|
|
Come to the Wedding Feast
An Eight-Session Course (on the Wedding Feast of Cana)
Dominic F. Ashkar, Ph.D.
At the beginning of his book, Dominic Ashkar writes: "My gratitude goes first to almighty God, who created me and placed me in a family who taught me a deep spiritual tradition, the Syriac Maronite tradition, not through books and words but through deeds and examples. For many years I took this tradition for granted..."
And so we are introduced to a little known church of the East, the Maronite church, to discover how they use storytelling to communicate spiritual truths. This book is one of those practical, step-by-step books designed to guide teachers to a deeper understanding of their role as searchers, as believers, and as guides for others. It is an enrichment book, complete with tear-out pages, that can be used over eight sessions.
The content reveals the wellsprings of this Eastern church. Sessions begin with repeated careful readings of the Gospel story of the Wedding Feast at Cana. Other stories and parables are then woven into the central theme of each session. And, finally, participants are encouraged to reflect and discuss their experience and their knowledge.
The eight themes reflect a balance: two center on the persons of Jesus and Mary in the story of Cana. The next two on spiritual principles behind the story: Miracles and Faith. The following three on Sacred Images in the story: Ceremonial Jars, New Wine, and the Wedding Feast. And the last one on the practical application of the story: the importance of constant Prayer in our spiritual journey.
And so the program is (1) person-centered, (2) theology-centered, (3) image-centered, and (4) prayer-centered. It offers not only a well-integrated enrichment program for teachers and catechists, but it offers the rest of us in other churches a glimpse into the spirituality of the Eastern churches. Theological and scriptural resources used throughout will be recognizable and appreciated by people in the Western church -- both Catholics and Protestants.
But Westerners will be introduced to some of the riches of the East: A generous use of biblical and liturgical images and symbols, a deep respect for and devotion to Mary that is Christ-centered, and a celebration of the profound teachings of the Eastern church through spiritual guides like St. Ephrem the Syrian.
Dominic Ashkar, a bishop in the Maronite church, perhaps best gives a glimpse of the richness and integrity of his work when he writes on the dedication page:
"To my four sisters,
whose life of service reminds me
of Mary at the wedding feast of Cana."
This is a book written out of commitment and love as well as practical knowledge and experience.
Copyright©1999 Robert Bela Wilhelm
ORDER INFORMATION
Order Dominic Ashkar's Come to the Wedding Feast Today!
Index to Robert Béla Wilhelm Reviews of New Books & Audios on Storytelling & Spirituality
Storyfest Home Page
Come Back Next Month to Read Our Next Review
|
|