Jesus, Friend of My Soul
April 2020—Reviewed by Ann Gilroy in Tui Motu
Many readers will be familiar with Joyce Rupp’s writing on everyday spirituality. Jesus, Friend of My Soul is another gem—a small book with a two-page reflection for each day of Lent. Each day offers a brief Scripture quote followed by a longer meditation on it, then a prayer and finally a suggested action for the day. And all relate to the purpose of Lent as conversion of heart as we journey through the
40 days to Easter.
I am impressed with this book. Rupp doesn’t offer piosity. Her reflections are intended to challenge and encourage the reader to become intentional about the Christian call to be a “living exemplar and conduit of Christlike virtues”. So the thoughts, prayers and action are written in an easily accessible style and language. And though the format is the same throughout there is no repetition of content and ideas from day to day. Although Lent is nearly over for this year, this little book is worth getting now for next Lent.
April 2020—Reviewed by Trisha Niermeyer Potter on Prints of Grace
I was excited the moment I saw that Joyce Rupp had come out with another book. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by her. Jesus, Friend of My Soul was no exception. In addition to doing morning prayer and the daily Mass readings using the Magnificat, I kept up with these “reflections for the Lenten journey.”
The purpose of this book is to examine, meditate on, and try to live out the qualities Jesus showed during His life. Each day there is a brief Scripture passage, a short reflection, a personal prayer, and an affirmation that relates to one of Christ’s attributes. For example, over the first four days, we are looking to the “One Who…” invites, is disciplined, who prays, and who sees good in others.
For the second day of Lent, the title of the day’s reflection is “One Who Is Disciplined.” The following is the prayer included:
“Bearer of the Cross,
no one wants to have burdens and afflictions,
yet they come into our lives and weigh us down.
I can learn from you how to shoulder my troubles
and find my greatest source of strength in you.
Help me to deny myself when it is required.”
Then the affirmation for the day is: “I choose to accept the cross of my difficulties.”
I highly recommend Jesus, Friend of My Soul. Using it as a Lenten companion was a bit like having a cup of coffee with a Christian friend each day.
