A Life-Giving Way

A contemplative commentary on the Rule of St Benedict

Esther de Waal author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Canterbury Press Norwich

Published:19th Dec '13

£16.99

Available to order, but very limited on stock - if we have issues obtaining a copy, we will let you know.

A Life-Giving Way cover

Around the year 500 St Benedict wrote a short guide for a small community who wanted to live together the balanced life of body, mind and spirit. The Rule of St Benedict became not only the foundational guide for monastic life in the West, but remains a potent spiritual resource that speaks authentically to countless individuals today. Fr Laurence Freeman OSB has described the text as the most important document for Christian living after the Bible.

In this reflective commentary, Esther de Waal recognises the profoundly scriptural emphasis of St Benedict’s writings. She shows how his Rule may be read personally and prayerfully by people such as herself seeking practical encouragement and support in their following of Christ.

‘Esther de Waal reminds us that St Benedict was, in fact, a lay person. So the value of this book is that Esther is a lay person writing for lay people about what is the core of Benedictine spirituality. I believe she has done something very important for all of us.’ -- Cardinal Basil Hume
‘Through the writings of Esther de Waal over the years, many people have been led into the heart and mind of St Benedict... This new edition brings out the overall shape of Benedict’s Rule with refreshing clarity. Monks, nuns and laity will all enjoy the insights of this thoughtful commentary.’ -- Christopher Jamison

ISBN: 9781848255623

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

264 pages