Customer Reviews

Words for Silence: A Year of Contemplative Meditations

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What intrigued me to buy this book was the author's being a monk in the Order of Julian of Norwich. At first read, I appreciated the format of short reflexions for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time. But, oh my. It's far more than that. Freuhwirth's deep spirituality draws one into the contemplative walk.

As an avid reader of Thomas Merton and Thomas Keating, I'm glad to find another author encouraging silent prayer. Freuhwirth seems to have a light hearted approach to this ministry. I love his explanation of "mindful breathing." He invites the reader to smile more, being present to each moment. The author writes "contemplative life is energized by the possibility of surrendering our ego-defined reality to be taken up into a participatory union with God."

Fruehwirth's thoughts on self-denial is healthy antidote to the harsh, pain-based concept of a more martyr-based spirituality. Instead, he suggests "that authentic self-denial is the entirely peaceful and liberating experience of letting go of our anxious self-concern and inviting God's life into us."

"Words for Silence" is a gift for those who seek to live with generosity of spirit and Fruehwirth writes with simplicity, grace and unadorned honesty about the path to this way of generosity. This book is for folks who are on a deeper journey into silence and partnership with God; it is for those who know that a significant part of this journey necessitates release of the ego, even unto death. It is one of the best I've ever read.