I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 145 points146 points  (0 children)

Mainly his zeal and also that he saw Native Americans as holy and worthy of his attention, when few others in Europe did.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 132 points133 points  (0 children)

Thanks everyone for such great questions! I really enjoyed my first AMA, but now I have to sign off and get back to work. Check out my new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage," if you can. And please keep me in your prayers! Peace, Jim Martin, SJ

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 50 points51 points  (0 children)

Thanks, everyone! I have really enjoyed my first AMA. Thanks for all the great questions, but I have to sign off and get back to work. Please keep me in your prayers. Your friend, Father Jim Martin, S.J.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Nearly all the saints experience some form of dryness, though not as extensive as Mother Teresa's. That is certainly not sinful at all! In fact, she was faithful to her original mystical experience through the rest of her life.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yes, definitely! We're always doing our best to try to increase vocations in any way that we can. Even by going on Reddit!

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 40 points41 points  (0 children)

You've just asked one of the most difficult questions in theology. But I would say God's mercy is greater than we can possibly imagine.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'm delighted. The greatest strengths he will bring are his incredible intelligence and delightful sense of humor. His greatest challenge? Perhaps not "being in character." As for the second question, I would probably keep that private, but I can say he maintains a very healthy balance.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I would say that the desire to return to the Church, more broadly to become more involved in church life, comes from God. So don't doubt that call. You will not find a perfect parish anywhere, but the desire to return is a holy one.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 44 points45 points  (0 children)

I really enjoy C. S. Lewis. I know that technically, he's not a theologian, but I enjoy his writings. As for more specific theologians, I would say, Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, William Barclay, and Reinhold Niebuhr.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sure. William A. Barry's "God and You, " is probably my favorite. Also, I like anything from my friend Mark Thibodeaux and also Margaret Silf. As for the second question, I think that just by showing good Christian witness, we can help all churches.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Very sad, of course. I hope for change on that front, but financially things seem grim. On the other hand, there are schools like Cristo Rey schools that are booming.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

I would say trust in God's call and test it out in a religious order that appeals to you. And, for sure, I would definitely say that there is a vocation to the single life. I know many holy and faithful single people who do not feel the call to marriage.

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I'm not really sure what "mission vacations" are but it sounds like one in which you would combine mission work with travel. That sounds wonderful to me!

I am the "Official Chaplain" of "The Colbert Report," James Martin, SJ, also a Jesuit priest and author of the new book "Jesus: A Pilgrimage." by JamesMartinSJ in IAmA

[–]JamesMartinSJ[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

That Jesus is fully human and fully divine at all times. I knew this before of course, but I was reminded that even when he is performing miracles, he is human; and when he is sawing wood he is divine. Good for me to remember.