Matt Weber’s Fearing the Stigmata is one young and committed Catholic’s delightful exploration of how to be a person of faith in a culture which is often dismissive of religious convictions.
At the outset of the book, Matt explains the title of the book:
“Why does my friend St. Francis have spots on his hands and feet?” I asked in prepubescent squeakiness. I remember wondering whether empty spots were the results of “leopard-sy” or were caused by some other condition.
“Well, Matthew,” she said, “those are holes and they are called the stigmata and it reflects the wounds of Jesus suffered during his crucifixion.”
“How did St. Francis get them?” I asked with queasy curiosity.
“He was good, Matthew, a good Catholic.”
That night I went home and decided I had better start doing some more sinning. Nothing too bad — I think I may have pinched my little sister and neglected to put some clothes in the hamper — just enough to make sure I would be stigmata free that night. While at the time I may not have fully understood the complexity of her answer, my teacher’s words have been present in every one of my actions, informing many decisions, providing me with bearings to a faith life I still hold dear.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I look forward to reading Matt’s book. The passage above reminds me of all the subtle life lessons that seem to have more meaning as the years roll on. Many thanks…
Tim,
If I was at home, I would have sent you the book…
Paul
I can well imagine how frightening such a statement would be for a child; and yet those words have stayed with Matt and have been a guidepost for him. Teaching children is such an awesome responsibility and it is significant that this has been posted on the day when many children are returning to school.
Lynda,
Again, I have serendipitously chosen good timing for a post. It certainly wasn’t planned.
Paul
This is such a good book. I am so behind on writing and publishing book reviews on my blog, but this one must be reviewed. He is a great writer and I loved the book. What a refreshing point-of-view!
Fran,
I’m so glad you liked this book. We’re trying to find new and fresh voices and I think Matt’s is wonderful.
Paul
Wow…just shared this with some cherished educators in my Parish…including my friend, and Adult Faith Formation parish associate.
We never stop learning…and this gives me pause, to remember and be grateful to those who have had a positive influence on our faith lives..through their words, and actions!
How timely, as the school bell is about to ring in New Jersey..thank you for sharing!
Maureen,
You are right to remind us that we should always be grateful to those who have a positive influence on our faith lives. Thank you.
Paul
He appears to have a wicked sense of humor, as well as a good heart and a lively faith. Sounds like a pretty formidable combination in your new author. I look forward to reading what else he has to say.
Denise
Denise,
You spotted his sense of humor right away. It is one of the most charming of his traits.
Paul
I suspect that his response to the “stigma” of his Catholic Christianity was somewhat more Christian than the threat of violence with which we used to defend ourselves with as kids. It worked well enough but that’s not quite the point is it
Simon,
He probably didn’t face the stigma (not stigmata!) that we both did growing up.
Paul
Looking forward to it!
Annette,
It’s well wroth reading. You can trust me on that.
Paul
Can’t wait to read it. I always feel that when I can laugh at myself and my “religion” it actually inspires me to live it more genuinely.
Andree,
Ah, yes, humor. Religion without humor (including a healthy dose of self-deprecation) is deadly.
Paul
This sounds like a breath of fresh air with a twist of humor! Thanks for recommending it.
Barbara,
Well, yes. It is my job after all to shill our products… but this, I promise you, is a good one.
Paul