Faith, Not Convenience: 17 Reflections for Spiritual Consistency
by Fr. Jacob Dankasa
It’s difficult to remain a committed Christian in our today’s society where social, moral and political views are often in conflict with the standards of the teachings of Christ. The infiltration of personal ideologies into the faith has left many Catholics and Christians confused. Many cannot be certain where the application of their personal ideologies stops and the gospel begins.
In this book, Father Dankasa accompanies you on the path towards a consistent life journey in faith to find God in your prayer life, in your relationships, in your desire to live a virtuous life, in your community, and in your virtual life – yes, to find God also online. He points out how holiness in the virtual environment is as important as holiness in everyday “real life.”
The book provides reflections with inspiring real-life stories and scripture to help you consistently journey with Jesus in your everyday life without losing your faith despite doubts, fears, and misunderstandings of faith and religion. It intends to accompany you in your spiritual journey to desire the gospel, not ideologies – faith, not convenience.
Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99
TESTIMONIALS
“I enjoyed reading the book, Faith Not Convenience, by Fr. Jacob Dankasa. The book is personal, but profound. The reflections are challenging, but hopeful. The content could be well used for group discussion. It is a practical book with suggestions that are helpful to our spiritual lives. The book is well written and says enough without saying too much!” – Fr. Bruce Bradley, Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Plano, Texas
“It’s refreshing when a priest like Fr. Jacob Dankasa encourages the faithful during turbulent times by guiding us back to that which is most important- namely a spiritual life laser-focused on Jesus Christ who is the Way the Truth and the Life. Even though deep down we’re all aware of this Truth, it’s good from time to time to be reminded that only in Him will find the solution to the many problems that we’re facing as a nation and Church.” – Dave Palmer, Executive Director, Guadalupe Catholic Radio Network- North Texas
“In his work, Faith, Not Convenience, Father Jacob Dankasa points out the danger of allowing convenience and political ideology to dictate the truths of Faith and how we live that faith. We can be blinded to let what is easy or politically correct to dictate the Truths of Faith instead of what has been revealed by God through Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The several reflections he presented in this book will accompany you on a journey to concentrate on things that will help you sustain your faith.” – Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Catholic Bishop of Lafayette
“Over the last few years, Father Jacob Dankasa has been sharing the story of his personal journey of faith as well as his reflections on faith in today’s society with the readers of The Texas Catholic. His writings always strike a chord with our readers, offering them insight into what it means to live their lives through their faith while inspiring them to dig deeper into their own spirituality. Whether looking to find a better relationship with God in your life, your community or your own journey, Father Dankasa’s writings, as shown in the book Faith, Not Convenience, are a great way to open your heart and mind as you grow in your faith.” – Michael Gresham, Editor, The Texas Catholic Newspaper, the official Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas
“This book is a gold mine of little nuggets of spiritual wisdom with plenty of points to ponder. Using examples from Scripture and from his own experience of priestly ministry, Fr. Dankasa provides a practical guide for today’s Catholic in staying true to the spiritual journey. He reminds us of the importance of humility, gratitude and friendship; and that God is present in every aspect of our lives, from our interior prayer life to our social connections and networks. Living our faith is often a challenge in today’s world, but it is the only way to find the peace and joy we desire in the midst of life’s uncertainties. I recommend this book of reflections to anyone on the spiritual journey, whether a beginner or a seasoned traveler with the Lord. There is something for everyone.” – Fr. Don Zeiler, Pastor, St. Gabriel the Archangel, McKinney, Texas
“We loved reading this Book! It was beyond our every hope; as We absorbed every encouragement, every faith-filled thought and then read it again – we felt delight in our soul returning. The Book clarifies the truth of the convenient choices we’ve regularly been offered and brings positive actions to use. The book says, “As Christians our everyday goal is to identify Satan’s manipulative input and stop him before he stops us from becoming what God wants us to be.” It points out a number of ways to do just that. Several very delightful thoughts in the book were surrounding “Digital Sanctity”, “Christian Guide to Online Conversations” and Developing Online Communication Spirituality”. Those topics are very thought provoking and fun things to think about!” – Mary and Patrick Reddan, a Catholic couple
“I found Fr. Dankasa’s book Faith, Not Convenience to be a source of both practical suggestions for living out our faith and insights into the areas where we tend to rationalize our lazy habits! Fr. Dankasa reminds us of the truths we affirm each time we recite the creed, and gives concrete suggestions for ways to live out those truths, suggestions which are useful for both clergy and the lay faithful and applicable to the world we live in.” – Ruth Vineyard, a Catholic and manuscript editor
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Father Jacob Dankasa has been serving in pastoral ministry in the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Texas, since 2010. He was ordained in 2004 for the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Nigeria, where he served until 2008 when he left for the United States. He currently serves as the Pastoral Administrator of Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church, Irving, Texas. He is a columnist and regular contributor to The Texas Catholic, the official newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. He writes on topics of faith, spirituality, family and everyday Christian life. He is the author of the book, Technology for Ministry: Best Practices for Evangelization on Social Media and the Internet in Africa (Paulines Publication, Africa). He has written and published several research articles in national and international peer-reviewed academic journals on both religious and secular topics. Father Dankasa has a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome and a bachelor’s degree in theology from University of Jos, Nigeria. He obtained a master’s degree in mass communications from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota, and a doctorate in Information Science from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.
