With an Everlasting Love: Developing an Intimate Relationship with God

by William A. Barry

What do we want? What does God want? God waits for our friendship. Believers are torn between a desperate thirst for this intimacy and a just-as-desperate fear. Popular writer and acclaimed spiritual director William Barry explores this paradox to help believers get past such obstacles as suffering, anger at God, shame at and sorrow for sin, the dark side of sexuality, fear of God's face, and fear of God's anger. Barry uses Jesus as the way to intimacy with God, reflecting on how Jesus experienced intimacy with his friends, in his ministry, and through his death and resurrection. Barry also deals with how to become closer to the historical Jesus then proposes the Trinity as a model of true intimacy. Drawing heavily from scripture, as well as literature, spiritual classics, and personal examples, this is a work of love, grace, and passion appropriate for all denominations. Christian seekers will be especially moved by it; it's also valuable reading for all clergy and religious, spiritual directors, Christian counselors, and anyone interested in Ignatian spirituality. †

Genres: Religion

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

About the author

William (Bill) Barry, a distinguished spiritual director and author, was born in Worchester, MA. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1950, studied philosophy in Germany from 1953 until 1956, and was at Weston College for theology studies from 1959 until 1963. Ordained a priest in 1962, Barry went on to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan in 1968.

In 1969, he began teaching psychology at Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, MA, and in 1971 was named director for the Center for Religious Development. He served in both capacities until 1978, when he was put in charge of formation for the New England Jesuit Province. Barry was the Assistant Director of Novices for the Province (1985-88) when he was named Rector of Boston College.

From 1991 to 1997, he served as Provincial of the New England Jesuits. Following that, he was named co-director of the Jesuit Tertianship Program. Barry directs retreats at Campion Center in Weston, MA.

Despite such a busy and committed life, Barry found the time to write 15 books, including The Practice of Spiritual Direction, God and You, Finding God in All Things, Spiritual Direction and the Encounter with God, Who Do You Say I Am?, With an Everlasting Love, and A Friendship Like No Other.

Barry has the rare ability to present complex spiritual issues in clear, well-written prose. He is one of the most influential Ignatian commentators at work today.

Reviews

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate Fr. Barry's boldness and honesty in his discussions of the challenges and rewards of seeking and attaining greater intimacy with God ~ intimacy is often a scary enough concept between humans, and to discuss in detail the call to great intimacy with our God can be daunting. Yet he dares us to seek great closeness with Him, identifying not only the traps we often fall into ("Hearts in Hiding" and "Darkness, Pain and Intimacy with God" were most instructive chapters for me) but also reminding us over and over again of the intensity of God's desire for intimacy with each of us.

[Johnny Go · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging guide to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola