Part 2 of my critical analysis of In Sinu Jesu appears on Where Peter Is

Today Where Peter Is published part 2 of my critical analysis of In Sinu Jesu. In it, I further examine how the book came to be written, with a special focus upon the unusual circumstances under which it received approval from the censor appointed by the then-bishop of the Diocese of Meath. Parts 3 and 4 will appear tomorrow morning and Friday morning, respectively.

Where Peter Is publishes my critical analysis of In Sinu Jesu

When the popular spiritual work In Sinu Jesu was published in late 2016, I paged through it in a bookshop and thought it was a pleasant, if rather intense, apologia for Eucharistic devotion. Recently, however, a conversation with a priest friend led me to take a second look at the book of alleged private revelations given to an anonymous "Benedictine Monk."

The priest told me about some serious pastoral issues occurring in his diocese; the bishop had disciplined a few priests who were promoting spiritually harmful practices. I asked whether the priests involved were reading a particular book, and was told that they were. It was In Sinu Jesu.

I therefore decided to read the book in depth. What I found led me to conclude that a critical analysis of it was necessary so that those who might be attracted to its Eucharistic spirituality would be able to distinguish between what is true and laudable and what is erroneous and potentially dangerous.

My analysis of In Sinu Jesu will appear in four parts on Where Peter Is. Yesterday part 1 appeared; each day this week is to see a new installment until the fourth and final one appears on Friday. I pray that this analysis begins a needed theological and pastoral discussion of the work.

What is "definitive suffering"? Find out in Episode 8 of my reading course on JP2's teachings on suffering

I'm grateful to share with you a new episode of my reading course on Salvifici doloris, Pope St. John Paul II's apostolic letter on the Christian meaning of human suffering. This episode covers sections 13 and 14, where John Paul distinguishes between temporal suffering and "definitive suffering." If you have missed any episodes, they are all available via the YouTube playlist "Reading Pope John Paul II's Salvifici Doloris."

Watch now: Episode 7 of my reading course on JP2's letter on the Christian meaning of suffering

Happy Easter! On Easter Sunday, after an absence caused in part by technical difficulties and by a health issue—I've had a low-grade fever for a week—I was finally able to record a new episode of my reading course on Salvifici doloris, Pope St. John Paul II's apostolic letter on the Christian meaning of human suffering.

This episode looks at John Paul's summation of his reflections on the Book of Job. The sections of the letter that it covers are no. 11 through no. 13. If you have missed any episodes, they are all available via the YouTube playlist "Reading Pope John Paul II's Salvifici Doloris."

Watch now: Episode 6 of my reading course on JP2's letter on the Christian meaning of suffering

In this latest episode of my reading course on Salvifici doloris, Pope St. John Paul II's apostolic letter on the Christian meaning of human suffering, I look at John Paul's reflections on the Book of Job. The sections of the letter that this video covers are nos. 9, 10, and part of 11.

My goal is to post five episodes a week, adding each of them to the "Reading Pope John Paul II's Salvifici Doloris" playlist.

What did JP2 teach on suffering in times of pandemic? The answer's in Episode 5 of my reading course on Salvifici doloris

In Episode 5 of my online reading course on Pope St. John Paul II's Apostolic Letter Salvifici doloris, above, I discuss section 8, where the pope reflects upon times of extraordinary suffering—including times of pandemic.

My intention is to post five episodes a week, preferably each weekday. That's been a challenge this week because of bandwidth issues, but I still hope to post three more episodes between now and Saturday night.

Thanks so much to those of you who have emailed me or commented that you are enjoying this series.

If you missed previous episodes, they are all available via the YouTube playlist below. Thanks for watching, and may God bless you.

Watch now: Episode 4 of my reading course on JP2 on suffering in Christ

In Episode 4 of my online reading course on Pope St. John Paul II's Apostolic Letter Salvifici doloris, which just went online, I discuss section 7 of the document, where the pope examines how suffering is "an experience of evil."

I am grateful to those of you who have emailed me or commented that you are enjoying this series. It means a lot to me to be able to help others reflect upon this powerful document of John Paul's.

My intention is to post a new episode each weekday. Today's episode should have been Monday's, but it was delayed owing to a slow internet connection. I hope to make up for the delay by posting another one later today.

If you missed previous episodes, they are all available via the YouTube playlist below. Thanks for watching, and may God bless you.

Watch now: Episode 3 of my online course on JP2 on suffering in Christ

In today's episode of my reading course, I read and reflect upon sections 5 and 6 of Pope St. John Paul II's Apostolic Letter Salvifici doloris, discussing the relationship between moral or spiritual suffering and physical suffering.

If you missed previous episodes, they are all available via the YouTube playlist below. Thanks for watching, and may God bless you.

Watch now: Episode 2 of my online course on JP2 on suffering in Christ

In today's episode, I read and reflect upon sections 3 and 4 of Pope St. John Paul II's Apostolic Letter Salvifici doloris, discussing why Pope St. John Paul II calls suffering a mystery.

If you missed episode 1, you can watch it and then the second episode using the video below, which is a YouTube playlist.



I pray this series helps you find consolation in Christ through the teachings of the Church. God bless you!