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Fr Harry Formosa: I found God in the Desert. Jesuits in Malta, 2012. 171 pp.
From its very beginning, Christianity has been a missionary movement and its founder’s command still echoes loudly in our days. “Go, make disciples of all nations” (Mt: 28, 19).
Quite early on, believers were urged: “Always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience” (1 Pet: 3, 15-16). Fr Harry Formosa has done all this in his new book Sibt ’l Alla fid-Deżert (I Found God in the Desert).
This is a very personal, direct and engaging confession of his Christian faith. However, it is not just a confession but gives an exposition and a respectful justification of the belief of Christians.
A book for sceptics, those who are seeking meaning in their existence
The book starts with the source and ground of all being, God, who is one in being and yet a communion of people. God is love and creates in order to share his goodness.
A second section of the book treats God’s dealings with human beings, i.e., the history of salvation and the incarnation of God with us, as Jesus Christ.
This is followed by the prolongation of the presence of Jesus in His church. A final section considers the special signs and instruments of God’s work through the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments. All this leads back to life after life with God.
Written in beguilingly simple language, I Found God in the Desert is clearly the fruit of much thought and rich human experience. The book is well organised and in its relatively small compass manages to be quite comprehensive.
I enjoyed reading it and found its positive outlook very refreshing, its sincerity moving. It is a book for sceptics, those who are seeking for meaning in their existence. It will benefit also those believers who wish to deepen their faith.
Sibt ’l Alla fid-Deżert is available from Preca Library, Ħamrun; Mount St Joseph Retreat House, Mosta; University Chaplaincy, Msida; Jesuit Provincial Office, Naxxar; Manresa Retreat House, Victoria; and other bookshops.