adult books, or really any book for that matter is would I want to read it with my children when it is age and maturity appropriate? Can I recommend it to parents of tweens or the tweens I know? This book gets a resounding yes! 

Leslea Wahl writes in a very easy and engaging style. Her books that I have read to date and specifically this book are what I would categorize as realistic fiction.  Or books much like Madeleine L'Engle's Chronos books, the Austin Family Chronicles. There is nothing supernatural, extraordinary, about this book. It is very grounded. As I stated it is 'realistic fiction'.  I read this book over a few days, there were a few twists in the mystery plot that I had completely guessed wrong. It is good when a mystery throws you a bit. The style of Wahl's written creates enjoyable characters and the protagonist is very relatable.  It is also interesting reading a story where the main characters is a teen daughter of a writer, who often includes her mishaps in her books. 

The big problem in our book is that Josie's mom has gone from writing middle-grade books to writing teen or young adult books. And after her first book in this style comes out Josie is relentlessly harassed by students from school. Yet this time there is nothing in the book that was actually taken from her life. It gets so bad that Joie flees home in Colorado to spend the summer with her Aunt, a painter in South Carolina. Living on an island, and spending days on the sand sounds like just what Jose needs. That is until her first night there and she runs into one of the jocks from back home, Ryan McNaulty. But with a rash of robberies on the island, Josie and Ryan team up to try and help the locals and solve the crimes. But the scuba instructor also has his eye on and plans for Josie for the summer.

This book deals with a number of issues both big and small. Learning to face being bullied, true friendship, standing up for what is right, respect for veterans. And also learning to apply your faith in day to day life. It was interesting watching Josie get post cards from her mother with bible verses written on them. To see her memorize them, and recall other verses in times of need. Her Catholic faith is growing throughout the novel. The book however is not preachy in any way the Christian message in the novel is subtle, no bible thumping.

This was a great fun read. And I really look forward to sharing it with my girls in a few years when they are a little bit older. An excellent read and I look forward to more book by Wahl in the future.

Where You Lead
Christmas Angel 

To Serve and Protect

A Summer to Treasure 

…

Finding Faith Series:

Into the Spotlight

Charting the Course

In Plain Sight

…

An Unexpected Role – Republished as Into The Spotlight

…

Blind Side Series:

The Perfect Blindside

eXtreme Blindside

Ultimate Blindside

…

All For One:

One Blessing at a Time – Episode 1

More Precious Than Gold - Episode 2

Unlikely Witnesses - Episode 3

The Master Plan - Episode 4

…

Unlikely Witness (Original Edition)

…

Contributed to:

Secrets: Visible & Invisible 7 Amazing Stories - Catholic Teen Books
Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens
Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

The Christmas Lights

Ashes Visible & Invisible 10 Stories for Teens

A Foul Christmas

A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol

The Gift of the Angel Tree  

Shadows Visible & Invisible 7 Stories for Teens

A Lack of Christmas Spirits 

…

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

The Horarium - Philip Kosloski - A Simple Guide to Creating a Daily Prayer Schedule That Will Change Your Life

The Horarium:
A Simple Guide to Creating a Daily Prayer
Schedule That Will Change Your Life
Philip Kosloski
Philip A. Kosloski


This is the third book by Philip Kosloski I have reviewed and the fifth that I have read this year. The first two on prayer, Basic Field Manual for Hearing God's Voice and 3 Methods of Prayer That Will Change Your Life were available from Kindle. The next three: Serviam, Distractions and Horarium are available only through his website. These last three are incredible reads. And each of them is a short succinct guide to growing in different areas of your spiritual life. This one has to do with creating a daily routine, in the seminary called the Horarium.  Each of us has the same amount of time we have 7 days a week, 25 hours a day, 168 hours a week and 1440 minutes a day. But many of us do not take advantage of the time we have because we do not have a plan.

Why do some people have amazing prayer lives? Great times of devotion and closeness with God and the saints? And others seem to be very spiritual dry. In part it is intention, and in part it is a plan of life. This book takes the tool of the Horarium, the daily prayer plan.

