The Messenger: A Parable

by Joseph F. Girzone

From the bestselling author of Joshua and A Portrait of Jesus comes a moving, eye-opening parable about a messenger sent to reawaken faith, love, and compassion in a world that has strayed from the lessons of the Gospels.

In this Image paperback original, Joseph Girzone once again weaves a story that will transform readers' understanding of Jesus' teaching and change the way they put that teaching into action in their own lives. The Messenger is the story of the Kingdom of Light created by God on Earth. This kingdom started as a small community and grew to encompass vast numbers of people of every race and nation, transcending the boundaries of all worldly realms. But with the passage of time, the message of peace and forgiveness, love and joy, preserved in the book, is forgotten, overwhelmed by the selfish interests of its leaders. Watching over his people, God resolves to send a special messenger to renew the spirit of compassion and freedom among the rulers of the world. Francis, who became attached to God as a young boy and never lost the beauty and joy of that friendship, is entrusted with the precious mission.

As Francis travels throughout the United States, Girzone brings to life the conflicts, hostility, and pain of our times and points the way toward peace and understanding. With humility and a strong sense of purpose, Francis teaches leaders to break through the crushing letter of the law and restore its spirit, to reunite groups torn apart by prejudice and hatred through love, and to show compassion to the less fortunate by welcoming them back home to the kingdom. Under the guidance of a new ruler well versed in the book, fear and skepticism give way to the sharing of ideas and the bringing together of people of different beliefs. And the miracle that begins in one part of the world soon spreads, touching the hearts and of transfiguring the lives of the people across the globe.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Religion, Spirituality

105 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2002

About the author

FROM PUBLISHER:
JOSEPH F. GIRZONE retired from the active priesthood in 1981 due to health reasons, and embarked on a second career as a writer and speaker.

In 1995 he established the Joshua Foundation, an organization dedicated to making Jesus better known throughout the world.

His bestselling books include Joshua, A Portrait of Jesus, and Never Alone. He lives in Altamont, New York.

Reviews

[Josef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty easy to understand and free flowing. It is deep and quite real at the same time.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

A somewhat repetitive, dry read that is touted as a parable. Girzone, who was a priest himself, wrote a story of a priest who is trying to share the truth of Jesus Christ. However, as he writes through the conflicts, discussions, and lectures that Francis, the main character is involved with, he is trying to present the grace and humility of Christ's forgiveness. The story line itself is slow and has little to it, and it falls flat for me at the end when his work is done.
I suppose that a parable is supposed to be a quick and easy read and has to be simple to make it's point and I think Grizone accomplished the quick, easy, and simple points...maybe just a little too well.

[Jonesy 23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An oldie but a goodie. Should be required reading for all.

Whenever I read Joesph Girzone, its impossible to not draw the parallels to our current “organized religion”. While structure is fine,STRUCTURES are debilitating and limiting. I used make judgements based on who was or wasn’t sitting in the pew next to me, but I now make a conscious effort to not judge. I love a good homily or sermon, but I see more of Christ in the actions and deeds of those visible in my daily life. I’ve read this text a number of times and I get something new each read. Enjoy and challenge yourself.

[Christian Singer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joseph Girzone weaves a tale of a priest whose heart breaks over the hypocrisy and cold-heartedness of those who claim to serve the King and whose heart rejoices when people love each other and share the kindness of the King. Living for God isn't about rules and regulations. It's about what's in a person's heart. This is a good read for those who have been hurt by the church, those struggling with their faith, those disillusioned with religion, those who think they have it altogether, and just about anyone interested in stories about faith.

[Denise Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it was a good reminder that actions speak louder than words and each individual can make a positive difference in her own way. The protagonist, Francis, faces each encounter and obstacle with grace and positivity and leaves the each person and-or place better than it was before he was there.

[Jeff Wombold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, very inspirational. I feel that this book should be required reading for some arrogant priests that are not good shepherd's to their flock.

[Mona Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Joseph Girzone's books inspire and teach about God's love and loving others. Highly recommended.

[Kathy Peterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thoughtful but a little confusing too. Spiritual allegory

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this modern-day proverb Francis is chosen by God to be a prophet. He "teaches leaders to break through the crushing letter of the law and restore its spirit, to reunite groups torn apart by prejudice and hatred through love, and to show compassion to the less fortunate by welcoming them back home to the kingdom" (back cover).

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't continue my interest in this book. I hope to try again some day.