Dogmatic Theology, Liturgy, Catholic Church, Gospel -- St. John, Bible -- St. John, Jesus Christ 

The opening verses of St. John's Gospel are considered so important by the Church that they have become part of our daily Mass. In this book they are used as the bases of a series of spiritual conferences. The reader will find passages on the meaning of eternity, the significance of Christ's Godhead, the importance of adoration, creation, the Kingship of Christ and especially on the life of grace and how we are enabled to share in the divine nature. The Light Life theme so prominent in St. John's writings comes in for special treatment. There is a chapter on the Benedictus, the canticle used by the Church in her official morning prayer of Lauds. The virtues of faith, trust, love and humility are all extensively discussed and there are special references to the practice of abandonment.

One of the most important chapters in view of current ecumenical discussions concerns the extent of membership of the mystical Body of Christ in the light of official documents of the Church. There is a long, practical chapter on prayer in relation to progress in the spiritual life. The mystery of mass-mediocrity is examined and also the plight of those in our day who seem to come under the condemnation of St. Paul of his pagan contemporaries. Another chapter is concerned with the problem of the Jews and their rejection of Christ. Divine sonship, too, comes in for lengthy discussion and the book concludes with chapters on the Incarnation of God the Son and his Transfiguration.

These chapters formed the basic material for conferences given to the famous community of enclosed Franciscan nuns at Goodings, Berkshire, to whom Fr. Ripley became chaplain when he was forced by ill health to resign the superiorship of the Catholic Missionary Society, but their depth and insight make them admirably suitable as spiritual reading for all those lay people who wish to improve their knowledge of the Faith and to progress on the way to God.

Father Ripley is organizer of conversion work in the archdiocese of Liverpool, England. Ordained in 1939, he served as a curate in Liverpool and lectured at Catholic Action College on social questions, and also at St. Edward's College. In 1944, he became a Chaplain in the Royal Air Force, returning to Liverpool after the war.

In 1950, Father Ripley joined the Catholic Missionary Society in London, in which he became Vice Rector and Rector. He also served for a time as Manager and then Editor of The Catholic Gazette.

Father Ripley is the author of several previous books, including This is the Faith, Priest of Christ and Your Sunday Gospel.

Taken from the inside flaps.