by Ignatius Plato
Many struggle to find peace amid the busyness of everyday life, but do not always know where to find it. Father Joseph Laramie, SJ, has a possible solution with his new book, Love Him Ever More: A 9-Day Personal Retreat with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A sequel to 2019’s Abide in the Heart of Christ: a 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Ignatius Loyola, Fr. Laramie’s Love Him Ever More invites readers to give their hearts a break from the chaos and pursue the peace offered by the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Based on the second week of St. Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises, the book frames Christ’s mission to save all from sin as a call to bring one another peace. Father Laramie responds to the call and encourages the reader to devote his or her own heart to the Sacred Heart.
Love Him Ever More is a complete nine-day (or nine-week) retreat in book form that focuses on seeking unity with the Sacred Heart. First, participants are asked to reflect on their own hearts – on what feels full or what is lacking. Then, Fr. Laramie guides them through contemplations of Jesus’ earthly mission, meant to increase a desire for oneness with that mission. Finally, readers are urged to give their hearts to others, just as Jesus offers his own heart to us.
Throughout the nine days, Fr. Laramie offers practicality and wit to discussions on major topics in Ignatian spirituality: gratitude, discernment of spirits, the Two Standards and much more. Other highlights include the stories of Saints Margaret Mary Alacoque and Claude Colombiere, SJ, a history of the origins of the now-global Apostleship of Prayer and personal retellings of Fr. Laramie’s formative experiences as a Jesuit.
Love Him Ever More is not just for Christians; anyone searching for peace in their life is welcome to join in the reflection. Great as both a solo read and a group retreat, Love Him Ever More taps into the troubles of all hearts and offers peace in return.
Learn more about the author, Fr. Joseph Laramie, SJ
Purchase Love Him Ever More: A 9-Day Personal Retreat with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.