A Journey With Jonah: The Spirituality of Bewilderment

by Paul Murray

The Book of Jonah, although a work of only two pages long, has made an extraordinary impact on the history of Jewish, Catholic, and Islamic spirituality. As the author demonstrates in this compact and readable book, the Book of Jonah emerges as perhaps the most profoundly Christian of all the books in the Hebrew Bible, and the book that speaks with the most telling resonance for our own age. The Book's message is a serious and compelling one.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Catholic, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Theology, Scripture

69 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2002

About the author

Paul Brendan Murray, O.P. (born 26 November 1947) is an Irish Dominican priest of the Catholic Church, poet, writer, and professor.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more scholarly than I expected but was still very readable as a deep dive into the Book of Jonah. Word on Fire has bundled together three short pieces to form a meditation: 3 chapters from Father Paul Murray which were first published in 2002, a 2003 lectio divina from Cardinal Ratzinger (who was later Pope Benedict XVI) In English for the first time, and the Book of Jonah itself (which I thought was a nice touch).

Murray's reflections range through a lot of sources while keeping the focus on the deeper meanings found beneath the surface. Both it and Ratzinger's examination provide lots of food for thought. I liked both and recommend the book.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive on many levels this short book really broke down Jonah in a way that I had not thought of in the past. A triple going down of the prophet is described in the first chapter of Jonah: "he goes down to the port of Joppa, he descends into the ship, and once on board he goes down into the hold of the ship." All of this to flee the Lord, yet there is no escape.

Well written and the afterward by Joseph Ratzinger is appreciated as well as the inclusion of the Book of Jonah.

[Keagan McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes it is only in the midst of the “tempest”, in the heart of a storm of circumstances that we can’t control, that we come to finally realize something of the wonderful mystery of God, and realize also how far beyond anything we can imagine or hope for are his plans both for ourselves and for the entire world.” <3

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never understood the book of Jonah. I thought I did, but this book has revealed things that I never realized before and well worth the read.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good set of short, thought-provoking meditations on Jonah, a seemingly simple story with enormous depth. Depth is, in fact, a crucial word in interpreting it. Murray’s reflections are especially good in regard to Jonah’s spiteful desire that Nineveh be destroyed; his sense of justice and judgment is keener than God’s, hence his pride and his flight. Murray quotes Robert Frost on this: ”He can’t trust God to be unmerciful.” Mea culpa.

This handsomely bound little paperback also includes an insightful homily on Jonah by Benedict XVI, at the time of which he was still Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, that connects Jonah to the elder brother, the first laborer, and Christ himself. The entire Book of Jonah is included as an appendix.

Recommended.

[David Campton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short commentary on a short Biblical book, but one packed with insights from art and literature, showing the relevance of Jonah's ridiculous story for our spiritual journeys, wherever they may take us.

[Matthew Simms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. Murray’s short reflections on the story of Jonah help the reader dive deeper into the “parable of mercy.” This four chapter biblical story has captivated the attention of its readers for millennia. As I travel to Italy this summer, I’m excited to see the prophet Jonah on the walls of the Sistine Chapel. Supposedly, the image of the bewildered prophet can be said to dominate “The Last Judgment” fresco of Michelangelo. May we all strive to be like Jonah and become more bewildered, and in turn, better able to see Christ in our lives and in those among us.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't agree with some of the positions of the author on the book of Jonah. Nevertheless, I found his references to different literary uses of the book very interesting and the addition of Pope Benedict XVI's reflection on Jonah at the end is also quite nice. I give it 4 stars for quality of presentation, although I didn't personally agree or care for some of the opinions the author has on the book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating exegesis on the book of Jonah. As a literature geek, I especially loved the use of prose to help draw out the lessons from the book. Fr. Murray's volume is a short read that packs a punch. We all have a little Joanh in us - stubborn, hard-headed, reluctant, grudging obedience, and vengeful. The book gently encourages us to ask ourselves: "What is my Nineveh? How do I hide from the tough things God asks of me?"

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little book of reflections referring to insights gathered from a wide spectrum of sources: art, literature, church fathers, mystics, non-Catholic, etc.
I’m encouraged to go and explore some of the poetry and writings of the saints that were quoted.

The talk by Cardinal Ratzinger was very powerful and I’m glad it was included in its entirety.

[MR STEPHEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and Profound

Short, simple yet profound. Look elsewhere for critical exegesis. Murray draws on poets, mystics and others to draw us into the depths of a parable for our time. This short book is worth reading for the concluding lectio by Joseph Ratzinger alone.

[Jack Geise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text is overshadowed by Ratzinger's lectio divina at the end. But on the whole, a fantastic read, I will definitely be returning to this for future prayer.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and well-written study.

[Joseph Pless · Rating 4 out of 5]

A necessary read for anyone who looks at another person and thinks "thank God I am not a sinner like them who will get what they deserve"

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful reflections on Jonah. Bewilderment allows for a meandering look at different parabolic understandings.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful study of Jonah, particularly the references to use of the story in Moby Dick

[Cherlynn Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was academic, but not a difficult read. It made me think. I liked the symbolism of Jonah to Christ & how each section was broken down. I definitely recommend this book.

[David donegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy read, but extremely profound. A lot to meditate on and ponder.