CD Review

FOLLOW ME : The life of Jesus for children, by Zak Zreikat

Reviewed by Joe Padero

Contents - Mar 2004 - Buy a copy now Editorial: Archbishop Wilson's challenge for educators - Michael Gilchrist Red Mass Homily: Can Lawyers Be Saints? - Bishop Anthony Fisher News: The Church Around the World - AD2000 Ad limina 2004: The 'Statement of Conclusions' five years on - Michael Gilchrist Archaeology: Macquarie University's latest papyrus fragments shed light on early Christianity - Peter Westmore USA: American bishops critical of their RE texts - Zenit News Service USA: Pro-abortion politicians put on notice - AD2000 HIV/AIDS: A Catholic approach to AIDS: value-based behaviour change - Sr Miriam Duggan World AIDS Day: A Cardinal, AIDS and the BBC - Msgr Peter J. Elliott Virtue ethics: Challenging our contemporary culture's flawed worldview - Hayden Ramsey Wisdom from the 17th century: an anonymous nun's prayer Letters: Tabernacle (letter) - Rosemary Chandler Letters: Human life (letter) - Robert Prinzen-Wood Letters: Social Justice Statement (letter) Poetry: TERESA : A tribute to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta - John Meston Letters: Inspiring (letter) - Fr Joseph Medwin Letters: Scripture and the Magisterium - John Frey Letters: Missal (letter) - John Rayner Events: Albury-Melbourne Life Walk (letter) - George Simpson Letters: African Rosary and Prayer Book Appeal (letter) - Obour Isaac Books: John Henry Newman on the pre-eminent place of the Blessed Virgin in Christianity - Leo Madigan (reviewer) Books: Lord, Have Mercy : The Healing Power of Confession, by Scott Hahn - Paul Russell (reviewer) Books: Archbishop Fulton Sheen : A Man for All Media, by Gregory Joseph Ladd - Michael Gilchrist (reviewer) CD Review: FOLLOW ME : The life of Jesus for children, by Zak Zreikat - Joe Padero (reviewer) Books: THE HEADLONG TRAFFIC : Poems and Prose 1997 to 2002, by Bruce Dawe - Michael Gilchrist (reviewer) Music: Reflections for Peace, Joy and Serenity, by Melanie and Christopher Duluk - Paul Russell (reviewer) Books: AD Books - More new titles for 2004 Reflection: Scholarship, truth and Divine Revelation - Fr John O'Neill

FOLLOW ME
(CD available from AD Books, $20 plus postage)

Newly released by Marilen Studios is a CD on the life of Jesus called Follow Me. This CD is a collection of original songs and stories by Zak Zreikat based around key events in the life of Jesus as told by the Gospels. These key events include the baptism in the Jordon River, 40 days in the desert, gathering the apostles, performing of miracles, entering Jerusalem, the crucifixion and resurrection.

There are a number of things that I found extremely appealing with this CD. Firstly, the CD heavily features children singing and telling stories. As this CD is intended for children, they will find listening to the voices of other children very enjoyable and much more meaningful. Secondly, the songs are very catchy; and thirdly, Zak has tastefully introduced humour into some of the songs and stories such as "My Name is John", which is about John the Baptist, "So Many Rules", a song about the Pharisees, and "Miracles".

Another point to be made is Zak's use of the Gospel. On a number of tracks, the narration or lyrics have been drawn directly from the Gospels. In particular, "Forty Days and Forty Nights" from the Gospel of St Matthew (Ch 4), "They Called Him King" from St Matthew (Chs 4, 5 and 19), "Hosanna" from the Gospels of Mark (Ch 11) and Matthew (Ch 21). Most of the other songs also have a solid grounding in the Scriptures, which should make this CD an ideal resource for schools and catechists. The songs could also be used as a resource for children's liturgies, especially through Lent and Easter, but also throughout the year.

I also understand that Zak is performing the songs from this CD in a number of concerts. I will certainly be among the crowd.

Joe Padero is a Masters Graduate in Christian Eastern Spirituality.

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 17 No 2 (March 2004), p. 18