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Yeshua's Cats #1
The Gospel of Yeshua's Cat A Novel of Jesus of
The Gospel According to Yeshua’s Cat: A Novel of Jesus of Nazareth
A gem of narrative theology, set with unexpected truths in an irresistible story! C. L. Francisco has written an unabashedly fictionalized yet scholarly biography of Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus and the healing of a desert cat
Mari is an Egyptian Mau living by her claws on the fringes of the Judean desert. Yeshua ben Yosef is a man with healing hands, seeking solitude in the wastes beyond Qumran.
Their paths cross when Yeshua drives away a pack of wild dogs and rescues the wounded cat, carrying her in his arms to a wadi where he settles to pray. An unusual friendship grows up between them, deepened by Yeshua’s ability to speak with animals. From their earliest days, Mari’s observations illumine the road he must walk, and when he leaves the wilderness, she rides with him, hidden in a sling beneath his robe. In the way of cats, Mari treasures the hours she spends there, curled against Yeshua’s heart, dreaming with the rise and fall of his breast.
Jesus of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene, and a Cat
Although her forebears are Egyptian Mau, Mari is a stranger to civilization. Yeshua’s understanding of human hearts shapes her own, and her comments often surprise him into laughter. More than any other, she is Yeshua’s companion in the quiet times.
Mari narrates the life of Jesus of Nazareth from a cat’s eye-view, frequently losing the thread of his teaching as she drowses, focusing instead on their times alone, or events she finds intriguing. When crowds press close for healing, she withdraws behind the folds of his robes. On her own, she pursues a friendship with Mary Magdalene, chastens loutish humans, and looks on as Yeshua transforms the very elements of Earth in his miracles.
With Yeshua, Mari learns to love beyond the wont of cats. But in loving him, she discovers loneliness and fear of loss. How can a cat who lives in the eternal Now cope with sudden awareness of the future, with all its uncertainty and pain?
A Gospel for Cats and Children
As Yeshua’s words and miracles take hold of the hearts of the Palestinian people, his enemies’ attacks grow venomous, and tensions between Yeshua and Temple authorities escalate. In the end, all roads lead to the Passover festival in Jerusalem, where Mari experiences depths of wonder unsuspected by those caught up in the tumult around her.
Remember to scroll up and click the Look Inside feature on the top left hand side of the page!
A gem of narrative theology, set with unexpected truths in an irresistible story! C. L. Francisco has written an unabashedly fictionalized yet scholarly biography of Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus and the healing of a desert cat
Mari is an Egyptian Mau living by her claws on the fringes of the Judean desert. Yeshua ben Yosef is a man with healing hands, seeking solitude in the wastes beyond Qumran.
Their paths cross when Yeshua drives away a pack of wild dogs and rescues the wounded cat, carrying her in his arms to a wadi where he settles to pray. An unusual friendship grows up between them, deepened by Yeshua’s ability to speak with animals. From their earliest days, Mari’s observations illumine the road he must walk, and when he leaves the wilderness, she rides with him, hidden in a sling beneath his robe. In the way of cats, Mari treasures the hours she spends there, curled against Yeshua’s heart, dreaming with the rise and fall of his breast.
Jesus of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene, and a Cat
Although her forebears are Egyptian Mau, Mari is a stranger to civilization. Yeshua’s understanding of human hearts shapes her own, and her comments often surprise him into laughter. More than any other, she is Yeshua’s companion in the quiet times.
Mari narrates the life of Jesus of Nazareth from a cat’s eye-view, frequently losing the thread of his teaching as she drowses, focusing instead on their times alone, or events she finds intriguing. When crowds press close for healing, she withdraws behind the folds of his robes. On her own, she pursues a friendship with Mary Magdalene, chastens loutish humans, and looks on as Yeshua transforms the very elements of Earth in his miracles.
With Yeshua, Mari learns to love beyond the wont of cats. But in loving him, she discovers loneliness and fear of loss. How can a cat who lives in the eternal Now cope with sudden awareness of the future, with all its uncertainty and pain?
