Advent reading: a new book from Gerry O'Mahony SJ

Well known spiritual writer, Fr Gerald O'Mahony SJ, has produced a timely new book of daily reflections to help us through the Advent season.  Since 1982, Fr O'Mahony has lived and worked at Loyola Hall, the Jesuit Spirituality Centre at Rainhill on Merseyside, where he is involved in retreat giving, spiritual direction, giving courses on Ignatian Spirituality, and writing.

Fr O'Mahony's latest book, Coming and Going, provides daily scripture readings, a reflection, a response and a prayer, making the book useful for anyone who wishes to intensify their prayer in preparation for the celebration of Christmas.

The author, who is described as an 'old hand at giving new insights', has a particular skill in interpreting well known passages for the particular circumstances of modern living.  I only have space here for one example; in the reflection on the fourth Sunday of Advent, Fr O'Mahony connects the 'God is love' with the 'love is …' definitions of I Corinthians 13. So we see God is always patient and kind, never rude or boastful, slow to take offence etc. This gives a whole new insight into who we conceive God to be, and once we have worked out who God is, then we can begin to consider what our response should be.

As Advent is just round the corner, you will have to be quick to order a copy of this book. If you are thinking of giving it as a Christmas present, make sure the recipient gets it well before Christmas!

ISBN-13: 9781848673939 ISBN-10: 1848673930
Publisher: Kevin Mayhew £11.99
Available from Loyola Hall (link below) and Christian bookshops everywhere.
Reviewed by Father Tim Curtis SJ


 Loyola Hall