Come, Follow Me!

Few things are more critical for our Churches than solid Christian formation of adults, a formation that draws people toward their authentic Eastern tradition without making them feel like strangers in a strange land. This book, by our good friend and Melkite priest, Father Justin Rose, from the remarkable and growing catalogue of Eastern Christian Publications, is an important contribution from a gifted teacher and experienced pastor.

Father Justin takes seriously the tradition of Eastern Christian thought, so clearly stated by Pope John Paul II in Orientale Lumen, that the best way to understand the lay vocation is through monasticism. But can this truth be realized in practice? How can monastic spirituality be made accessible for ordinary Christians in their parishes? Surely you can't just turn the parish into a monastery!

Father Justin approaches the issue with spiritual sensitivity and common sense. His book is designed as a guide for small groups, ideally in a parish or mission setting. Over a period of several months, the book leads the group to develop their spiritual senses through close reading of sacred Scripture--including a recovery of the ancient monastic discipline of committing portions of the Psalms to heart. The participants are given practical advice towards developing a personal prayer rule, fostering accountability within the group and towards a spiritual father or mother. Above all, the book respects the first and greatest aid we have in our tradition to all adult formation: the liturgical life including not only the Divine Liturgy but also the Divine Praises.

Ideal for both Eastern Catholic and Orthodox parish groups, we heartily recommend Come, Follow Me. We have seen first hand the wonderful results a faithful implementation of this program can have in the spiritual life of a parish.