A Gospel for Cats and Children
As Yeshua’s words and miracles take hold of the hearts of the Palestinian people, his enemies’ attacks grow venomous, and tensions between Yeshua and Temple authorities escalate. In the end, all roads lead to the Passover festival in Jerusalem, where Mari experiences depths of wonder unsuspected by those caught up in the tumult around her.
Remember to scroll up and click the Look Inside feature on the top left hand side of the page!
- GenresChristian
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2013
About the author
C.L. Francisco
7 books16 followersC. L. Francisco has always chosen fiction for her downtime reading: “Fiction sneaks up on me, gets under my guard, and touches my heart in a way that non-fiction can’t,” she says. “It opens up new possibilities and sets me dreaming. For me, life-changing books have always been fiction. That’s probably why I chose to write a book like Yeshua’s Cat.”
Retired college professor C. L. Francisco’s faith reemerged several years ago after a time of radical doubt. Her conservative Christian upbringing, undergraduate years at Mount Holyoke College, year’s stay at L’Abri, early career years in art therapy, and PhD in world religions had all contributed to her confusion. But as a woman whose life had always been grounded in faith, she struggled to find her way again. Oddly enough, the voice of non-human nature spoke more clearly than any other—except for C. S. Lewis’ fiction, which she never abandoned. The whispers were faint at first, and often resulted in dead ends, but when they finally spoke clear, she found herself in the presence of the Christ who lives beyond all walls.
The Gospel According to Yeshua’s Cat emerged from Francisco’s desire to offer fellow strugglers a fresh perspective on Jesus of Nazareth. The book’s feline narrator speaks with the wise voice of a young cat whose death after a devastating wildfire provided Francisco with the impetus to begin the book.
Francisco has gone on to write A Cat Out of Egypt, a stand-alone prequel to Yeshua’s Cat, which introduces her original feline character’s many-times great-grandmother Miw, beloved of the child Yeshua. A Cat Out of Egypt is due for release October 15, 2014.
She is currently working on a third novel in the series, The Cats of Rekem.
Retired college professor C. L. Francisco’s faith reemerged several years ago after a time of radical doubt. Her conservative Christian upbringing, undergraduate years at Mount Holyoke College, year’s stay at L’Abri, early career years in art therapy, and PhD in world religions had all contributed to her confusion. But as a woman whose life had always been grounded in faith, she struggled to find her way again. Oddly enough, the voice of non-human nature spoke more clearly than any other—except for C. S. Lewis’ fiction, which she never abandoned. The whispers were faint at first, and often resulted in dead ends, but when they finally spoke clear, she found herself in the presence of the Christ who lives beyond all walls.
The Gospel According to Yeshua’s Cat emerged from Francisco’s desire to offer fellow strugglers a fresh perspective on Jesus of Nazareth. The book’s feline narrator speaks with the wise voice of a young cat whose death after a devastating wildfire provided Francisco with the impetus to begin the book.
Francisco has gone on to write A Cat Out of Egypt, a stand-alone prequel to Yeshua’s Cat, which introduces her original feline character’s many-times great-grandmother Miw, beloved of the child Yeshua. A Cat Out of Egypt is due for release October 15, 2014.
She is currently working on a third novel in the series, The Cats of Rekem.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 7, 2014
As a child I wondered if Jesus ever had a pet. In C. L. Francisco’s beautiful novel, he has a cat. And the story of Jesus’ ministry, told by his feline friend, is wonderfully true to the Biblical account, gorgeously evocative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Have you ever wondered why Jesus calls God his Father, not his Mother. Mari the cat wonders too, and is given a truly beautiful answer. Do animals pray? What would parables sound like if given to cats instead of men? And why did Jesus have to die?
A pleasingly convincing portrayal of Jesus the man, coming to terms with his divinity, of Jesus the healer, dealing with human frailty, and Jesus the teacher, carefully avoiding the lure and temptations of human fame and power, this novel is truly one to treasure. Enter the desert, see the sea through kitten eyes that have known only rivers, learn that a Roman might not always be evil, and visit foreign towns, but hide in His arms.