OTHER CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY BOOKS
Mass Divisions: A Spirituality for Persons Engaging PERSONS by Fr. Roc O’Connor, SJ
Mass Divisions: A Spirituality for Persons Engaging PERSONS by Roc O'Connor, SJ In Mass Divisions Roc O’Connor, SJ explores the inner landscapes of persons in our country and church, marked as they are by precarious divisions, to offer a spirituality for these...
A Shepherd by the Cross by Dr. Mary Elizabeth Kloska, Th.D.
A Shepherd by the Cross by Dr. Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+ A Shepherd by the Cross is a meditative retreat text that invites priests into a prayerful dialogue with Christ the Eternal High Priest. Through reflections on the Passion and the maternal presence of...
The Treasure of Confession by Dr. Annabelle Moseley
The Treasure of Confession by Dr. Annabelle Moseley, Th.D. This little book summons you to discover ever more deeply, the multi-faceted beauty and worth of the Sacrament of Confession: treasure that is in many ways hidden-in-plain sight, yet nevertheless is a call to...
My Seal on His Heart: Eucharistic Intimacy in the Song of Songs by Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV
My Seal on His Heart: Eucharistic Intimacy in the Song of Songs by Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV In My Seal on His Heart, Fr. Cleveland unveils the Song of Songs as the key that unlocks the deepest mystery of the Eucharist: God’s desire to unite Himself to His people in...
Lavished in Love: Daily Short Lenten Meditations by Dr. Marcus B. Peter
Published by Credo Publishing, an imprint of En Route Books and Media!Lavished in Love: Daily Short Lenten Meditations by Dr. Marcus B. Peter Lavished in Love invites readers into a daily Lenten pilgrimage shaped by Scripture, the Catechism, and the wisdom of the...
Going Forth: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Mission by Rev. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R.
Going Forth: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Mission by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. This book completes Fr. Dennis J. Billy’s acclaimed trilogy on Alphonsian spirituality. Drawing on theology, history, and pastoral insight, Fr. Billy explores how mission...
40 Short Lenten Reflections: A Journal to Get You to Easter by Fr. Peter Grover, OMV
40 Short Lenten Reflections: A Journal to Get You to Easter by Fr. Peter Grover, OMV 40 Short Lenten Reflections invites readers to experience Lent as a spiritual marathon—one marked by discipline, perseverance, humility, and grace. Drawing on vivid stories from...
The Mosaic of Life by Fr. Vasyl Chepelskyy
The Mosaic of Life by Fr. Vasyl Chepelskyy We all want to be happy. We try so hard to find the happiness we long for, often looking in the wrong places and ending up disappointed. As a result, happiness can feel impossible to attain. This disappointment may lead us to...
Living Fiat Crucified Love: Littleness, Spousal Love and the Cross by Dr. Mary Kloska
Living Fiat Crucified Love: Littleness, Spousal Love and the Cross by Dr. Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+ Living Crucified Fiat Love offers a clear, accessible introduction to Dr. Mary Elizabeth Kloska’s profound theology of Christ’s self-emptying love, Our Lady’s...
Known: A Journey into God’s Identity and Yours by Cathy Garland and Randy Colver
Special thanks to Tamara Colver Dixon for designing the cover.Known: A Journey into God's Identity and Yours by Cathy Garland and Dr. Randy Colver You Were Meant to Know God—And Know Yourself in the Light of His Names Known: A Journey into God’s Identity and Yours is...
