We normally hear the word premeditated in conjunction with murder. One has deliberated for a long time, covered every option, thought about every detail in taking another's life. Premeditated mercy is the parallel opposite of premeditated murder. It implies a deliberate, thoughtful and willful act to give life: to forgive, to be reconciled, to live at peace with others, even those who have betrayed us, forsaken us, abandoned us, threatened us. In Premeditated Mercy Father Joe Nassal outlines a comprehensive and transformative spirituality of reconciliation. He offers a recipe for preparing a meal of mercy in the pattern of the Gospels. Jesus' challenge is clear enough: We are to reconcile with one another before bringing our gifts to the altar, for that table reflects God's desire that we live in a holy communion with all people. Premeditated mercy suggests that in our silent prayer before the altar we ponder the breach in relationship and plot a strategy that will lead to reconciliation. Includes: 1.Revolutionary recipes for communal as well as one-on-one reconciliation 2.Scripturally sound, freshly creative ways to set the table for forgiveness and communion 3.How to find room at the table for all--the beloved as well as the betrayer 4.How to find common ground amidst the variety of values and wounds we bring to the table 5.How we can make sacred connections within ourselves and in our relationships 6.Helps us see our shadows on Mercy Street 7.Helps us learn prayer from the crawl space 8.Helps us find our footing in the shadow of the cross Employing engaging stories from a variety of faith traditions, from real life as well as original tales, this poetic manual for becoming a minister of reconciliation brings a radically challenging spiritual work within the reach of each of us. A fresh Lenten resource for pastoral ministers, for disciples of the Preacher of the Sermon on the Mount and all who seek to live more fully the way of reconciliation.
