The Ascent to God: Divine Theosis Revealed and Realized in the Teaching of John Paul II
Ebook
Overview
Called as pope, St. John Paul II emerged onto St. Peter’s balcony proclaiming, “Do not be afraid!” What theology and mystery inspired this surprising proclamation? John Paul II’s quest for holiness was grounded in the mystical insight that we participate in God. We seek the Beatific Vision, the Face of God, through which we are transformed in theosis or divinization. This infusion of grace perfects and unites us. In this book readers will find engaging theology intermixed with spiritual direction and lectio divina meditations. Utilizing Aquinas’ method of scriptural interpretation, we are offered ways of seeking spiritual fulfillment to behold the Beatific Vision. Fr. Tom Kuffel shares personal experiences from his time studying and working in Rome, Nebraska, and Alaska. Reflecting on his own priesthood, his fascinating narratives encourage our own spiritual growth. Readers find fresh ways of engaging Scripture through St. John Paul II’s New Pentecost, encouraging new interpretations of Vatican II.
Father Thomas Kuffel (and Nancy Carol James) expertly weaves together insights from the patriarchs, sacred Scripture, writings of the saints, and his own personal experience, bringing to the forefront God’s endless pursuit of humanity through goodness, beauty, and truth. . . . Father Kuffel calls us to live lives of love and holiness, not alone but in community—the great communio personarum with God and man.
——Cecilia Ann Rezac, MS, Vicar General of the Marian Sisters
God’s divine life dwells within us from the first moment of our conception, but we are constantly tempted to forget this and to grasp for godliness on our own. Father Kuffel reminds us that God’s life is already within us, and it is our task to open ourselves each day to realize what a wonderful gift we have already been given. He helps us not to be grasping, but through the exercise of mindful gratitude to live the joy of realizing the blessing of such an awesome gift.
——Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu
- Title: The Ascent to God: Divine Theosis Revealed and Realized in the Teaching of John Paul II
- Authors: Nancy Carol James, Thomas P. Kuffel, Chad Zielinski
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781725285507, 9781725285491, 9781725285484, 1725285509, 1725285495, 1725285487
- Resource ID: LLS:9781725285507
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-01-18T21:48:55Z
Thomas P. Kuffel served in New Mexico, Rome, Grenada, Nebraska, and Alaska. He has given retreats to the Missionaries of Charity and the sisters living at the Carmel of Holy Trinity, Hawaii, overlooking Mount Olomana, the inspiration of this book.
An internationally recognized expert on French Catholic mystic Madame Jeanne Guyon, Nancy Carol James has published eleven books on mysticism.