The Disciple Christ Deserves: A Catholic Spiritual Director’s Approach by Rev. Michael J. Stalla, DMin
The Disciple Christ Deserves: A Catholic Spiritual Director’s Approach by Rev. Michael J. Stalla, DMin The journey to the Father is a joyful one, but there are times that the fragments of life, like bits and pieces of broken glass, seem shattered, seem useless. God...
The Womb of My Heart Rosary Devotional by Laura Ercolino
The Womb of My Heart Rosary Devotional by Laura Ercolino In The Womb of My Heart, Laura Ercolino invites readers to encounter the mysteries of the Rosary as a living participation in Christ’s life and love. Guided by Mary, the soul becomes a spiritual womb where...
Daily Journal: 30-day Prayer Prescription by Gina Witt
Daily Journal: 30-Day Prayer Prescription by Gina Witt Daily Journal: 30-Day Prayer Prescription is a practical spiritual guide designed to deepen daily communion with God. Over 30 days, readers receive scripture-based reflections, intentional prayer prompts, and...
The Suffering Paradox by Keithen Hamilton
The Suffering Paradox by Keithen Hamilton This book explores the profound mystery of human suffering through a lens of Christian faith. Drawing from theology, philosophy, and personal witness, Keithen Hamilton reflects on how pain, while deeply challenging, can become...
The Hidden Self Grown Strong in God: The Collected Essays of Father George Aschenbrenner, S.J.
The Hidden Self Grown Strong in God: The Collected Essays of Father George Aschenbrenner, S.J. by Fr. George Aschenbrenner, S.J. This book gathers the profound spiritual insights of Fr. George Aschenbrenner, S.J., offering a lifetime of wisdom on prayer, discernment,...
¿Quién Dices Que Soy Yo?: Un Estudio del Secreto Mesiánico por Juan Novo
¿Quién Dices Que Soy Yo?: Un Estudio del Secreto Mesiánico by Juan Novo Abrí la Biblia un día hermoso y leí: "Y mientras bajaban del monte, Él [Jesús] les ordenó que no contaran a nadie lo que habían visto, hasta que el Hijo del hombre resucitara de entre los...
Journeys in Faith with Anne DeSantis
Journeys in Faith with Anne DeSantis by Anne DeSantis Journeys in Faith with Anne DeSantis invites readers into a tapestry of real-life stories—testimonies of hope, healing, and the quiet heroism of everyday believers. Drawn from Anne’s inspiring video series, each...
Paradise for God: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Heart by Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R.
Paradise for God: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Heart by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. Paradise for God explores St. Alphonsus de Liguori’s “spirituality of heart,” examining his vision of conversion, prayer, and intimate friendship with God. Focusing on...
Awakening Love: An Ignatian Retreat with the Song of Songs by Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV
Awakening Love: An Ignatian Retreat with the Song of Songs by Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Song of Songs are spiritual masterpieces that have changed countless lives and intrigued saints throughout the ages....
“Who Do You Say I Am?”: A Study of the Messianic Secret by Juan Novo
"Who Do You Say I Am?": A Study of the Messianic Secret by Juan Novo I opened the Bible one beautiful day and read: “And as they were coming down the mountain, he [Jesus] charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of man should have risen from the...
Salvation History: God’s Rescue Operation by Dcn. Jim McFadden
Salvation History: God's Rescue Operation By Dcn. Jim McFadden Salvation History: God’s Rescue Operation guides readers through Scripture’s grand narrative of God’s unrelenting love. Ideal for high school and adult faith formation, it offers accessible, engaging...
Mercy in All Things: Reflections on the Diary of St Faustina Kowalska by Fr. Éamonn P. Bourke
Mercy in All Things: Reflections on the Diary of St Faustina Kowalska By Father Éamonn Bourke ‘Act in such a way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow happiness about you because you have received much from God.’ This book is a series...
Heart Speaks to Heart: A Review of Life and Healing Prayer by Fr. John Horn, SJ
Heart Speaks to Heart: A Review of Life and Healing Prayer By Fr. John Horn, S.J. This workbook invites readers into the depths of their history, thoughts, and feelings, so that they can be led into prayerful communion with Christ. Through the tools found in this...
Healing Prayer: Practical Mysticism and St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises by Fr. John Horn, SJ
Healing Prayer: Practical Mysticism and St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises By Fr. John Horn, S.J. Healing Prayer is a necessary aid to all who guide others into a life of prayer. It is especially meant for spiritual directors and pastors. Several chapters of the book...
