Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
John McQuiston IIamazon.com
Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
Putting ourselves at the center of existence isolates us. We are relational, dependent creatures, and we are not the purpose of the cosmos.
John McQuiston II • Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
It is a good thing to deprive oneself of certain needs and comforts periodically, to fast and meditate, and to resume normal life with thanks, renewed appreciation, and joy. The material side of existence should be treated reverently as a gift from that incomprehensible source of all things, and valued as the means of daily life for ourselves and o
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Routine is important, but too much of it dulls. On days of special importance, our routine should be varied, but within limits, always maintaining the spirit of the daily reaffirmation of the way.
John McQuiston II • Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
We should modify our prayers and meditations with the seasons, so that from season to season there is change, but from year to year there is repetition.
John McQuiston II • Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
Jesus answered “The kingdom of God is not found through observation, neither is it found by looking here or looking there, for the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-22).
John McQuiston II • Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
Let no one presume that we are more than passing shadows, created from we know not what, for a purpose we cannot understand.
John McQuiston II • Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
We should share in labor and take turns in service. As a task is handed from one to another, approval and thanks should also be passed from one to another, so that good will and blessings are distributed with the work.
John McQuiston II • Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
The Rule teaches that if we take control of our lives, if we are intentional and careful in how we spend the hours of each irreplaceable day, if we discipline ourselves to live in a balanced and thankful way, we will create from our experiences, whatever they may be, the best possible life.
John McQuiston II • Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
if we are to become strong enough to emancipate ourselves from the tyranny of our own cravings, we must train our constitutions by the continuous exercise of obedience to other persons and to the dictates of our circumstances.
John McQuiston II • Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)
He could not remember the exact title, but he recalled the subject and the author’s name — Esther de Waal. Later I learned that the title was Living With Contradiction: Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict.