In a new volume of her exegetical commentary, Sr. Aquinata Böckmann explores chapters 4–7 of the Rule of St. Benedict. They contain Benedict’s instruction of how to learn and live the spiritual art of monastic life that is focused on Christ. In her close reading of the text and its sources she pursues questions such as the following: How do general Christian rules help us to live in community? How does obedience lead us closer to Christ? How does silence build community? How does humility deepen our love for Christ and those around us? Never losing sight of the reality of monastic life, Sr. Aquinata weaves together Benedict’s wisdom and today’s challenges to show the crucial spiritual elements of his Rule.

Intro -- Titlepage -- Copyright -- Contents -- Preface -- Chapter 4: The Instruments of Good Works -- Chapter 5: On Obedience -- Chapter 6: On Keeping Silent -- Chapter 7: About Humility -- Conclusion -- List of Abbreviations -- Bibliographies -- I. Editions of the Rule of Benedict and of the Rule of the Master -- II. Patristic and Monastic Texts -- III. Secondary Sources and Studies

This dissertation is a study of kenosis spirituality aimed at determining how the spiritual formation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) can be effectively infused with a more profound and genuine understanding of kenosis spirituality. Employing a communication-oriented method involving three interconnected and progressive steps, namely, an analysis of syntax, semantics and pragmatics, and concentrating on the role of the text-immanent reader, this study conducts an in-depth textual analysis of five key texts. These have been chosen from the Bible, the Eastern and the Western monastic traditions, the early writings of the CMI, and the Indian Christian Ashram to ascertain a deeper understanding of kenosis spirituality. The study subsequently considers how to introduce insights regarding kenosis into the CMI's spiritual formation. Pratheesh Michael Pulickal, from Kerala, India, a Catholic priest of the Syro-Malabar rite, belongs to the CMI Congregation.

A new and age-old way of practicing the Christian faith. What does Wesleyan theology and the Methodist way of life have to do with Benedictine ideas and practices? Renowned teacher Paul W. Chilcote reveals surprising and profound similarities and overlaps in the practices and theological convictions of these two Christian streams. Chilcote is a United Methodist scholar, elder, and serves as a Benedictine oblate. He writes from his own spiritual life, offering a gift to readers who are interested in Methodism and mysticism. Chilcote teaches a remarkable approach to spiritual practice; it is a new and age-old way of practicing our faith.

Humility, or holding power loosely for the sake of others, is sorely lacking in today’s world. Without it, many people fail to develop their true leadership potential and miss out on genuine fulfillment in their lives and their relationships. Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, and Leadership shows how the virtue of humility can turn your strengths into true greatness in all areas of life. Through the lessons of history, business, and the social sciences, author John Dickson shows that humility is not low self-esteem, groveling, or losing our distinct gifts. Instead, humility both recognizes our inherent worth and seeks to use whatever power we have at our disposal on behalf of others. Some of the world’s most inspiring and influential players have been people of immense humility. The more we learn about humility, the more we understand how essential it is to a satisfying career and personal life. By embracing this virtue, we will transform for good the unique contributions we each make to the world.

This new edition of a classic religious text combines the timeless wisdom of Benedict of Nursia's Rule with the perceptive commentary of a renowned Benedictine mystic and scholar. In her new introduction to the Rule, the author boldly claims that Benedict's sixth-century text is the only one of great traditions that directly touches the contemporary issues facing the human community—stewardship, conversion, communication, reflection, contemplation, humility, and equality. Tracing Benedict's original Rule paragraph by paragraph, it expands its principles into the larger context of spiritual living in a secular world and makes the seemingly archaic instructions relevant for a contemporary audience. A new foreword, updated content, an appendix, and a recommended calendar for reading the entries and commentaries make this an invaluable resource for solitary or communal contemplation.