The Jesuit Guide to (ALMOST) EVERYTHING – A Spirituality for Real Life, by James Martin, SJ (2010)

James Martin, SJ quickly tell us, “…this book…is not a guide to understand everything about everything (thus the Almost). Rather, it’s a guide to discovering how God can be found in every dimension of your life. How God can be found in everything. And everyone, too.” (p. 7).   Martin, with his typical humorous style, lights up topics on Ignatian spirituality, the role of desire, discernment, prayer, the vows, and more.

If you are exploring (discerning) a vocation, read, Chapter 3 “What Do You Want?” to learn how to recognize your own desires (like road signs) as a path leading you into God. Martin reminds us that “our deep desires help us know God’s desires for us and how much God desires to be with us” (p. 59). Like a skilled surgeon, he pinpoints the fact that our desires are often masked; presenting themselves from time to time as a sense of incompleteness, a longing for connection, and even feelings of vulnerability. At other times we may experience our desires as moments of joy, clarity, or a sudden attraction to holiness. 

It’s a great read and provides a practical ‘how-to guide’ in addressing every day questions we ask ourselves, “How do I know who I’m supposed to be” “How can I face suffering?” “How can I be happy?” “How can I find God?” “How do I make good decisions?”