*Update*
I finished the book a little while back and felt it worthwhile to provide an update.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for good, practical spiritual guidance!
It’s down to earth and easy to read.
As I mentioned below, I worked my way through many of the lessons outlined in this book the hard way throughout my life. I know a book is no substitute for good, in person, spiritual guidance but this has a lot of great items for these beginning or continuing with their spiritual journey.
I anticipate revisiting this book many times and learning something new each time.
Overview
I saw an ad for Monsignor Rossetti’s new book, When the Lion Roars, on Spirit Daily and thought it looked interesting but didn’t want to purchase a hardcopy. When I checked the other day and found that a Kindle version is now available!
I downloaded it yesterday morning and have been reading it pretty much non-stop. Although I am only about a third of the way through it but highly recommend it for anyone interested in practical spiritual advice.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
It’s a short book of about 150 pages but I’m ready to recommend it despite not having finished it yet. I normally don’t do this but so far it is a book I would highly recommend to anyone working their way through spiritual practice.
What’s it about?
From the publisher:
Awaken to the sound of God’s voice and take up the journey to a rich and full life. How can I open myself to awareness? What if I have encountered God in some profound way? Which experiences are from God and which are of my own making? Are there right and wrong ways to pray? What about my ordinary life in the everyday world?
“Mystics are not part of a small elite society…. Rather, they are people who have come to experience the intense, personal desire God has to share himself with us.” In this lively guide, Steven Rossetti reminds us that becoming a mystic is not a matter of learning some “mystical secret,” but of entering into the divine simplicity of God’s unbounded and unrestrained love. This invitation is for all of us.
In a series of practical, readable chapters, Rossetti addresses the many questions and concerns that arise on the path to deeper prayer. He draws carefully from the wisdom of scripture and uses his broad knowledge of mystical writers, from the Desert Fathers to Therese of Lisieux, to guide us on a road we may never have expected to take. Writing from his own experience of prayer and from his expertise as a spiritual director and therapist, he helps us arrive at a deeper understanding of ourselves as wounded and sinful people who are nevertheless caught up in the transforming love of God.
About the author
From the Spiritual Direction site:
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti PhD DMin is a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse and a research associate professor at the Catholic University of America. He is a licensed psychologist and has been the Chief Exorcist of the Archdiocese of Washington for over 13 years. He is the author of many books and articles, particularly on priestly formation and spirituality. He currently heads the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, whose ministry involves exorcisms, deliverance praying and the support and renewal of priestly spirituality.
I’ve watched some of his videos and read his posts from time to time but I can’t say that I’m very familiar with his work. This is the first book of his that I’ve read but it has piqued my interest.
So far…
It’s very practical and accessible advice about spiritual practice and discernment. I feel that if I would have had this book years ago, it would have saved a lot of confusion and trouble along the spiritual path.
So far, the chapters have focused on the new Christian as they start out on their spiritual path which is a time full of great joy but also hidden peril. Think Matthew, chapter 13.
Based on the table of contents, I imagine this will be a worthwhile read for Catholics who have been practicing for many years also.
I anticipate finishing the book pretty quickly and suspect it will be one that I revisit regularly.
I plan to buy a hardcopy too as I’m one of those readers who likes to make notes and highlight.
Wrap up
A short post today but I was excited to put something out about this book!