Customer Reviews

A Tree Full of Angels: Seeing the Holy in the Ordinary

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Macrina has done a wonderful presentation of prayer that relates to real people's real lives. Many of us believe that prayer is for "holy" people, and the discovery that "holy" is all around us is a miracle of revelation for many.

Particularly helpful for me were Chapters 3 and 5. Chapter 3 deals with finding nourishment in those parts of our lives that aren't obviously rich and joyful. How do we "gather the crumbs" from both everyday and difficult times to find enough to eat and be nourished?

Chapter 5 has been very helpful to me in teaching others about Benedictine spirituality. The richness of Macrina's development of "lectio divina" and its place in her prayer life is both supportive and instructive for those who read her work.

I'm looking forward to her next work!

This book touched me at a very deep level. It helps me to combat my moments of pessimism in a world where the 'holy' is seldom seen. Her perspective on the smaller things in life, including the way we see ourselves sometimes, is encouraging and uplifting. Something to be pondered and read more than once!

I absolutely loved this book! Macrina has a beautiful way of leading you through your own journey in finding the beauty in your surroundings. After reading this book I found so much to be joyful about everyday. It really changed the way I look at the ordinary things in my life. This book taught me to gaze instead of glance. I have bought as well as recommended this book for many friends and everyone has loved it.
Lisa Henneke

This is not a book you can read quickly if you want to digest the true meaning. It should be read at times when it can be savored and truly focused on. The only thing that did not relate to my life that MacRina struggles with is that I do not ever feel God is not present in my life. Through it all I feel His presence.

This book was not as "grabbing" as "Seasons of Your Heart." because it was written on a more intellectual basis.It didn't flow as nicely. However, I still gave it four stars. In my opinion, if you read this book before "Seasons of Your Heart," I would have to give ten stars to "Seasons...."so I would start with this one if you never read Macrina Wiederkehr before. She is definetly worth it! I'm going to read it again. It's been ten years ago that I read it. Sometimes in your life it all depends where you are at spiritually. After I read it again, I will submit another review. I might not be doing her justice. The content might relate better when you don't have distractions.

More Catholic than I would prefer, yet still full of much wisdom and words to ponder. Could easily read it again. She so much loves Nature and sees (and seeks) God there, not in a church. This is the book's strength for me.

This book came to me at a time when I most needed it. My life was undergoing major changes and I needed to make adjustments daily. It was a comfort and a guide to me then, and now. Macrina's writing made a profound difference in my life. I am so thankful for her.

This book by Macrina Wiederkehr, "A Tree Full of Angels",is a keeper. As I was reading it I kept marking the different incites of Macrina Wiederkehr, which I will go back to again and again for the wisdom they impart to me. I purchased other copies of this book to give to a few receptive friends. If you are a believer in experiences with God, this book is for you.

Macrina Wiederkehr has a very intimate way of sharing her own spiritual journey, and prividing pathways for others to follow to deepen their own spiritual lives. Inspiring.

As a former Catholic, I am always surprised to find one, especially a "nun" or monk as she is, that is so close to Jesus Christ and so right-on spiritually! The other Catholic writer that I enjoy is Henri Nouwen.
Also, as an M.A. in psychology, I would say that she is right-on in her down-to-earth descriptions of how a person loses them-self in the process of the conditioning of the world and of a dysfunctional family of one's origin. Her language is easy to understand and invites one to enter into the process of finding oneself in and through the journey toward knowing God. There's nothing complicated to get bogged down in, and one feels comforted, and encouraged to "become present" to life.
I am so glad that a friend introduced her book to me, and am currently reading it the second time.
What's amazing about Macrina is how she is able to help people focus on themselves while at the same time they are focusing on God--it's not either/or; you don't have to feel that you must "hate yourself" in order to pursue God, because it's a dance between two beautiful, beloved "creatures".
If you feel that you need healing from damaging "religion" you had forced on you in childhood, I think you will find this book very safe, and greatly facilitative of healing--I did!