Living with Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality

“Esther de Waal’s simple and inviting reflections offer a clear and helpful pathway that leads directly to healing, transformation, and new life.” — South Dakota Church News

“The time certainly is ripe for this fine little book…Esther de Waal offers us a simple and practical introduction to Benedictine spirituality as a gift for our time. Our desire for wholeness in a world of fragmentation is addressed not with platitudes or programs but by pointing us again to Christ. We are invited to walk the path of contradiction as the way to healing, transformation, and vibrant life.” — Weavings, A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life

… fine little book… simple and practical introduction to Benedictine spirituality… way to healing, transformation, and vibrant life. — Elizabeth J. Canham, as printed in Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life

… simple and inviting reflections offer a clear and helpful pathway that leads directly to healing, transformation, and new life. — South Dakota Church News

These simple and inviting reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict take as their starting point our search for wholeness in a world that is fragmented and increasingly polarized. Many people today struggle to balance the demands of professional and personal lives, and find little satisfaction or peacefulness in either. Yet the ancient wisdom of St. Benedict offers a clear and helpful pathway that leads directly to healing, transformation and new life.

Written in de Waal’s inimitable style, this book is for old friends of the Rule of St. Benedict and novices alike. Holding up segments of the Rule, de Waal’s meditations on Benedict’s words illuminate the wisdom of the Rule not only for those of Benedict’s time, but for all of us today as well.