With Him ... in Him - Book Review

WITH HIM … IN HIM – Book Review
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8860547001 In Paperback and KINDLE versions
Available from AMAZON

(An old priest meanders through the Sunday Gospels)

Father Jonathan Moore is a priest of the Nottingham Diocese in England, ordained priest in 1975. Now in his fifth decade in ministry, he has a wide experience of pastoral work in both city centre and rural settings. Currently retired, he remains in weekly contact with friends in many parts of the world, sharing a weekly reflection on the Good News.

As he approaches his Golden Jubilee of ordination (and after quite a lot of encouragement from friends) he is aiming (DV) to publish a total of six books comprising homilies for each Sunday of the three year Lectionary cycle.

Although firmly based in the Catholic tradition, his short, simple and conversational reflections are also enjoyed by people of other traditions. With the benefit of a Holy Land pilgrimage thirty years ago, he is able to describe many biblical places and happenings. A prayer life greatly influenced by the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola and “composition of place” has enabled him to enter imaginatively into Gospel stories and bring them to life. His aim is to help people to find God in the circumstances of their own daily lives.

He has visited the Holy Places in Palestine, writing descriptions which help the reader to that “composition of place” which Saint Ignatius Loyola advised as an aid to meditation. His great devotion to Our Blessed Lady, and wide reading experience of the spiritual classics are reflected in his accessible, down-to-earth and practical approach to everyday Christian living.

“With Him … in Him” Book 1 covers the Sundays between the First Sunday of Advent 2023 and Pentecost Sunday 2024.

Written in an easy to follow and understand style this book covers the Sunday Gospels explaining the message therein in a friendly yet comprehensive style.

PERSONAL REVIEWS

If you are looking for a simple, comprehensive and an easy reading commentary of the Sunday homily book, look no further than reading "With Him...In Him" written by Fr. Jonathan Moore.  Very often, when needed, Fr. Jonathan will give a good historical setting to the Gospel.  By reading his homilies you will have lucid and perfect instruction of the Catholic faith.  If you buy Fr. Jonathan's homily book I can assure you will not be disappointed.

 Fr. Francis Maple OFM Cap.

With Him … in Him

I seldom encountered such an apt title on a book cover as on Jonathan E. Moore's homily volume, With Him … In Him. In these meditations, the Author leads us holding our hands to Jesus Christ. I would describe the basic leitmotif of this book as a journey. The author leads us to the places where Jesus lived and worked. He does this, aptly, in the kindly meditative way of Saint Ignatius: 'compositio loci', by defining the place, that is, by inviting the reader to enter the picture, to stand among the disciples, to become one of the characters. He leads us to the persons who are the participants in the Gospel narrative: in them we recognise ourselves and almost hear the words of Jesus addressed to them and to us.

But the author does not stop there: he takes us further into the past, to the biblical events that form the background of the New Testament Gospels. The meditations are enriched by the reflections of spiritual writers, poets and theologians, past and present. It is also delightful that the author allows himself childhood or youthful memories and experiences that bring his message into a human realm.

Finally, the author brings us back to ourselves: each homily ends with spiritual nourishment, with a personalized exhortation. This is the second part of the book's title: In Him. It leads us to Jesus, in whom we find ourselves and with whom we continue our pilgrimage of life. Jonathan's style is fluid, his language is enjoyable, his thoughts are clear, his message is meaningful. This booklet is not only Sunday homily material for many priests who find it difficult to cope with the task of writing a short but meaningful sermon, but also a collection of texts for daily reflection, which the God-seeking soul can open at any time and always find rich nourishment.

Jonathan E. Moore's reflections are the fruit of many years' experience: for decades he was an active pastor in many parishes in England. He is now a parish priest emeritus, but not retired, on the contrary, he is still very active, both by helping out in many parishes, but also, in a special way, by opening a virtual parish and his homilies now reach thousands of people. We wish him long life and look forward to the next volume in his series of reflections.

Rome, 25 September 2023

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mihály Szentmártoni SJ

Book available in paperback and KINDLE formats – AMAZON USA link HERE

AMAZON UK link HERE