Introduction

Recipient of the prestigious Templeton Prize, Brother John is the true story of a meaningful encounter between a man going through a mid-life crisis, and an umbrella-wielding Trappist monk. This magical encounter on Christmas Eve eventually leads the author, and us all, to the redemptive power of an authentically purposeful life. Uplifting, deeply moving, Brother John is dramatically brought to life by over twenty full color paintings by Glenn Harrington, a multiple award-winning artist. Brother John's moving story takes place at Christmastime, and its inspirational message and rich illustrations are sure to bring the reader back again and again throughout the year.

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Excerpt

CHAPTER 1
Brother John

In any case, I feel I can personally guarantee that St. Thomas Aquinas loved God, because for the life of me I cannot help loving St. Thomas.

-Flannery O'Connor


Uncertainty as to life's purpose is much in vogue today. So, too, are the relativistic notions that would consign life's purpose to a matter of taste. The agony of life is uncertainty, and the rationalization is that uncertainty is certain. However, the plain truth is that, for all our anguish, we treasure uncertainty. Doubt forestalls action. The problem with life's purpose is that we know damn well what it is but are unwilling to face the changes in our lives that a commitment to self-transcendence, to being the best human being we could possibly be, would entail. It wearies us just thinking about it. So we rationalize that it's all "relative," or that we're already doing enough and don't have time. Worst of all, we rationalize that those who do accept the challenges inherent in self-transcendence are uniquely gifted and specially graced. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

Does Brother John as a character speak to you in any meaningful way?

Can you relate to the author’s moral dilemma?

How does it apply to your own life?

Does the artwork in Brother John complement the story?

Does it create the “spiritual buzz” the artist intended?

The artist never shows Brother John’s complete face. This was intentional. Why do you think the artist did this? Is it effective?

Brother John was originally an essay submitted to a contest answering the question: What is the purpose of life? Did the essay answer this question for you? Why or why not?

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