This is the third volume of a trilogy that began with Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life and continued with Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life. Thoughts Matter was an update of the teaching of the fourth-century desert father John Cassian on the eight 'afflictive thoughts' that impede the spiritual life (thoughts about food, sex, 'things', anger, etc.). Tools Matter presented a wide variety of practices from the Christian tradition, both ancient and modern, that help us lift our thoughts in prayer: practices such as lectio divina, the Jesus Prayer, the Cloud of Unknowing, St Therese's Little Way, Jean-Pierre de Caussade's Practice of Self-Abandonment. The springboard for Humility Matters is the teaching on humility of St. Benedict, but the pool itself has been enriched by the fifteen years Sr. Funk spent in interreligious dialogue. 'Humility', she says, 'is the essence of being human. Humility for a disciple of Jesus Christ is what enlightenment is for a Buddhist, surrender for a Muslim, realization for a Hindu, and sincerity for a Confucian.' >
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""Humility matters," writes Mary Margaret Funk in this third volume of a trilogy (Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life and Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life)... This volume nicely complements the other two, and together they comprise a wonderful compendium of spiritual practices for Christians. There are thought-provoking pieces on feasting, hospitality, reverencing things, patience as an antidote to anger, the sin of sadness, the beneficial sides of afflictions, and more. Funk's experience for 15 years in interreligious dialogue gives her work a rounded perspective." - Spirituality & Health
(Spirituality and Health )"Humility Matters for Practicing the Spiritual Life by Mary Margaret Funk is the third volume of a trilogy (Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life and Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life), and it nicely complements the other two. Together they comprise a wonderful compendium of spiritual practices for Christians. There are though-provoking pieces on fasting, hospitality, reverencing things, patience as an antidote to anger, the sin of sadness, the beneficial sides of afflictions and more."- The Lutheran, February 2006
"This book is not a casual read; it is very deep at times, requiring careful reading and thought. It could be used as a private retreat. The reader should not be thwarted if this book looks difficult to read and understand. It is not a book to leisurely read, but it is a book that will help your spiritual life. It is not based on Easter religion like Hinduism or Buddhism; it is based on ancient Christian spirituality that has been tried and found to be helpful." --Curled Up With a Good Book at www.curledup.com
"Of her three books, this one seems to be the easiest to read. It is enhanced by her experience with monastics of other faith traditions. In her introduction, she writes: "Humility matters. It is at the core of our experience of life in Christ. So central is this quality of being that it may be said that humility is for a Christian what enlightenment is for a Buddhist, realization is for a Hindu, sincerity is for a Confucian, righteousness is for a Jew, surrender is for a Muslim, and annihilation is for a Sufi... Sr. Meg reminds us of the four renunciations (of our former way of life, the thoughts and desires of our former way of life, our self-made thoughts of God, and our self-made thoughts of self). She calls on St.Teresa of Avila to help us understand the third renunciation, and on St Therese of Lisieux for the fourth renunciation... The very end of their discussion seems to echo what Therese of Lisieux has said in her interview earlier: "Humility transmutes suffering into redeeming love for the healing of the world" (135)- Benedictines, December 2006
"Sister Mary Margaret Funk combines her vast experience as a Benedictine nun, retreat leader, scholar on spirituality and prayer, and former director of East-West monastic dialogue in writing this little gem...I particularly liked her technique of asking each saint contemporary questions, which gave insight into their practice of humility. This small book is a real treasure and should be an immense help for those on a serious spiritual search, either on retreat, at home or even in a book club. The appendices provide more suggestions and scriptural references for deeper meditation."