By the end of the tale, the cat understands so much more than human language, and recognizes the pain of human choice. Readers, seeing the familiar through different eyes, might learn a lot as well, for how easily we “forget that human hearts can only be loved into loving.” How quickly we condemn and fail to eat with those who are only sinners like ourselves, or cats like our pets. I love this book!
Disclosure: I learned this was free and couldn’t resist. I just wish I’d read it sooner. A real treat for all ages!
A pleasingly convincing portrayal of Jesus the man, coming to terms with his divinity, of Jesus the healer, dealing with human frailty, and Jesus the teacher, carefully avoiding the lure and temptations of human fame and power, this novel is truly one to treasure. Enter the desert, see the sea through kitten eyes that have known only rivers, learn that a Roman might not always be evil, and visit foreign towns, but hide in His arms.
By the end of the tale, the cat understands so much more than human language, and recognizes the pain of human choice. Readers, seeing the familiar through different eyes, might learn a lot as well, for how easily we “forget that human hearts can only be loved into loving.” How quickly we condemn and fail to eat with those who are only sinners like ourselves, or cats like our pets. I love this book!
Disclosure: I learned this was free and couldn’t resist. I just wish I’d read it sooner. A real treat for all ages!
January 19, 2014
The Gospel According to Yeshua's Cat
Author: C.L. Francisco, PHD
The voice you hear as you open to the prologue might surprise readers. It is the voice of a special cat, named Mari. A man that is known as Yeshua ben Yosef named Mari. Mari was in dire need of help and Yeshua ben Yosef saved his life from the paws of a group of wild dogs. Picking Mari up and tending to her wounds he begins their journey with a prayer. Living in the Judean desert this bright, insightful cat takes readers on a journey back in time to where Jesus of Nazareth lived, prayed, healed some many and sought refuge and solitude “ in the wastes beyond Qumran.” “Little Mother,” he called her from the start. Naming her Mari they bonded from the moment she opened her eyes and able to communicate with words was miraculous. “Mother of Life,” was how he referred to her and she instantly decided to call him not just Yeshua but created her own special name for this man. To her, to Mari he became: Adamah, son of Earth.
The author continues by taking both Yeshua and Mari on their first journey and explains to her the meaning of the word Fast and how it affects him and what his purpose is for fasting. Explaining his reasons and why he cannot stop until he receives the answers from The One or God that he seeks, worries Mari as she sees his appearance seems to be pale, thin and his bones or ribs pronounced. A voice comes through within the first chapter and we hear “the phantom of darkness,” try and reason with him but he does not heed his words. Doubts, fears, or perhaps the “the one he calls father does not hear him,” or does not care is said to provide doubts within his mind. The rest of the argument you can hear for yourself as you listen to their words within pages 11-13.
The journey begins but not before the author includes what she titles: a Cat’s Musing at the end of each chapter which sums up just how Mari feels, understands and questions what she had learned within that chapter.
Friendships take on many different roles and Mari and the son of Earth
Have the capacity to speak to each other as she can communicate with animals. From the Desert Light, to their Journey to help John, we learn of the many roles this man plays in the lives of so many until we finally meet him in Nazareth. Mari is bright, observant and her presence guides him through many rough patches and places. Hidden beneath his sling under his robe, she feels honored, treasured and adores spending time close to the heart of his man. How does this Egyptian Mau, not accustomed to living with humans and in a civilized world manage to get along? Listen to her words, hear her voice and smile.
Mari is our primary narrator who is telling the story of the life of Jesus of Nazareth from her very special point of view. Thinking about him trying to comprehend what she has learned and has been taught is not easy. Watching him heal those in need, she hides beneath his sling when people get too close. As you take the journey along with Mari to many different places lessons in life will be learned as the Yeshua quotes many scriptures from the Bible, explains what we can learn from the many experiences related and how everyone can become closer to God.
Miracles are something we all or some of us believe in as we watch Yeshua heal the sick, stop disasters and change or transform many things on Earth when performing them. At times we feel that Mari seems left behind, alone and often wanders the streets, docks and pathways to find her own way and learn more about the world she is now living in. Other times she sticks close to him hoping to be near his heart feel about of his life and feel loved.
