A Still More Excellent Way: How St. Paul Points Us to Jesus

by Joseph Durepos

Book Overview

A Still More Excellent Way provides readers with an inspiring introduction to the spiritual and moral wisdom of St. Paul though fifty-two brief selections from the apostle's writings. Each Scripture selection is accompanied by a story, reflection, or meditation that offers testimony to the unmistakably Christ-centered message of St. Paul. Paul evangelized in the first-century Roman world, but Durepos uses plenty of twenty-first-century pop-culture...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0829427589
• ISBN13: 9780829427585
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Loyola Press
• Length: 118 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Love it!!!

Very easy read. Short stories enable you to put it down and pick it back up without trying to remember where you left off. I would love to be able to reflect and write like Joseph Durepos.

Hope in a cynical age

"We live in a cynical age, and it can render us impotent." When I consider the implications of this assertion as I strive to make sense of this present period of economic, social and political upheaval in our country and around the world, the poignant relevance and singular timeliness of "A Still More Excellent Way" becomes readily apparent to me. This gem of a book is a cherished gift that could not have come to me at a better time! It is a heartfelt collection of modest, yet provocative vignettes that are conveyed with an uncommon attitude of humility and reverence. Consequently, I found for weeks after reading and re-reading my favorite meditations that I carried their influence with me in my daily life as though I had been touched by a gentle hand of grace, and moved by a deep spiritual chord of resonance. I am aware of a subtle and welcome change of perspective in me in response to the invitation presented by these inspired writings. There were many passages cited that were compelling to me by virtue of the depth of positive conviction they conveyed. For example: "Everything Created by God is Good" (p.6). At a time when economic, social and political turmoil all around me tempts me to feel cynical and impotent, it is nourishing to my flagging spirit to be reminded that everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, when received in thanksgiving, having been sanctified by God's word and by prayer. What a simple, powerful and hopeful message for these times! There are many such insights and encouragements offered by Paul that are infused with unabashed affirmation! I point this out because I think it is easy for us to pass this enthusiasm off as the bias of an extraordinary believer. However, I prefer to consider that Paul, with his unique blend of both admonishment and coaching, expected us to take this teaching literally. There is a refreshing challenge he offers that is not intended to be symbolic or metaphorical; rather, it is intended as a call to action in a very real, practical sense, as he reminds us that joy, praise, public disclosure of our belief, hope, faith, love expressed and lived passionately and exuberantly are all part of the Christian's journey. I found this theme to be an essential reminder and a welcome and uplifting inspiration. I heartily recommend that you take time to order "A Still More Excellent Way", to read it, to share it with friends and family, and to give it a place on your bookshelf or in your favorite reading nook where you can refer to it time and again. In these turbulent times, I take comfort in Paul's admonition to us, as men and women of God, to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness, and to fight the good fight of the faith. Joe Durepos has given voice in this gentle reminder to us that whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence

Inspirational and Practical

I highly recommend this book of reflections to those who are busy or have trouble finding God in the humdrum of everyday life. Joe taps into his lived experience as a man of faith to help us grasp the richness of key messages of St. Paul's letters. I found the selections to be both inspirational and practical as a way to help the reader encounter Jesus in the nitty-gritty of life and to contemplate the beauty of God in the midst of human activity. What a beautiful way to honor the legacy of St. Paul!

Reflection for the day

Joe begins with a very good translation of Paul's Letters. His reflections on each identified passage are contemporary and pack a thought provoking gem of spiritual awareness.I find myself thinking of his words of application throughout the day. I only regret that Joe stopped at 52 entries. Mary Carrigan

a still more excellent book

Joe Durepos has created a prayerful, thought-provoking book. He matches a reading from one of St. Paul's letters on one page with a reflection, story, or quote on the facing page. He adds reflection questions where appropriate, but doesn't feel the need to overdo it. I was pleased that Joe accepts that all of Paul's letters 'reflect his mind and heart' rather than excluding some as written after his death, as some authors do. He also includes a very good list of print, audio, and video resources. As a deacon, I found more than a few homily ideas in this Year of Saint Paul! Deacon Greg Ouska