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The Refugee from Heaven
The Refugee from Heaven is the greatest story ever known. Cora Evans recounts the life of Jesus Christ as an eyewitness, beginning with the first meeting between Jesus and Peter, on the shores of Mount Carmel Bay. With vivid detail and dialogue, this unique account breathes new life into well-known figures of the Gospels. Readers gain startling insights into Mary of Magdala's conversion, Herod's ferocious personality, and John the Baptist's courage. Experience the awe of the disciples in the Upper Room at the Last Supper, and stand in the holy sepulcher at the moment of the Resurrection. With a book that is sure to renew appreciation for the loving Heart of Jesus, the author has created an enduring masterpiece.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2014
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84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 16, 2023
Cora Evans, the book's author, is currently a "Servant of God" - the first official title given to one on their way to being declared a Saint (capital "S") by the Catholic Church. Of course, anyone in heaven is a saint (small "s"). This book was written by her after experiencing private revelations and visions in ecstasy on the life of Christ. A private revelation differs from a public revelation (teachings of the Church Magisterium) as the faithful are not obligated to believe it.
That being said, "The Refugee from Heaven," had a profound impact on my life and faith. This precious opus re-wired my personal vision of the birth of Christ, His Ministry, and His Passion. When I started the book, I was pulled in instantly but found myself getting annoyed with sometimes "flowery" interpretations of St. Joseph's mother, "Granny Mary," and cookie baking, among other things. I felt that there was an "American" overlay in both language and interpretation over the Judaic history. I chose to put the book down.
Feeling prompted to continue some weeks later, the book changed course and skyrocketed into mystical teachings, forewarnings, and prophecies shared between Jesus, Mother Mary, and John the Baptist ... and later with Simon Peter. It was no longer a "story" but a book revealing what is to come in the future, and what is expected of us as Christians. It fully supported Scripture (though some of Evans' experiences differ from the Gospels), and takes the reader to a greater spiritual/esoteric level. I was pleased that I finally read a book that spoke of Jesus being able to read thoughts, walking through rock walls, and providing an overall understanding that He was not just fully human, but fully Divine. His kindness, love, and care in the book have enhanced my perception of Jesus (He as all heart), and made me love Him and His Mother more than I already do.
This is a special book that will color the way you think and imagine biblical events. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know Christ better.
That being said, "The Refugee from Heaven," had a profound impact on my life and faith. This precious opus re-wired my personal vision of the birth of Christ, His Ministry, and His Passion. When I started the book, I was pulled in instantly but found myself getting annoyed with sometimes "flowery" interpretations of St. Joseph's mother, "Granny Mary," and cookie baking, among other things. I felt that there was an "American" overlay in both language and interpretation over the Judaic history. I chose to put the book down.
Feeling prompted to continue some weeks later, the book changed course and skyrocketed into mystical teachings, forewarnings, and prophecies shared between Jesus, Mother Mary, and John the Baptist ... and later with Simon Peter. It was no longer a "story" but a book revealing what is to come in the future, and what is expected of us as Christians. It fully supported Scripture (though some of Evans' experiences differ from the Gospels), and takes the reader to a greater spiritual/esoteric level. I was pleased that I finally read a book that spoke of Jesus being able to read thoughts, walking through rock walls, and providing an overall understanding that He was not just fully human, but fully Divine. His kindness, love, and care in the book have enhanced my perception of Jesus (He as all heart), and made me love Him and His Mother more than I already do.
This is a special book that will color the way you think and imagine biblical events. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know Christ better.
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March 31, 2025The parts that contradicted the Bible concerned me, since this author is on the path to canonization, but I guess imaginative prayer has creative license??
Nevertheless, the chapter where Mary Magdalen meets Jesus cut deep-“Little friend, would you have Me look on sin when I have seen your soul clothed so beautifully with trust and love for Me?” 219 Hearing about her preparations disgusted me but then this part came and I was just crying because that’s me, I’ll never be able to get back to that original innocence, despite indulgences I am dirty. Her fear of hell so resonated-that God’s terrible silence and refusal to look could extend forever.
“Mother Mary…kissed her Son’s footprints. She saw Him join the others, and the four holy men walked in the roadway. It was their last walk together, and Mother Mary shuddered at the thought of their parting.” 250 this part was so sad and beautiful, her blessed grief. I struggle with devotion to Mary since she’s perfect but this book made me want to try harder to call on her and love her not fear her.
The Gethsemane part really made me realize the awfulness of God seeing all sin-how could he witness all that evil and keep going when just one or two things lay me low?
Came away with the deep impression of terrible guilt and the unbelievable-ness of God loving us, but also the conviction of His simple and enormous mercy. It made me take sin and God much more seriously, so grateful for that!
Nevertheless, the chapter where Mary Magdalen meets Jesus cut deep-“Little friend, would you have Me look on sin when I have seen your soul clothed so beautifully with trust and love for Me?” 219 Hearing about her preparations disgusted me but then this part came and I was just crying because that’s me, I’ll never be able to get back to that original innocence, despite indulgences I am dirty. Her fear of hell so resonated-that God’s terrible silence and refusal to look could extend forever.
“Mother Mary…kissed her Son’s footprints. She saw Him join the others, and the four holy men walked in the roadway. It was their last walk together, and Mother Mary shuddered at the thought of their parting.” 250 this part was so sad and beautiful, her blessed grief. I struggle with devotion to Mary since she’s perfect but this book made me want to try harder to call on her and love her not fear her.
The Gethsemane part really made me realize the awfulness of God seeing all sin-how could he witness all that evil and keep going when just one or two things lay me low?
Came away with the deep impression of terrible guilt and the unbelievable-ness of God loving us, but also the conviction of His simple and enormous mercy. It made me take sin and God much more seriously, so grateful for that!
May 9, 2019
I enjoyed the chapters regarding the scourging and the carrying of the cross. I found many parts of the remaining chapters confusing (such as “Granny Mary” ) and some parts that just did not agree with Holy Scripture.
March 14, 2016
Much to contemplate...
This book has allowed me to see many scriptures in perhaps a new light. Having read Anne Catherine Emmerich's works, my first inclination is to find similarities. There are differences, but each individual is unique in their journey to Christ. I am sure over the next few days to Easter I will have much to contemplate. This book would be ideal for a book club or bible study group. I gave it four out of five stars only because it did put a different perspective on a few of the biblical narrations, at least to my humble readings.
This book has allowed me to see many scriptures in perhaps a new light. Having read Anne Catherine Emmerich's works, my first inclination is to find similarities. There are differences, but each individual is unique in their journey to Christ. I am sure over the next few days to Easter I will have much to contemplate. This book would be ideal for a book club or bible study group. I gave it four out of five stars only because it did put a different perspective on a few of the biblical narrations, at least to my humble readings.
April 13, 2016
Amazing and inspirational, a great book you will want to discuss. Read it with a friend so you can.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews