Jesus, Companion in My Suffering: Reflections for the Lenten Journey

“Joyce Rupp is a soul midwife, guiding us with a gentle but strong hand as we struggle to birth something new from the depths of ourselves. Our griefs, large and small, are safe here; we can trust they will be tended with care. Jesus, Companion in My Suffering is the Lent book we have long needed.” --Shannon K. Evans, author of Rewilding Motherhood

“Visiting the heart of Joyce Rupp remains a pleasure. She owns her limitations, which make mine feel less lonely, and her God-names are inventive: ‘Surprising Healer,’ ‘Unexpected Visitor,’ ‘Keen Listener.’ The quick daily plunge of spiritual direction in this book is bracing. Disappointment, failure, and being out of control are never taboo.” --Alice Camille, author of Working Toward Sainthood: Daily Reflections for Lent

“We all suffer, and we are all called at times to minister to others who are suffering. Reading and sharing these reflections will help us reflect on our own suffering and also to bring the love of Christ into the lives of people who are suffering.” --Deacon Ed Shoener, compiler and editor of When a Loved One Dies by Suicide

Lent can be a time of bearing heavy burdens, of carrying the worries, pains, and sorrows that weigh on our hearts. Joyce Rupp reminds us that even though we may feel alone during these times of personal distress, we have the loving, empathetic, and ever-present companionship of Jesus by our side.

In Jesus, Companion in My Suffering, Rupp—bestselling author of several books on grief, loss, and suffering, including Praying Our Goodbyes and Jesus, Friend of My Soul—will guide you to see Jesus not only as someone who understands deeply what you have experienced but also as a teacher whose wisdom you can apply to your own life. By allowing Jesus to accompany you in times of trial, Rupp says, you’ll be encouraged to move toward more compassion for yourself and others.

For each of the forty days of Lent, Rupp offers a brief reflection on a story from the life of Jesus, applying his actions and teachings to our own experiences. She also includes a prayer and daily intention that invites us to spiritual growth and to reach fuller depths in our faith. Questions for personal reflection or group discussion are included.

Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer and spiritual midwife. She serves as a consultant for the Boundless Compassion program. Rupp is the author of numerous bestselling books, including Praying Our Goodbyes, Open the Door, Return to the Root, and Jesus, Friend of My Soul. Her 2018 book, Boundless Compassion, won awards from the Association of Catholic Publishers and the Catholic Media Association. Her books Fly While You Still Have Wings and Anchors for the Soul also have earned CMA awards. She is a member of the Servite (Servants of Mary) community.