Disciples: Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus in today's world? What is discipleship? Disciples: Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times is a collection of a number of articles on a variety of biblical and ethical themes. Many of these articles come from Spirituality and Catholic Update. From this mosaic of articles emerges a portrait of the faithful disciple in the twenty-first century. Disciples develops various aspects of the moral-spiritual life, the life of discipleship, in the midst of the blessings and challenges of everyday lives. Some of those blessings include the wisdom of the scriptures, the grace of Eucharistic celebrations, and the many areas of renewal begun in Vatican II. Some of the challenges include relativism and indifference, poverty and sickness, violence and war, suffering and death. This book, solid theology in a readable style, invites readers into deeper insight, prayer, discussion, and action. It will be useful for individuals and parish groups such as RCIA, Mystagogy, Vincent de Paul, Christian Life Communities, and Just Faith. With profound trust and great hope, Disciples: Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times offers light for following Jesus.

About the Author :
Kenneth R. Overberg, S.J., is a professor of theology at Xavier University. He received a Ph.D. in social ethics from the University of Southern California. His books include the award-winning Conscience in Conflict: How to Make Moral Choices, and is a frequent contributor to Catholic Update.

Review :
"Fr. Ken Overberg writes from and speaks to the heart that longs to know God--and thus he is willing to challenge our long-cherished idols and complacent ideas about God. With a rare combination of theological clarity and pastoral wisdom tested in a lifetime of generous presence to his students, colleagues, and fellow adult pilgrims, Overberg's vision of discipleship flows from Jesus' call to participate in the ongoing wonder of incarnation, the creative process "of God's eternal longing to become human." Jesus is not "God's second thought," a divine rescue mission, and neither are we! Here the measure of all things human and divine is life itself and the freedom for love. And indeed, "What a difference this makes for our relationship with God!" By gently reordering our imaginations toward the God of life and love, Disciples gives us reason to hope, and courage to follow." Christopher Pramuk Chair of Ignatian Thought and Imagination; Associate Professor of Theology Regis University "This slim, seemingly ordinary volume shines with extraordinary wisdom. Like his Jesuit confrère, Pope Francis, Kenneth Overberg has a gift for drawing our eyes to Jesus--calling us to take up the radical demands of discipleship, inspired by the sheer joy of following him. Short, reflective chapters move from the birth of our savior to the end of our days--full of insights that light the imagination, spark discussion, and lead into prayer." Edward P. Hahnenberg, Ph.D. Jack and Mary Jane Breen Chair in Catholic Systematic Theology John Carroll University "In this book Kenneth Overberg S.J. shows a refreshing capacity to combine excellent scholarship and readability. A consummate teacher, Kenneth starts each chapter by posing the relevant questions and challenging the reader to pause and reflect, before he presents possible ways of addressing the topic at hand and offering, as well as analyzing in many cases, Ecclesial responses. An inspiration to all of us, Disciples challenges us to embrace, and live with integrity, the message of Jesus in these: Extraordinary Times." Barbara Fiand SND de N