Customer Reviews

The Via Crucis

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am not typically an avid reader of anything but the Bible, non-fiction, auto biography, and teaching materials. However, I had Via Crucis on my night stand for a week or so and decided to go ahead and poke my nose in it. Needless to say, I was captivated by Shawn's writing style and spiritual depth of the prose. The book really brings to life the birth of Christ and is written in a way that engages the imagination. I was picturing myself there witnessing the events taking place. The devotionals included are relevant and had me thinking and meditating on the message. Shawn brings his message in a way that all can relate and inspires all to come to know Christ in an intimate way, not just with religious lip service.

This is the first of the two "Via" devotionals. (The second is The Via Advent.)The spectacular writing provided by Shawn Small provides and unique and heart transforming look at what the season of Lent is all about. While reading this daily devotional, you feel as if you are walking hand-in-hand with Christ on His journey to the cross. Your heart will be transformed as you enjoy this book.

I grew up in an evangelical church and was not exposed to much liturgy. As a result, I had never heard of the Via Crucis prior to reading this book. But after reading this, I am challenged to explore more liturgy and the traditions of my faith. Shawn is a masterful storyteller and helps the reader put themselves in the place of the characters. I highly recommend this book.

Not only did The Via Crucis revitalize my own personal Lenten journey this year, but my entire youth ministry benefited from my reading this book. We enhanced our Living Stations Re-enactment for our Parish and helped explain Jesus' Passion to our middle school students in a more descriptive way. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more about Jesus' Passion in a prayerful way. It's a very approachable book, fairly short, and easy to read.

Shawn Small has both the gift of faith and the gift of the storyteller.

In The Via Crusis he brings to life the humanity of Jesus and the cast of characters that were involved in his final hours. Each "portrait" is a

powerful depiction of a person and their interaction with Jesus on the way

to the cross. Shawn makes it earthy, real, painful. I found myself very

emotionally involved as I followed in Jesus' footsteps. Our Senior High Youth are using The Via Crusis to lead our 6th through 9th graders through

the Stations of the Cross this Holy Week. They, too, have found this book

moving, inspiring, life-changing.

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Every time I read Via Crucis I am struck with awe at what Jesus did for us. The choices he made all the way to the cross. Thank you Shawn for helping us stop and ponder that during Lent.

Shawn Small is an incredibly gifted person. His insight to Prayer, Meditation, and other spiritual means of staying connected to God is awesome to say the least. I read a chapter a day, and tried to reflect on it's message each day. The format is written in distinctive sections. The first, Art illustrating with scripture. The second, the daily scripture reading. Third, this reading is offered from the perspective of a character affected by the scripture story. This part to me, impacts me more, and brings the story to a light, not thought of normally. And the last is the Prayer, which always starts and ends with the sentence "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me" It's 40 chapters is perfect for the season of Lent, or as a devotional at anytime. It's a small book you can carry around with you anywhere! As a youth leaders for over 18 years, I will pick up this book for my youth group so that they too, can take a deeper look into The Via Crucis!!!! - Thank You Shawn for writing this anointed book!!!

Shawn Small takes the Lenten season to a whole new level through The Via Crucis. This book has taken what has become common and stale in my faith life and destroyed it, making room for a rejuvinated and new heart for my Savior. Through detailed storytelling, meditative illustrations and thoughtful insights I was able to see Jesus face to face and feel my heart beat for him as his heart beats for me.

I haven't been this impacted down to my core since Gibson's "Passion." I was totally drawn in through the station stories, and felt as if I was following Christ in person. Mr. Small has helped give me a completely new perspective on all these events in Christ's last days. There are several of the daily prayers too, that I have drawn out, and will incorporate into my personal prayer time on a regular basis. Via Crucis will touch your heart!

the way of the cross was the way of change in my life. we are all on our own journey and this helped me put the life, death and resurrection of christ central in my journey. now my travels make more sense. this is a must read.