Make Your Home in Me: Reflections on Prayer by Father Éamonn Bourke
Make Your Home in Me: Reflections on Prayer By Father Éamonn Bourke Father Bourke’s book takes the sometimes elusive process of prayer and presents it in easily accessible terms. Because of this gift for clarity in the author, this book makes prayer inviting and...
Consecration to Christ the Bridegroom: Enthroning Christ as the King of Your Heart by Laura Ercolino
Consecration to Christ the Bridegroom: Enthroning Christ as the King of Your Heart By Laura Ercolino Are you, like so many, seeking refreshment and restoration for your soul, as you walk through the desert of our present culture? Have you found only mirages and “false...
Victory over Death: Foretastes of Eternity in Prayer by Ronda Chervin
Victory over Death: Foretastes of Eternity in Prayer By Ronda Chervin This beautiful little book is meant for all of us -- because no one can escape the mystery of death. To nourish trust in God and overcome our fears, the author teaches us to immerse ourselves in...
Speaking One’s Soul: Magnifying God’s Word in a Madly Godless World by Patti Hershwitzky and Mary Sobel Ott
Speaking One’s Soul: Magnifying God’s Word in a Madly Godless World by Patti Hershwitzky, Ed.S. and Mary Sobel Ott Innumerous works through the ages have addressed the contradictions and conflicts between religion and government, particularly from the Catholic...
A Rosary for Religious and Restless Minds: The Structured Contemplative Rosary – A New Method of Contemplation within The Holy Rosary by Stephen W. Rouhana, Ph.D.
A Rosary for Religious and Restless Minds: The Structured Contemplative Rosary - A New Method of Contemplation within The Holy Rosary by Stephen W. Rouhana, Ph.D. This book introduces a new method to pray the Rosary that helps the person praying stay focused on the...
See by Vincent Salamoni
On November 13, 2025, Pope Leo XIV established the Apostolate of the Sea, defining the Church’s global pastoral ministry to seafarers and maritime communities. Operating under the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, it establishes governance structures...
The Power of Humor by Fr. Eugene Azorji
Parish Book SigningMarch 2025The Power of Humor by Fr. Eugene Azorji This book explores the profound role humor and metaphor play in communication, spirituality, and human relationships. Through biblical insights, cultural anecdotes, and theological reflections, the...
How Saints Change by Kristina R. Olsen, Ph.D., OCDS
How Saints Change Kristina R. Olsen, Ph.D., OCDS This book explores the transformative journeys of Christian saints, showing how their encounters with Jesus led to profound personal changes and inspired their lives of faith. Through stories of figures like Mary, St....
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Revisited by Fr. Ray Introvigne and William Ayles, D.D.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Revisited by Fr. Ray Introvigne, M.Div., and William Ayles, D.D. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a “Head to Heart Experience”—and is fully backed by our modern-day Holy Fathers. This book is dedicated to all our fellow Catholic...
Saints and the Struggle for a Christian Society by Paul Likoudis
Saints and the Struggle for a Christian Society authored by Paul Likoudis and edited by Andrew Likoudis Paul Likoudis examines the lives of over sixty saints, drawing lessons on their contributions to Christian civilization and personal holiness. Likoudis highlights...
Catch to Watch by Vincent Salamoni
All profits go to the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.)Catch to Watch by Reverend Vincent A. Salamoni, M.S.A. A collection of meditative reflections, like The Mercy Ocean, offering a spiritual journey into the depths of grace through the maritime imagery of...
Revelationship Devotional & Study Guide by Cathy Garland and Dr. Randy Colver
Special thanks to Tamara Colver Dixon for designing the cover.Revelationship Devotional & Study Guide by Cathy Garland and Dr. Randy Colver Embark on a transformative journey of intimacy with Christ through Revelationship, a daily devotional designed to deepen...
Theology of the Heart: Tracing a Spiritual Anatomy Within by Sr. M. Gianna Casino, LIHM
Theology of the Heart: Tracing a Spiritual Anatomy Within by Sr. M. Gianna Casino, LIHM In a world increasingly defined by fleeting pursuits, the human heart remains an enigmatic realm, harboring profound mysteries and the deepest longings of the individual. Just as...