Mari learns to live with pain, fear and uncertainty as Yeshua tries to enlighten the children of Israel and bring them back into the fold. Attacks, fires, burning of towns, anger, tensions and more rise as both a Mari and Yeshua take many journeys to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, the Day of Atonement and Nazareth. But, the most compelling and heartbreaking experience described is when Mari is injured and attacked by Lazarus who and others who claim that she is unclean and want her removed from his home. Truths are revealed, healings are observed as a young girl named Maryann experiences a miracle and then learns about Mari. In each chapter the author through Yeshua teaches readers many life lessons about how we should treat and understand others, that love is so important and forgiveness of sins hard at times but allowing us to show our understanding of others. His understanding of others, the human heart and Mari’s sense of right, wrong and humor gives the story a natural flow. As Mari befriends Mary Magdala and watches as he changes many and creates miracles on earth.
His friendship with Maryann as she followed him on his journey. The many disciples we meet those that welcomed him and others that questioned him powers and ability to heal. Mari questions at one point
“Why are those men so angry with you?” “ I don’t understand son of Earth.” When he answers he explains that they speak for men of wealth and power and their voices of their own greed. Hoping that they would hear his voice but few did. Throughout the book he reminds everyone that those filled with the love of The One will not submit to evil nor will they be deceived. There are numerous lessons that everyone can take away from reading this book. As he explains within pages 141-142 many of his powers what they were fortunate to have and why.
There are many scriptures quoted and well-known passages from the gospels too. What is really endearing is how much Mari and the Son of Earth or Jesus love each other and their devotion is remarkable. Within the story we hear many voices that ring out in hate and we understand how God’s love and devotion to us as well as compassion will bring us through hard times. The fasts, the fires, the destruction and his final journey to Jerusalem where he faces his own death and then rises again. The final chapters The Last Mountain, City of Prophets, Night and finally Morning as we hear Mari search for him, asking if he is still alive and the harsh realization that he must leave her. Understanding that he will always be near to her heart and answer her call.
The final paragraphs are quite compelling as we hear Mari’s thoughts and she understands the meaning of human deaths and that of Jesus, his family and his friend Simon Peter. But, the final ending and the final words you need to read for yourself as Mari sends back to all of us his words in the last paragraph of the outstanding book.
Told in a very unique way through the eyes of a cat that is so special as Mari and so many witness many miracles, many famines, many difficult times and each one questions his powers, his love and his strength as we hear his voice so many times reassuring those that need help and taking those to task that defy his wishes or disagree with his teachings. Teacher they called him and the many other teachers that were his followers that were supposed to spread his word.
A book filled with so many life lessons that each chapter can serve as a starting point for some interesting group discussions. Young children and young teens can learn many important lessons dealing with hate, prejudice, love , honor , joy and faith. Each chapter provides its own theme and its own direction leading readers to the climatic ending. This is one book that children in religious schools would find interesting to read as well as informative and church groups can use for discussions.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Author: C.L. Francisco, PHD
The voice you hear as you open to the prologue might surprise readers. It is the voice of a special cat, named Mari. A man that is known as Yeshua ben Yosef named Mari. Mari was in dire need of help and Yeshua ben Yosef saved his life from the paws of a group of wild dogs. Picking Mari up and tending to her wounds he begins their journey with a prayer. Living in the Judean desert this bright, insightful cat takes readers on a journey back in time to where Jesus of Nazareth lived, prayed, healed some many and sought refuge and solitude “ in the wastes beyond Qumran.” “Little Mother,” he called her from the start. Naming her Mari they bonded from the moment she opened her eyes and able to communicate with words was miraculous. “Mother of Life,” was how he referred to her and she instantly decided to call him not just Yeshua but created her own special name for this man. To her, to Mari he became: Adamah, son of Earth.
The author continues by taking both Yeshua and Mari on their first journey and explains to her the meaning of the word Fast and how it affects him and what his purpose is for fasting. Explaining his reasons and why he cannot stop until he receives the answers from The One or God that he seeks, worries Mari as she sees his appearance seems to be pale, thin and his bones or ribs pronounced. A voice comes through within the first chapter and we hear “the phantom of darkness,” try and reason with him but he does not heed his words. Doubts, fears, or perhaps the “the one he calls father does not hear him,” or does not care is said to provide doubts within his mind. The rest of the argument you can hear for yourself as you listen to their words within pages 11-13.
