This short book chronicles the life of a Paulist priest. It is not a difficult read. Rather it is a challenging portrayal of a dedicated and yet free response to God’s call through many years of growth, change, and accomplishment. Ryan has worn many ministerial “hats” during his priestly life, but there is a depth to him that goes beyond his titles and accomplishments.

The book has six parts.  Much of it recounts the author’s ministerial journey: ecumenical work, service at different centers from Canada to New York, Washington, and Boston (Parts One and Two). Later his “ministerial life” takes him to parts of the world with very different iterations of the Catholic faith.

In Part Three the reader is led to a much richer place. Ryan explores in depth the spiritual life. He offers the reader a few gems to consider, such as, “Anytime one learns to give more and count the cost less, there is fuller humanness present.” This section introduces a bit of his own poetry as well as some suggestions to aid growth in the spiritual life and awareness of Christ’s work in us.

Part Four considers various forms of spiritual practice: Eucharist, spiritual reading, the rosary, fasting, and the daily examen. This is perhaps the most compelling portion of the book. Part Five addresses issues that infect any life: how to slow down, how to find balance in a busy life.

The final portion of the book (Part Six) explores the most recent expansion of his life’s work to countries and situations well beyond the northern hemisphere and the familiarity of English-speaking people: there is warmth and welcome, hospitality, new ways of celebrating. His vision—and ours—is expanded to see God in various settings reflected in a wide range of people and in the inner workings of his own soul.

When I began the book, it was quite easy to put it down. Generally, I don’t read “pious books,” as a spiritual director once called the genre. While Ryan’s account of his ministerial journey is interesting, it is certainly not compelling. The career of a Paulist priest does not ring my interest bell. Yet, as the work moves beyond travel to personal growth it drew me in. The message of the book became not only interesting but irresistible for someone interested in spiritual growth and sustenance in a busy life—maintaining a balance between work and prayer, business and leisure, caring for others and caring for self. Most seriously religious people will resonate with Ryan’s life, not because he has accomplished much in his priestly life—although this is true—but because of the deep spiritual journey that has rooted, sustained, and nourished his life.  The book is down to earth. It is worth the read.