Tuesday, 28th February 2023
Books in the Guesthouse
Visiting New Norcia? On retreat? Looking for a way to pass the time? Spending a languid afternoon in the Monastery Guesthouse Reading Room (above the dining room) will consume a few pleasant hours browsing the broad collection of spiritual and religious books. Another option is the bookshelf in the Monastery Guesthouse lounge, with its collection of latest edition spiritual books for sale. Here are a few worth noting:
The Way of St Benedict by Rowan Williams ($30) The former Anglican archbishop unpacks some of the mysteries of the saint’s sixth-century Rule, drawing out its relevance for the grave situation we find ourselves in at our particular moment in history. Rev’d Williams applies the broad scope of the Rule to everything from our personal interactions to global dynamics, encouraging world leaders to cultivate relationships of mutual respect for the good of the larger world community. Eloquently written by one of the top wisdom teachers in the church today.
The White Stone: The Art of Letting Go by Esther de Waal ($30) Part spiritual treatise, part memoir, Esther de Waal explores the difficulties we experience when faced with the inevitabilities of loss, whether it’s aging, sickness or death. Drawing upon scripture, monastic traditions, and Celtic spirituality, de Waal honours the sorrow of loss and pain, while also leading readers into the possibilities of growth and new opportunities such experiences bring.
Sojourners: Monastic Letters and Spiritual Teachings from the Desert (Matthew the Poor) Part of the Desert Wisdom Series ($40) Drawing upon the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, this series leads us back to our true calling as spiritual beings, pilgrims on the path to our return to God. Matthew the Poor was a Coptic Orthodox monk in Egypt who saw himself not as a teacher but a fellow sojourner on the path back to God. His focus is entirely upon Love as the burning fire of divine energy that lives and breathes in all beings. It will bring you face-to-face with your own spiritual journey, inspiring and strengthening Love as the core of all we do and all whom we meet.
Humility and the Elevation of the Mind to God by Thomas A Kempis, translated by Fr Robert Nixon, OSB ($25) In this classic work, the reader is reminded of the core value of humility, without which we can never enter Heaven, God’s kingdom. It is the foundation of all other virtues. Read slowly, in the spirit of lectio divina, this little book will return you to a contemplative practice and the deep insights of spiritual truths.