Customer Reviews

Humility Matters for Practicing the Spiritual Life

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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

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.

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.

HUMILITY MATTERS is an important addition to Sr. Meg's trilogy of books which share traditional monastic wisdom with a wider audience. One finds here not only traditional Christian material, but echoes of Buddhist teachings, as well. Her creative use of "conversations" with wisdom figures of the past helps to make the work accessible to the average reader. This is a practical and practiced teaching.

I was very disappointed in Humility Matters. I have Sr. Meg's other books and was really looking forward to the third - especially after reading the reviews on Amazon.

However, as I started to read the book I had a very strong sense of deja vu. This was basically a repeat of Thoughts Matter. Everything in that book was repeated again in the first half or more of Humility Matters. It wasn't till page 117 that "we are ready now for the teachings on humility from the desert tradition." The book is only 141 pages ( followed by appendixes), so the fact we only get into the teachings on humility on page 117 says something.

I felt the book spoke very little about humility. It simply covered teachings already covered in Thoughts Matter (which I loved and five 5 stars!)

I found the imaginary dialogue with long dead saints kind of strange and must admit I skimmed over those sections. While it seems other reviewers found this technique very helpful I did not. Just a matter of taste I suppose.

I love Sr. Meg's other books and that's probably why I felt disappointed in this one. I didn't find much new. I felt that I had bought the book Thoughts Matter twice!

This third in a trilogy of books for practical spiritual growth is even more challenging than other works by Sr. Meg Funk, OSB. It is for spiritual Olympians who have come a long way on the spiritual journey yet know that it is only a beginning. HUMILITY MATTERS is for those ready to go deeper into the river of self. This book addresses the necessity of renunciations, the influence of 'thoughts',the way of true humility and many other aspects of the contemplative life.

John Cassian, scripture, lectio divina, the Rule of St. Benedict and other sources give substance to this excellent work. Written primarily for monastics by one who lives the monastic life, HUMILITY MATTERS is also of benefit to others pursuing the contemplative way. It is for those relatively free of worldly concerns because it requires labor, time, silence, solitude, discipline and prayer to focus on the challenges in practicing the spiritual life. Inner peace is a fruit of this endeavor.

Be not discouraged if the contemplative way is not for you at this time. From Exodus 3, Sr. Meg reminds us that "God will be who God will be" for each person. Grace has its mysterious and unique way in us and grace will lead us home.

Read this treasure of a book then, and recollect that "As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be:humility matters." (p.141)