"This is a good book for anyone who would like to learn more about the meaning of humility and how it works for Christians. This would make a good supplement to a church library's work on spiritual practice." —Rynette McGee, Congregational Libraries Today, May/ June 2008
(Rynette McGee )“"Humility matters," writes Mary Margaret Funk in this third volume of a trilogy (Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life and Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life)… This volume nicely complements the other two, and together they comprise a wonderful compendium of spiritual practices for Christians. There are thought-provoking pieces on feasting, hospitality, reverencing things, patience as an antidote to anger, the sin of sadness, the beneficial sides of afflictions, and more. Funk's experience for 15 years in interreligious dialogue gives her work a rounded perspective.” - Spirituality & Health
(Spirituality and Health )“Humility Matters for Practicing the Spiritual Life by Mary Margaret Funk is the third volume of a trilogy (Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life and Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life), and it nicely complements the other two. Together they comprise a wonderful compendium of spiritual practices for Christians. There are though-provoking pieces on fasting, hospitality, reverencing things, patience as an antidote to anger, the sin of sadness, the beneficial sides of afflictions and more.”- The Lutheran, February 2006
“This book is not a casual read; it is very deep at times, requiring careful reading and thought. It could be used as a private retreat. The reader should not be thwarted if this book looks difficult to read and understand. It is not a book to leisurely read, but it is a book that will help your spiritual life. It is not based on Easter religion like Hinduism or Buddhism; it is based on ancient Christian spirituality that has been tried and found to be helpful.” –Curled Up With a Good Book at www.curledup.com
“Of her three books, this one seems to be the easiest to read. It is enhanced by her experience with monastics of other faith traditions. In her introduction, she writes: “Humility matters. It is at the core of our experience of life in Christ. So central is this quality of being that it may be said that humility is for a Christian what enlightenment is for a Buddhist, realization is for a Hindu, sincerity is for a Confucian, righteousness is for a Jew, surrender is for a Muslim, and annihilation is for a Sufi… Sr. Meg reminds us of the four renunciations (of our former way of life, the thoughts and desires of our former way of life, our self-made thoughts of God, and our self-made thoughts of self). She calls on St.Teresa of Avila to help us understand the third renunciation, and on St Therese of Lisieux for the fourth renunciation... The very end of their discussion seems to echo what Therese of Lisieux has said in her interview earlier: “Humility transmutes suffering into redeeming love for the healing of the world” (135)- Benedictines, December 2006
"Sister Mary Margaret Funk combines her vast experience as a Benedictine nun, retreat leader, scholar on spirituality and prayer, and former director of East-West monastic dialogue in writing this little gem…I particularly liked her technique of asking each saint contemporary questions, which gave insight into their practice of humility. This small book is a real treasure and should be an immense help for those on a serious spiritual search, either on retreat, at home or even in a book club. The appendices provide more suggestions and scriptural references for deeper meditation."
"This is a good book for anyone who would like to learn more about the meaning of humility and how it works for Christians. This would make a good supplement to a church library's work on spiritual practice." —Rynette McGee, Congregational Libraries Today, May/ June 2008
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About the Author
Mary Margaret Funk is a Benedictine nun of Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, Indiana, USA. From 1994 through 2004, she served as executive director of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, which fosters dialogue among monastics of the world's religions. In addition to her books Thoughts Matter, Tools Matter, Humility Matters, Islam Is, and Into the Depths, chapters by her have appeared in The Gethsemani Encounter, Benedict's Dharma, Purity of Heart, and Transforming Suffering. Currently she maintains her web page, megfunk.com, to provide further support for her readers.
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More About the Author
Sr. Mary Margaret Funk is the author of Thoughts Matter (Continuum, 1997), Tools Matter (Continuum, 1999), Humility Matters (Continuum, 2005) and Lectio Matters (Continuum, 2010) in the "Matters" series. She is also the author of Islam Is... (Lantern Books, 2003 and 2008) and her autobiography Into the Depths (Lantern Books, 2011). She was formerly the prioress of Our Lady of Grace Monastery and the Executive Director of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. She lives at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana. Her website can be found at http://www.megfunk.com.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Living life with Humility: Excellent book; no Casual Read,
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This review is from: Humility Matters for Practicing the Spiritual Life (Hardcover)
In one section, the author writes about baptism: "In this foundational renunciation signified by baptism, we surrender our false self, generated by our egocentric desires. Since sin is living heedlessly, harming others or ourselves, we renounce these patterns of ignorance and sin by choosing a better way for ourselves and others." In her book Sister Mary Margaret Funk suggests the way of humility (Humility Matters: for Practicing the Spiritual Life, foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama). This better way starts with baptism.
