On Fathers Day- forgotten fathers find favor...finally!

Author Allan Wright highlights 2 New Testament fathers in his book, Silent Witnesses in the Gospels.

On Fathers Day- forgotten fathers find favor...finally!
It can be difficult for men to communicate verbally yet that doesnt mean that they are not communicating with their actions."
Silent Witnesses in the Gospels: Bible Bystanders and Their Stories
By Allan F. Wright
awright@unioncatholic.org
www.catholicventures.com   
CONTACT: Rachel Rauch; Servant Publications
Phone (734) 677-1274
FAX (734) 677-6685
rrauch@servantpub.com
      
2000-2001 Teacher of the Year recipient Allan F. Wright of New Jersey has written his first book that features two New Testament fathers, Joseph and Jairus, who are oft forgotten yet make a difference with their actions. In his book, Silent Witnesses in the Gospels, published by Servant Publications, Ann Arbor MI., he writes, "No one is insignificant in the eyes of God," and this includes Joseph and Jairus whose silence can speak volumes to fathers today.

St. Joseph is portrayed, as a man present and obedient in the midst of crises." Whether its the sudden news that Mary is with child, the threat on his sons life by Herod or the directive by God to flee to Egypt, Joseph, in silence, lets his actions speak for him. Jairus on the other hand experiences the anguish of a father desiring his only daughter to be healed and the frustration of finding out that Gods timetable is not always our timetable. In silence, Jairus follows Jesus with trust and faith and is given back his daughter and the family is intact.

Wright, a teacher and lecturer, wonders aloud what these eyewitnesses to Jesus can teach us today by their actions. He says, It can be difficult for men to communicate verbally yet that doesnt mean that they are not communicating with their actions." The Archbishop of Newark, John J. Myers is quoted as saying; How often have we heard the old adage, actions speak louder than words!" St. Francis put a different spin on it when he said, preach always and when necessary use words." Both of these relate to us the message of the work by Allan Wright. The actions of the countless men and women we have heard about in the Gospels, since our childhood, we have taken for granted and overlooked. Their actions give us cause for meditation. Wright has done a superb job of adding another dimension to the Scriptures, which draws us closer to the Word of God in the person of Jesus Christ."

Silent Witnesses in the Gospels looks at 26 different Gospel characters who were the primary witnesses to the world changing events that took place some two thousand years ago. Columnist John Gilchrist states, Wrights work is a springboard for self examination, contemplation and inspiration."

Allan F. Wright received his MA in Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology in New Jersey where he received the Pope John Paul 2 Medal for academic excellence. He teaches at Union Catholic High School and is an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall University. He and his wife, Desiree, reside in Scotch Plains and are expecting their first child in September. Silent Witnesses in the Gospel can be found on Amazon.com, BN.com, and borders.com as well as at local bookstores.