< P> Updated with eleven new stories and meditations, this Gold Medallion& ndash; winning classic interweaves vivid stories, deep meditations, and provocative allegories that together explore the power and meaning of love within an often inhumane urban landscape. The opening chapter, "Ragman," remains one of Walter Wangerin Jr.'s most beloved works and leads the reader to thirty& ndash; three other writings, all bearing the author's trademark poignancy and lyricism. Ranging from gentle reflections to heart& ndash; rending invocations, these selections are powerful, thought& ndash; provoking explorations of the meaning of faith, the person of Christ, and the communion of believers. Again and again, Wangerin's cries of faith touch our deepest pains with rays of joyful healing. < /P>