Journey to Jerusalem: Steps on the Road to Your Soul

by Mark A. Villano

Overview

2021 Association of Catholic Publishers first place award in inspirational

2021 Catholic Media Association Award second place award in popular studies

Words of Scripture. Symbols of faith. Do you ever wonder what they really have to do with you? Can they truly help to interpret human experiences and change hearts? Does the metaphor of life as a journey make sense to you? Mark A. Villano’s latest book offers a path into questions like these. Delve into the spiritual insights that have guided human beings for millennia in order to better appreciate the significance and power they hold. Discover more about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, who meets us where we are and guides us along the diverse spiritual landscapes of life. The invitations of grace are all around us. We’re all called to participate in the life-changing mystery of Christ.

Consider this book as a daily “retreat,” an invitation to let go of the noise around us and to simply listen. See it as a travelling companion on the most important journey of our lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814688359
Publisher:	Liturgical Press
Publication date:	08/15/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	232
File size:	510 KB

About the Author

Mark A. Villano, a native of New Haven, Connecticut, studied theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where he received his Master of Divinity degree.  He has ministered at parishes and campus ministry centers across the country, including those at the University of Texas, Ohio State University, and Yale. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. Since then he has served as a university administrator and instructor, teaching courses in religion, philosophy, and media studies. Currently, he is director of outreach at the University Catholic Center at UCLA.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Prelude The Road

Purpose 2

1 The Desert

Sin and Grace 8

Adam 12

The First Desert 16

The Second Desert 20

The Covenant 24

New Wine 28

Jonah 33

2 The Mountain

Sacrifice 38

Pilgrimage 43

Altered States 46

Moses and Elijah 50

Gravity 55

Breaking Cycles 59

Dangerous 64

3 The Well Thirst 70

The Tables 75

The Temple 79

Images 84

Forgive 89

Discernment 94

The Heart 98

4 The Spring

Light 106

Sight 110

Exile 116

Prodigal 121

The Font 126

Adversaries 131

Lifted Up 136

5 The Stone The Code 142

Beyond 147

Second Chances 153

The Gate 157

Witness 162

Faithful 166

The Vine 171

6 The City

Jerusalem 176

Anointing 179

Passion 183

The Door 188

The Servant 191

Last Words 197

Cross Over 201

Postlude The Feast

Something Real 210

Notes 215

Editorial Reviews

"Mark A. Villano has the extraordinary talent of writing in a way that captures the interest of those who desire to move closer to Christ. Journey to Jerusalem uses Scripture, personal stories, and reflections to help us prepare to meet the Lord with resurrected faith. Are you looking for a fuller, deeper life? Let this book be your companion."
Ron Rolheiser, OMI, author of Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity

"By the end of the journey in reading this book, my soul was awakened with fresh Easter hope. Journey to Jerusalem is a rich resource for personal prayer. I know preachers, teachers, spiritual directors and retreatants will also savor these reflections."
Richard Leonard, SJ, author of What Does It All Mean? A Guide to Being More Faithful, Hopeful, and Loving

"Villano has creatively crafted an enriching and nourishing companion. Journey to Jerusalem is both practical and inspiring. It is an invaluable resource for individual readers, ministry leaders, parish groups, teachers, catechists, young adults, clergy and more."
Edith Prendergast, RSC, author of Grace Abounds: A Call to Awaken and Renew Your Faith

"This gem of a book challenges us in the spiritual journey to live at the depths—the core of our being. Father Mark, one who knows the human psyche well, leads us to mystical reflections by delving into the Scriptures and applying them to our spiritual life with contemporary examples and fresh insight. He's a gentle guide posing poignant questions that immerse the reader in a personal examen of one's life with God. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, this book probes, contemplates, and encourages all at the same time!"
Nancy Usselmann, FSP, author of A Sacred Look: Becoming Cultural Mystics

"The Bible is steeped in meaning drawn from reflection on people, landscapes, events, and the full range of human experiences. In this everyday span of life, God's presence is detected. That is the convincing rationale for Fr. Mark Villano's attractive book of spiritual reflections that take their inspiration from the deep wellspring of biblical imagery. Accessible and inspiring, here is rich spiritual reading open to all."
Donald Senior, CP, President Emeritus of Catholic Theological Union​

"Are you seeking a spiritual wake-up call or a deeper connection to the Divine? Journey to Jerusalem: Steps on the Road to Your Soul by Mark A. Villano is an elegantly crafted invitation to seek the accompaniment of Jesus Christ along your own spiritual path. Challenging in all of the right ways, this spiritual tool is perfect for your Lenten devotional time or any moment where you desire forward momentum in your prayer life."
Lisa M. Hendey, author of I Am God's Storyteller


“A beautiful invitation to seek Jesus as your companion along your own spiritual path.”
Catholic Media Association


"Readers will find his reflections engaging and insightful. This book illustrates how texts from the Bible can lead to prayer."
The Bible Today

From the Publisher