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Fr. Slawomir Szkredka, S.S.D. Icon of Trust: Mary in the Gospels of Luke and John. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $13.95. Ebook $9.99. Available from the publisher.
“Mary conceived Jesus in her heart before she conceived him in her womb.” (St. Augustine)
One of life’s greatest contests is growing in abandonment to Divine Providence. Thankfully, Jesus gave us His Mother, our model in faith, at the Cross. In his new book Icon of Trust: Mary in the Gospels of Luke and John prolific author Fr. Slawomir Szkredka, S.S.D. shares how Our Lady’s loving obedience is central to the message of our salvation.
Readers will walk with the Blessed Mother, as she guides them to perceive how biblical events foretell deeper salvific mysteries, and behold the face of God. Fr. Szkredka reflects on Our Lady’s trustful surrender:
“What shall we learn about Mary? Out of many valuable lessons that could be drawn from the Gospels of Luke and John, we shall focus on the lesson about Mary’s trust in God. I believe that in the Infancy Narrative of Luke 1–2 and then in the Johannine scenes of the Wedding of Cana and the Testament from the Cross Mary appears as the Mother of trust. She is the one who – with her ‘Let it be with me according to your word’– places her complete trust in God.” (Icon of Trust)
By the same token, Fr. Szkredka illuminates the typology regarding words and events foretelling Our Lady’s mission. For example, “In the Gospel of John, Mary appears only in two scenes, in Cana and at the crucifixion. In both scenes she is referred to as ‘woman.’ The tradition of the Church has seen in this title a reference to Mary’s universal role as the new Eve.” (Icon of Trust)
Readers will discover Our Lady’s role in the Gospels, the Church, and in our lives. Mary, Mother of trust, guides us in loving God with our whole heart, mind, and soul.
“[Mary], at the Wedding in Cana, moves us to trustful obedience to Jesus – ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ In the end, it is Jesus who entrusts her to us in the person of the Beloved Disciple – ‘Behold your Mother’ – so that now in communion of life with her we can receive the fruits of Jesus’ salvific death. Entrusted to her, we can approach God with her trust.” (Icon of Trust)
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of Icon of Trust, and/or to schedule an interview.
Mary Beth Bracy is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Her books include Behold the Lamb, Bread of Life and The Little Way of Healing Love Through the Passion of Jesus: The Stations of the Cross with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and she is co-author of the book Stories of the Eucharist. She has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks. Mary Beth is also a professional teacher, dual certified in English and Special Education, and the owner of a Catholic book and gift shop online. A proud member of the St. John Paul II generation, and lover of all things St. Thérèse, Mary Beth enjoys spending time in Eucharistic Adoration daily, keeping in touch with her family and friends, as well as, sharing her faith with others.
