By Kevin P. Joyce
“In the spirit of Thomas Merton’s 7 Storey MountainFr. Kevin Joyce’s brand-new book “Surprised by Grace” lures spiritual hunters, non-believers and even doubters to “bet on God.” — Anthony Lilles
October 15, 2024, Kevin Patrick Joyce’s brand-new book Shocked by Grace. A Spiritual Journey from West to East and Back deals a daring story together with a remarkable intro to the spiritual depth of the Christian custom. “After leaving friends and family in his youth, this enthusiast of old classic automobiles starts the reader into a world of Yoga and Zen, the love of Mexico, and the reflective roots of Christian Europe. A legendary experience dancing with the appeal of marital relationship, the draw of celibacy, the call to ministry, and those spaces that just Christ can fill.” [Anthony Lilles, Author of Fire from Above: Contemplation and Mystical Wisdom]
This book tells the story of a dedicated Christian, who dedicated years to examining Asian customs such as Buddhist meditation and Yoga practices with objectivity while staying deeply rooted in his Christian faith. What is amazing about Joyce’s discussion with Asian spiritualities is his avoidance of 2 opposite mistakes in the encounter amongst various belief systems: the propensity towards syncretism and the disparagement of those with contrasting perspectives. Rather, Joyce discovered that a worthwhile discussion is possible when one is rooted in one’s own beliefs while staying open up to the insights and knowledge of other customs.
This spiritual autobiography traces the journey of an agitated boy from an awakening at the age of 7, leaving home to pursue the Catholic priesthood at the age of fourteen, facing an occupation battle in Mexico sped up by falling in love, and leaving the seminary to pursue marital relationship. The story takes a brand-new instructions when he takes part in an Asian spiritual motion that leads him to a six-month meditation course. The course is followed by a spiritual crisis that influences the boy to a continual expedition of Asian and Christian spirituality over a duration of a number of years that climaxes with a Ph.D. argumentation in the location of East-West Interreligious Dialogue. His course takes numerous weaves as he pursues spirituality, experience, love, and a profession in music, all the while seeking his occupation.
In a divided world, Amazed by Grace programs that we can discover deep connections with individuals and customs extremely various from our own. These connections assist us make peace with others and can lead us into a much deeper understanding of our own custom– connections that are specifically helped with by a continual spiritual journey, as shown with beauty and humor in this brand-new publication.
Fr. Kevin Joyce is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of San Jose, California where he has actually served as pastor of big multi-cultural parishes, and director of a spirituality. He now acts as teacher and spiritual director at St.