First point: The book is for anyone interested in living life with greater practice and aptitude for humility. If you are interested in the subject "humility," or as a Christian in living a deeper spiritual life, this closely written book is for you. The book is published by The Continuum International Publishing Group (2005 copyright by Sisters of St. Benedict of Beech Grove, Indiana, Inc.). The copyright holder name is an indication of how current this title is and how savvy a book this is, the fact that a corporation of Sisters owns the copyright. How contemporary, and to have an introduction by the Dalai Lama!). "This is the third volume of a trilogy that began with Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life and continued with Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life." That from the flyleaf of the dustcover. The only book of the trilogy I've read is the one on humility, which is based on Rule of St. Benedict teachings. Sister Mary is Benedictine, as you recognize and for those interested in Benedict and living a better kind of life, the 186-page book (with notes) is more than acceptable, it is an asset. Interested in Christian living, read this book. Keep in mind the book is not a casual read. Second point: Christian living is based on a belief in Jesus. It is also an expression of living life in community, and expressing that way of life through various disciplines and practices, mostly guided by the community. In this manner, the book is written from a Christian perspective, albeit Roman Catholic. Why have a Buddhist write the introduction? He likes what Sister Mary says. The forward answers the question, and here is insight the spiritual leader gives when he writes, "Humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of transformation, although this may seem at odds with our need for confidence. But just as there is clearly a distinction between valid confidence, in the sense of self-esteem, and conceit, so it is important to distinguish between genuine humility, which is a kind of modesty, and lack of confidence" (from the forward by the Dalai Lama.) Third point: Surprisingly, Humility Matters is genuine in its value to interreligious dialogue for it speaks to a cross section of believers. Sister Mary served as executive director of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, a group fostering dialogue among monastics of the world's religions. A statement that is basic to Christians and believers in God is one step proposed by the writer. Relying on various sources of religious living, it is clearly inspirational and basic to consider this suggestion from the writings of John Cassian: "...to renounce our self-made thoughts of God." I find this Biblical, and like the teaching in this book based on wisdom sources. The book is a source of wisdom for the reader, with many directions to consider, and even meditate upon. One imaginative way Sister Mary brings these directions to life is through a play-like series of interviews with wisdom teachers from the long ago past. She interviews John Cassian, Teresa of Jesus The Illuminative Way, and holds a like imaginative dialogue with Therese of Lisieux. In a meditation Sister Mary writes, "In this book we have taken a long look at how we can respond to grace in order to empty ourselves of all...This journey is often called `The Way.'" A means of God consciousness, the book brings the interreligious dialogue along, as well as aids the Christian in his or her journey. Sister Mary writes in her introduction, "The external journey above the river is to do good and avoid evil. The spiritual journey starts with this plunge into the unseen, the interior life." The Dalai Lama says in his forward, "Humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of transformation although this may seem to be at odds with our need for confidence." A goal for the Buddhist is mindfulness. For the Christian, it is humility. The book points the reader in the direction of a deeper life, in a life more mindful. Fourth point: In our consumer society we need things, so advertising tells us-- persuasively. Listing renunciation of "things" leads to better understanding and control of ones life, and is a subject of the book. In writing of these afflictions, she addresses food and sex, among other conditions mankind lives with and with which one needs to make various kinds of peace. The book is about having peace in ones life. Conclusion: I like the section, "Thoughts on Vainglory." From a lectio divina section of the book she quotes Proverbs in the Bible: "Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." In many ways this is a book about living a better life, a life that turns away from evil and towards good. It is about living a life that finds greater meaning, and that is interested in living a more holy life in God. The book is not out of the reach of the intelligent reader; the suggestions and outlines are within the grasp of the ordinary person who desires a stronger inner life, and a better life in common with others. This book points in the direction of Luke, quoting, "...what must I do to inherit eternal life?" The response by the writer is to turn towards God; "No one is good but God alone." Consider the book a gentle exhortation. --Peter Menkin, 7th Sunday of Easter 2007
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Making your life your prayer,
By
This review is from: Humility Matters for Practicing the Spiritual Life (Hardcover)
I have just finished reading Sr. Meg's new book, and it is one of the best spiritual books I have read in the last 5 years, if not more. I want to go back and reread it again, more slowly, and want to reread her earlier works, Thoughts Matter and Tools Matter, whick are also outstanding, in light of this one. It is not necessary however to read those before reading this one. Her method of dialogue with Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, and John Cassian is original, and helps to make these saints come alive, as well as to clarify their teachings. Also her meditation on the question, "Was Jesus Angry?", and suggested scripture for Lectio on the Eight Afflictions is priceless. Just a wonderful and inspiring book.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Humility: Central Practice for a Spiritual Life,
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This review is from: Humility Matters for Practicing the Spiritual Life (Hardcover)
Humility, says Funk, is at the core of our experience of life in Christ. The author systematically and creatively unfolds in her research how humility is an essential ingredient in our desire for transformation. Grounding her assumption on Baptism and St. Benedict's treatise on humility, the reader is then introduced to three other renunciations necessary to develop the virture of humility. These renunciations are presented with a dialogue between the author, St.Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa Avila and John Cassian. An inspiring and challenging Lenten read! Sr. Mary Margaaret Funk has saved the best of her triology to the last.
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