Rainbows After Rain: Discovering God’s Grace in Everyday Life
by Msgr. Laurence J. Spiteri
Published by Sophia Institute Press
Also available as an ebook and audiobook on the Saintifi app (Try it free for 30 days)
I recently gave birth to our newest little member of the family, so I was looking for a simple and feel-good sort of spiritual read. The serene and peaceful cover of Rainbows After Rain by Msgr. Laurence J. Spiteri made it seem like a great choice to read while nursing on the couch (especially during the cluster feed hour). I found it to be the perfect postpartum mom read (would make a great gift for a new mom, although it was a bit of a tear jerker at times!). However, many people in all different walks of life would benefit from this book that is both a fictional story and Catholic guide book for the journey from birth until death.
We Will all Experience the Journey from Birth to Death
This book journeys through the life of a fictional person named Jimmy – from conception to death. Msgr. Spiteri has a comforting and enjoyable writing style, and, as I read, I loved pondering how God is constantly at work in our lives at every moment. The theme of the book is that God sends us “rainbows” (like He sent to Noah after the flood) to give up hope and strengthen our faith. We just have to be on the look out for them!
The different trials and triumphs throuhout Jimmy’s life were very relatable, and Msgr. Spiter provides throught-provoking reflections at the end of each chapter (called “A Rainbow Moment”) and gentle catechesis throughout.
A Story and a Guidebook
The book also reads like a guidebook composed of Msgr. Spiteri’s valuable wisdom. For example, the section about Jimmy discerning marriage and then entering into marriage was particularly well done, and includes excellent advice for engaged couples. He does not sugarcoat or gloss over the Church’s teachings on marriage and sexuality. I found myself nodding as I read his wise words, and I think all engaged couples or Catholics in the dating scene would benefit from these sections.
The characters in the book face various trials – from terminal illness to helping a loved one navigate drug addiction. Throughout these trials, Msgr. also gives excellent advice on suffering well as Catholics when faced with various physical and emotional trials.
Final Thoughts
This is a lovely book that is entertaining and thought-provoking. Msgr. Spiteri draws from Sacred Scripture, Papal Encyclicals, and more to impart his valuable wisdom to the reader. Although the book is gentle in its advice and catechesis, the author does not shay away from firmly defining and clearly explaining Church teaching on topics such as marriage, sexuality, gender, and the power of the Sacraments. This makes the book great for OCIA candidates or anyone interested in a clear, thoughtful, and simple introduction to the Faith.
One thing that slightly bothered me, but didnt affect the impact of the book, was that almost all of the family members have names that begin with J! I wish Msgr. had chosen names with different letters and sounds to help my sleep deprived brain keep up! 😅
In conclusion, I think that anyone in any state of life – engaged couples, married couples, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, priests, religious, and singles- would be inspired by Msgr.’s words about God’s plan and His goodness.
Rainbows After Rain by Msgr. Laurence J. Spiteri is available from Sophia Institute Press. It is also available as an ebook and audiobook on the Saintifi app.
