Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.
To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:
- Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
- Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
- Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
- Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
- What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?
Below are my thoughts on chapter 2.
Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
David Kelly (from "The Father's Son") and Gus Busbi (from "Gus Busbi") are introduced in this chapter. I would invite you to read these two novels (from from Jim Sano). They are great characters who had to overcome their own demons and pasts with the help of Fr. Tom.
Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
Fr. Tom reminds me of priests, deacons, and all who have had to help others cope with loss and suffering in their lives. It is difficult to tell someone that God has a plan for their loved ones when all they see is pain, suffering, and loss.
Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
I would say Billy. While I may counsel and accompany others during difficult and challenging times in their lives, I often wonder about God's plan as it relates to pain and suffering. I know His plan is for our good and not our woe but pain, suffering, and death challenge me. Also, Billy is ready to donate his blood to a complete stranger - Kenny Green - who was shot.
Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
In chapter 2, Fr. Tom talks to Billy about redemptive suffering. It is in response to Billy wondering why God would allow Mary - who has suffered so much with the loss of their son - to suffer with this illness. Scott Hahn wrote that "God allows us to suffer because of His mercy. He won't allow us to escape the plan of maturity that even Jesus Christ had to complete." This is incredible because, if we believe that God can take the bad and make good out of it, then (as Fr. Tom tells Billy) Mary in her suffering becomes an instrument of God to impact the lives of others for good.
What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?
The heist. Let's see how the plot unfolds.
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