The Way of the Boy Jesus (Paperback)

Paperback. The Return to Nazareth is the third volume of The Way of the Boy Jesus, a four-book Catholic catechetical and devotional series centered on friendship with Jesus through contemplation of His childhood and youth. This volume follows the final events of Jesus' pilgrimage to Jerusalem at age twelve: the three days He remains behind in the Holy City, His parents' search for Him, their reunion in the Temple, and the Holy Family's journey back to Nazareth. It comprises Phases 5 and 6 and Mysteries 22-32 of The Way of the Boy Jesus. While the previous volume emphasizes the reader's effort to grow in the spiritual life, The Return to Nazareth explores a deeper stage of friendship with Jesus in which God increasingly draws the soul toward Himself. The mysteries introduce themes from the Catholic contemplative tradition, including longing for God, spiritual desolation and consolation, meditation, infused prayer, discernment, humility, interior recollection, and the action of the Holy Spirit. The descent from Jerusalem to Nazareth becomes an image of the journey into the interior life. Following Mary, who treasures the words of Jesus in her heart, the reader learns to turn inward toward the soul, where God dwells, and to discover a deeper peace and friendship with Christ. Sacred Scripture, imaginative narratives, Catholic teaching, the wisdom of saints and spiritual authors, lessons on prayer, and practical resolutions accompany the reader throughout this journey. The book draws especially upon the rich spiritual tradition of the Church to help explain both active prayer and the more hidden work of God within the soul. Ultimately, The Return to Nazareth invites the reader to move from simply seeking Jesus to allowing Him to transform the interior life, preparing the way for the mature friendship with Christ explored in the final volume. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…