Jesus, Companion in My Suffering: Reflections for the Lenten Journey

by Joyce Rupp

Lent can be a time of bearing heavy burdens, of carrying the worries, pains, and sorrows that weigh on our hearts. Joyce Rupp reminds us that even though we may feel alone during these times of personal distress, we have the loving, empathetic, and ever-present companionship of Jesus by our side. In Jesus, Companion in My Suffering , Rupp—bestselling author of several books on grief, loss, and suffering, including Praying Our Goodbyes and Jesus, Friend of My Soul —will guide you to see Jesus not only as someone who understands deeply what you have experienced but also as a teacher whose wisdom you can apply to your own life. By allowing Jesus to accompany you in times of trial, Rupp says, you’ll be encouraged to move toward more compassion for yourself and others. For each of the forty days of Lent, Rupp offers a brief reflection on a story from the life of Jesus, applying his actions and teachings to our own experiences. She also includes a prayer and daily intention that invites us to spiritual growth and to reach fuller depths in our faith. Questions for personal reflection or group discussion are included.

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2023

About the author

Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, a spiritual "midwife," and retreat and conference speaker. She has led retreats throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Joyce has a B.A. in English, a M.R.E. in Religious Education, and a M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology. She is a member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community and was a volunteer for Hospice for fifteen years. She currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa. A list of Joyce's works can be found in the left column of this page. Click on the book title to find out more information about that title.

Reviews

[Ares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstandingly honest and helpful. This book is like a loving, compassionate nudge guiding you to Jesus for help during your Lenten journey.

Thanks a lot to Ave Maria Press for giving me the ARC.

Joyce Rupp is an incredible writer, and the text was easy to read and enjoyable. She focused on the reality of life and gave us appropriate advice with the help of Jesus while we looked at his acts and words. Every day we get to look at a Bible passage, and the author writes about how it applies to us and how we can learn from it, adding her own experiences. The day ends with a prayer and a "Today:" task. It was so pleasant to read that I am looking forward to her other works. The book is worth reading it again and again, even outside of Lent.

Would I recommend the book? Yes, I would, and here is to whom:

Everyone should read this book. We are all in this world together, and while we may not face the same issues, we are guaranteed to have at least one of the struggles mentioned. This book helps to get a better view of it and how to handle it healthily, to help ourselves and others.

I even recommend this to people that aren't religious or spiritual. This book is excellent guidance to feel better with the help of Jesus, and he is there for everyone. Even those who do not believe in him, making this book a versatile piece to overcome hardships.

I recommend this book to people who don't read much or don't read at all. Only reading the bible passage, prayer, or "Today:" task can do a lot. Still, the writing is accessible and not overly complicated, so giving every word a chance to move you shouldn't be too difficult.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book to read and an extremely helpful one for a Lenten journey. Joyce Rupp provides hope and comfort for anyone suffering from grief or depression or generally finding life difficult. She discusses a Bible passage for each day, offers a prayer, and gives guidance on how we can improve as we travel through Lent.

She also offers a different perspective on several of the Parables, and writes about how Jesus would have felt at various stages of his life. For example, I was surprised by her thoughts about the story of how Jesus fell fast asleep on a boat during a raging storm. Most writers focus on the scared disciples, and how Jesus wakes up to calm the storm. However, she reflects that he was probably suffering from compassion fatigue, and needed rest and rejuvenation.

I read this book straight through in order to review it, but I hope to also read a passage each day during Lent.story, because it is so helpful.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joyce Rupp and devour all her books. This was my favorite Lenten book to meditate on this Easter season. Her words speak to me like no other. It’s perfect for lectio and time spent with this book feels like time with God.

[Valerie Kolbinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a series of three books, and once again, Joyce Rupp doesn’t disappoint. Her no Lenten reflections are so meaningful and beautiful. Highly recommend. She speaks to my heart every time.