The journey begins but not before the author includes what she titles: a Cat’s Musing at the end of each chapter which sums up just how Mari feels, understands and questions what she had learned within that chapter.
Friendships take on many different roles and Mari and the son of Earth
Have the capacity to speak to each other as she can communicate with animals. From the Desert Light, to their Journey to help John, we learn of the many roles this man plays in the lives of so many until we finally meet him in Nazareth. Mari is bright, observant and her presence guides him through many rough patches and places. Hidden beneath his sling under his robe, she feels honored, treasured and adores spending time close to the heart of his man. How does this Egyptian Mau, not accustomed to living with humans and in a civilized world manage to get along? Listen to her words, hear her voice and smile.
Mari is our primary narrator who is telling the story of the life of Jesus of Nazareth from her very special point of view. Thinking about him trying to comprehend what she has learned and has been taught is not easy. Watching him heal those in need, she hides beneath his sling when people get too close. As you take the journey along with Mari to many different places lessons in life will be learned as the Yeshua quotes many scriptures from the Bible, explains what we can learn from the many experiences related and how everyone can become closer to God.
Miracles are something we all or some of us believe in as we watch Yeshua heal the sick, stop disasters and change or transform many things on Earth when performing them. At times we feel that Mari seems left behind, alone and often wanders the streets, docks and pathways to find her own way and learn more about the world she is now living in. Other times she sticks close to him hoping to be near his heart feel about of his life and feel loved.
Mari learns to live with pain, fear and uncertainty as Yeshua tries to enlighten the children of Israel and bring them back into the fold. Attacks, fires, burning of towns, anger, tensions and more rise as both a Mari and Yeshua take many journeys to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, the Day of Atonement and Nazareth. But, the most compelling and heartbreaking experience described is when Mari is injured and attacked by Lazarus who and others who claim that she is unclean and want her removed from his home. Truths are revealed, healings are observed as a young girl named Maryann experiences a miracle and then learns about Mari. In each chapter the author through Yeshua teaches readers many life lessons about how we should treat and understand others, that love is so important and forgiveness of sins hard at times but allowing us to show our understanding of others. His understanding of others, the human heart and Mari’s sense of right, wrong and humor gives the story a natural flow. As Mari befriends Mary Magdala and watches as he changes many and creates miracles on earth.
His friendship with Maryann as she followed him on his journey. The many disciples we meet those that welcomed him and others that questioned him powers and ability to heal. Mari questions at one point
“Why are those men so angry with you?” “ I don’t understand son of Earth.” When he answers he explains that they speak for men of wealth and power and their voices of their own greed. Hoping that they would hear his voice but few did. Throughout the book he reminds everyone that those filled with the love of The One will not submit to evil nor will they be deceived. There are numerous lessons that everyone can take away from reading this book. As he explains within pages 141-142 many of his powers what they were fortunate to have and why.
There are many scriptures quoted and well-known passages from the gospels too. What is really endearing is how much Mari and the Son of Earth or Jesus love each other and their devotion is remarkable. Within the story we hear many voices that ring out in hate and we understand how God’s love and devotion to us as well as compassion will bring us through hard times. The fasts, the fires, the destruction and his final journey to Jerusalem where he faces his own death and then rises again. The final chapters The Last Mountain, City of Prophets, Night and finally Morning as we hear Mari search for him, asking if he is still alive and the harsh realization that he must leave her. Understanding that he will always be near to her heart and answer her call.
The final paragraphs are quite compelling as we hear Mari’s thoughts and she understands the meaning of human deaths and that of Jesus, his family and his friend Simon Peter. But, the final ending and the final words you need to read for yourself as Mari sends back to all of us his words in the last paragraph of the outstanding book.
Told in a very unique way through the eyes of a cat that is so special as Mari and so many witness many miracles, many famines, many difficult times and each one questions his powers, his love and his strength as we hear his voice so many times reassuring those that need help and taking those to task that defy his wishes or disagree with his teachings. Teacher they called him and the many other teachers that were his followers that were supposed to spread his word.
