Come Forth - by James Martin (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"James Martin--arguably our greatest writer-priest--has penned a genius meditation on the Raising of Lazarus. I came away with a renewed hope that grace alone can call me out of whatever tomb I've buried myself in." --Mary Karr, author of The Liar's Club and Lit: A Memoir

One of America's most beloved spiritual leaders and the New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Learning to Pray examines one of the most intriguing events in the New Testament--the biblical story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead--and explains its significance for us today.

In this wise and compassionate work of Christian spirituality, Father James Martin, SJ explores the story of Jesus's greatest miracle from the Gospel of John--the raising of Lazarus from the dead--and what Jesus means when he calls each of us to "come forth." Meditatively and carefully, Martin leads us through a verse-by-verse analysis, offering profound reflections on Jesus's lessons on love, family, sadness, frustration, fear, anger, freedom, and joy. Come Forth combines:

• Compelling analysis of the biblical text
• Insights about the historical setting of the story
• Spiritual lessons for today's readers
• Meditations on Lazarus in art and the larger culture
• Stories from Martin's travels through the Holy Land

As he explores these strands in depth, Martin helps us let go of the limiting beliefs that prevent us from experiencing God's presence in our lives. We need only to open ourselves to the transformative story of Lazarus and trust that God can use it to free us to experience, like Lazarus, new life and spiritual freedom.

Review Quotes

"Part exploration of the life and death of Lazarus; part spiritual direction on how that story can bring us to new spiritual life; part personal application of the story to Martin's own life--this remarkable testimony demonstrates the power of a single Gospel story. This is soul-nourishing and highly recommended." - Ben Witherington III, author of A Week in the Life of Corinth

"Come Forth is a marvel: deeply researched, judicious in its analysis and opinions, and yet friendly and highly personal. We read the Gospels for illumination, consolation, direction, and inspiration, and in James Martin's fascinating study of Lazarus we find them all." - Ron Hansen, author of Mariette in Ecstasy and Atticus

"Probing the profound spiritual and emotional dimensions of Christ's experience at this pivotal moment of the Gospel, Father James Martin brings profound insight to the themes of faith, betrayal, wonder, misunderstanding and questioning that touch us all in our journeys here on this earth." - Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of San Diego

"Martin's combination of Jesuit imagination and provocative biblical scholarship leads to insightful spiritual accompaniment with his readers. We weep with Jesus; we struggle with Martha and Mary. Martin's latest pilgrimage encourages us to question what we thought we understood about this classic story--and about our own mortality." - Michael Peppard, Professor of Theology, Fordham University

"One of life's joys is to read a 'page turner.' Readers of Come Forth will discover one of life's joys! Father Martin packs his newest book with erudite scholarship, scriptural intimacy, a love of the Holy Land and his own experience as he opens up Jesus's greatest miracle." - Archbishop John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe

"From historical investigation to literary and artistic imaginings, Martin guides readers from despair to hope and from shame to acceptance. A magnificent, moving spiritual journey." - Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament Studies Emerita, Vanderbilt University, author of The Misunderstood Jew

"Martin mixes biblical exegesis with nuanced reflections on the Lazarus story as represented in the larger culture of art, books, and film . . . an erudite and heartfelt paean." - Shelf Awareness

"Full of keen spiritual and human insight, inspiring meditations both broad and deep. A compelling chair pilgrimage with [Father Martin] who is endlessly fascinated by Jesus and reminds us that the life of faith is lively, ever-curious, full of wonder and, in this book's case ... kind of fun." - Elizabeth Scalia, OSV News

"Jesuit priest James Martin takes a satisfying approach that mines John 11 for new interpretations and translations -- and even a few hot takes on common understandings of the story and its characters. His enthusiasm is infectious." - The Presbyterian Outlook

"Wise, winsome, and compelling, Martin writes in a way that invites growth in faith and discernment. Beyond the complexity of critical study and the obscurity of historical data, this book is a pastoral summons into a world of grace-filled honesty." - Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, author of The Prophetic Imagination

"Martin dives deep into the Gospel story to reveal how Jesus's greatest miracle can help each of us experience the new life that God promises. Come Forth is a spiritual masterpiece." - Richard Rohr, OFM, author of The Universal Christ

"Martin--arguably our greatest writer priest--has penned a genius meditation on the Raising of Lazarus. I read it in one sitting and came away with a renewed hope that grace alone can call me out of whatever tomb I've buried myself in. Bravo!" - Mary Karr, author of The Liar's Club and Lit: A Memoir

"Like being led by a guide who takes you through the art, history, and Scripture, until you arrive at what he had in mind: the understanding that the story of Lazarus reveals Jesus the God/Man: the God who raised from the dead, the man who weeps with and for his friends." - Mary Gordon, author of Final Payments and Joan of Arc

"James Martin's Come Forth is a significant example of an honest and healthy interpretation of a biblical text. A must read for all searching for examples of the ongoing relevance of the Word of God in contemporary Christian life and practice." - Francis J. Moloney, SDB, author of the Sacra Pagina commentary on the Gospel of John

"James Martin has drawn from the story told in John 11 a wealth of reflections of a spiritual and pastoral nature." - Brendan Byrne, SJ, Emeritus Professor of New Testament, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia