Historically, Order of the Phoenix is probably my least favorite book in the Harry Potter series. For whatever reason, this time around reading it, it seemed much more engaging and intriguing. It engaged me at a faith level that I much appreciated
From the first book, Harry and Dumbledore have always had a great relationship. Harry has gone to Dumbledore with difficult questions, but he also feels safety from his presence. But as the fifth book opens, Harry does not feel the love. Dumbledore is present through the requests and information from other people, but other than a few quick meetings where Dumbledore seems to avoid Harry’s gaze, he is absent. This continues throughout the whole story until the very end. When all is revealed, we discover that Dumbledore has not been absent. He had been working furiously throughout providing Harry protection.
As I contemplated my life through the story, I know that even though there are times that God seems absent and I feel frustrated that answers are not more readily available, God is still working all things for my good, as I work for Him.
As the story unfolds, Harry begins teaching others to fight against dark magic. Harry does not just sit, wait, and complain that Dumbledore seems too busy for him. Harry takes action! As Harry defends the truth—that Voldemort has returned—he also unjustly suffers at the hands of Professor Umbridge. Even still, he perseveres through his misfortunes. These situations that he goes through end up being arguably life-saving. While he is waiting for Dumbledore to engage him again, he embraces these difficult situations and learns essential lessons for the future. Unbeknownst to Harry, Dumbledore is keeping tabs on him, keeping him safe. In the Bible, the book of James discusses the importance of trials and tribulations and how they build the believer up for persevering in faith. When life gives us difficult situations where we have to grow to move past it, these are gifts from God.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix gets a 5/5 from me, of course. I will have to get back to you on if it has taken over as my favorite.