A book filled with so many life lessons that each chapter can serve as a starting point for some interesting group discussions. Young children and young teens can learn many important lessons dealing with hate, prejudice, love , honor , joy and faith. Each chapter provides its own theme and its own direction leading readers to the climatic ending. This is one book that children in religious schools would find interesting to read as well as informative and church groups can use for discussions.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
March 15, 2014
This is what readers are saying:
“Imagine if the author of Watership Down had written The Shack!”
“A delightful combination of simplicity and deep theological insight.”
“For the first time, I finally understand what the point, the power, and the beauty of “he is risen” is about - hey, it only took 50 years and a cat to translate!”
“The words left the pages and entered my heart, soul and spirit. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.”
Mari is a cat living by her claws on the fringes of the Judean desert. Yeshua is a man with healing hands, seeking solitude in the wastes beyond Qumran. Their paths cross when Yeshua drives wild dogs away and rescues the wounded cat, carrying her in his arms to a ravine where he settles to pray. A unique friendship grows between them, and when he leaves the wilderness, she rides with him, hidden in a sling beneath his robe. More than any other, she becomes Yeshua’s companion in the quiet times.
Mari narrates the life of Jesus of Nazareth from a cat’s eye-view, watching as he transforms the very elements of Earth in his miracles. She learns to love beyond the wont of cats, but she also discovers loneliness and fear of loss. How can a cat living in the eternal Now cope with awareness of the future, with its uncertainty and pain?
In the end, all roads lead to Jerusalem, where Mari experiences depths of wonder unsuspected by those caught up in the tumult around her.
“Imagine if the author of Watership Down had written The Shack!”
“A delightful combination of simplicity and deep theological insight.”
“For the first time, I finally understand what the point, the power, and the beauty of “he is risen” is about - hey, it only took 50 years and a cat to translate!”
“The words left the pages and entered my heart, soul and spirit. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.”
Mari is a cat living by her claws on the fringes of the Judean desert. Yeshua is a man with healing hands, seeking solitude in the wastes beyond Qumran. Their paths cross when Yeshua drives wild dogs away and rescues the wounded cat, carrying her in his arms to a ravine where he settles to pray. A unique friendship grows between them, and when he leaves the wilderness, she rides with him, hidden in a sling beneath his robe. More than any other, she becomes Yeshua’s companion in the quiet times.
Mari narrates the life of Jesus of Nazareth from a cat’s eye-view, watching as he transforms the very elements of Earth in his miracles. She learns to love beyond the wont of cats, but she also discovers loneliness and fear of loss. How can a cat living in the eternal Now cope with awareness of the future, with its uncertainty and pain?
In the end, all roads lead to Jerusalem, where Mari experiences depths of wonder unsuspected by those caught up in the tumult around her.
October 30, 2018
Of course it's fictional, a flight of fancy (or is it?) I found myself highlighting a lot of delightful and poignant moments, and I didn't mind a bit that the cat saw God in a somewhat different way than I do.
October 11, 2019
Not religion but Love
What an incredible love story! To see the life & ultimate sacrifice of Yeshua ben Yosef or Jesus as we know him, through the thoughts & love of a cat is extraordinary. Ben Adamah as Mari the cat has named him becomes more human yet divine as the story unfolds. It's the human side of Jesus that really helped me connect with the love God has for all his creation. He's not way up in some cloud filled place with pearly gates but here in the hearts of those who believe. Maybe even in those who don't, waiting for them to feel his love.
This is not a tale of doctrine & law but of love & loss & rebirth. Of understanding better He who is fully God & knows what it is to be fully human as well.
What an incredible love story! To see the life & ultimate sacrifice of Yeshua ben Yosef or Jesus as we know him, through the thoughts & love of a cat is extraordinary. Ben Adamah as Mari the cat has named him becomes more human yet divine as the story unfolds. It's the human side of Jesus that really helped me connect with the love God has for all his creation. He's not way up in some cloud filled place with pearly gates but here in the hearts of those who believe. Maybe even in those who don't, waiting for them to feel his love.