The chapters in this booklet are:
Introduction: 
Do You Feel Like You Have No Time to Pray?
I. The "Horarium:" A Mighty Weapon Against Satan 
II. What Mother Teresa, Fulton Sheen,
and J.R.R. Tolkien Have in Common 
III. There and Back Again: The Adventure of Prayer 
IV. The Secret to Finding Time for Prayer in a Busy World 
V. Serviam! Finding the Courage to Pray Every Day 
VI.What to Do During Prayer 
VII. How to Develop a (Nearly) Unbreakable Habit of Prayer 
Appendices
i. Resources on Prayer 
ii. Developing a Personal "Horarium" Worksheet

Philip shares his own experience, from leaving high school and being in Seminary and having the structure of his day, devotions, prayers, planned out for him and his spiritual life flourished. When he went home for the summer things began to slide. He stated: "Finding time to pray is not easy outside of seminary life." Later married and with young children. He came to the realization that he needed to create his own prayer schedule his Horarium in order to grow his prayer life. And it is not a set do this at this time. This book knows that there are different kinds of people, night hours and early birds. What the book does is provide tools so you can figure out what will work best for you and then move forward to work on it.

This book has a few things that make it really great. First is Philip's vulnerability, writing from his own experience. Second the exercises that help you work through the teaching and figure out how to apply the teachings. And Third an amazing list of resources if you want to go even further in your learning.

The Horarium can be a compass for your daily life.  And this booklet can help you not only grow in your knowledge about what it is but gives you tools and exercises to create this practice and discipline in your own life. As stated this is an awesome read. I highly recommend it. No matter where you are in your spiritual life, we all have room for improvement. And this book will help you achieve that growth.

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Books by Philip Kosloski:
Basic Field Manual for Hearing God's Voice
3 Methods of Prayer That Will Change Your Life
In the Footsteps of a Saint: John Paul II's Visit to Wisconsin
Star of the Sea: A Mariner's Journey
A Practical Guide to Discern God's Will
Serviam: A Practical Guide to Discerning God's Will
Distractions: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Stay Focused During Prayer
The Horarium: A Simple Guide to Creating a Daily Prayer Schedule That Will Change Your Life
The Last Monks of Skellig Michael

The Tale of Patrick Peyton
...

Finnian and the Seven Mountains:
Issue 1
Issue 2
...

The Mission of Joan of Arc:
Issue 1
...

Moses the Black: Thief, Murderer, Monk , Saint - Jared Zimmerer

Moses the Black Thief, Murderer, Monk , Saint 
Moses the Black #1
Jared Zimmerer
Zimmerer Books
ISBN 9781539481973
ASIN B01MZZ5LCK



This novella is the first instalment in a 10 part series. Picking a lesser known Saint to be the focus of his first foray into the field of fiction was a bold move for Jared Zimmerer. But as they say 'either go big or go home', and Zimmerer pulls it off. This book delivers on its commitment to present saints in all their grittiness, rawness and without a rose filter. Saint Moses the Black is to have lived from 330-405AD. He is also known as Moses the Robber, the Abyssinian or the Ethiopian.  

But our introduction to this man is at a time when he is no saint. In fact he is a slave, accused of murdering another slave. And though he is big and strong and worth a lot as a slave and worker his owner decides to condemn him to death. On the morning of his execution he escapes, and flees into the dessert in order to try and save his life. Meeting an old man in the desert who provides water and a meal, he is saved for the moment but must continue on. Finally reaching Lucrim, Moses and there he joins a band of ruffians, but one that has found a way to buy his freedom. 

Who is this strange patron that wanted Moses in his band? They have been promised riches, robbery and an exciting life, but at what cost? 

This book was a great read. Part history, part mysticism, part speculation but it delivers a thrilling story and leaves you desperate for volume 2. This story will be told over 10 short volumes. In some ways reviving the old serial novelization format, The advantage of this serial release is that we should get new instalments fairly regularly, thus not having to wait long periods for new novels. And as this book is part of a series about lesser known saints once can only speculate on other saints Zimmerer will present in this format. The drawback is that if the others are like this as soon as you finish a volume you will want the next.

An awesome novella that will hook you and you will be addicted waiting for more in the series. Well done Jared well done!   
  

Books by Jared Zimmerer:

The Ten Commandments of Lifting Weights
Man Up!: Becoming the New Catholic Renaissance Man
Building A Classic Physique

30 Days of Optimal Living

Moses The Black:
Moses the Black Book 1

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)