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Book Review: 10 Promises of Jesus by Marge Steinhage Fenelon

By Brandon Harvey

My video review of this book is available on youtube at the Home Catechesis YouTube Page (CLICK HERE!)

 

One of the most common objections to Christianity is not rooted in philosophy or doctrine but rather the existence of evil and suffering in a world that Christians profess to be created by a Loving God. The Church wisely states, “no quick answer will suffice. Only Christian faith as a whole constitutes the answer to this question….There is not a single aspect of the Christian message that is not in part an answer to the question of evil” (CCC 309).

Within the classroom or an exchange of scholars this conversation will focus on Salvation History and the Church’s corresponding doctrines. For the average person struggling with and through a traumatic event, something else is needed to provide the answer that comes from the “Christian faith as a whole.” That approach of providing witnesses to God’s work and the power of Hope, has been crafted together in the book 10 Promises of Jesus by Marge Steinhage Fenelon.

Each chapter of this book begins with a Promise of Jesus. The explanation of the promise is often short and simple followed by a real life story of someone experiencing both suffering and Hope through the corresponding promise. Each chapter features a new story with different forms of suffering and different acts of Hope.

This book is a quick and easy read. I only wish one additional point was made in the book; it is nothing major, but rather an additional point to be made in the footnotes. On page 51 a long footnote is provided to explain “last rites” but fails to mention 1 of 3 sacraments celebrated in this liturgical celebration: Confession/Penance. Penance is only mentioned within the circumstance of someone not able to make it to Confession. It also would have been a wonderful opportunity to explain the importance of the sequence of the rites within the context of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Thus, just as the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist form a unity called “the sacraments of Christian initiation,” so too it can be said that Penance, the Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute at the end of Christian life “the sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland” or the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage. –CCC 1525

Penance/Confession restores us to Baptismal Grace. The “last rites” of Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Communion mirror the Sacraments of Initiation in their proper order of Baptism, Confirmation (uses an anointing with oil too), and Communion. As you can see, it is not a major issue, but my love for sacramental theology would have loved to have seen it included!

While this book obviously is a benefit to those suffering through something, it is an excellent resource for catechists. Students often ask questions of a personal nature in response to catechetical content. They hunger to understand if the faith has any relevance for their daily life. This book will provide catechists with examples of the Christian Faith in action during times of suffering.

 

My video review of this book is available on youtube at the Home Catechesis YouTube Page (CLICK HERE!)

 

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Read all posts by Brandon Harvey Filed Under: Book Reviews, Featured, Reader Suggestions Tagged With: Healing, resources

About Brandon Harvey

Brandon Harvey is a Teacher, Speaker and Theological Consultant who resides in Omaha, Nebraska. While receiving a BA in Theology and Philosophy minor, an MA in Theology (Franciscan University), and continued graduate studies in Liturgy, he has spent the last 12 years teaching adults, deacon candidates, catechists, Catholic school teachers, college students, teenagers, and children.

Since 2007 Mr. Harvey has given nearly 100 theological presentations at conferences, retreats, parishes, and various groups. He has also spent the last several years providing theological consultation for Catholic films and books for children, and has developed various catechetical resources and materials being used by Catholic children around the country. He is known for his expertise in liturgical catechesis and pedagogical methodology.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Harvey has also spent time working in fields of evangelization. He served as the first Director of Youth Ministry at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, served as the first Director of Adult Evangelization at Christ the King Church in Omaha, and served as the first full-time Headmaster of Chesterton Academy of Omaha (renamed St. Barnabas Academy).

He married his high-school sweetheart from Gretna Public High School. They have four children.
​
Need a speaker or consultant? Contact: catechistharvey@cox.net

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