Deeper Conversion: Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times

Author and radio show host Sister Ann Shields writes from a sense that society and the Church are facing difficult times and that the bible can comfort, console, and strengthen us. Her meditations on Gospels for the Ordinary Sundays of Year A emphasize "the transforming effects of meditating on Scripture." Sister Ann's reflections include personal stories, exhortations, encouragement, and questions for reflection. Throughout the book, she offers ideas for using the meditations, such as ponder a verse or two each day and "see what God is saying to you, what direction he is giving for your life." She suggests using Psalm 19 to cultivate an attitude of reverence, obedience, and submission to God. Read it, pray it over and over. "I dare you to memorize it." In her meditation on Matthew 5: 1-12, Shields calls the Sermon on the Mount "another instance where Jesus turns our world upside down." Explaining each verse, she urges us to mourn over our sins, the injustice in the world, and those who choose to serve other gods. In terms of mercy, she warns against withholding forgiveness and speaking badly of others. If you are merciful, she writes, "you will receive mercy when you stand before Jesus. Pretty great deal, if you ask me!" Along with challenges like these, Shields illuminates the rewards we will reap, as "The pathway is in and through the cross. But for all eternity, the Lord himself will bless you and thank you. You will experience union with all Truth, all Beauty, all Goodness forever!"