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

by Joyce Rupp

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646801930
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	01/27/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	926,368
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, retreat leader, and spiritual midwife. She serves as a consultant for the Boundless Compassion program. Rupp is the author of numerous bestselling books, including Praying Our Goodbyes, Open the Door, Return to the Root, Jesus, Friend of My Soul, and Jesus, Companion in My Suffering. Her award-winning books include Boundless Compassion, Fly While You Still Have Wings, and Anchors for the Soul. She is a member of the Servite (Servants of Mary) community.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Ash Wednesday to First Sunday of Lent

Ash Wednesday: Healing for Everyone 2

Thursday: Willing to Approach Suffering 4

Friday: Preventable Complaints 6

Saturday: Disappointments 8

First Week of Lent

Sunday: Tempted Away from Good 12

Monday: At the Mercy of Another 14

Tuesday: Poverty 16

Wednesday: Anxiety and Worry 18

Thursday: Judging Others 20

Friday: Trusting the Healing Process 22

Saturday: Failure 24

Second Week of Lent

Sunday: Grief 28

Monday: Dismissing Those Who Surfer 30

Tuesday: Out of Control 32

Wednesday: Fear 34

Thursday: Less Than We Hoped to Be 36

Friday: Compassion Fatigue 38

Saturday: Embarrassment 40

Third Week of Lent

Sunday: Loneliness 44

Monday: Helpful, Healing Hands 46

Tuesday: Weeping for What Is to Come 48

Wednesday: Depression 50

Thursday: Hypocrisy 52

Friday: Moved with Compassion 54

Saturday: Poor Self-Image 56

Fourth Week of Lent

Sunday: Admitting Wrongdoing 60

Monday: Rejection 62

Tuesday: Exasperation 64

Wednesday: A Healing Touch 66

Thursday: Burdened 68

Friday: Finding Fault 70

Saturday: Ending Relationships 72

Fifth Week of Lent

Sunday: Accepting the Dying Process 76

Monday: Carrying the Cross 78

Tuesday: Betrayal 80

Wednesday: Comforting Caregivers 82

Thursday: Our Own Worst Enemy 84

Friday: Shame 86

Saturday: Recognizing the Truth 88

Sixth Week of Lent (Holy Week)

Passion (Palm) Sunday: Unfinished Work 92

Monday: Violence 94

Tuesday: Standing by the Cross 96

Wednesday: Powerless 98

Holy Thursday: The Hour of Anguish 100

Good Friday: Feeling Abandoned 102

Holy Saturday: Giving Our Life for Another 104

Easter Sunday: Joy beyond Suffering 106

Questions for Reflection 109

Notes 111

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Joyce Rupp is a soul midwife, guiding us with a gentle but strong hand as we struggle to birth something new from the depths of ourselves. Our griefs, large and small, are safe here; we can trust they will be tended with care. Jesus, Companion in My Suffering is the Lent book we have long needed.” —Shannon K. Evans, author of Rewilding Motherhood

“Visiting the heart of Joyce Rupp remains a pleasure. She owns her limitations, which make mine feel less lonely, and her God-names are inventive: ‘Surprising Healer,’ ‘Unexpected Visitor,’ ‘Keen Listener.’ The quick daily plunge of spiritual direction in this book is bracing. Disappointment, failure, and being out of control are never taboo.” —Alice Camille, author of Working Toward Sainthood: Daily Reflections for Lent

“We all suffer, and we are all called at times to minister to others who are suffering. Reading and sharing these reflections will help us reflect on our own suffering and also to bring the love of Christ into the lives of people who are suffering.” —Deacon Ed Shoener, compiler and editor of When a Loved One Dies by Suicide