Come Next Spring

There is no shortcut to knowing Jesus! We can t just rely on doctrines, good liturgies, or inspired preaching. To know Jesus, we must also reflect on scripture and share our personal experiences. The reflections I share in this book are my parables my life experiences placed alongside the stories Jesus told. To encounter Jesus on this parable road, we must ask the questions: Who is my neighbor? What must I do? When did we see you hungry? Where were you when my loved one died? And we must struggle with the answers. It is on this road that you can see my faith lived out. It is on this road that I can share with you the source of my hope and my strength. It is on this road that you can see how I hold on to my faith and why I keep coming back to the Lord s Table. As you read this book, I invite you to place your experiences beside the words of scripture and listen for their meaning in your life. James R. Welter, Author Jim Welter s personal and often poignant gospel reflections encourage readers of all denominations to understand the events of their daily lives in light of the teachings of Jesus. Writing from a deep, ecumenical spirituality, Jim combines wisdom and wit with a passion for Scripture. Rev. Dr. Audrey Borschel, Senior Minister, Central Christian Church, Anderson, IN So often, scripture reflections are either learned but preachy or comforting but ill informed. Jim s genius lies in his ability to combine the insights of a Biblical scholar with the comforting perspective of a person speaking from his own life experience. Bill Bradbury, Writer and St. Monica Parishioner MA, Pastoral Studies, Loyola University

Jim Welter served as a Pastoral Associate of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis, Indiana, for seven years. He was born and raised in Northern Indiana, and is proud to be a native Hoosier. Jim has been married for more than 30 years and is the father of two sons. Jim became interested in scripture as a teenager and has followed a self directed scripture study program for many years. He has attened Bible study seminars presented by some of the world s foremost Catholic scholars. In 1995, Jim recieved his B.A. in Religious Studies (Magna Cum Laude) from Indiana University, where he was recognized as an Outstanding Scholar