Face to the Rising Sun: Reflections on Spirituals and Justice

by The Rev. Mark Bozzuti-Jones

Spirituals, songs of abiding faith passed down by African Americans through the centuries, offer a remarkable view of resilience, courage, and love. Formed in the crucible of fire, these songs express the suffering and horror of slavery as well as the love of God and the promise of a better future.Author Mark Bozzuti-Jones explores the modern-day lessons of these Spirituals with scripture readings, daily devotions, and questions for reflection. With 31 days of devotions, Face to the Rising Sun offers a path forward, a way to repent and name the evils of racism and to learn and grow together in God's love.The Rev. Dr. Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones is an Episcopal Jamaican priest at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City.A former Jesuit priest, Mark has missionary experience in Belize, Brazil, and Guyana. He is an avid reader, award-winning author, and speaker, and has taught at elementary and university levels. He has a passion for the cultures in Latin America and the Caribbean. Fr. Mark’s intellectual interests include the impact of social issues on faith and spirituality, racism, and plight of the poor. He loves flowers, Brazilian and Reggae music. He believes in the inculturation of religion. He is an award-winning author, currently working on a book of poetry; recent books include God Created, Jesus the Word, The Gospel of Barack Hussein Obama According to Mark and The Rastafari Book of Common Prayer. He is married to the Rev. Dr. Kathy Bozzuti-Jones – Mark Anthony is their son.

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2021

Reviews

[Beverly Sanchez]

I thought so much of this beautiful book which offers us such opportunities for not only self examination but spiritual and reflections on Justice as well. Mark Bozzuti Jones also scatters his own poetry throughout the book and they are particularly touching and inciteful. I found the poem "This Feeling" particularly powerful and expressive of the feelings and thoughts of many good people who might wish to understand the issues or who do understand the issues and want to take action to support their beliefs.
Bozzuti Jones wrote such an important book for those who grew up hearing these spirituals and for those that have never heard them before and are being introduced to them here and now. This book is a treasure and encourages us to read, reflect and dig deeper. "Steal Away" and "Down by the Riverside" are songs that my family sang when I was growing up but I was familiar with many of the other spirituals. However, I also found in this book some spirituals that I did not know and I am richer for having this experience.
I recommend it to everyone. No prior knowledge necessary. Only an open heart and open eyes to reflect on the Scripture and the justice or the lack of justice that we all must endure as Mark Bozzuti-Jones discusses in his ending poem "Endure".

[Nancy]

Wonderful book and very thought provoking! I read this as a Lenten practice and think I will reread it sometime in the future. There is so much to explore. I was very glad to find the spirituals available at the forward day by day website so that I could hear them along with reading the devotional. I appreciate Reverend Bozzuti-Jones straight talk and eye opening writing. I'm grateful to my sister's Christ Church Episcopal church for introducing me to this book.

[Josully3]

Read with my church group for lent.