Surprised By Grace: A Spiritual Journey from West to East and Back

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.

In the spirit of Thomas Merton’s Seven Storey Mountain, Fr. Kevin Joyce entices spiritual seekers, non-believers and even skeptics to “gamble on God.” After leaving family and friends to pursue the Catholic priesthood in his youth, this lover of old classic cars initiates us 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, Surprised by Grace is a kind-hearted reason for hope.
Dr. Anthony Lilles
Author of Fire from Above: Christian Contemplation and Mystical Wisdom
Co-founder of the Avila Institute of Spiritual Formation

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. At a time when the Church so desperately needs vocations to the priesthood, this exuberant spiritual adventure story could inspire a new generation to answer the call.
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Paula Huston, author of One Ordinary Sunday and The Hermits of Big Sur

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. In the end it is also a beautiful example that, summoned or not, God is present.

Mario L Starc, PhD
Jungian Psychoanalyst
Dean Emeritus, The Sanville Institute for Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy
Berkeley, California