A few months ago I again picked up Cathy Wright LSJ’s book Charles de Foucauld: Journey of the Spirit. I say again because it is my second copy, my first being in another country due to my somewhat itinerant and rather impermanent living; it’s also at least my fourth read.

This is what the back cover says:

Called “the man who turns religion into love,” Charles de Foucauld followed a winding path to his heart’s true desire. After early years of wrenching loss, rebelliousness, unbelief in God, reckless adventure, and the unbridled pursuit of pleasure, Charles experienced a profound conversion where he met God’s mercy and love. Transformed, he devoted the remainder of his life to seeking “Nazareth,” which  ultimately meant following Jesus  in humility and prayerful solidarity with the Muslim people of Algeria.

In this book, Cathy Wright gives us more than a compelling portrait of the new Blessed. A Little Sister of Jesus, one of the communities of religious women who draw their charism from the life and vision of Charles de Foucauld, Wright also offers keen insight into some of the major themes of his spirituality. Her words reveal how Blessed Charles, who wanted people of all faiths to look upon him as their “universal brother,” can serve as a true spiritual guide and witness of communion for people of the twenty-first century.

There are some meditations that specifically bring us to the threshold of living as if we see Jesus in people and letting our lives be a “living Gospel”. I can never read this book enough.