Benedict of Nursia: His Message for Today [Paperback]

Anselm Grun (Author), Translator Linda M. Maloney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2006

Anselm Grün, O.S.B., famed Benedictine author and cellarer—supplies manager—of his monastery at Münsterschwarzach, offers brief reflections on aspects of the Rule of Benedict. He sketches the life of Benedict and reflects on how Benedict’s instructions enable one to live constantly in the presence of God. Even the most mundane objects are signs of the presence of God. It is not merely that we focus our attention on God, but that we’re aware that God always focuses attention on us, loving and encouraging us in all things. For example: he calls the cellarer to "regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar."

Grün also ponders how work is an aid to prayer and how the Benedictine vow of stability is essential to building community. Silence and the solitude that characterize the monastic are conditions for the possibility of genuine community.

Each chapter concludes with a brief reflection on the state of contemporary society and how the aspect of the Rule of Benedict treated in the chapter applies to the needs of today.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Regis J. Armstrong, OFM Cap, is a world-renowned expert on Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare of Assisi. In addition to translating and editing Francis and Clare: The Complete Works and three editions of Clare of Assisi: Early Documents, he was editor-in-chief of the four-volume Francis of Assisi: Early Documents and has written St. Francis of Assisi: Writings for a Gospel Life, True Joy. Armstrong has been visiting professor at the Catholic University of America since 2002.

Ingrid J. Peterson, OSF, is an adjunct faculty member of the Franciscan Institute, Saint Bonaventure University, and has been an English professor at the College of Saint Teresa and Quincy University. She is a Sister of Saint Francis from Rochester, Minnesota. Peterson is the author of Clare of Assisi: A Biographical Study and coauthor of Praying With Clare of Assisi. In 2000 the Franciscan Institute awarded her the Franciscan medal for Outstanding Contribution to Scholarship in Franciscan Studies. She is the first woman to receive this honor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (January 5, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814629105
• ISBN-13: 978-0814629109
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #894,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Theology > Catholic
  • #74 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Clergy > Church Institutions & Organizations

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Ideas for Balanced Life, February 25, 2006

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Benedict of Nursia: His Message for Today (Paperback)

Anselm Grun, a Benedictine monk with a doctorate in theology, couldn't be more practical. To set the stage, he points out the similarities between Benedict's time and our own. Fifteen hundred years ago, Benedict responded to the continual changes of the day with a demand for "stability." Interpreting Benedict's rule, Grun suggests that self-imposed external order brings order to one's moods and feelings as well, rather than simply pushing them down.

Grun applies Benedict's message to the twenty-first century plight of feeling overburdened by work. Today, he writes, many wish to leave the world of work altogether, often a flight from both reality and God. But Benedict's rule and the rhythm of the monastery guide us toward managing work in the light of prayer. Grun provides well defined steps for dealing with irritations on the job, clarifying goals, doing one's best then "turning off" the world of work. Throughout the chapters on discernment, peace, and community, Grun follows the same format, connecting Benedict's writing with the modern world and offering concrete suggestions.

This is a valuable, easy-to-follow resource for individuals and small groups, who might find some surprises in the section on community.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing look the history of this monastic order, highly recommended, September 12, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Franciscan Tradition (Spirituality in History series) (Paperback)

Good people alleviate suffering in the world. Good leaders make an impact that inspires people to do so for generations. "The Franciscan Tradition: Spirituality in History" looks at these great individuals in the order's history and how they all made their impact on making the world a much better place to live. Saint Francis of Assisi, the most famous of friars, as well as women who have made an impact, other brothers, and much more, "The Franciscan Tradition" is an intriguing look the history of this monastic order, highly recommended.