Something special just landed in my mail. Since I began reviewing books in 2012, you know that it takes something for me to say that. Topics are often covered by multiple publishers. There are themes that wind in and out of the year. This year numerous books are coming out on Saint Joseph. This particular book is one I have not seen anything like. Katherine Bogner has written an absolute gem for youth called Through the Year with Jesus: Gospel Readings and Reflections for Children.
This is a book that will be used year after year. Each week of the liturgical year, approximately 3 pages of content are provided. The book does not rotate through a three-year cycle of readings as we are familiar with during Mass. Instead, it focuses on relevant seasonal stories from the life of Jesus. Included with each week are the following:
Memory Verse: A short verse is included that reinforces the Gospel message of the week.
Read God’s Word: This section includes the text from the RSV, 2nd Catholic Edition of the Bible.
Tell the Story: A child-friendly reflection is provided each week to promote conversation on that week’s Gospel selection.
Live It Out: In this section, a simple idea is presented on how to bring the message of the Gospel into the home or classroom.
Lectio Divina: Utilizing the ancient practice of Lectio Divina. Prompts for praying through the scripture passage are provided.
Visio Divina: This is where the book becomes STUNNING! Every week full-color classical paintings are provided to offer visual assistance in meditation of the Gospel. Katherine made a suggestion for a classroom setting to find the painting on the internet and project it to a large screen during the lesson.
What is great about this book is that it can be used in either family or classroom settings. I can see so much potential for this book as it aids adults in what can sometimes be challenging—presenting the Gospels in an easy-to-understand manner for children.
“The liturgical year is an invitation to walk with Christ in an incarnational and tangible way.” The fruits from this book will be great as children are led to a personal relationship with Christ, and in today’s society, that is one relationship that is desperately needed.
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I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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