This is not a tale of doctrine & law but of love & loss & rebirth. Of understanding better He who is fully God & knows what it is to be fully human as well.
February 28, 2019
The spirits of the animals still touch out would today
I love anything to do with Jesus. My other love is animals. God made them to keep us safe and warm. He made them to help those who need it. He also made them to teach us how to love and very quiet you can hear the animals talk to you. They also teach you how to talk back. Mari, the cat was a wonderful experience for me. She echoed the words of Jesus and his life. A good book and a good read.
I love anything to do with Jesus. My other love is animals. God made them to keep us safe and warm. He made them to help those who need it. He also made them to teach us how to love and very quiet you can hear the animals talk to you. They also teach you how to talk back. Mari, the cat was a wonderful experience for me. She echoed the words of Jesus and his life. A good book and a good read.
May 1, 2020
Wow! That was a great book! It was a mindless, fun adventure that was great to go along with. I really enjoyed the story and the perspective of the New Testament through the eyes of a cat. Very inventive and original, and I admire that. It's nice to read something that was lighthearted and positive during this pandemic crisis.
June 5, 2021
Intelligent thoughts on the Life of Christ
This book could best be described as an excellent review and interpretation of the teachings and the last three years of Christ's life . One could say this is.not allowed because th Gospels are the only info we may use to imagine Our Savior. Bravo Ms. Francisco!
This book could best be described as an excellent review and interpretation of the teachings and the last three years of Christ's life . One could say this is.not allowed because th Gospels are the only info we may use to imagine Our Savior. Bravo Ms. Francisco!
June 27, 2017
What better way to explore the Gospel?
What better way to explore the meaning of the Gospels than through the eyes of a cat? Absolutely loved this interpretation and I highly recommend it, especially for younger audiences who might have trouble with the crucifixion story.
What better way to explore the meaning of the Gospels than through the eyes of a cat? Absolutely loved this interpretation and I highly recommend it, especially for younger audiences who might have trouble with the crucifixion story.
March 27, 2018
Recommended by a friend this book was so much fun. I read it while moving away from Albuquerque to our new home across the country. It is the perfect read to clear your head, especially if you are not familiar with the Bible.
October 20, 2018
Faith...as tiny as a mustard seed......is enough♥️🙏
Loved this book! I hope everyone will read it and truly enjoy it as much as I did. Read with an open mind and heart. I hope you find a blessing while doing so.
Loved this book! I hope everyone will read it and truly enjoy it as much as I did. Read with an open mind and heart. I hope you find a blessing while doing so.
April 12, 2021
Beautiful Moving A perspective to consider
As someone in seminary, called to education and not ordination, this book brings together feminist and creation theology with a Midrashic flare. I highly recommend it.
As someone in seminary, called to education and not ordination, this book brings together feminist and creation theology with a Midrashic flare. I highly recommend it.
November 7, 2017
A faithful and entertaining re-telling of the ministry of Jesus. The concept is cute but lacks the spark of humor that could have raised the book to another level.
January 30, 2022
Thinking about what would be if Christ had befriended a cat. I loved it.
February 26, 2014
Meet Mari, a cat named by her godmother who called her “wind on the water” because her fur moved in the breeze. Meet Yeshau ben Yosef, named after his father Yosef, who's name means “God will add to me another son.”
Yeshau rescues Mari from a pack of wild dogs who have destroyed her first litter of kittens. That's when they start on their long journey together. Yeshau hears voices in the night calling him to go to a desolate place to speak to God to finish the direction of his feet. Yeshau has heard the voices from the phantom of darkness trying to convince him that his God is not listening to him and does not think he is the chosen one of Israel. Yeshau talks to animals with his mind, they understand him and talk back to him. Their journey takes them to villages where he talks to and prays with the villagers about God. Sometimes he heals them. Yeshau has picked up disciples along the way. Yeshau goes into the hills alone sometimes to pray, and sometimes with his disciples. Mari the cat is watching, listening and asking questions as he shares in the journey of Yeshau.
The story is seen through the eyes of Mari as she tells her side of the story of her travels with the son of the earth and his disciples. Readers will feel as though they are traveling by the side of the son of God and witness his life and his death. This inspirational story is heartwarming and enlightening.
