The Light Shines on in the Darkness: Transforming Suffering through Faith (Happiness, Suffering, and Transcendence) (Volume 4)

Father Spitzer's book is an answer to prayer! I was very doubtful about buying the book because ive read other books on suffering that were more philosophical and difficult for me to understand. This book is also pretty big, but dont let that scare you. After seeing Father Spitzer on EWTN and enjoying his show, and because ive been going through some suffering, i decided to order it. I haven't finished it yet, because it is so full of useful information that i can only read a few pages at a time. Father Spitzer provides practical strategies and prayers you can use during times of suffering. I've written down some of these prayers and practical advice on index cards that i can keep in my purse and pull out as needed. The strategies don't necessarily make the suffering go away, but they do show you how to find the deeper meaning to your suffering and find consolation and peace. You have to be ready, open and willing to receive the lessons in this book, praying as you read it. Furthermore, Father's personal stories and explanations are very interesting/entertaining. I often find myself smiling as I read his examples, because I can relate to them. I'm looking forward to reading the later chapters that address how suffering, through the holy spirit, can open doors of opportunity to serve. I feel as though the holy spirit is definitely speaking to me through the pages of this book and it's as though Father Spitzer is my personal spiritual director while I seek out one (it would be an excellent book to discuss during spiritual direction and probably shouldn't replace it and should not replace receiving support from other believers). I am thoroughly enjoying it and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the deeper meaning in suffering, how it can lead us closer to our Lord and other people and so much more. I also counsel people and think that the strategies, prayers, suggestions could definitely be used in pastoral counseling. In fact, I think every parish should provide classes where this book is studied. It's that good.

This is the fourth --- and I believe most important --- book in a series by Fr. Robert Spitzer. The first three talked about God, creation and love; they cite facts, studies and scientists to prove that this is all real. But then this book says, in effect: “All that is well and good, but I’m living now, today, and life is hard. If there is a loving God Who created all things for good, why am I suffering? A truly loving God, an all-powerful God, would not let so much suffering exist.,” and everyone believes there is no suffering worse than theirs. This book is about a key reality of life: There will be suffering; suffering must be allowed, to help bring about a greater good --- one that, sometimes, only God can understand.Fr. Spitzer sets out to prove this statement, and does it well. I can’t begin to cite all the studies and facts and, yes, logic that he uses to prove that “The Light Shines on in The Darkness,” and after reading this book I think most people will put it on the shelf as a reference manual, kind of like a medical book: When you’re in pain, here are ways to ease your suffering. The book’s subtitle is: “Transforming Suffering Through Faith,” but I assure you, this is not a “Trust me because the Bible says it is so …” book. This book teaches the importance of suffering --- to you! --- to make your life better. It teaches you as professor to student, as loving parent to a little child --- to a suffering little child: it will be all right.In your darkest hour, through your flood of tears, IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT. When things are at their darkest hour, I can’t think of a more important thing to know, and believe.If you do nothing else, read the 20-page Introduction to this book, even while you sit in the bookstore. You will be stunned by one of its early statements: “Suffering is not opposed to love, --- it leads to it,” and Spitzer’s preview of how he backs that statement will intrigue you to read on. “Intriguing” is a good description of this book. Perhaps “Loving” is, too. Despite all the pain you feel, this book helps you to KNOW: You are not alone. The Light shines on.

I was confused that I was unusually accepting of my husband's death. There are and have been sad moments; but generally, I am at peace. Chapters 3 and 4 helped me to understand why. Some of these prayers and practices are not new. I have learned them from others. Yet, he beautifully intertwined the prayers and practices with his own life. While reading his examples I could see how they helped him and in turn how they helped me. It confirmed I have been making good choices. And it gives me an incentive to continue them in my daily life. Good, thought-provoking book.

Very well written and enlightening.

Outstanding. It is very intelligent and articulate, conveying profound meaning through suffering. He relates the very intimate and loving God who meets us in our suffering. He dispels misconceptions of God that impede our journey of healing. I am still reading the book, and find it difficult to put it down. I look forward to the next step of unpacking the relationship of an intimate and loving God who meets us in our suffering, and leads us home. I have worked in a psychiatric hospital for 20 years in social work, and constantly meet people in their darkness. This book puts it all in perspective. I have recommended this book to those suffering, and would encourage anyone who is confronted with suffering (physical, spiritual, or mental) to consider reading this book. There is so much more I want to share but will wait until I have completed the book.