Spiritual survival during the pandemic, reduced employment, unrest in our streets, and enforced reduction of public worship in many places throughout the world requires the Christian to master techniques for triumphant living. Joy for the Journey: The Royal Road in Time of Distress is a step along the road to peace and joy—even in dark times.

The book responds to the observation that although Christian joy is the lifeblood of our faith, many of us still do not demonstrate that joy. “Many years ago, I opened the magazine Commonweal to see a group picture of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Their faces expressed the weight of the world, or pessimism about the problems of the world.”  They did this while standing under a banner, which read: Share our joy! The author begins a meditation about why we accept lifeless responses to the most remarkable story ever told, to the celebration of the hope of the world.

As you read, you will distinguish between joy and happiness. Although written from a Catholic point of view, the journey of this book will be of value to all followers of Christ. You will break open God’s word in both Testaments and delve into early Christian writings. In the process, you will learn how the Bible and previous generations of Christians dealt with this lack of joy.  The Lord has given grace, truth, and life to the believer, and yet our faces and manners exhibit signs of defeat.

Joy for the Journey counters that inconsistency. You will journey on the Royal Road, which is a metaphor for constant, safe, and productive travel along the way of truth. You will have the opportunity to explore prayer that will free you to see blessings all around you. Such prayer strengthens you against temptation and sin. The resources in this book are grounded in the Holy Word of God and from the author’s varied experiences and extensive education.

I am glad to announce that my book is available on pre-order from amazon.com. I am also glad to let you know that 50% of the royalties on each book that you pre-order will be donated to St. Raymond Parish. When pre-ordering the print edition of Joy for the Journey, please use the complete name of the book, Joy for the Journey: The Royal Road in Time of Distress. May this book be a blessing to you and the Parish. You can pre-order my book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Journey-Royal-Road-Distress/
dp/1098318056

Blessings,

Fr. Bob