The book, The Mind and Heart of Jesus, presents clearly the values Jesus lived by and taught his followers. The author has tried to avoid using theological vocabulary though the book is based on strong theological foundations. The first chapter, A Critique of Religion by Jesus, sets the tone for the whole book. The religion that Jesus lived and taught does not consist in blind obedience to rules and regulations or in the scrupulous observance of meaningless rituals. There is only one law – the law of love. True religion consists in loving relationships with God, with other human beings, and with the rest of creation. Jesus bore witness to these through his words and actions, through his compassion and mercy for all suffering human beings. He is a man for others. He makes himself the friend of the friendless as in the case of Zacchaeus, the publican, the outcast. He loves human beings with a love that is compassionate, impartial, all embracing, self-sacrificing, magnanimous, and overflowing. It is the vocation of his followers to become the visible expression of this love. Jesus is the manifestation of the forgiving and merciful love of the Father. A clear example of this love is Jesus forgiving the woman caught in adultery. The disciples of Jesus are called upon to perpetuate the memory of Jesus through their lives characterized by sacrificial self-giving. This is the true meaning of the Eucharist. A special attraction of the book is the guided meditation given at the end of every chapter, aimed at union and identification with the person of Jesus. This is the best way to put on the mind and heart of Jesus. Religious communities can profitably use these meditations. One person could guide the meditation for the rest of the community.

Title: The Mind and Heart of Jesus
Author: Joseph Vellaringatt, SJ
Publication: Gujarat Sahitya Prakash
Price: Rs 150 | Pages: 146
To order copies: booksgsp@gmail.com

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