Gospel Days: Reflections for Every Day of the Year

Author: Joan Chittister

“Sometimes the best prayer comes out of reading rather than praying. Good reading touches all the questions of our life, stretches us beyond ourselves to find answers, and brings us face-to-face with the Mystery that is God. Benedictines call that ‘lectio.’ Thoughtful reading.” So writes Joan Chittister in this collection of reflective quotations for each day of the year based on her own interpretations of scripture.

Chittister delves into some complex and difficult biblical themes in the twelve chapters, including goodness, guilt, forgiveness, surprise, adversity, grief, and gratitude. The author continually impresses with her ability to spark our spirit with illuminating quotations. A few examples will suffice. “To be smart is an accident, to be beautiful is a cultural definition, but to be good is a choice.” Another: “We need a passion for life, a surge of gratitude, so deep that we will do whatever it takes to guarantee the fullness of life for the entire world.” And finally: “Everyone we meet in life is on a mission to teach us something new. Surprise!” By all means let Joan Chittister be your surprising teacher.