Francisco is the mother of two, a digital artist, and a lover of wild places. The seeds that grew into The Gospel According to Yeshua's Cat took root as she struggled with the aftermath of a wildfire that swept through her land and took the life of the young cat sharing her home.
Yeshau rescues Mari from a pack of wild dogs who have destroyed her first litter of kittens. That's when they start on their long journey together. Yeshau hears voices in the night calling him to go to a desolate place to speak to God to finish the direction of his feet. Yeshau has heard the voices from the phantom of darkness trying to convince him that his God is not listening to him and does not think he is the chosen one of Israel. Yeshau talks to animals with his mind, they understand him and talk back to him. Their journey takes them to villages where he talks to and prays with the villagers about God. Sometimes he heals them. Yeshau has picked up disciples along the way. Yeshau goes into the hills alone sometimes to pray, and sometimes with his disciples. Mari the cat is watching, listening and asking questions as he shares in the journey of Yeshau.
The story is seen through the eyes of Mari as she tells her side of the story of her travels with the son of the earth and his disciples. Readers will feel as though they are traveling by the side of the son of God and witness his life and his death. This inspirational story is heartwarming and enlightening.
Francisco is the mother of two, a digital artist, and a lover of wild places. The seeds that grew into The Gospel According to Yeshua's Cat took root as she struggled with the aftermath of a wildfire that swept through her land and took the life of the young cat sharing her home.
May 21, 2014
I won this off of Goodread. Could not wait to start reading the story
The author C. L. Francisco did a wonderful job creating this story. The characters are well done and the story follow the journey of Jesus of Nazareth.
We meet Marie a small mother cat. She is telling the story of her meeting Yeshua ben Yosef who we know as Jesus. She tells the story as seen through this small cat's eyes.
Mari is a small cat in trouble as she is attacked by a pack of wild dogs. Her cry is heard by Yeshua who comes to save her from them.
Here their journey begins and he tends to her wounds. Mari tells of the many people they meet and the ones that come to be his followers
She is able to ask Yeshua many questions that she does not understand of the ways of humans. We begin to see the love that her and Yeshua have for each other. She is a small cat with an undying love for Yeshua.
This is a heat warming inspiring story. Well worth the read...
The author C. L. Francisco did a wonderful job creating this story. The characters are well done and the story follow the journey of Jesus of Nazareth.
We meet Marie a small mother cat. She is telling the story of her meeting Yeshua ben Yosef who we know as Jesus. She tells the story as seen through this small cat's eyes.
Mari is a small cat in trouble as she is attacked by a pack of wild dogs. Her cry is heard by Yeshua who comes to save her from them.
Here their journey begins and he tends to her wounds. Mari tells of the many people they meet and the ones that come to be his followers
She is able to ask Yeshua many questions that she does not understand of the ways of humans. We begin to see the love that her and Yeshua have for each other. She is a small cat with an undying love for Yeshua.
This is a heat warming inspiring story. Well worth the read...
March 31, 2014
I loved this book! I read it during the Lenten season which is the perfect time to read it. We will never know if Jesus had a cat, but I would like to think he did. I do know that if he had a cat, he would have treated it as well as he does in this story.
This book tells the story of Jesus shortly before his death. It is told through the eyes of the cat which makes it much more interesting. If you are a cat loving Christian then this book is for you.
This book tells the story of Jesus shortly before his death. It is told through the eyes of the cat which makes it much more interesting. If you are a cat loving Christian then this book is for you.
June 29, 2015
Cat Lovers and Christ
I love cats, but not as much as I love Jesus. I believe that He loves animals as well as humans. There are times that my cats know what I'm thinking, and Jesus would understand far better than I ever cans. Biblically accurate, it is a fun message!
I love cats, but not as much as I love Jesus. I believe that He loves animals as well as humans. There are times that my cats know what I'm thinking, and Jesus would understand far better than I ever cans. Biblically accurate, it is a fun message!
February 15, 2014
One of the absolute best books I have ever read. I know I will read it again... more than a few times.
April 28, 2014
Great book
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