An Invitation to the Contemplative Life [Paperback]

Thomas Merton (Author), Wayne Simsic (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2006

Thomas Merton, a twentieth-century Trappist monk, wrote passionately about spirituality in a way that speaks to the hearts of men and women today. Merton's gift to all of us is this simple message: the contemplative experience, which uncovers our unity with the Lord and a new vision of life, is not only for monks but for all Christians. This collection highlights the main themes of Merton's contemplative journey: the search for freedom; prayer of the heart; solitude and silence; love of nature; community life; and work, among others. Guided by his wisdom and insight, readers can uncover their own unique path inward and receive the gift of the contemplative experience.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Thomas Merton was perhaps the most beloved Christian spiritual master of the twentieth century. In this thoughtful collection of some of Merton's most enduring meditations, Wayne Simsic offers readers a wonderful interdiction to the Trappist monk's unique approach to the spiritual life. Merton's profound reflections will help all readers - from the skeptical agnostic to the devout Christian - grow steadily in freedom, in self-knowledge, and ultimately, in love with God." James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints.

"Wayne Simsic has done a wonderful job selecting and arranging key passages that reveal Thomas Merton's contemplative life and provide an opportunity to deepen our own. This fine collection offers an invitation definitely worth accepting." Patrick F. O'Connell, coauthor of The Thomas Merton Encyclopedia and past president of the International Thomas Merton Society.

About the Author

Wayne Simsic teaches in the Religious Studies Department of Ursuline College in Cleveland, Ohio, and directs retreats that explore the mystics as spiritual guides. Among the numerous books on spirituality he has written are Praying with John of the Cross and Praying with Thomas Merton.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Word Among Us Press (September 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593250851
• ISBN-13: 978-1593250850
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #846,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very satisfied, July 10, 2007

By 

Anthony M. Laterza "Catholic Deacon" (Iselin, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Invitation to the Contemplative Life (Paperback)

Very inspiring, I could not put it down. When I was reading, I felt it was talking to my heart.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invitation to the Contemplative Life, June 15, 2007

By 

S. Wood (Wickliffe, Oh USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Invitation to the Contemplative Life (Paperback)

Wayne Simsic captures the passion with which Thomas Merton wrote. His selection of passages allow the reader an insight into Thomas Merton and his message of unity in God. The book provides all who read it an opportunity to discover the true meaning of freedom. Each passage holds nourishment, knowledge, and opportunity for exploration into a contemplative life.

An Invitation to the Contemplative Life

5.0 out of 5 stars Comtemplation, February 22, 2011

By 

Poncho - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Invitation to the Contemplative Life (Paperback)

The book is very well written and it allows the reader to reflect upon the spiritual content at the reader's pace.