Martin L. Smith is the author of a number of popular books on the spiritual life, including A Season for the Spirit, The Word is Very Near You, and Compass and Stars. Former member of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, he recently retired as senior associate rector of St Columba's, Washington DC. He lives in Washington, D.C.

“Martin Smith writes with a freshness and delicacy that both extends and deepens the passion narrative of the Fourth Gospel. This is very fine story-telling which emphasizes the vital role of symbol and image. Time and again a forceful challenging phrase will make us pause, reflect, pray.”—Esther de Waal, author of Living with Contradiction

“These meditations on the Passion are profound and inspirational. Martin Smith invites us to encounter the passionate love of God in Christ afresh and be transformed. His reflections are a rich stimulus to personal devotion and a wonderful resource for preaching.”—Robert Atwell, Bishop of Stockport