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"e;This advice is from a spiritual father who loves you and gives you the sort of counsel that will shape your whole life."e;"e;Listen, my child. I want you to put the ear of your heart to the solid ground of the master's wisdom (what I received, I'm passing on to you). It's advice from a spiritual father who loves you - the sort of counsel you receive by letting it shape your whole life."e;So begins the famous opening paragraph of Benedict's Rule in Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove's vital, new, contemporary paraphrase. The entire text of the Rule is here plus a lengthy introduction from Jonathan, and detailed explanatory notes throughout that explain difficult passages. The result is a classic re-introduced that will enliven any 21st-century expression of religious community.

he Imitation of Christ has enjoyed an unparalleled place in the world of books for more than five hundred years. 5000 different editions have been published over the centuries, and it has been translated into almost every language in the world. Why is this little book so valued? The Imitation of Christ transcends its era and author, having become a testament that speaks to the perennial human condition on the issues of our human relationship to God. It offers insight that is unparalleled in works before and since. The wisdom of Thomas a Kempis is for every age, for every person who seeks to live a more integrated spiritual life of seeking and finding, doing and being still. Br. Benet Tvedten writes a new introduction for this special edition. He brings his trademark insight and humor to bear on the lessons of The Imitation of Christ for every generation.

As word of the wisdom and purity of the Desert Fathers and Mothers spread throughout the Roman Empire, Christians streamed to the caves of these hermits, seeking counsel on the interior life. The hermits' ascetic practices and teachings were a shining witness to a living faith - offering wisdom for both monastic and lay Christians. Encouraging humility, patience, prayer, introspection, and love, the Desert Fathers and Mothers have influenced centuries of believers, showing how contemplative practice can reveal the true meaning of everyday life."Let Christians care for nothing that they cannot take away with them. We ought rather to seek after that which will lead us to heaven, namely wisdom, chastity, justice, virtue, an ever watchful mind, care of the poor, firm faith in Christ, a mind that can control anger, and hospitality. Striving after these things, we shall prepare for ourselves a dwelling in the land of the peaceful." (from the book)

From the time she was a young child, Catherine of Siena sought God ceaselessly in both contemplation and action. By the time she was twenty-one, she had experienced her mystical "e;marriage"e; to Christ, and had thrown herself tirelessly into ministering to the poor and the sick. Throughout her active ministry, Catherine pursued eternal Truth through prayer, reading, and ecstatic experiences. While in a trance, Catherine dictated The Dialogues-presented here in contemporary English. In this intense and searching work, the saint of Siena offers up petitions to God, filling her conversation with instruction on discernment, true and false spiritual emotion, obedience, and truth, and revealing her famous image of Christ as the Bridge. Catherine's brilliant insights into the nature of the spiritual life and the character of the Church will motivate contemporary Christians to unite a life of prayer with a life of action.

All things are possible to one who believes; even more to one who hopes; still more to one who loves.

St. Augustine, St. Catherine of Siena, an Anonymous monk of 14th-century England, and Thomas a Kempis

"This book is the masterpiece from which all other Christian memoirs flow. Augustine's astonishing story remains as fresh as it did when he wrote it in the late fourth century. " -James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints

St. Augustine, St. Catherine of Siena, an Anonymous monk of 14th-century England, and Thomas a Kempis

God will always give us more than we ask for.

The words of God to the heart are somple and peaceful.

Revelations of Divine Love, the first book ever written in English by a woman---is dense, deeply intuitive, and theologically complex. The last thirty years have seen several translations, some academic, others literal, but none quite like this one which capture's Julian's deepest meanings and liberates her inspired insights. "e;This elegant translation of a wonderful spiritual classic makes Julian of Norwich beautifully accessible to the modern reader. And that is almost the pearl without price."e; -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu

This volume represents a contemporary English edition of John's rarely published work, "Ascent of Mount Carmel," a commentary on his entire spiritual vision.

Now available in a popular contemporary English translation for the first time, important reflections of St. John Chrysostom on 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. One of the most important passages in the Scriptures, I Corinthians 13 is often read and rarely followed. Medieval theologian, John Chrysostom, was called the "e;golden-mouthed"e; one, for the eloquence of his preaching. His reputation extended from his native East to the Christian West, and he is remembered today as a Church Father for the entire Church.

"e;The will of God has nothing but sweetness, grace, and treasures for the surrendered soul"e;This inspirational classic was compiled more than a century after the death of its author, the French Jesuit, Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Gathered from the notes, discussions, and letters that he left behind, these reflections focus on accepting the will of God with an open heart, and learning to slow down and live life in the "e;sacrament of the present moment."e;"e;I count myself blessed that, at an important juncture in my life, a wise elder introduced me to the writings of Caussade. From them I gained not only the guidance I needed to traverse a difficult terrain, but also a permanent element in my outlook on life: an appreciation of the operation of God's providence and my need to be receptive of that providence despite the lack of full understanding and the pressure of contrary desires."e;--Michael Casey, O.C.S.O. from the Introduction

Heavenly Love comes as a wound that is a gift of God. Francis de Sales's spiritual masterpiece, Treatise on the Love of God, was originally published in 1616 while he was Bishop of Geneva. This contemporary English edition preserves St. Francis's gentle prose, his enthusiasm for God, compassion, and good humor. For all spiritual pilgrims seeking comfort and guidance, this book offers the assurance that "e;a deep and satisfying prayer life is not only possible, but within the reach of anyone who will accept what God is forever offering."e;

Written by an anonymous fourteenth-century author, The Cloud of Unknowing was originally prepared for cloistered monks. This contemporary English translation with foreword by bestselling author, Robert Benson, helps to put this classic text within reach of everyday Christians.