Synopses & Reviews
Fr. Fichtner offers a striking retelling of the passion narrative that enables anyone to participate in the crucifixion today as a Peter; Mary Magdalene; John, Son of Zebedee; or Mary, Mother of Jesus - not only in the suffering but also in the triumph. He vividly retells thirty-eight of Jesus' stories by characterizing fifteen people who are somehow, for better or worse, involved in the crucifixion of Christ. The characterizations are drawn from the gospel sources of the Passion narrative and described in the historical present tense to be applicable today. Each presentation concludes with a reflection-prayer that updates the event of the crucifixion and shows its personal and social implications.
Adults or teens participating in passion plays will appreciate the insights Fr. Fichtner offers into these characters. For those seeking a lenten reflection, this look at human life at the start of the first millennium helps us reflect on our own lives at the start of the third.
Chapters are Peter," "Judas Iscariot," "The High Priests," "Pontius Pilate," "The Crowd of Spectators," "Barabbas," "Roman Soldiers," "Simon of Cyrene," "Women of Jerusalem," "The Mother of the Zebedees," "The Two Thieves," "Mary Magdalene," "John, Son of Zebedee," "Mary, Mother of Jesus," and "Christ Crucified." Includes illustrations.
Joseph Fichtner, OSC, is a member of the Crosier community of Phoenix and assists at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. He is the author of numerous books and articles."
Review
Fr. Fichtner's essays are indeed character-building, and transformative, as we see our lives anew in the light of grace at work in these all too human persons.Anthony Schueller, S.S.S., Editor, Emmanuel
Review
. . . written in a very simple, homey style blending together historical, scriptural and spiritual insights for the reader's enrichment.Sarah O'Malley, O.S.B., Pastoral Minister of Care, Most Holy Trinity Parish, Phoenix
Review
It is gratifying to see the fine work which he has turned out. . . . Good for Lenten reading or meditations on Fridays, the reflections are simply and clearly presented.Rev. Anthony L. Chenevey, Past editor of Alba House Books and Pastoral Life Magazine
Review
. . . a fresh mode for reflection and prayer for the Lenten and Easter seasons.St. Anthony Messenger
Synopsis
Fichtner offers a striking retelling of the passion narrative that enables anyone to participate in the crucifixion today as a Peter, Mary Magdalene or Mary, Mother of Jesus, not only in suffering but also in the triumph. He vividly retells 38 of Jesus' stories by characterizing 15 people who are somehow involved in the crucifixion of Christ. Each presentation concludes with a reflection-prayer which updates the event of the crucifixion and shows its personal and social implications.
Synopsis
Fr. Fichtner offers a striking retelling of the passion narrative that enables anyone to participate in the crucifixion today as a Peter; Mary Magdalene; John, Son of Zebedee; or Mary, Mother of Jesus--not only in the suffering but also in the triumph. Adults or teens participating in passion plays will appreciate the insights Fr. Fichtner offers into these charcters.