The Friend of the Bridegroom: Spiritual Direction and the Encounter With Christ

by Thomas H. Green

Focusing on the directee's spiritual needs, this book inspires as well as informs. The Friend of the Bridegroom is for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God-the beginner on the spiritual journey and the seasoned spiritual director alike.

Genres: Spirituality

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ruthann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of tedious to get through- not my favorite.

[Jungsook Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have several books of Thomas H. Green, S.J. 'Opening to God' such as 'When the Well Runs Dry' 'Weeds Among the Wheat' and 'The Friend of the Bridegroom.' I met Fr. Thomas H, Green at Fordham University in April 2002. I bought his books and he signed on them. I wish I had known about him in those days. He was a spiritual director, writer, teacher, and mentor who dedicated for thirty five years in Manila. His mother was wondering how Thomas who was caring about family members so much could be far away from the family. The fact he had been in Philippine for that long touched my heart.

'The Friend of the Bridegroom' is about the requirements for the spiritual director. I wanted to know what to be like a spiritual director like as a CLC (Christian Life Community) member. You have to be a good listener. You can help your directee most effectively just by listening with full attention since it is the Holy Spirit who actually guides and directs the directee. The goal of spiritual direction is a developing and deepening union with God. God is no longer "he," but "you."

There are criteria in choosing a spiritual director; compatibility, shared vision, objectivity, a good listener, confidentiality, and knowledge by connaturality.

John of the Cross pointed out that there could be three blind guides on spiritual direction; the Devil, the Self and the Spiritual Director and the worst blind guide could be the spiritual director. The undesirable director is inexperienced, insensitive, but possessed. The director should let go the directee to other directors. The director is to free the directee to encounter God in his experience.

Thomas Green S.J. believes that the John of the Cross is best spiritual director the Church has known and he has kindred spirit of John the Baptist. John the Baptist is the one who knows that he is the bridegroom's friend, not bridegroom and the friend cannot go to the bridegroom's honeymoon. Neither can the spiritual director.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reading for those wanting to find a director, or considering being one. I particularly appreciated the similarity of the role of spiritual director to that of John the Baptist. "He must increase and I must decrease."

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of insight. Given to me by Jill. Giving me much food for thought and things to discuss with her.