La Navidad: Reflexiones a Través de Los Años por Mario Ramos-Reyes
La Navidad: Reflexiones a Través de Los Años por Mario Ramos-Reyes Este es un pequeño libro sobre la Navidad. Es un texto sin pretensiones teológicas que nace de la experiencia de un filósofo cristiano. La de afirmar una enseñanza de más de dos mil años. La de que el...
Bible-Based Catholicism and Spiritual Inspirations by Robert J. Ferretti
Bible-Based Catholicism and Spiritual Inspirations by Robert J. Ferretti, M.D. This book outlines a Catholic perspective on faith, deeply rooted in biblical references and theological reasoning. Dr. Ferretti aims to deepen Catholics' understanding of their faith while...
La disciplina spirituale: Meditazioni sull’insegnamento di Frithjof Schuon por James S. Cutsinger e tradotto da Marco Toti
La disciplina spirituale: Meditazioni sull’insegnamento di Frithjof Schuon Scritto da James S. Cutsinger e tradotto da Marco Toti Si tratta di un'introduzione alla scuola perennialista della filosofia religiosa comparata e di una guida per il lettore generale che...
A Guide to the Liturgy of Holy Week by Rev. Nicholas L. Gregoris
A Guide to the Liturgy of Holy Week by Rev. Nicholas L. Gregoris, STD, EdD Rev. Nicholas L. Gregoris provides in this short volume four categories of reflection (anecdotal, historical, doctrinal, and devotional) on the Liturgy of Holy Week. Paperback: $12.95 | Kindle:...
Minding Mom: A Caregiver’s Devotional Story by Lisa Livezey
Minding Mom: A Caregiver’s Devotional Story by Lisa Livezey Devotional writer Lisa Livezey understands the challenges of full-time caregiving atop an already-full life. Following her father’s sudden death, Lisa was plunged headlong into caring for her mother who was...
My Restless Heart Finds Rest in You by Edward Schallert
My Restless Heart Finds Rest in You By Edward Schallert My Restless Heart Finds Rest in You by Edward Schallert is a reflective exploration inspired by St. Augustine’s Confessions. Schallert, a retired professor and Cursillo participant, revisits the spiritual journey...
Seasons of the Soul: An Intimate God in Liturgical Time by Sr. Carla Mae Streeter, OP
Seasons of the Soul: An Intimate God in Liturgical Time By Sr. Carla Mae Streeter, OP The seasons of the soul are the seasons of the liturgical calendar. The liturgy is about a relationship, and Sr. Carla Mae's gorgeous images, poetry and prose describe how the...
Church of Love by Ronda Chervin
Church of Love By Ronda Chervin This book presents Catholic faith as a living encounter with divine love rather than a system of rules. Drawing on Scripture, sacramental theology, and personal insight, Ronda Chervin shows how God’s self-giving love is revealed through...
Why Christians Can Wear Pants: Spiritual Lessons from Strange Stories in Papal History by Fr. Conrad Murphy
Why Christians Can Wear Pants: Spiritual Lessons from Strange Stories in Papal History by Fr. Conrad Murphy In the late 9th Century, Pope Nicholas I was asked if Christians were permitted to wear pants. His response was both amusing and wise, extolling the questioners...
Worshiping the Sacramental Christ by Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R.
Worshiping the Sacramental Christ by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. The purpose of this book is to alert us to the multidimensional aspects of our Eucharistic worship and to help us see how this sacrament engages the whole person and the entire People of God. It seeks to open...
A Drawing Book Hermeneutics: Reading the Gospels as a Teenager by Eugen J. Pentiuc
A Drawing Book Hermeneutics: Seeing the Scriptures as a Teenager by Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc A Drawing Book Hermeneutics: Seeing the Scriptures as a Teenager is the digitized version of a manuscript on which Fr. Eugen Pentiuc began to work in 1972, at the age of 16, while...
Revelationship: Transformative Intimacy with Christ by Cathy Garland and Dr. Randy Colver
Special thanks to Tamara Colver Dixon for designing the cover.Revelationship: Transformative Intimacy with Christ by Cathy Garland and Dr. Randy Colver What if your spiritual life could be more than routine—what if it could be a daily encounter with Christ himself?...
Joseph of Nazareth: Icon of the Father’s Love by Fr. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R.
Joseph of Nazareth: Icon of the Father's Love by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. This book is about a humble, courageous man named Joseph who played a pivotal role in the story of our redemption and about whom the Gospels say so very little. It is a series of meditations about...