* Mary greets a stranger at her door one afternoon, a man in a white suit with a red pocket handkerchief who calls himself Gabe. He tells Mary that Mr. G. sent him, and that Mr. G. has something special in mind for her ... * Zechariah and Elizabeth take a break from 20 years of nightly cribbage games, and pursue a spark of marital passion. Soon they learn that, in their advanced years, a son will be born to them ... * Leena, a stage mother in grand style, trains her sons John and James for the messianic mission she's decided they were called to. Then Jesus pays the family a visit, and the true Messiah becomes apparent ... That's just a sample of the 46 creative stories in Lightly Goes The Good News, contemporary renderings of biblical passages set in situations that people today can easily understand. Expanding on the original situation found in scripture, the humorous, upbeat tales invite readers to let their imaginations fly with the stories. Papineau vividly describes the characters in ways that help us understand them, and ourselves as well. Each challenging, inspiring, and to-the-point story is followed by a brief reflection that can be used as the basis for discussion or individual meditation. Lightly Goes The Good News is an invaluable resource for preachers, religious educators, storytellers, adult study groups, and anyone interested in a unique approach to the biblical narrative. Your heart will be lifted by the joy, hope, and humanity found within these delightful tales. Invite Andre Papineau into your life, and allow his innovative interpretations to transform the meaning of scripture for you. Andre Papineau gives readers a refreshing and at times startling glimpse at people in the scriptures. He tells the gospel story in a series of delightfully down-to-earth yet insightful anecdotes that enable the reader to appreciate the Good News from a fresh perspective. Spiritual Book News Andre Papineau is a Salvatorian priest and associate professor of pastoral studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Franklin, Wisconsin. He holds degrees in theology and drama from Catholic University and the University of Notre Dame. Well known as a skillful storyteller, Papineau has written stories and presented them to audiences for nearly 20 years.