By Kevin P. Joyce
“In the spirit of Thomas Merton’s Seven Storey Mountain, Fr. Kevin Joyce’s
new book “Surprised by Grace” entices spiritual seekers, non-believers
and even skeptics to “gamble on God.” Anthony Lilles
October 15, 2024, Kevin Patrick Joyce’s new book Surprised by Grace. A Spiritual Journey from West to East and Back offers an adventurous story alongside a fascinating introduction to the spiritual depth of the Christian tradition. “After leaving family and friends in his youth, this lover of old classic cars initiates the reader into a world of Yoga and Zen, the romance of Mexico, and the contemplative roots of Christian Europe. An epic adventure dancing with the beauty of marriage, the draw of celibacy, the call to ministry, and those voids that only Christ can fill.” [Anthony Lilles, Author of Fire from Above: Contemplation and Mystical Wisdom]
This book narrates the story of a committed Christian, who devoted years to investigating Asian traditions such as Buddhist meditation and Yoga practices with open-mindedness while remaining deeply rooted in his Christian faith. What is remarkable about Joyce’s dialogue with Asian spiritualities is his avoidance of two opposite pitfalls in the encounter among different belief systems: the tendency toward syncretism and the disparagement of those with contrasting viewpoints. Rather, Joyce found that a fruitful dialogue is possible when one is rooted in one’s own beliefs while remaining open to the insights and wisdom of other traditions.
This spiritual autobiography traces the journey of a restless young man from an awakening at the age of seven, leaving home to pursue the Catholic priesthood at the age of fourteen, confronting a vocational struggle in Mexico precipitated by falling in love, and leaving the seminary to pursue marriage. The story takes a new direction when he engages in an Asian spiritual movement that leads him to a six-month meditation course. The course is followed by a spiritual crisis that inspires the young man to a sustained exploration of Asian and Christian spirituality over a period of several years that climaxes with a Ph.D. dissertation in the area of East-West Interreligious Dialogue. His path takes many twists and turns as he pursues spirituality, adventure, romance, and a career in music, all the while seeking his vocation.
In a divided world, Surprised by Grace shows that we can find deep connections with people and traditions very different from our own. These connections help us make peace with others and can lead us into a deeper understanding of our own tradition – connections that are especially facilitated by a sustained spiritual journey, as demonstrated with charm and humor in this new publication.
Fr. Kevin Joyce is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of San Jose, California where he has served as pastor of large multi-cultural parishes, and director of a spirituality center. He now serves as professor and spiritual director at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California. He is a classical musician, lecturer, and retreat director. He completed a Ph.D. in Spirituality at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Advance Praise for Surprised by Grace
In the pages of this delightful book, Father Kevin Joyce offers his readers three gifts: a captivating narrative of his journey to the priesthood, a masterful introduction to the mystical life, and a sensitive comparison between Catholicism and Eastern spirituality. …Surprised by Grace will appeal to anyone desiring a deeper encounter with God. — Adrian J. Walker, Professor of Theology, Saint Patrick’s Seminary and University Menlo Park, California
In Surprised by Grace, Fr. Kevin Joyce takes us on an enlightening journey where the spiritual path meets unpredictable twists in life. Seamlessly blending Eastern and Western philosophies, this book transcends religious boundaries. I found solace and comfort in the reminder that a deeper connection with our spirituality can be discovered even in our most challenging moments. For anyone searching for meaning and purpose, Surprised by Grace is an invitation to a fuller life beyond labels and ideology. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone on their quest for spiritual awakening. — Gerald Gonzales, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist Adjunct Faculty, Santa Clara University
Surprised by Grace recounts an old, familiar tale: a young man sets off to find out who he is and what he’s meant to do with his life. What’s new here is Kevin Joyce’s astonishing dedication to the task. During a far-flung, years-long quest that takes him most of the way around the world, neither disillusionment nor bouts of depression can derail him. — Paula Huston, Author of One Ordinary Sunday and The Hermits of Big Sur
Pope Francis emphasizes the unity of the pastor and theologian. To be truly pastoral is to be deeply theological. To be truly theological is to be deeply pastoral. Fr. Kevin Joyce and his book Surprised by Grace: A Spiritual Journey from West to East and Back exemplifies this unity. Fr. Joyce is a deeply trained Catholic priest spiritual theologian immersed in the Sacred Scriptures and immersed in the Fathers of the Church and the great Catholic saints and mystics of all centuries. It is precisely his fidelity to Catholic teaching and mission that gives him the balance and freedom to examine and identify Eastern interreligious harmonies with Catholic spirituality. At the same time, Fr. Joyce is a Catholic priest pastor whose pastoral charity, creativity, and artistry have animated a range of large multilingual and multicultural California parishes. It is his pastoral grounding and love for the parish that keep him a grounded and insightful contemporary Catholic spiritual theologian. Surprised by Grace is a powerful contribution to both Spiritual Theology and American Catholic Church history.” — Bishop John O. Barres, Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York
Kevin Joyce is a living example of the best of the Catholic ethos, which never rejects what is good and true and holy outside the visible confines of the Church, but rather takes up those elements as not only pre-Christian but pro-Christian—pointing toward their fullness in Christ. This is an endearing account of how the wisdom of Asia led a young man to rediscover the depths of the Christian contemplative tradition. — Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam. Author of Rediscovering the Divine
Fr. Kevin Joyce has shared a generous story, with humility and humor, that incorporates the personal, the psychological, and the spiritual. His journey, with all its twists and turns, provides spiritual encouragement as well as sophisticated instruction in contemplative practice. — Mario L Starc, Ph.D., Jungian Psychoanalyst Dean Emeritus, The Sanville Institute for Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy Berkeley, California
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.
