Pete Burak, vice president of Renewal Ministries and regular columnist for FAITH magazine, discussed his new book “A Man on Purpose: 10 Rules of Life from a Faithful Father” in an interview published by the Diocese of Lansing’s official magazine on May 6. The book is published by Ave Maria Press.
Burak is known for his work with youth and young adults and holds a master’s degree in theology. He and his family are parishioners at Christ the King parish in Ann Arbor. In the interview, he addressed how personal stories form the core of his approach to sharing virtues such as humility, forgiveness, obedience, virtue, and selflessness. “Everybody loves a good story. In this book, I don’t spend many words trying to teach the reader things, but rather share true, poignant, occasionally funny but real stories of how these virtues, lessons and rules were formed in me by my parents. I want the ideas in the book to be more ‘caught’ than ‘taught.’ There are authors far wiser than I who can explain humility, unpack obedience or analyze leadership, but no one else experienced these examples. I hope the reader can thoughtfully receive my stories and consider how to create their own,” Burak said.
He also spoke about spiritual guidance during writing: “The power of the Holy Spirit is foundational, not optional, for living as a Catholic disciple of Jesus Christ. As we strive to grow in holiness and go make disciples, we’re invited to recognize that both are only possible through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads, convicts, challenges and inspires. The question is, are we listening? Do we expect the Holy Spirit to speak and do we believe we have the power to hear, understand and act? Reading Scripture, silent prayer, and seeking mature advice are simple things we can do to become more aware and responsive to the Spirit.”
Discussing family dynamics within Christianity he said: “The human dynamics and relationships in the family are both modeled after and reveal something of God. Families aren’t perfect but even in our weakness and brokenness we can cooperate with God’s grace… The relationship between a father and son bears a special opportunity to reveal God the Father’s transcendent love… One potentially overlooked dynamic that fathers and sons can reveal is God the Father’s delight in us… When a dad joyfully plays with his son… that is a glimpse of God the Father who declared ‘This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.’”
The Diocese of Lansing was established in 1937 under Most Reverend Joseph H. Albers; it now serves over 185,000 Catholics across several Michigan counties including Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston,0 Shiawasseeand Washtenaw counties.Most Reverend Earl Boyea has served as Bishop since 2008,according to The Diocese of Lansing.
Burak’s new book aims at helping readers reflect on their own experiences while considering Christian values within their families.
