Face to the Rising Sun: Reflections on Spirituals and Justice

Spirituals, songs of abiding faith passed down by African Americans through the centuries, offer a remarkable view of resilience, courage, and love. Formed in the crucible of fire, these songs express the suffering and horror of slavery as well as the love of God and the promise of a better future.

Author Mark Bozzuti-Jones explores the modern-day lessons of these Spirituals with scripture readings, daily devotions, and questions for reflection. With 31 days of devotions, Face to the Rising Sun offers a path forward, a way to repent and name the evils of racism and to learn and grow together in God's love.

Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones is an Episcopal Jamaican priest at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City. He is the priest and director of spiritual formation of Trinity's Retreat Center in West Cornwall, Connecticut. A former Jesuit priest, Mark has missionary experience in Belize, Brazil, and Guyana. He believes that prayer, silence, and rest deepen our connection to God and allow us to name the pain, face the realities of our time, and claim the Way of Love. He is an avid reader, award-winning author, and speaker, and has taught at elementary and university levels. He has a passion for the cultures in Latin America and the Caribbean. His intellectual interests include the impact of social issues on faith and spirituality, racism, and plight of the poor. He loves flowers, Brazilian and Reggae music, and believes in the inculturation of religion. He is a frequent contributor at Forward Movement, and other books include God Created, Jesus the Word, The Gospel of Barack Hussein Obama According to Mark and The Rastafari Book of Common Prayer. He is married to the Rev. Dr. Kathy Bozzuti-Jones; Mark Anthony is their son, the Negus.